DOC022.53.

80030

ISECL181
05/2021, Edition 5
User Manual
 Table of Contents
Section 1 Product overview ................................................................................. 3
Section 2 Specifications ...................................................................................... 3
Section 3 Safety information ............................................................................... 4
3.1 Intended use ....................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Use of hazard information ..................................................................................... 4
3.3 Precautionary labels ............................................................................................. 4
3.4 Product hazards .................................................................................................... 5
Section 4 Preparation for use .............................................................................. 5
Section 5 Calibration ............................................................................................... 5
5.1 Calibration notes ................................................................................................. 5
5.2 Calibration procedure ........................................................................................... 6
Section 6 Sample measurement ......................................................................... 6
6.1 Sample measurement notes ............................................................................... 7
6.2 Sample measurement procedure ......................................................................... 7
6.3 Low-level measurements ...................................................................................... 7
6.4 Interferences ....................................................................................................... 8
Section 7 Verify the calibration ......................................................................... 8
7.1 Verification procedure ........................................................................................... 9
Section 8 Maintenance .......................................................................................... 9
8.1 Clean the probe .................................................................................................... 9
8.2 Storage ............................................................................................................... 10
Section 9 Troubleshooting ................................................................................ 10
9.1 Slope check ........................................................................................................ 11
9.2 Standard additions check ................................................................................... 11
Section 10 Consumables ..................................................................................... 12
10.1 Accessories ...................................................................................................... 12

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Table of Contents

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Section 1 Product overview
The Intellical ISECL181 series probes are digital, combination ion-selective electrodes (ISE) that
measure the concentration of chloride in wastewater, drinking water and general water samples. The
probes have a built-in temperature sensor, a non-refillable gel reference and non-replaceable
membranes. Refer to Figure 1.

Figure 1 Probe overview

1 Sensing element 3 Sensor protection cap

2 Reference junction 4 Cable

Section 2 Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Specifications Details
Probe type Digital combination probe with a non-refillable reference junction
and a built-in temperature sensor
Measurement range 0.1 mg/L (3x10–6 M) to 35,500 mg/L (1 M) Cl–
Accuracy ±0.02 mV or 0.05% (the larger value)
Sample pH range pH 1 to 12
Reference type Ag/AgCl
Reference junction Double junction (ceramic porous pin and annular porous PTFE)
Slope 58 mV/decade (90 to 110% at 25 °C (77 °F) in linear range per
Nernstian theoretical value)
Linear region 7 mg/L to 35,500 mg/L
Temperature accuracy ±0.3 °C (±0.54 °F)
Temperature sensor type 30 kΩ NTC thermistor
Operating temperature 5 to 50 °C (41 to 122 °F)
Storage temperature 5 to 35 °C (41 to 95 °F)
Response time in linear region < 60 seconds (application dependent)

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Specifications Details
Minimum sample volume 25 mL
Minimum immersion depth 25.4 mm (1 in.)
Body material (standard) Epoxy
Sensor material Solid-state crystal
Reference electrolyte Non-refillable Dritek gel reference element
Cable connection M12 digital output and connector
Dimensions Diameter: 12 mm (0.47 in.)
Length: 175 mm (6.9 in.) total; 103 mm (4.1 in.) below head
Cable length: ISECL18101: 1 m (3.3 ft); ISECL18103: 3 m (9.8 ft)
Warranty 1 year on the probe. This warranty covers manufacturing defects,
but not improper use or wear.
Certifications CE, FCC/ISED

Section 3 Safety information

3.1 Intended use
The Intellical probes are intended for use by individuals who measure water quality parameters in the
laboratory. The Intellical probes do not treat or alter water.

3.2 Use of hazard information

DANGER
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.

WARNING
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.

CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may cause damage to the instrument. Information that
requires special emphasis.

3.3 Precautionary labels

Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the instrument
could occur if not observed. A symbol on the instrument is referenced in the manual with a
precautionary statement.

Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not be disposed of in European
domestic or public disposal systems. Return old or end-of-life equipment to the
manufacturer for disposal at no charge to the user.

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3.4 Product hazards
CAUTION
Chemical exposure hazard. Obey laboratory safety procedures and wear all of the
personal protective equipment appropriate to the chemicals that are handled. Refer to
the current safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS) for safety protocols.

CAUTION
Chemical exposure hazard. Dispose of chemicals and wastes in accordance with local,
regional and national regulations.

Section 4 Preparation for use

Prepare the probe for calibration and measurement as follows.

1. Remove the sensor protection cap from the probe.

2. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Condition the probe before use. To condition the probe, soak the probe in approximately 25 mL of
the lowest concentration standard solution used for calibration for 30 to 60 minutes. Do not add
the ISA to the standard solution.
Note: Condition the probe each day for 15 to 30 minutes or for 30 to 60 minutes after long-term storage.
4. Make sure that the meter has the correct date and time settings. The service-life time stamp in
the probe comes from the date and time settings in the meter.
Note: Some meters automatically open the date and time settings when the meter starts for the first time, or
after battery replacement.
5. Connect the probe to the meter.

Section 5 Calibration
The procedure that follows is applicable to meters that can connect to Intellical ISE probes. Refer to
the applicable meter documentation for meter operation and probe-specific settings.

5.1 Calibration notes

Read the notes that follow before calibration.

• Measure the standard solutions from lowest to highest concentration for best results.
• Keep all of the solutions (standard solutions and samples) at the same temperature (± 2 °C
(± 3.6 °F)) for best results.
• Stir the standards and samples at a slow and constant rate to prevent the formation of a vortex.
• Use the default calibration options or change the options in the probe settings menu.
• Use the single display mode for calibration when more than one probe is connected to the meter (if
applicable).
• Calibrate the probes and verify the calibration regularly for best results. Use the meter to set
calibration reminders.
• The calibration data is stored in the probe. When a calibrated probe is connected to a different
meter with the same calibration options, a new calibration is not necessary.
• Air bubbles below the sensor when in solution can cause a slow response or error in the
calibration. Make sure to remove air bubbles during calibration.

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5.2 Calibration procedure

1. Go to the 2. Add 25 mL of 3. Add one Chloride 4. Add a stir bar to

calibrate menu. each standard Ionic Strength the first standard
Select the probe, if solution to different Adjustor (ISA) solution. Put the
applicable. The beakers. Powder Pillow to standard solution on
display shows the each 25 mL of an electromagnetic
standard solutions to standard solution. stirrer. Stir at a
use for calibration. moderate rate.

5. Rinse the probe 6. Put the probe in 7. Shake the probe 8. Stir for 30 to
with deionized water. the standard solution from side to side to 60 seconds, then
Dry the probe with a with the sensor fully remove air bubbles. read the chloride
lint-free cloth. submerged. Do not concentration of the
put the probe on the standard solution.
bottom or sides of
the beaker.

9. Do steps 3 10. Save the

through 8 to read the calibration.
value of the
remaining standard
solutions.

Section 6 Sample measurement

The procedure that follows is applicable to meters that can connect to Intellical ISE probes. Refer to
the applicable meter documentation for meter operation and probe-specific settings.

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6.1 Sample measurement notes
Read the notes that follow before sample measurements.

• Rinse the probe with deionized water and dry with a lint-free cloth between measurements to
prevent contamination.
• If the stabilization time is long, try a different stir rate and make sure to condition the probe.
• Keep all of the solutions (standard solutions and samples) at the same temperature (± 2 °C
(± 3.6 °F)) for best results.
• If complete traceability is necessary, enter a sample ID and operator ID before measurement.
Refer to the meter manual for instructions.
• Stir the standards and samples at a slow and constant rate to prevent the formation of a vortex.
• The meter automatically saves the measurement data when the user manually reads each data
point and when the meter is set to read at regular intervals. The user must manually save each
data point when the meter is set to read continuously.
• Air bubbles below the sensor can cause a slow response or error in the measurement. Make sure
to remove air bubbles before and during measurements.

6.2 Sample measurement procedure

1. Pour 25 mL of 2. Add one Chloride 3. Add a stir bar. 4. Rinse the probe
fresh sample into a Ionic Strength Put the beaker on an with deionized water.
50‑mL beaker. Adjustor (ISA) electromagnetic Dry the probe with a
Powder Pillow. stirrer. Stir at a lint-free cloth.
moderate rate.

5. Put the probe in 6. Shake the probe 7. Stir for 30 to

the sample with the from side to side to 60 seconds, then
sensor fully in the refresh the reference read the chloride
sample. Do not put junction and remove concentration of the
the probe on the air bubbles. sample. The display
bottom or sides of shows the value
the beaker. when the reading is
stable.

6.3 Low-level measurements

Use the guidelines that follow for measurements at low concentrations (<10 mg/L Cl–).

• Clean the probe regularly as specified in Maintenance on page 9.

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• Soak the probe in the lowest concentration standard solution for 1 hour maximum before
calibration and measurement.
• Use the meter to set the stability criteria for the probe to a low value.
• Stir the standards and samples at a slow and steady rate to prevent the formation of a vortex.
• Use a dilute ionic strength adjustor (ISA) solution for calibration and measurements:

1. Dissolve the contents of one ionic strength adjustor powder pillow in 50 mL of deionized water.
2. Add 5 mL of the dilute (ISA) solution to each 25 mL of standard solution or sample.
Note: The ISA is not necessary when all of the conditions that follow apply:

• The sample does not contain interferences.

• The sample pH is within the range given in the specifications.
• Omission of the ISA is accepted by the regulatory reporting agency (if the measurement is for regulatory
reporting).

6.4 Interferences
The sensing element will measure some other ions that are known to interfere with the method. The
probe response to other ions usually increases the mV potential and causes a positive error. The
response to other ions can be semi-quantitatively calculated through the Nikolsky equation, an
extended Nernst equation:
E = Eº + (RT/(zF))ln[aNa + KNax × ax]
Where

• ax = the activity of the interfering ion

• KNax = the selectivity coefficient for the interfering ion relative to the primary ion

High concentrations of ions that form insoluble salts with silver will stay on the sensing element and
cause measurement errors. Strong reducing substances will form a surface layer of silver on the
sensing element. To remove the ions from the sensing element, clean the sensing element. Refer to
Clean the probe on page 9. The Chloride ISA decreases the effect of the interferences.
Mercury interferes with the measurements and must not be in the sample. There is no procedure to
remove the interference from mercury.
Solutions that contain oxidizing agents such as copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe3+) and permanganate
(MnO4–) do not interfere with the measurement.
The selectivity coefficient is the approximate apparent increase in the measured concentration that is
caused by one unit of the interfering ion (e.g., 1 unit of I– increases the chloride concentration by 0.1).
The approximate selectivity coefficients for some ions with the Intellical chloride ISE are shown in
Table 1.
Table 1 Interferences
Interference Selectivity coefficient
Iodide (I–) > 0.1
Bromide (Br–) > 0.1
Silver (Ag+) > 0.1
Sulfide (S2–) > 0.1
Cyanide (CN–) > 0.1

Section 7 Verify the calibration

Measure the value of a fresh standard solution at regular intervals to make sure the result is
accurate. The meter compares the expected standard solution value to the measured value and
accepts or rejects the measurement. The user can change the standard solution and acceptance
criteria for verification in the probe-specific settings.

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Note: Password protection may prevent access to the acceptance criteria.

7.1 Verification procedure

1. Go to the 2. Pour 25 mL of the 3. Add one Chloride 4. Add a stir bar.

verification menu. standard solution Ionic Strength Put the beaker on an
The display shows into a 50‑mL beaker. Adjustor (ISA) electromagnetic
the standard solution Powder Pillow. stirrer. Stir at a
to use for moderate rate.
verification.
Note: Menu name for
HQd meters: Run check
standard.

5. Rinse the probe 6. Put the probe in 7. Shake the probe 8. Stir for 30 to
with deionized water. the standard solution from side to side to 60 seconds, then
Dry the probe with a with the sensor fully remove air bubbles. read the value of the
lint-free cloth. in the solution. Do standard solution.
not put the probe on The meter accepts
the bottom or sides or rejects the result.
of the beaker.

Section 8 Maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary for the best accuracy, stabilization time and life of the probe.
Keep the probe clean between measurements.

8.1 Clean the probe

Clean the probe regularly to remove mineral or sample buildup on the sensing element. Symptoms of
contamination:

• Incorrect or irregular readings

• Slow stabilization times
• Calibration errors
• Sample material stays on the probe

1. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Dry the probe with a lint-free cloth.
2. Lightly polish the probe tip with a soft cloth or cotton swab.
3. Soak the probe for 30 minutes in a 100-mg/L chloride standard solution.

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8.2 Storage
Keep the sensor protection cap on the probe during storage to prevent damage to the sensing
element.
Note: Make sure to condition the probe after long-term storage. Refer to Preparation for use on page 5.

1. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Dry the probe with a lint-free cloth.
2. Make sure that the probe sensor is dry, then install the sensor protection cap. Refer to Product
overview on page 3.

Section 9 Troubleshooting
Keep the sensor protection cap on the probe when not in use for the best accuracy, stabilization time
and life of the probe. To check the probe performance, refer to Slope check on page 11. To check
the accuracy of sample measurements, refer to Standard additions check on page 11.

Problem Possible cause Solution

The probe has contamination Clean and condition the probe.
on the sensing element. Refer to Clean the probe
on page 9.
Decreased probe performance
The reference junction is Fully rinse the reference junction
causes slow stabilization and
clogged. with deionized water. Shake the
prevents accurate calibrations or
probe down to remove air
measurements.
bubbles.
The probe is not conditioned Condition the probe. Refer to
to the sample sufficiently. Preparation for use on page 5.
The sample temperature is Increase the sample
Sample properties cause slow low, or there is a large temperature or adjust the
stabilization or inaccurate temperature difference temperature of different samples
measurements. between samples. to be the same (within 2 °C
(3.6 °F)).
Air bubbles are around or Carefully tap or shake the probe
below the probe tip. to remove air bubbles.
The ISA was not added. Add one ISA powder pillow to
each 25 mL of sample and
standard solution.
The stir speed is too slow or Try a different stir speed.
too fast.
Procedure problem causes slow
stabilization and prevents Magnetic stirrers can Put a piece of insulating material
accurate calibrations or become warm and increase between the stirrer and beaker.
measurements. the solution temperature.
An incorrect standard Use the specified standard
solution was used or the solution of good quality.
standard solution has
contamination.
Too much light is on the Put a cover on the beaker to
sensing element. give protection from direct light
during measurement.

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9.1 Slope check
Use the mV value of two standard solutions to make sure the probe gives the correct slope.

1. Prepare two standard solutions that are ten times apart in concentration (e.g., 100 mg/L and
1000 mg/L Cl–). Select standard solutions with a concentration above and below the typical
sample concentration. Use a minimum concentration of 7 mg/L.
2. Use the measurement procedure to add the ISA and measure the mV value of each standard
solution.
3. Calculate the difference in the mV value of the two standard solutions to find the slope. If the
probe is in good condition, the slope will be 58 mV (within the ± slope limits of the method) at
25 °C (77 °F).

9.2 Standard additions check

To make sure that the sample measurement is accurate, add a small volume of a standard solution
to the sample and calculate the percent recovery. The sample with the known volume of standard
solution is known as a spiked sample.

1. Use the measurement procedure to measure the concentration of a 25-mL sample.

2. Use a pipet to add the applicable volume of standard solution to the sample. Refer to Table 2.
Table 2 Standard solution volumes and concentrations
Measured sample Volume of standard to Concentration of standard
concentration add solution
1 to 2 mg/L 0.5 mL 100 mg/L Cl–
3 to 6 mg/L 1.0 mL 100 mg/L Cl–
7 to 15 mg/L 0.3 mL 1000 mg/L Cl–
15 to 30 mg/L 0.5 mL 1000 mg/L Cl–
30 to 60 mg/L 1.0 mL 1000 mg/L Cl–
3. Measure the concentration of the spiked sample.
4. Calculate the expected (theoretical) concentration of the spiked sample:
CE = (CS x VS/VT) + (CSS x VSS/VT)
Where:

• CE = expected (theoretical) concentration of the spiked sample

• CS = concentration of the sample (mg/L) before the standard solution was added
• CSS = concentration of the standard solution (mg/L)
• VS = sample volume (mL) before the standard solution was added
• VSS = volume of the standard solution (mL)
• VT = total volume (standard solution volume (mL) + sample volume)
5. Calculate the percent recovery of the standard addition. A percent recovery of 100 (±5)% is an
indication that the sample measurements are accurate.
Percent recovery = CM/CE x 100
Where:

• CM = measured concentration of the sample after the addition of the standard solution
• CE = expected (theoretical) concentration of the sample after the addition of the standard
solution

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Section 10 Consumables
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to
the company website for contact information.

Description Quantity Item no.

Chloride Ionic Strength Adjustor Powder Pillows 100/pkg 2318069

Chloride Standard Solution, 100 mg/L as Cl– 1L 2370853
Chloride Standard Solution, 1000 mg/L as Cl– 500 mL 18349
Wash bottle, polyethylene, 500 mL 1 62011
Disposable wipes, 11 x 22 cm 280/pkg 2097000
Beaker, 30 mL, plastic, colorless 80/pkg SM5010
Beaker, 100 mL, polypropylene 1 108042
Probe stand for standard Intellical probes 1 8508850

10.1 Accessories

Description Quantity Item no.

Beaker, polypropylene, 50 mL, low form 1 108041

Disposable wipes, 11 x 22 cm 280/pkg 2097000
Wash bottle, polyethylene, 500 mL 1 62011
Probe stand for standard Intellical probes 1 8508850

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 *DOC022.53.80030*

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