Frequently Asked Questions

MT Analyzer

Applications

What methods of lime analysis can be automated?

MANTECH systems conform to Tex-600-J and Tex-406-A Part III. Automated titrations (and back titrations) utilizing hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and other solutions are automated via MANTECH’s high precision 100,000 step buret with pH measuring range from 0-14.  Tex-600-J includes sampling and testing of: hydrated lime, quicklime, commercial lime slurry and carbide lime slurry

What is measuring range of the Model C10 conductivity meter?

The measuring range is 0.000uS/cm to 2,000mS/cm.  The supplied conductivity probe has the same measuring range.  The conductivity has a built-in PT1000 temperature probe for automated temperature compensation.

How can I determine true or filtered colour using turbidity measurement instead of filtering of the sample?

True or Filtered Colour is determined by filtering samples through a 0.45 micron filter before analyzing the sample in a spectrophotometer. When running large amounts of samples on automated systems, this filtering can become time consuming and heavy on resource usage. An alternative method for determining true colour without filtering has been established, through the use of a turbidity meter to quantify the contribution from solids present in the sample. MANTECH can easily combine automated Turbidity and Colour analysis on one system, determined from one sample, to provide True Colour results without the need to filter. View the determination here.

Why do I need to standardize my NaOH?

NaOH is highly hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water from the air. Therefore, over time the titrant will become more dilute as it absorbs water. NaOH can be standardized by titrating into a sample of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) of known concentration. For example, titrate 0.05 N KHP with 0.1 N NaOH to an endpoint, and using the volume of NaOH added, the precise concentration of NaOH can be calculated. For more information on standardizing NaOH titrant, please refer to Standard Methods 2310. To limit the amount of water being absorbed, a glass drying tube with a cotton ball inserted should be used to prevent moisture going into the tube.

What is the method for hot acidity determination?

Hot acidity is a variation of the standard Acidity titration using NaOH, with some pretreatment steps performed before the titration. It is outlined in Standard Methods SM2310B, officially called “hot peroxide treatment procedure for acidity determination”. This method is applicable to mine wastes and other samples containing large amounts of metals such as heavy industrial WW. View how SM2310B decribes it here.

What are the different types of calibration profiles?

Calibrations can be linear, logarithmic, single-line, and multi-line fit. The calibration method used depends on the method required. pH and colour calibrations are linear, single-line fit calibrations. Conductivity and turbidity calibrations are multi-line, linear type calibrations. ISE (fluoride, chloride, ammonia, etc.) use a logarithmic multi-line calibration type.

What are Nitrates?

Nitrates (NO3) are formed from the two most common elements on earth, Nitrogen and Oxygen. Their presence in soils comes from nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil, decay of organic matter, industrial effluents, human sewage and livestock manure. Nitrates are a serious problem since they do not evaporate, and hence remain dissolved and accumulate in the groundwater.

What is Salinity?

There are two types of salinity, absolute salinity and practical salinity. Absolute salinity is a ratio between the mass of dissolved material in seawater and the mass of the seawater. Practical salinity is the ratio of the electrical conductivity of a seawater sample to that of a standard potassium chloride (KCl) solution at the same temperature and pressure.

What is oxidation reduction potential (ORP/redox)?

Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), also known as redox potential, refers to the capacity of a solution to oxidize (accept electrons) or reduce (donate electrons). ORP sensors work by measuring the voltage across a circuit formed between the indicator and reference electrodes. When an ORP electrode is placed in a solution containing oxidizing or reducing agents, electrons are transferred back and forth on the measuring surface, generating an electrical potential. Common applications for the ORP method include monitoring water chlorination processes for water disinfection, distinguishing between oxidizers and reducers present in wastewater, and metal screening.

What is Ammonia?

Ammonia is a colourless gas that is soluble in water and has a distinctive odour. It is a mild environmental hazard because of its toxicity and ability to remain active in the environment. Direct measurement of ammonia using a calibrated ion selective electrode (ISE) is a quick, accurate and precise way to easily determine ammonia levels.

What is Hardness?

‘Hardness’ is defined as the total concentration of alkaline earth ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+) in water. The Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions dominate the alkaline earth ions. Therefore, one can refer to total hardness as the total concentration of the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in solution. Hardness is expressed as mg CaCO3/L water sample (ppm CaCO3).

What is the recommended type standard for automated Turbidity Calibrations and Quality Control?

MANTECH recommends the use of turbidity standards made with suspensions of microspheres of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer for all turbidity applications. Standard Methods dictate that “Secondary standards made with suspensions of microspheres of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer typically are as stable as concentrated formazin and are much more stable than diluted formazin.” Any dilutions used to prepare turbidity standards, as well as blanks, must use degassed DI water. This is especially important for accurate low-end turbidity analysis, as there is often a positive bias due to bubbles introduced into the DI water solution when it is being produced/dispensed. This effect becomes more noticeable with lower NTU readings, and can cause challenges with performing an accurate calibration. To degas DI water, it must be dispensed into a very clean bottle or container, and left to sit for ~24h. You will see bubbles form on the side of the container as the water degasses. After degassing, it is ready to use for blanks and standards preparation.

What are the wavelengths used by the T10 turbidity meter?

The IR (infrared) light version of the T10 and T20 turbidity meters use an emitter and detector specifically at 860nm. The WL (white light) version of the meter uses a tungsten lamp and a photodiode detector, both of which operate within the full visible light spectrum. The photodiode detector has a spectral peak response between 400-600nm.

What is the wavelength measured for turbidity by Standard Methods (white light)?

Standard Method 2130B (Nephelometric Method) specifies that a laboratory or process nephelometer should have a detector system with a spectral peak response of 400 to 600 nm. MANTECH’s T10 and T20 Turbidity meters and automated turbidity applications conform to this requirement. The T10 and T20 turbidity meters are designed specifically to conform to the international requirements for reporting turbidity measurements. The IR version conforms to ISO 7027 and EN27027. The WL version conforms to APHA SM 2130B, ASTM D1889, and EPA 180.1. Both can be used on the same system if  conforming to multiple standards is required.

What is Turbidity?

Turbidity is defined as the amount of suspended particles in a solution, measured in nephelometric turbidity units, (NTU). It is used as a general indicator of the quality of water, along with colour and odour. The US EPA has a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 NTU for drinking and wastewaters.

Do I need a stirrer for my conductivity measurements?

MANTECH utilizes rapid dipping of conductivity probes into sample tubes to mix samples and ensure a stable analysis of conductivity from the probe. This style of mixing is applicable to systems featuring a 12mm conductivity probe dipping into 50mL sample tubes, and systems featuring a 5mm conductivity probe dipping into 15mL sample tubes. For all other combinations of probe and sample vessel, a stirrer is required to ensure proper mixing is achieved.

What is Conductivity (EC)?

Conductivity, also known as electrical conductivity, is used to measure the concentration of dissolved solids which have been ionized in a polar solution such as water.

What is Gran analysis and why is Gran alkalinity important?

Gran analysis is an effective alternative method for endpoint and pKa detection. Using a series of mathematical manipulations, standard titration curves are transformed into linear data called ‘Gran functions’. Endpoints and pKa’s are determined by performing a linear regression on these functions. In many cases, Gran analysis provides a more accurate endpoint, or identifies endpoints not evaluated in Standard Methods.

How is alkalinity speciated into carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxide fractions?

The main compounds of alkalinity are: hydroxides (OH–), carbonates (CO32-), and bicarbonates (HCO3–).  The alkalinity, or buffering capacity, of a solution depends on the absorption of positively charged hydrogen ions by negatively charged bicarbonate and carbonate molecules.  When bicarbonate and carbonate molecules absorb hydrogen ions, there is a shift in equilibrium without a significant shift in pH.  A sample with high buffering capacity will have high bicarbonate and/or carbonate content, and a greater resistance to changes in pH.

What is Alkalinity?

Alkalinity refers to the capability of water to neutralize acid, also known as an expression of buffering capacity. A buffer is a solution to which an acid can be added without changing the concentration of available H+ ions (without changing the pH) appreciably. In other words, a buffer absorbs the excess H+ ions and protects the water body from fluctuations in pH.

How is a Method Detection Limit (MDL) defined?

A Method Detection Limit (MDL) is defined in slightly differing ways by the US EPA, and the APHA. MDL as per US EPA: The method detection limit (MDL) is defined as the minimum measured concentration of a substance that can be reported with 99% confidence that the measured concentration is distinguishable from method blank results. MDL as per APHA: (MDL) is defined as the constituent concentration that, when processed through the entire method, produces signal that has a 99% probability of being different from the blank.

General Information

How does MANTECH perform automated in-line filtering of samples?

The MANTECH color system can be set up with a multiple in line filters in parallel between the autosampler and the spectrophotometer. The system pumps sample through the filter and automatically switches from one filter to the next at the specified times. This can either be determined by a set number of samples per filter, or by a flow detection system where there is a sensor detecting when the flow through the filter drops below a certain threshold, at which point the system automatically switches to the next fresh filter and continues the run. A general example of the run sequence using flow detection would be:
  • Sample 1 runs through filter 1, flow does not decrease below the threshold, no change of filter
  • Sample 2 runs through filter 1, flow does not decrease below the threshold, no change of filter
  • Sample 3 runs through filter 1, flow decreases below threshold for clogged valve, system switches to filter 2
  • Sample 4 runs through filter 2, flow does not decrease below the threshold, no change of filter
  • Sample 5 runs through filter 2, flow decreases below threshold for clogged valve, system switches to filter 3
  • Sample 6 runs through filter 3, flow does not decrease below the threshold, no change of filter
  • Etc. for remainder of samples, or until all filters are clogged up
    • If all filters become clogged up, run pauses and informs user to switch the filters and start back up

How many burets and pumps can be added to an analyzer?

All MT models can include up to 20 burets, 30 IntelliPeri™ pumps and 30 IntelliDose™ pumps.

How does Dynamic Injection Control work on a MANTECH automated titration system?

MANTECH utilizes a method called Dynamic Injection Control while performing an automated titration to ensure that the titration curve is smooth and accurate, leading to the best precision on results. Dynamic injection control works by providing a user set volume range for each injection, with the range being between 25mL and 0.001mL for any single injection and then applying different volume injections to try and achieve a target change in the electrode measurement. The electrode measurement can either be pH units or millivolts.

Does the MANTECH Buret conform to Class A buret specifications?

Yes, MANTECH burets conform to Class A specifications as per ASTM E287 – Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Graduated Burets. View how the standard defines the requirements for Class A and B burets here.

What information is required to automate multi-parameter and titration-based applications?

Automating multi-parameter and titration-based applications can greatly increase the efficiency and throughput of a laboratory. To automate these analyses, let us know which parameters you are looking to automate, any SOPs you can provde for the requested applications, number of samples you run per day, week, batch, etc.

What is the chemical compatibility of the tubing in MANTECH pumps?

The tubing used in MANTECH peristaltic and metering pumps is compatible with many types of chemicals. View this list of chemicals that are not recommended to be used with MANTECH tubing/pumps.

What is the difference between 2-pole and 4-pole conductivity probes?

4-pole sensors have a much broader linear measurement range and are not sensitive to contamination. MANTECH accounts for the difference between 2-pole and 4-pole conductivity probes through the use of the multi-line software calibration.

How does MANTECH account for temperature compensation and correction in conductivity measurements?

Conductivity is a temperature dependent measurement. All substances have a conductivity coefficient which varies from 1% per °C to 3% per °C for most commonly occurring substances. The automatic temperature compensation on the MANTECH Conductivity meter defaults to 1.91% per °C, this being adequate for most routine determinations.

How does MANTECH account for temperature compensation and correction in pH measurements?

As the temperature of a solution changes, the actual pH changes. This is not an error of the probe or meter being used, but is the actual pH of the solution at that particular temperature. The temperature effect on the pH value is 0.003 pH units per oC away from 25oC, per pH units away from pH 7. This effect can be either negative or positive, depending on if the temperature is above or below 25oC, and if the pH is above or below pH 7. At 25oC and pH 7, there is no change in the pH value.

How do MANTECH systems measure and record temperature?

The standard method for measuring temperature is with a USB-connected stainless steel thermistor probe.

What are QC racks and what capacities are available on MT Series?

Available as an optional add-on, MANTECH offers a separate fixed rack located in front of the rinse station for placing calibration solution, storage solution(s), and QC checks instead of limiting the sample rack capacity. Capacities range based on autosampler and tube/cup size.

How do the MT Series systems prevent cross-contamination between samples?

The MT series prevents cross-contamination with IntelliRinse™ techology. IntelliRinse™ is beneficial because it uses real-time measurement to provide confirmation that your probes are 100% clean, eliminating chances of cross-contamination. Active IntelliRinse™ systems allows users to set user-defined values (e.g. rinse to a specific conductivity value) or to adjust the rinse intensity based on previous sample concentrations before moving to the next sample. This is beneficial as it improves the rinsing of probes/electrodes to ensure that cross-contamination does not occur even with particularly dirty or high-strength samples. There is also the option to have the final value measured during rinsing shown in a column on the results report, for a visual confirmation directly with sample results.

What is the minimum total liquid volume that can be measured for pH, conductivity and alkalinity with the MT Systems?

When using 50mL sample tubes, the minimum total volume can be as small as 6 ml using the TitraPro4 pH electrode and the MANTECH 5mm conductivity probe. This is due to the lower immersion depth of these electrodes and precise autosampler coordinate specifications. When using 125mL sample cups, the minimum total volume can be as small as 15mL.

What is the time of analysis per parameter and for multi-parameter analysis?

The timing for analysis of different parameters depends on several different factors, like the concentration of the sample and the equipment used.

MANTECH Pro Software™

How will I be notified when there is a new MANTECH Pro Software™ update?

At MANTECH, we are continuously updating our software and adding new features. You will receive push notifications if you are connected to the network or if you have an internet connection. If you are offline, you will receive a direct email from MANTECH.

What are shortcuts in MANTECH Pro Software™?

Shortcuts are customizable buttons that users can create from pre-saved templates generated on Run Configuration table. Shortcuts can have its own unique image and be organized by custom headers.

Does MANTECH offer barcoding in MANTECH Pro Software™?

Yes, we do offer barcoding options in MANTECH Pro Software™. Barcoded labels will help you quickly identify results. Barcoded options are available and additional hardware is required

Is MANTECH Pro Software™ compatible with my LIMS? 

Yes! MANTECH Pro Software is agnostic, and our CSV import/export functionality is easy-to-use and flexible with all LIMS (laboratory information management system).

What are the required computer specifications to operate MANTECH Pro Software?

MANTECH Pro Software™ will operate on computers with Windows 10 and 11 Pro OS.

What is MANTECH Pro Software™?

In October 2020, MANTECH has released new software called MANTECH Pro Software™. MANTECH Pro Software™ is a Lab Automation software that is entailed to operate our MT Series systems and PeCOD® analyzers with plenty of features that analysts desire.

PC-Titrate Upgrade

What is pH?

The potential of hydrogen (pH) is a measure of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration. Solutions with a high concentration of H+ ions have a low pH (acidic). Solutions with a low concentration of H+ ions have a high pH (alkaline).

What is a titration?

Titration uses a solution of known concentration to determine the concentration of an unknown solution. The titrant (the solution with a known concentration) is added from a buret to a known quantity of the analyte (the solution with an unknown concentration) until the reaction is complete. Knowing the volume of titrant added allows the concentration of the unknown solution to be determined.

What does it mean if I want to upgrade from PC-Titrate to MANTECH Pro Software™?

To ensure a seamless transition for all end-users, PC-Titrate and MANTECH Pro Software™ can run simultaneously from the same computer. Also, MANTECH Pro Software™ has backward compatibility and will operate with most existing hardware. *Trade-in offers available for older burets.

What will happen with the data on PC-Titrate? Will it be imported into MANTECH Pro Software™?

PC-Titrate can remain the computer currently operating your system and data can be viewed at anytime. Therefore, your data will not be lost and can be kept on that computer. Data saved/archived from PC-Titrate will not be able to be transferred onto MANTECH Pro Software™. Note: To avoid any complications while operating MANTECH Pro Software™, be sure to not use any actions in PC-Titrate that use the Interface, especially during a run on MANTECH Pro Software™.

Will MANTECH Pro Software™ operate the hardware I currently have?

MANTECH Pro Software™ will operate most of the hardware you currently have. Please note: Service and support for PC-Titrate software ends June 30, 2026 and PC-Titrate hardware ends December 31,2027.

I have an existing PC-Titrate. How do I upgrade and install MANTECH Pro Software™?

Note: Service and support for PC-Titrate software ends June 30, 2026 and PC-Titrate hardware ends December 31, 2027. To upgrade and install MANTECH Pro Software™ is simple if you have a PC-Titrate. Once an order is placed, a member from MANTECH’s QC team will contact you for your active hinterland database. Once that information is verified, we will copy the methods to MANTECH Pro Software™ and send a USB with the needed adapters for the hardware. If needed, a member of our team is available to schedule a meeting to ensure that the methods and reports are working to your specific needs.

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