Maintenance Guide

EA-5/3/2 Electrolyte Analyzer

 CLINDIAG SYSTEMS B.V.B.A.
Contents
1 Basic Principle................................................................................................1
2 Operational Environment................................................................................2
3 Warnings and Precautions..............................................................................3
4 Service and Maintenance...............................................................................3
4.1 Tools..........................................................................................................3
4.2 Daily Maintenance....................................................................................4
4.3 Weekly Maintenance................................................................................4
4.4 Half Year Maintenance.............................................................................4
5 Main Components...........................................................................................4
5.1 Main Control Panel...................................................................................4
5.1.1 Functions............................................................................................4
5.1.2 Basic Structure...................................................................................5
5.1.3 Circuit Diagram...................................................................................5
5.2 Test board.................................................................................................6
5.2.1 Functions............................................................................................6
5.2.2 Basic Structure...................................................................................6
5.2.3 Circuit Diagram...................................................................................6
5.3 Power Supply Module...............................................................................7
5.3.1 Functions............................................................................................7
5.3.2 Basic Structure...................................................................................7
5.4 Assembly..................................................................................................7
5.4.1 Functions............................................................................................7
5.4.2 Basic Structure...................................................................................7
5.5 Electrodes.................................................................................................8
5.6 Tubing Systems........................................................................................8
5.6.1 Actual Picture......................................................................................8
5.6.2 Schematic Diagram............................................................................9
5.6.3 Fluid Flow Direction............................................................................9
6 Component Replacement.............................................................................10
6.1 Electrolyte Replacement.........................................................................10
6.2 Printer Replacement...............................................................................11
6.3 Fuse Replacement..................................................................................11
6.4 Pump Pipe Replacement........................................................................11
7 Troubleshooting............................................................................................12
1 Basic Principle
The principle is developed according to potentiometry between ion electrode
and reference electrode. Most of salt in electrolyte solution is in ion state. The
electronic exchange between electrode and solution forms an electronic flow
which represents the ion concentration.

Figure 1-1 Basic principle

The above reaction follows the formula of Nernst’s:

2.303RT
E= E0 + ------------ ㏒axfx
nF

Where，
E-- The voltage value of ion selectivity electrode in the measured solution
T-- Absolute temperature
E0-- Standard value of voltage of selectivity electrode
F-- Faraday constant
n-- Electric charge of the ion measured
aX-- The activity of ion measured
R-- Gas constant
fX-- The activity modulus of the ion measured

EA electrolyte analyzer measures the concentration of ion by using different

models of ion selectivity electrodes, including: K+, Na+, Cl-, Ca++, PH and
reference electrode.

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 Figure 1-2 Electrodes
Using the method of comparison, electrolyte analyzer measures the
concentration of K+, Na+, Cl- Ca++ and PH. The measurement steps are as
follows:
-- Measure two known standard solutions (standard A and standard B) to get
two potential values of electrode, set up calibrating curve referring to the
measurement.
-- Measure the electrode potential of sample and compares with calibrating
curve to get its result. The following figure shows the measurement principle.

Figure 1-3 Calibrating curve

2 Operational Environment
Normal operational environment requires:
-- Ambient Temperature: 10℃-30℃
-- Relative Humidity: 30％-70％
-- Air Pressure: 860hPa-1060hPa
-- Power Supply: Stabilized voltage supply, 110V/220V±10%, 50Hz/60Hz±1
Hz.
-- Avoid magnetic interference, mechanical vibrations, corrosive gases and
direct exposure to bright sunlight.
-- Reliable ground connection

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3 Warnings and Precautions
-- Make sure the instrument uses stabilized voltage supply and has good
ground connection.
-- Keep the instrument on for 24*7 days to rinse pipelines regularly and
extend service life of an electrode.
-- Recalibrate the instrument if there is any abnormal phenomenon occurs
during testing process. If the phenomenon still remains, check pipelines and
channels of electrodes for any bubbles.
-- Make sure that:
a. Test samples within 2 hours after collection.
b. Add heparin anticoagulation (30 IU/ml). Do not use alkaline heparin
anticoagulant, EDTA or oxalate.
c. Do not freeze samples, but be sure to keep them at room temperature.
d. Hemolysis will cause readings of K+ to increase.
e. Do not test unidentified reagents with the instrument. Some reagents in
the
lab may make ISE (ion-selective electrode) ineffective.
f. Completely separate serums and avoid floccules and lipoids, which may
block or pollute electrodes.
-- It is recommended that the instrument be kept on for 24*7 days. Perform
the following operations if the instrument needs to be shut down:
-- Evacuation: Switch off the instrument before taking out standard A and
standard B. Then switch it on. Switch it off again 5 min. later. Failure to do so
may cause reagents to crystallize and pipelines to block.
-- Loosen the four lower ends of peristaltic pump pipe to extend its service
life. Failure to do so may cause pump pipes to stick together.

4 Service and Maintenance

4.1 Tools
General Tools: 1 medium-sized screwdriver, 1 small screwdriver, 1 medium-
sized slot-head screwdriver, 1 small slot-head screwdriver, 1 pair of needle
nose pliers, 1 150×19 wrench, 1 set inner hexagon spanner, 1 150W electric
iron, 1 pack of soldering tin and 1 digital multimeter.
Specific Tool: Syringe

4.2 Daily Maintenance

-- Check and confirm there are enough calibration solution A and B.
Note: If there is any air in pump pipes, restart the instrument or calibrate it for

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a couple of times to discharge air.
-- Empty waste fluid bottle.
-- Wet a cotton ball with water and clean suction needles.
Note: Do not use organic solvent such as alcohol to clean needles.
-- Deproteinize after a whole day test to extend service life of the electrode.

4.3 Weekly Maintenance

-- Maintenance steps are as follows:
-- Deproteinize electrodes once a week or twice a week for substantial tests
to extend service life of electrodes (Refer to User’s Manual for more
information).

4.4 Half Year Maintenance

-- Perform daily maintenance and weekly maintenance.
-- Replace the pump pipes.
-- Add more fluid into electrodes if fluid level is less than 2/3.
-- Check electrode potential. Replace the electrode when voltage is above
50mv.

5 Main Components

5.1 Main Control Panel

5.1.1 Functions
The main control panel consists of power supply module, detection signal
processing module, serial communications module, printing module, LCD
display module, motor drive module, solenoid control Module.

5.1.2 Basic Structure

The basic structure of main control panel is shown as Figure 5-1.

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 Figure 5-1 Basic structure of main control panel

5.1.3 Circuit Diagram

The circuit diagram of main control panel is shown as Figure 5-2.

Figure 5-2 Circuit diagram of main control panel

5.2 Test board

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 5.2.1 Functions
Test board is mainly responsible for collecting, amplifying and transmitting
data. It collects signals produced by electrodes and amplifies signals 10 to the
power of 10th -12th before transmitting them to main control panel for further
processing.

5.2.2 Basic Structure

The basic structure of test board is shown as Figure 5-3.

Figure 5-3 Basic structure of test board

5.2.3 Circuit Diagram

The circuit diagram of test board is shown as Figure 5-4.

Figure 5-4 Circuit diagram of test board

5.3 Power Supply Module

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 5.3.1 Functions
Connected with main board through multiple output interfaces, switching
power supply is to supply required direct current to the whole instrument
system with output voltage available at +15V and ±9V.
Main functions:±9V is to feed the main board, which then convert the voltage
into 12V and powers the printer; 12V is to feed solenoids and 15V powers
motor.

5.3.2 Basic Structure

The basic structure of power supply module is shown as Figure 5-5.

Figure 5-5 Basic structure of power supply module

5.4 Assembly

5.4.1 Functions
Assembly system constitutes the major mechanical structure of the
instrument, which includes motor assembly, test board assembly, peristaltic
pumps, solenoids and pipelines.

5.4.2 Basic Structure

The basic structure of assembly is shown as Figure 5-6.

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 Figure 5-6 Basic structure of assembly

5.5 Electrodes
The picture of electrodes is shown as Figure 5-7.

Figure 5-7 Electrodes

Refer to section 6.1 for details about adding electrode fluid.

5.6 Tubing Systems

5.6.1 Actual Picture

Actual picture of tubing system is shown as Figure 5-8.

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 Figure 5-8 Tubing system

5.6.2 Schematic Diagram

The schematic diagram of tubing system is shown as Figure 5-9.

Figure 5-9 Schematic diagram of tubing system

5.6.3 Fluid Flow Direction

When solenoid A is on and solenoid B is off, standard A is pumped into
cleaning sink by peristaltic pump. Part of standard A flows through the
needles, tee connector, and electrodes to waste liquid bottle and the rest is
used to rinse needle point and then flows directly into waste liquid bottle,
completing standard A calibration and pipe cleaning.

When solenoid B is on and solenoid A is off, standard B is pumped into

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peristaltic pump. It flows through tee connector and electrodes and finally into
waste fluid bottle, completing calibration of standard B.
When solenoid A and B are both off, air column is taken into suction needle
and flows through tee connector and electrodes then into waste fluid bottle,
completing the process of pipe evacuation.
When solenoid A and B are both off, samples are taken in by suction needle
and flow through tee connector and electrodes then into waste fluid bottle,
completing the test.

6 Component Replacement

6.1 Electrolyte Replacement

Replace electrolytes or electrode tip when unstable calibration or
measurements occur. Perform the following steps if necessary:
-- Remove electrode tip and discharge electrolytes inside it.
-- Add new electrolytes with a syringe.
-- Put on a new electrode tip, tighten it and wipe it clean.
Note: Electrolytes of all indicator electrodes are interchangeable:
K\Na\Cl\Ca\PH uses electrode electrolytes, while reference electrode uses
reference electrode electrolytes.
Syringes used for adding reference electrolytes cannot be used for adding
electrode electrolytes.
Make sure to tighten the tip of reference electrode and wipe it clean after
replacement. Failure to do so may result in KCI crystallization on the tip. Make
sure to tighten screw caps on both sided of the electrode unit when
reassembling the unit. Keep electrode unit upright to avoid bubbles at the
bottom. If there are any bubbles appear, put the unit upright and lightly pat it
to discharge bubbles before putting it into electrode box.
Do not insert syringe needle deep into cavity of electrode when adding
electrode solutions. Do not mix use reference electrode tip and indicator
electrode tip when performing maintenance.
Fill 2/3-3/4 of the electrode cavity with electrode solution. Do not mix up
electrode solution and reference electrode solution. Before installing
electrodes, first dry the flow cell seat and surface of electrode with absorbent
paper, then install them from left to right and tighten them until they coincide
with each other closely (Do not press too hard on electrodes to avoid
abnormal electrode slope). Regularly check electrode fluid level, supplement
or replace it if necessary.

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 6.2 Printer Replacement
Use the following steps to replace printer when it is necessary:
-- Switch off the instrument before opening its upper cover.
-- Disconnect power cord and data cable of the printer.
-- Unscrew the screws that secure the printer.
-- Remove the broken printer.
-- Replace with a new printer.
-- Connect power cord and data cable.
-- Secure the printer on the cover.

6.3 Fuse Replacement

The instrument is designed with two fuses. One is under the power switch;
the other is a rotary type fuse. Use the following steps to replace a blown fuse:
-- Shut down the power switch.
-- Use a slotted screwdriver or a similar tool to remove the fuse under power
switch, and then replace it with a new one of the same specifications.
-- Use your hands to remove the rotary type fuse for replacement.
-- Close fuse box lid and restart the instrument.
Note: Always use a specified fuse.

6.4 Pump Pipe Replacement

If a pump pipe has been used for at least half a year, or the pump pipe is
broken, or pump fluid is insufficient, use the following steps to replace pump
pipe:
-- Loosen the old pump pipes one by one.
-- Remove and replace pump pipes in turn from inside to outside.
-- Bypass pump impeller when installing pipes.
-- Position the new pump pipes on pumping brackets one by one.

7 Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting is listed as Table7-1.
Table 7-1 Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Solution

The instrument No power Check power supply.

doesn’t work
Power cable isn’t plugged Plug power cable
into place. properly.
Blown fuse Replace with a new
fuse.

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 Calibration Failure Unstable electrode
Poor contact with resilient
contacts of electrodes or
bubbles in pipes
Invalid reagents
Broken electrodes
Poor repeatability Fluid leakage between
electrodes
Blood clotting in electrodes
Dirt on electrode plugs
KCL crystallization on
reference electrodes
Low millivolt for all
electrodes (mv<50), or low
millivolt for a certain
electrode (mv<50)
Electrode slope is less than
standard value.
Intense electromagnetism
interference from outside
Insufficient reagents or
deteriorated reagents
Instrument cannot Blocked suction needle
take in samples or
bubbles appear in
pipes Tee connector blocked
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Stabilize electrodes for
30 min.
Plug electrodes
properly.
Replace reagents.
Replace electrodes.
Tighten the electrodes
or replace sealing rings.
Disassemble electrodes
and clean it with a
suction bulb.
Thoroughly clean
electrodes with
absolute alcohol.
Replace reference
electrode solution or
reference electrodes.
Replace electrode
solution or electrodes.
Recalibrate or replace
electrodes.
Clear away interference
sources, close the
shield cover and
connect ground wire
properly.
Replace reagents.
Remove suction needle
and rinse it with a
syringe.
Remove electrodes and
rinse it with a syringe
for three times.
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 Blocked electrodes Remove and
disassemble
electrodes. Use a bulb-
blow machine to clean
each electrode.
Aged pump pipes Replace pump pipes.

Loose or cracked pipes Install new pump pipes.

If there is any blood clotting or other blockage in electrodes that are unable
to be cleaned with suction bulb, use a syringe to rinse them. Pay special
attention not to touch sensitive sections of electrodes (central part of through
holes in electrodes) with syringe needle when rinsing. Always use a new
needle for rinsing.
Note: Normal electrode potential output value is below 50mV, while normal
slope of K, Na, Cl, PH is above 30 and slope of Ca is above 20.
Attention: The instrument indicates “abnormal electrode slope” when MV
value is 0 or 500, the possible causes are:
-- If the instrument improperly sucks in standard A or B during auto-
calibrating, all electrode MV values are 0 or 500 and electrode slope is
abnormal
a. Pipeline adhesion results from long term abnormal instrument shutdowns.
Loosen pump pipes from pipe brackets and check adhesions in pipelines. Rub
the pipelines to resume its elasticity before installing them to pipe brackets.
b. Long term abnormal shutdowns may also result in reagent residues in
pipelines, which could cause crystallization and block electrode pipes.
Disassemble electrode unit and check electrodes one by one. If there is any
crystallization on electrodes, soak them into distilled water.
c. Faulty solenoids – If the instrument is able to properly suck in standard A
or B but can not properly suck in standard B or A and the pipelines are not
blocked, check solenoids for any malfunctions.
d. If there are regular bubbles inside tee connector when sucking in standard
A or B, absorption volume of main pump pipe is more than supply volume in
pump pipes. Remove main pump pipe and cut it off by 2mm.
-- Faulty Electrodes
a. If MV value and slope of a certain electrode are abnormal but other
electrodes are normal, rule out the possibility described in article 1. Replace
electrode solution of the faulty electrode, or replace electrode tip, or replace
the electrode.
b. Visually inspect the instrument during auto-calibrating, if it can properly
suck in standard A or B but MV value and slope of electrodes are still not
correct, replace reference electrode solution or replace reference electrodes.

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END

CLINDIAG SYSTEMS B.V.B.A.

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