How to Calibrate the TN400 Portable Turbidity Meter (IC-TN400)

Portable and professional summarise the TN400 portable turbidity meter designed for reliable measurements from 0 to 1000 NTU. The TN400’s kit is supplied with everything required to calibrate to four NTU points so that you can take very accurate and repeatable turbidity measurements.

Figure 1 Watch an Instrument Choice scientist demonstrate calibrate the TN400 Portable Turbidity Meter here.

How to Calibrate the TN400 Portable NTU Turbidity Meter (IC-TN400)

Materials

All the required materials are included with the IC-TN400 kit. You will need;

• TN400 Portable NTU Turbidity Meter
• NTU Standard Calibration Vials: 0.02NTU, 20.0NTU, 100NTU, 800 NTU
• Silicon Oil
• Soft Cloth

Method

This guide details how to perform a four-point calibration.

1. Press the POWER key to switch on the meter.
2. Let the meter stand for 3 minutes to warm up.
3. While waiting for the TN400 to warm up, apply a small drop of silicone oil to all four calibration vials. Wipe the silicone oil evenly using a soft cloth. Avoid applying too much silicon oil, and make sure the vial is wiped evenly; otherwise, it will affect measuring accuracy.
4. Let the calibration vials stand to eliminate any bubbles that were introduced while wiping them. For 20.0NTU, 100NTU, and 800NTU, allow at least two minutes. 0.02NTU requires a minimum of 5 minutes to settle.
5. After the vials have had sufficient time to settle, open the sample well cover and remove the rubber dust plug.
6. Insert the 0.02NTU calibration vial into the sample well. Align the arrow on the vial with the arrow on the sample well.
7. Close the cover and press the CAL key.
8. The calibration standard to be calibrated will be highlighted in black. If this matches the inserted calibration standard (0.02NTU), press MEAS to begin the calibration. If the incorrect standard solution is highlighted at any time, use the UP and DOWN selector keys to move to the correct standard before pressing MEAS.
9. A load bar will display as the meter calibrates to the selected solution. When calibration is complete, the standard solution 0.02 NTU will remain on the LCD.
10. Press MEAS to confirm the calibration and return to the calibration menu. The first point of calibration is complete.
11. The TN400 will automatically move onto and select the next standard calibration of 20.0NTU. Remove the 0.02NTU solution from the sample well and insert the 20.0NTU standard solution – ensuring the arrow on the vial lines up with the arrow on the well.
12. Close the cover and press MEAS.
13. Wait as the device calibrates to the second standard point. When calibration is complete, 20.0NTU will remain on the LCD. When 20.0NTU is displayed and held on the screen, press MEAS to accept and complete this calibration point and return to the calibration menu.
14. The meter will move onto and select the next standard calibration of 100NTU. Remove the 20.0NTU solution from the sample well and insert the 100NTU standard solution – ensuring the arrow on the vial lines up with the arrow on the well.
15. Close the cover and press MEAS.
16. Wait as the device calibrates to the third standard point. When calibration is complete, 100NTU will hold remain on the LCD. When 100NTU is displayed and held on the screen, press MEAS to accept and complete this calibration point and return to the calibration menu.
17. The last calibration point of 800NTU will be automatically selected in the calibration menu. Remove the 100NTU solution from the sample well and insert the 800NTU standard solution – ensuring the arrow on the vial lines up with the arrow on the well.
18. Close the cover and press MEAS.
19. Wait as the device calibrates to the fourth standard point. When calibration is complete, 800NTU will remain on the LCD. When 800NTU is displayed and held on the screen, press MEAS to accept and complete this calibration point and return to the calibration menu.
20. Four-point calibration is now complete. To return to measurement mode, press the CAL button.

Conclusion

The TN400 Portable NTU Turbidity Meter is straightforward to use and calibrate, so it’s perfect for fieldwork and as a laboratory tool. Applications include environmental monitoring, beverage making and water treatment.

For more information on the TN400 Portable NTU Turbidity Meter kit, see the links below or contact us!

Additional links

Products

• View the TN400 Portable NTU Turbidity Meter Kit - IC-TN400
• Browse all Turbidity Meters here

Videos

• Watch "How to Calibrate the TN400 Portable NTU Turbidity Meter (IC-TN400)" again
• Want to see what comes in the box? Watch an Instrument Choice Scientist "Unboxing the TN400 Portable NTU Turbidity Meter Kit (IC-TN400)"

Articles

• What is a Turbidity Meter?
• Turbidity Meters: What is the difference between NTU and FNU?
• Turbidity Meters; How to read specifications