Calibration Handbook VIS-NIR

optek-Manual--1004-5003-02--Calibration-Handbook-VIS-NIR-US-2012-06-28.pdf

PN: 1004-5003-02 (-52)

optek-Danulat GmbH
Emscherbruchallee 2
45356 Essen
Germany

Telefon: +49-201-63409-0
Fax:
+49-201-63409-999
E-Mail: info@optek.de
Internet: www.optek.com

Preface
This handbook is written to assist the user in proper procedures for
trouble-free operation.
It is explicitly pointed out that optek-Danulat GmbH assumes no responsibility for loss or damage caused due to improper use of this handbook
or products described herein.
This manual is protected by copyright. However, the user may produce
copies and translations if required for correct operation of the products.
On request, this manual is available in other languages as well as in
digital format (Acrobat Reader 7.0 required).
Our products are being continuously improved. Technical data is subject
to change without notice.

Essen, June 2012

Table of contents
Preface
1.
Using the handbook .................................................................................................1
1.1.
Validity of the handbook .........................................................................................1
1.2.
Pictograms and signal words .................................................................................2
2.

Intended use..............................................................................................................3

3.

Safety .........................................................................................................................4

4.
Introduction ...............................................................................................................5
4.1.
Traceability .............................................................................................................5
4.1.1. Overview.................................................................................................................5
4.1.2. Traceability of optek calibration filters ....................................................................6
5.
Calibration of optek VIS and NIR sensors..............................................................7
5.1.
Photometric accuracy and linearity ........................................................................7
5.1.1. Overview.................................................................................................................7
5.1.2. Calibration Device ..................................................................................................7
5.1.3. Calibration Certificate .............................................................................................9
5.2.
Spectral properties .................................................................................................9
5.2.1. Overview.................................................................................................................9
5.2.2. Calibration Devices...............................................................................................10
6.
Handling and Storage.............................................................................................11
6.1.
Handling and Storage of optek Calibration Filters................................................11
6.2.
Handling of Calibration Cuvettes..........................................................................12
6.3.
Cleaning of optek Calibration Filters and Cuvettes ..............................................12
7.
Calibration Procedures ..........................................................................................13
7.1.
General Procedure ...............................................................................................13
7.2.
Calibration with Calibration Filter..........................................................................14
7.2.1. Photometric Accuracy and Linearity.....................................................................14
7.2.1.1. Example Filter Calibration Photometric Accuracy and Linearity .......................14
7.3.
Calibration with Calibration Cuvette .....................................................................16
7.3.1. Spectral Properties ...............................................................................................16
7.3.2. Example Calibration with FH03 Calibration Cuvette ............................................16
8.
Linearization Curves ..............................................................................................18
8.1.
General Procedure ...............................................................................................18
9.

Glossary...................................................................................................................19

10.

Spare parts ..............................................................................................................21

11. Appendix..................................................................................................................22
11.1. Declaration of decontamination............................................................................22
11.2. Disposal................................................................................................................22
11.3. Sample certificate for VIS-L090 Calibration Filter ................................................23
11.4. Contacts ...............................................................................................................26

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1. Using the handbook

1.1. Validity of the handbook
This handbook is only valid for optek calibration filters described in
chapter 2, page 3 in combination with the inline sensors for VIS and NIR
absorption indicated in chapter 4, page 5.
Follow this handbook for every operation. Furthermore always observe
the handbook of each measuring system to be checked. If the calibration
filters are not used according to this handbook, the function of the calibration filters and the measuring system to be checked may be affected.
To maintain reliability of the product, enhance its life cycle and avoid
down times, follow the instructions given in this manual.
Furthermore, please follow local accident prevention and environmental
protection instructions, as well as recognized technical regulations for
safe and professional operation.

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1.2. Pictograms and signal words

Important information in this handbook is marked with the following pictograms:
Danger!
This pictogram indicates immediate danger to life and health of persons. The
text next to the symbol gives information on how to avoid bodily injuries.

Danger!
Electrical voltage.
This pictogram indicates danger due to electrical voltage.

Caution!
This pictogram indicates information on how to avoid material damage.

Note!
This pictogram indicates instructional or general advice.

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2. Intended use
optek calibration filters and cuvettes shall only be used as a means for
calibration of inline sensors for VIS and NIR absorption indicated in
chapter 4, page 5. The term calibration is employed here in accordance
with the definition of the International vocabulary of metrology Basic
and general concepts and associated terms1
Constructional changes as well as changes to and interference with the
described procedures for using the calibration filter are prohibited.
Calibration with optek calibration means shall only be carried out by
trained and qualified personnel. The warranty for calibration filters as
well as for corresponding certificates including product traceability expires in case of improper use, removal of the calibration filter from the filter holder, or modification of the labelling. optek does not assume liability
for loss or damage resulting from use of calibration filters.
Following this handbook is part of the intended use.

International vocabulary of metrology- Basic and general concepts and associated terms
ed.: DIN, German Institute for Standardization
nd
2 edition 1994

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3. Safety
Only use the calibration filter when free from defects and in accordance
with the instructions provided in this handbook.
Read this handbook prior to initial commissioning. This especially applies
to personnel who only occasionally carry out calibrations with calibration
filters.
Observe all safety and information labels on the product and keep them
in readable condition.
Inspect the product for signs of physical damage. Report any damage
immediately and do not commission the product until corrective actions
have been taken.
Protect calibration filters and cuvettes from external influences which
could affect proper function, such as dust, humidity or fingerprints.
Do not use calibration filters or cuvettes with visible damage to the filter
glass or filter holder. Have such calibration means immediately checked
by the manufacturer.
Spare parts must comply with technical requirements defined by optek.
This is always guaranteed when using original spare parts.
This safety information is supplemented by the current national and local
regulations on accident prevention and the recognized technical instructions for safe and professional operation.

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4. Introduction
This handbook is a description of opteks VIS and NIR calibration filters
and calibration cuvettes used to test the functionality of optek AF16-N,
AF16-F, AS16-N, AS16-F and AF26 sensors. This test applies to the
entire measuring chain consisting of converter, sensor and cable set.
optek offers VIS and NIR calibration means for the following tests:
a) Calibration of photometric accuracy and linearity (chapter 5.1 page 7
and chapter 7.2.1 page 14)
b) Calibration of spectral properties (chapter 5.2 page 9 and chapter
7.3.1 page 16)
The available calibration filters are test devices traceable to NIST and
used to calibrate VIS and NIR sensors at user-defined and applicationdependent frequencies. Determination of calibration frequencies is the
users responsibility.

4.1. Traceability
4.1.1. Overview
The International vocabulary of metrology Basic and general concepts
and associated terms defines traceability as the property of the result
of a measurement or the value of a standard whereby it can be related to
stated references, usually national or international standards, through an
unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertainties.
These stated references can be standards developed and maintained by
national or international metrological institutes, such as the Deutsche
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (the national metrology institute
in Germany) or the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) in the USA, or transfer standards that are linked to other working
standards.
The unbroken chain of comparisons is referred to as a complete, explicitly described and documented series of comparisons that successively link the value and uncertainty of a result of measurement with the
values and uncertainties of each of the intermediate reference standards
and the highest reference standard to which traceability for the result of
measurement is claimed.
Traceability is thus a property of a measurement and not a property of a
device, calibration certificate, or laboratory.
A spectrophotometer, for example, cannot be NIST-traceable. It can only
be a calibrated spectrophotometer, whose measurements are traceable
to NIST.

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4.1.2. Traceability of optek calibration filters

Spectrophotometers and photometers are special with respect to traceability since they deliver dimensionless measuring results which can thus
not be traced back to SI basic units. The unbroken chain of comparisons
in this case ends with measurements of a reference spectrophotometer
in the NIST Advanced Chemical
Sciences Laboratory(ACSL).
Certification of optek calibration filters is carried out in the optek calibration laboratory according to the recommendations of ISO 17025. In the
center of the calibration laboratory is a spectro-photometer (Varian Cary
5000) which is subject to rigid inspection of measuring and test equipment in the course of which calibrations are carried out in permanently
defined intervals using NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM). Just
like the spectro-photometer are these SRMs also subject to a detailed
determined inspection of measuring and test equipment and are recalibrated at regular intervals in a certified calibration laboratory. Details
regarding used reference materials and required indications with respect
to the description of traceability are given in the respective optek
calibration certificate.
Since the application range of NIST SRM is restricted to the UV-VIS
wavelength range, measurements at wavelengths above 800nm cant be
NIST traceable even if they were carried out with a spectrophotometer
whose measurements are NIST traceable calibrated. Nevertheless,
optek is able to provide reliable and precisely calibrated calibration filters
for optek NIR photometers. For that purpose optek uses reference
calibration filters as transfer standards between an optek reference NIR
photometer and the spectrophotometer of the optek calibration
laboratory. Prior to the calibration of a reference calibration filter with the
optek reference photometer the photometer was calibrated by using the
double aperture method. Details regarding used reference materials and
required indications are given in the respective optek calibration
certificate.

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5. Calibration of optek VIS and NIR sensors

5.1. Photometric accuracy and linearity
5.1.1. Overview
The goal of this test is to check the measuring chain, consisting of sensor, cable and converter, with respect to photometric accuracy. When introduced into the light beam, Calibration filters cause a defined light attenuation at individual wavelengths and wavelength ranges. Using calibration filters with different absorption levels tests linearity of the entire
system.
Insufficient photometric accuracy or linearity may be caused by the following effects:
Non-linearity of used SI photodiodes, for instance, due to component defects or humidity deposits on the diode bonding
Hardware failure of the converter, e.g. defective input cards
Faulty wiring of sensor and converter
Damaged cable plugs or termination on sensor and / or converter
Wrong product definition due to selecting the wrong measuring function
Unintentional or accidental activation of calibration functions, such as
Sensor Adaptation, Offset & Slope, Linearization Tables, or mA inputs
affecting raw measuring values

5.1.2. Calibration Device

optek offers calibration filters VIS-L045 through VIS-L180 and NIR-L045
through NIR-L180 with nominal absorption values of 0.45 CU, 0.90 CU
and 1.80 CU. These filters are almost wavelength-independent and
therefore suitable for the specified wavelengths and wavelength ranges.
To minimize the influence of reflections on filter surfaces, these
filters are mounted in the holder in an angled position (see fig. 1), which
brings the measurement values in a process photometer closer to those
of a certified spectrophotometer.
Since instrument specifications, such as sensor types and designs,
sensor bodies, optical path length (OPL) and others, may vary and,
hence, have a slight impact on the VIS-L and NIR-L filter readings, it is
necessary to discriminate between initial and subsequent calibration.
This allows using the calibration filter for calibrating any type of optek
VIS or NIR photometer specified in chapter 4, page 5.

Fig.1: FH03B filter holder with filter installed in an angled position

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a.
Initial calibration
During the initial calibration, the initial value of a measuring system is recorded. The tolerance of the desired value is stated in the table 1 on
page 8. If the measuring system passes initial calibration, it is very
unlikely that the tested system exhibits insufficient photometric accuracy
or limited linearity, caused by effects described in chapter 5.1.1, page 7.
Initial values as recorded only apply to the photometer tested. They
cannot be applied to any other photometer but are always required to be
established for each photometer separately.
After constructional changes of the photometer, the initial value must be
recorded again. Constructional changes are:

Change of interference filters or detector module

Change of OPL

Retrofit or change of sensor body

b.
Subsequent Calibration
For subsequent calibrations, the initial value as recorded and documented during initial calibration serves as the desired (nominal) value of
the individual photometer. For a subsequent calibration to pass, the
measured value must be within a certain tolerance of the initial value.
The exact tolerances for different filters and systems are listed in table 1
on page 8.
Table 1: Tolerances for initial and subsequent calibration of optek photometers with optical
path lengths up to 160mm.
Initial
Subsequent

AF16-N

AS16-N

VIS-L045

n.a.

n.a.

VIS-L090

n.a.

n.a.

VIS-L180

n.a.

n.a.

NIR-L045

0.015 CU
0.01 CU
0.02 CU
0.01 CU
0.03 CU
0.01 CU

0.02 CU
0.015 CU
0.03 CU
0.015 CU
0.04 CU
0.015 CU

NIR-L090
NIR-L180

AF16-F

AS16-F

AF26

0.02 CU
0.01 CU
0.03 CU
0.01 CU
0.03 CU
0.01 CU

0.03 CU
0.015 CU
0.06 CU
0.03 CU

0.06 CU
0.03 CU
0.06 CU
0.03 CU
0.065 CU
0.03 CU

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a

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5.1.3. Calibration Certificate

VIS-L and NIR-L Filters available from optek are delivered with a calibration certificate. A sample certificate is included in the appendix (chapter
11.3, page 23) of this handbook.
Each of these calibration certificates contains, among other information,
the following important information:

Certificate number
Calibration filter type with serial number
Via serial number, which is also engraved on the filter holder of the
calibration filter, calibration certificate and calibration filter are crossreferenced to each other
Nominal absorption value of the filter
Certified absorption value including expanded uncertainty for respective VIS and NIR wavelengths
Measuring conditions, at which absorption values were recorded
Spectrophotometer used for certified measurements including reference standards used for calibration of the device
Application of the calibration filter to optek VIS and NIR sensors
An example is given in chapter 7.2.1.1, page 14.

5.2. Spectral properties

5.2.1. Overview
Evaluations of spectral properties are not straightforward and require a
more detailed explanation. Spectrophotometers require calibration of
spectral resolution and accuracy. Resolution, however, is not defined for
instruments that are not adjustable in frequency (or wavelength). By the
same token, spectral accuracy of photometric systems cannot be determined by the location of transmission maxima.
In photometers, the effective measuring wavelength is not only
determined by instrument properties of the photometer but also by
spectral characteristics of the compound to be analyzed. Instrument
properties of a photometer are primarily defined by the installed
optical filter, which is characterized by parameters, such as mean
wavelength, and Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), and may vary
within certain (tight) tolerances. If and to what extend this may effect the
measurement, depends on the application itself.
The best, and probably the only calibration of a process photometer with
respect to concentration as the measuring quantity is the use of the
product to be analyzed or monitored by the photometer. To this end,
optek has introduced the FH03 calibration cuvette. Such calibrations
using actual product may be carried out at defined frequencies and
always prior to commissioning a VIS or NIR photometer. The advantage
of doing so is the direct applicability of test results to the process measurement.

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5.2.2. Calibration Devices

As already mentioned, the absorption spectrum of the compound to be
measured also has an impact on the spectral response properties of the
photometer, which is why testing of these properties must be performed
with regard to the intended application. The most efficient way of testing
spectral properties is, using the FH03 Calibration Cuvette (see. Fig. 2)
filled with the compound to be measured. The exact procedure is
described in chapter 7.3, page 16.

Fig.2: Calibration Cuvette FH03

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6. Handling and Storage

6.1. Handling and Storage of optek Calibration Filters
Since optek calibration filters serve as important calibration tools, they
require very careful handling so that their functionality is not affected by
external influences.
Calibration filters should be stored in the filter storage boxes provided at
ambient temperatures from 15C to 30C (59F to 86F) and a relative
humidity not exceeding 70 %. Especially dust, streaks, finger marks or
scratches can damage the calibration filter and require recertification.
Observe the following basic conditions:

Do not remove the calibration filter from the mounting.

Do not change the filters orientation inside the filter holder.
Do not scratch the surface.
For protection, store calibration filters under exclusion of UV light in
a dust-and oil-free place. The air should be free of corrosive vapor.
Storage temperature: 15C to 30C (59F to 86F)
Air humidity: 0 % to 70 %

Note!
Store calibration filters in dry cabinets or other appropriate cabinets so
that the filters are protected against variations in temperature and
humidity.

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6.2. Handling of Calibration Cuvettes

Please observe the following handling instructions for opteks FH03 calibration cuvette:

Prior to use, calibration cuvettes should be checked for cracks,

chips, and scratches and replaced if necessary.
Always handle cuvettes with special care to keep inner and outer
surfaces clean and to avoid scratches.
Before filling cuvettes with any solution, rinse them with distilled
water. After that, cuvettes should be partly filled with solution,
shaken and turned upside down so that the solution wets the inner
surface of the cuvettes. The solution should be discarded and the
cuvette rinsed with water again.
Humidity and finger marks should be removed with lint-free paper or
lens cleaning paper.
Do not clean cuvettes in an autoclave or in ultrasonic baths since
cuvettes could be damaged.
Cuvettes should be stored in their corresponding boxes.

6.3. Cleaning of optek Calibration Filters and Cuvettes

Prior to use, visually inspect calibration filters and cuvettes for dust or
other soiling such as finger marks or condensation and clean them if
necessary. Carefully remove any surface soiling capable of absorbing
light or particles that might scatter incident radiation:

Carefully remove surface particles using a soft lens brush that does
not scratch the optical surface.
Remove absorbing surface soilings with a solvent that is nonalkaline and free of surfactants (e.g. Isopropanol).

Note:
Calibration filters should only be cleaned when required. As a basic rule,
it is recommended to avoid any soiling, especially finger marks, through
proper handling of calibration filters and cuvettes.

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7. Calibration Procedures
The following chapter deals with the calibration procedures using test
devices introduced in chapter 5, page 7. The described procedures only
apply to optek VIS and NIR Sensors AF16-N, AF16-F, AS16-N, AS16-F
and AF26.
All calibration procedures are described in general. For further
information, please refer to the instruction manuals of the particular
converters and sensors.

7.1. General Procedure

1. Preparation
The system to be calibrated must be wired and fully operational.
Allow analyzer at least 30 minutes to warm up. Make sure detector
assemblies are tightly screwed onto measuring cell, otherwise
measurement results will be compromised.
2. Sensor Identification
Record serial numbers of sensor and converter as well as activated
measurement input channels of the converter.
3. Filter Identification
Record serial number, filter type, date of calibration and nominal
values.
4. Sensor Body and Zero Medium
All procedures require a clean and empty sensor body or a sensor
body completely filled with stable zero medium. It is not necessary to
remove the sensor body from the pipeline. Also ensure that there is
no condensation or soiling on the windows.
5. Zero Point Adjustment / Record Initial Value
If possible, zero the instrument. Otherwise, record the current
measuring values.
6. Record / Disable Additional Measurement Functions
In case your measuring values are using calibration functions, such
as Sensor Adaptation, Linearization, Damping or mA inputs, record
all relevant values. If several calibration functions are being used, it
is recommended creating your own Calibration Product in the
C4000 converter. C4000 converters with software version C2 from
December 11th, 2007, or later versions may use the Detector Monitor
displaying raw measuring values. For further information on the
product definition and the detector monitor, please refer to the
C4000 instruction manual.
7. Remove Sealing Cover and Insert Filter
Loosen the 2 screws of the sealing cover of the detector adapter
and remove sealing cover and screws.
Take filter holder out of storage box and visually inspect reference
filter for dust or soiling. Clean it if necessary.
Insert filter holder in the detector adapter- the two pilot pins must
be inserted in the alignment holes.

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Fig.3: Insert Calibration Filter

Note:
The screws on the sealing cover are not secured against falling out. Make
sure not to loose any screw.

8. Record Measuring Result

Record displayed measuring result.
9. Evaluation of Measuring Result
Take calibration functions into account that are activated, then compare resulting value with certified nominal value on certification.

7.2. Calibration with Calibration Filter

7.2.1. Photometric Accuracy and Linearity
This test determines the accuracy and linearity of the photometer with respect
to the certified nominal values.
Nominal values for the photometric accuracy and linearity tests are the values
given in the calibration certificate on first page. Tolerances are given in the
calibration certificate on third page, chapter Instructions for use.

7.2.1.1.

Example Filter Calibration Photometric Accuracy and

Linearity
The following example documents a photometric accuracy test using an
NIR-L090 calibration filter and sensor AF16-N. The converter settings chosen
for this example include sensor adaptation and processing a mA-input. These
settings must be taken into account when determining the measuring result, as
shown in this example.

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Table 2: Example Initial Filter Calibration. Photometric Accuracy and Linearity

No.

Description:

Data:

01

Filter Type:

NIR-L090

02

Filter ID:

FH03B-11111-22

03

Calibration Date:

31.03.2010

04

Certified Value:

0.889CU

05

Admissible Range:

0.869 0.909CU

06

Serial Number Sensor:

12345

07

Serial Number Converter:

12346

08

Measurement Input:

09

Sensor Adaptation ABS-CU (A):

0.9

10

Multiplication mA Input 1:

yes

11

Value mA-Input:

50%

12

Measuring Result Zero Medium:

0.002

13

Measuring Result Calibration Filter:

0.401

14

Measuring Result minus Offset Zero

Point (No. 12)

0.401CU-0.002=0.399

15

Compensate for Sensor Adaptation

(No. 09)

* (1/0.9)= 0.443

16

Compensate for mA Input (No. 10,11)

* (1/0.5)=0.886

22

Calibration Value:

0.886 CU

23

Evaluation:

passed

For a subsequent calibration, this means:

Admissible Range: 0.877 0.895

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7.3. Calibration with Calibration Cuvette

7.3.1. Spectral Properties
In chapter 5.2.1, page 9, calibration with the FH03 calibration
cuvette filled with product or a specified calibration liquid has already been
described as the best calibration method for photometers. This procedure tests
the photometer in one single test step.
When using the FH03 calibration cuvette, some additional aspects must be
observed apart from the basic steps described in chapter 7.1, page 13. It is
most important to note that the correlation between absorption and concentration does not primarily depend on the concentration but on the reported absorption. For this reason, differences in OPL between sensor body and cuvette
must be corrected by a conversion factor m. Normally this procedure results in
smallest deviations between cuvette and sensor body measurements.
Table 3: Conversion Factor m as a Function of Sensor Body OPL

OPL [mm]
Conversion Factor m

1.0
0.4

2.5
1

5.0
2

10
4

20
8

40
16

For testing a photometer with the FH03 calibration cuvette, the product to be
analyzed or any appropriate calibration liquid can be used. When choosing a
calibration liquid, it is important its spectrum matches the product spectrum as
much as possible. The concentration of the calibration liquid in the cuvette
should roughly represent the absorption of the working point.
This method also consists of initial and subsequent applications. A subsequent
calibration with an FH03 calibration cuvette requires the test liquid be identical
with that used for initial calibration. Since preparation of a test liquid always
involves some uncertainties, and the absolute concentration of a product sample can also vary within certain limits, possible differences in concentration
between initial and subsequent calibration must be taken into account. For this
reason, it is recommended to establish a correlation between reference measurement and photometric measurement during initial calibration. It is the users
responsibility to choose the appropriate reference measurement, such as a
spectrophotometric measurement or the absolute mass of a test liquid. In many
cases, correlation was already established during the qualification process of
the measuring system. In these cases, the characteristic curve for determining
the actual concentration and the resulting nominal value should be used for
calibration.

7.3.2. Example Calibration with FH03 Calibration Cuvette

A concentration of 100 mg/l of a substance is to be measured in a sensor body
with 10 mm OPL (m=4). The weight concentration (mass) of this substance
serves as a reference. The accuracy of concentration is estimated to be approximately 2 %. Therefore, calibration points are chosen to be apart by 5 %
increments.
Table 4: Example Calibration with FH03 Calibration Cuvette

Working
Point
100 %

Calibration
Point
95 %
100 %
105 %

Concentration
Cuvette
380 mg/l
400 mg/l
420 mg/l

Measured
CU Value
0.740 CU
0.800 CU
0.860 CU

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Thus, slope is 0.003 CU/mg/l (in the cuvette), and concentration uncertainty is
0.5 % (here 2 mg/l), corresponding to 0.006 CU tolerance range for the
photometric measurement.
Fig. 4 shows the correlation between reference measurement (concentration in
[mg/l]) and photometric measurement, which will be used in subsequent calibrations for determining the photometric nominal value.
0.9

0.85

CU

0.8
0.79
6
0.75

0.7
370

380

390

400

410

420

430

c [mg/l]

Fig. 4: Example of a Calibration Curve

For a subsequent calibration, this means:

Table 5: Subsequent Calibration
Target
Concentration

Actual
Concentration

400 mg/l

399 mg/l

Absorption
Out
0.796
0.006 CU

Absorption
In

Value
O.K.?

0.795 CU

yes

Uncertainties including those of the sensor cannot be discussed here due to

the large number of possible applications. However, it is important to note that
the test will have passed if the photometric value is found to be within the uncertainties.

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8. Linearization Curves
Linearization Curves can be defined at select converters or in downstream signal processing. They can serve to convert measuring result to other unit scales
(mostly concentrations).
Especially for non-linear correlations between concentration and absorption,
use of linearization curves is recommended. When using the FH03 calibration
cuvette (apart from some basic steps described in chapter 7.1, page 13), some
additional aspects must be observed as well. It is important to note that the
correlation between absorption and concentration depends more on reported
absorption than on concentration. For example, double concentration does not
necessarily mean double absorbance. For this reason, differences in OPL
between sensor body and cuvette must be corrected by a conversion factor m.

8.1. General Procedure

1. Define maximum product concentration (cPmax) to be measured in the
process.
2. Define the optical path length (OPL) of your sensor body. Depending on the
OPL of the sensor body, conversion factors m for a calibration cuvette with
2.5 mm OPL are as follows.
Table. 6: Conversion Factor m as a Function of Sensor Body OPL

OPL [mm]
Conversion Factor m

1.0
0.4

2.5
1

5.0
2

10
4

20
8

40
16

3. Prior to establishing a linearization curve, make sure linearization tables that

may previously have been activated are disabled. In case mA input channels
or sensor adaptations are active, determine to what extent they apply to the
expected result and whether they affect measurement the same way as in
the cuvette (such as temperature compensation).
4. It is recommended to establish a linearization curve using at least three calibration points, including relative concentrations of 0 % (zero medium), 50 %
and 100 %. In this case concentrations required for cuvette measurement are
0.5*m* cPmax and m* cPmax. Depending on measuring range and curve shape,
the user may decide to increase number of calibration points in the linearization table, if deemed necessary.
Table 7: Linearization

Product Concentration
cP in the process

Product concentration
cC in the cuvette

* cPmax

*m* cPmax

cPmax

m*cPmax

CU value
measured with
cuvette

Output values in the

Linearization table

Input values in
the
Linearization
table

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9. Glossary
Table 7: Glossary

Term

Explanation

Adjustment

Operation of bringing a measurement system into a state of performance suitable for its use, such as adjusting an output value of a
measuring system until its reading agrees with that of a reference
standard.

AU

Absorption Unit
The dimensionless absorption value of log (1/T).
T = % Transmission

Calibration

Operation of establishing, under specified conditions, the relationship between values of quantities indicated by a measuring system
and corresponding nominal values (calibration standards).

Conversion Factor m

Factor that accounts for the difference in OPL between calibration

cuvette (2,5 mm OPL) and inline sensor body in the process. Used
to calculate the concentrations of calibration standards in the cuvette, whose absorption values are equivalent to those found in the
process sensor body at a different OPL.

CU

Concentration Unit
The dimensionless absorption value of log (1/T) measured with an
optek filter photometer.
T = % Transmission

Deviation of linearity

Deviation of the real measurement from the theoretical linear correlation.

Double aperture method

Method to determine the linearity of a light measurement. No reference standard required here, therefore with inherent minimal measurement uncertainties.

Expanded uncertainty

Standard uncertainty multiplied by coverage factor k to define interval about measurement result, within which measurements can be
confidently asserted to lie. Mostly k=2, corresponding to 95% of
measurements being within the interval defined.

Full Width at Half Maximum

FWHM

Distance between two wavelengths of a transmission curve of an

interference filter, at which transmission values are equal to 50 % of
the peak maximum of this curve.

Integration time

Property of a spectrophotometric measurement. Amount of time, a

spectrophotometer looks at the incoming light to determine an average measurement value.

Mean wavelength

Center wavelength between the two wavelengths, at which transmission values reach 50 % of the peak maximum.

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA

NIST-traceable

Measuring results tracing back to a chain of comparisons to standards approved by NIST are referred to as NIST-traceable.

OD

Optical Density
Absorption value standardized to an optical path length (OPL) of 10
mm. OD can be calculated by dividing absorption by OPL in centimetres.

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Optical path length (OPL)

Distance that light passes through a sample.

Peak wavelength

Wavelength, at which transmission curve of an interference filter

reaches its maximum.

Photometric accuracy

Accuracy with which a measurement of two photocurrents and the

calculation of its relationship with respect to its logarithm is carried
out.

Process photometer

Measuring system for absorption / transmission, which measures at

fix wavelength(s). Used directly in the process line.

PTB

Physikalisch-Technische-Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig. National

metrology institute in Germany.

Sensor adaptation

Factor used to adjust measurement result of a measuring function.

Function of optek C4000 converter.

Slit height

Property of a spectrophotometric measurement that affects geometry and intensity of the light beam.

Slit width

Property of a spectrophotometric measurement defining spectral

resolution.

Spectral accuracy

Accuracy with which the set wavelength of a spectrophotometer

corresponds to the target wavelength.

Spectrophotometer /
Spectrometer

Apparatus measuring absorption / transmission values over a wavelength range of different wavelengths (simultaneously or successively). Designed usually for laboratory use.

SRM

Standard Reference Material CRM issued under the NIST

trademark.

Tolerance / uncertainty

Region about a measurement value, which is likely to enclose the

true (correct) value.

Traceability

Property of a measurement result relating the result to a stated metrological reference through an unbroken chain of calibrations of a
measuring system or comparisons, each contributing to the stated
measurement uncertainty.

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10. Spare parts

Calibration filters and cuvettes
VIS-L0.45
VIS-L0.9
VIS-L1.8
NIR-L0.45
NIR-L0.9
NIR-L1.8
FH03 calibration cuvette
Recertifications
Recertification VIS-L
Recertification NIR-L

1442-0025-0223-13
1442-0025-0223-23
1442-0025-0223-33
1442-0025-0213-13
1442-0025-0213-23
1442-0025-0213-33
1448-0102-0000-03

1452-0600-1000-03
1452-0500-1000-03

Accessories and spare parts

Case for 7 filter boxes
Set stoppers for calibration cuvette
(10 pieces)
O-Ring set 2.00 x 1.00 Viton (20
pieces)
O-Ring set 18.77 x 1.78 Viton
(4 pieces)
Screw set M3 x 10 DIN7985 (10
pieces)

1450-1000-0000-00
1206-0010-4840-86
1203-0020-0050-02
1203-0004-0013-02
1206-0010-0058-01

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11. Appendix
11.1. Declaration of decontamination
For the safety of our employees and because of legal regulations we need a
signed declaration of decontamination before your return can be handled.
This signed declaration must be included with the shipping documents on the
outside of the packaging.
Any returns which were exposed to hazardous substances and were not
professionally decontaminated are not accepted and will be sent back on your
cost.
opteks declaration of decontamination and contact information can be
found on our website www.optek.com.

11.2. Disposal
Special legal regulations apply to the return and disposal of industrial waste
equipment. However, manufacturer and user can contractually agree on
which party is to fulfil these legal obligations.
Observe current national disposal regulations.
To dispose packaging material, please separate materials into the
following groups:
Paper / paperboard
Plastic
For disposal, disassemble the system components and separate them
according to different material groups.
Dispose of materials according to national and local regulations.
If no agreement has been made, products may be shipped to optek for
disposal.

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11.3. Sample certificate for VIS-L090 Calibration Filter

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11.4. Contacts

For further inquiry, feel free to contact us or our distributing partners at

any time:
Germany
optek-Danulat GmbH
Emscherbruchallee 2
45356 Essen / Germany
Phone: +49-(0)201-63409-0
Fax: +49-(0)201-63409-999
E-Mail: info@optek.de

China
optek-Danulat Shanghai Co., Ltd
Room 718 Building 1
No. 88 Keyuan Road
Pudong Zhangjiang
Shanghai, China 201203
Phone: +86 21 2898 6326
Fax: +86 21 2898 6325
E-Mail: info@optek-danulat.com

USA
optek-Danulat Inc.
N118 W18748 Bunsen Drive
Germantown WI 53022 / USA
Phone: +1 262 437 3600
Toll free call: +1 800 371 4288
Fax: +1 262 437 3699
E-Mail: info@optek.com

88
718
:201203
:+86-21-28986326
:+86-21-28986325
E-Mail: info@optek-danulat.com

Singapore
optek-Danulat Pte. Ltd.
25 Intl Business Park
#02-09-f German Centre
Singapore 609916
Phone: +65 6562 8292
Fax: +65 6562 8293
E-Mail: info@optek.com.sg

Please visit our website for contact details of our local distributors in other
countries.
www.optek.com

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