Frequently Asked Questions
Ion Selective Electrodes
An ISE is an ion selective electrode.
It converts the activity of a specific ion dissolved in water into an electrical potential.
i.e. for how many measurement-cleaning-calibration cycles can they be reused?
There is no fixed number for the average number of samples for probe exchange, although we normally use a minimum base of 500 samples.
There are probes that often go well beyond that number without loss of sensitivity and others that barely reach 500.
Each probe functions as an individual, when one probe is off, the others continue to function properly.
Replacement is also done individually.
If the probes are used every day, the minimum average number of samples is multiplied by a factor of 2 (#1000 samples). The more probes used, the higher the sample throughput.
In addition, this sensitivity is closely related to storage and shortage.
Maintenance is done by rinsing it with water, drying it properly and storing it in its plastic cap at room temperature.
The number and matrix of samples and aging also affect them.
The best accuracy under ideal conditions is 4%.
Under standard conditions, comparisons with other techniques of up to 15% for monovalents and 20% for divalents are acceptable.
Ammonium, chloride, nitrate, potassium and sodium have a +/-10% margin error.
Magnesium and calcium have +/-20%.
The table of general specifications for each parameter is attached.
As a general rule, it is 4% accuracy and 10% repeatability.
It is made individually and only requires tweezers.
See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkmbfXaY8Fo
No, each sensor works individually.
Even if one is worn out or damaged, the rest will continue to work properly.
You should clean them with DI water and store them after making sure they are dry.
We manufacture other types of sensors in addition to the 7 multi-ion application.
They are usually sold as individual electrodes, as they require a methodology for a low concentration range of sensors.
We manufacture other types of sensors in addition to the 7 multi-ion application.
They are usually sold as individual electrodes, as they require a methodology for a low concentration range of sensors.
The MAXIMUM immersion depth for IC2 instruments and two nano ISE sensors (ISE and reference), with alligator clip mounting is 9mm
For IC10 instruments, consisting of multi-ion probe and pH/reference probe is 30mm, up to the maximum immersion mark.
The MINIMUM immersion depth for ISE sensors with an IC10 instrument, consisting of a multi-ion probe and pH/reference probe, is 12 mm.
For IC2 instruments and two nano ISE sensors, with an alligator clip mounting is 5 mm.
The lifetime of Imacimus sensors can vary depending on several factors, such as frequency of use, care and maintenance, as well as the conditions of the samples and the matrix in which they are used.
There is no defined lifetime for the sensors, as their performance may vary from user to user.
Under optimal conditions and with proper use, Imacimus sensors can last several months to a year before they need to be replaced.
ISE sensors are best suited for point monitoring activities.
These drifting sensors are not suitable for long term deployment.
Imacimus Software has a monitoring configuration section, which can be used to monitor short-term reactions (up to 24-48h).
Perform frequent QA/QC and calibration on ISE sensors, need to check the sample drift.
We use the equipment seasonally... and we go several months without using it.
What care or maintenance should we provide during that period of time when we are not doing sap sampling?
There is no regular maintenance.
Clean (with deionized water), let dry before covering with plastic lid, and store in a dry place away from sunlight and high temperatures in the equipment after each use.
The consumable part of the equipment should be renewed when it is exhausted.
Yes, of course they do.
They share a common reference electrode for all electrodes.
Please check out the Imacimus series, which uses our innovative multi-ion probe to measure up to seven different electrodes to be handled as a single handy probe.
Never.
It should be recovered immediately and rinsed with DI water.
Advantages of our sensors:
- NT Sensors electrodes are manufactured with our patented technology
- Solid state selective electrodes are based on carbon nanotube technology
- Miniaturized ion probe
- Single and multiple ion probe options
- Allow to work in all positions (horizontal/reverse)
- No sensitivity to light or ORP
- Affordable
- Easy-to-replace tips
In general, for overnight or longer storage, ISEs should always be rinsed with deionized water and gently dried with a low-lint tissue, and the black plastic cap should be replaced to protect the membrane from atmospheric oxidation/corrosion.
The reference electrodes should be prevented from drying out when not in use by replacing the protective cap containing a small amount of the appropriate external filling solution.
IMACIMUS Series
Imacimus is a tool that provides information on macronutrients in an easy and reliable way to better manage the crop and reduce costs in precision agriculture.
(fertigation system, hydroponic recirculation system, sap analysis, soil extract, foliage, water, drainage, etc.).
It calibrates, measures and displays simultaneously up to 10 parameters (7 ions + pH + conductivity + water hardness) in real time and only needs one minute per sample.
Measurements are saved directly to an Excel (.csv) file.
The meter is portable and requires a Windows system (PC or laptop) to run the software.
No power supply is required, only a USB port.
The IMACIMUS is a Multi-ION meter/analyzer based on the electrochemical technique, Nernst Law, with the innovation of a patented carbon nanotube technology inside.
It is a quantitative instrument with laboratory precision, and like any other laboratory technique, it is user-dependent.
Each electrode has detection limits.
For more information related to that please take a look at the data sheets.
The electrodes are expendable, and are spare parts that must be replaced by the user from time to time.
The IMACIMUS is a Multi-ION meter/analyzer based on the electrochemical technique, Nernst Law, with the innovation of a patented carbon nanotube technology inside.
It is a quantitative instrument with laboratory precision, and like any other laboratory technique, it is user-dependent.
Each electrode has detection limits.
For more information related to that please take a look at the data sheets.
The electrodes are expendable, and are spare parts that must be replaced by the user from time to time.
Imacimus is a laboratory instrument, based on electrochemistry, so the results are comparable to any laboratory measurement. The electrochemical instruments offer quantitative determination of ionic species (parameters) with high precision.
It also depends on how the user cares for/manages the equipment.
If the sample is in the same condition, the Imacimus results are on the same basis as any other laboratory report.
I have attached a technical report showing related comparative information from Imacimus vs other labs, which was held a few years ago by an independent party.
Yes, the meter can be used with both the single ion probe and the multiple ion probe, although this must be done separately.
Conductivity is related to the ionic composition/quantity and mobility of ionic species in it.
Commonly, it is measured through a specific conductivity probe (a physical sensor).
But Imacimus 10 provides the readout for most of the ions in solution.
Our R&D team obtained a direct ratio of Imacimus 10 ions overall, and performed a theoretical calculation for the expected EC in the samples.
Therefore, Imacimus 10 determines the concentration of the ions and displays a theoretical value calculated from a reading.
There is no specific EC sensor for this, as it is calculated through a formula.
Generally, Imacimus has a similar correlation with other sensors in the EC market.
Conductivity is a theoretical value calculated from the basis of ionic balance by reading most of the ions.
There is no specific sensor for it, as it is calculated through a formula
No, they cannot send the information to other systems.
Imacimus 10 comes as a closed equipment.
Other equipment has connectivity options.
AMIC7
Conditioning
To rehydrate the sensor and balance them all before measurement.
Leave the sensor immersed in the conditioning solution for a limited time.
Conditioning time depends on the use of the equipment.
With daily use, we recommend conditioning for 20 to 30 minutes.
With sporadic use (weekly, monthly), we recommend 2 to 3 hours of conditioning before calibration.
According to the first conditioning period, what happens if I leave the probe more/less than the indicated time?
It is advisable to condition the probe a maximum of 8h for the first conditioning.
A shorter time (<4h, first use) may not have the optimal condition for the calibration of any sensor.
It is not recommended to exceed 24h of conditioning.
Imacimus is a laboratory instrument, based on electrochemistry, so the results are comparable to any laboratory measurement. The electrochemical instruments offer quantitative determination of ionic species (parameters) with high precision.
It also depends on how the user cares for/manages the equipment.
If the sample is in the same condition, the Imacimus results are on the same basis as any other laboratory report.
I have attached a technical report showing related comparative information from Imacimus vs other labs, which was held a few years ago by an independent party.
Yes, the meter can be used with both the single ion probe and the multiple ion probe, although this must be done separately.
Conductivity is related to the ionic composition/quantity and mobility of ionic species in it.
Commonly, it is measured through a specific conductivity probe (a physical sensor).
But Imacimus 10 provides the readout for most of the ions in solution.
Our R&D team obtained a direct ratio of Imacimus 10 ions overall, and performed a theoretical calculation for the expected EC in the samples.
Therefore, Imacimus 10 determines the concentration of the ions and displays a theoretical value calculated from a reading.
There is no specific EC sensor for this, as it is calculated through a formula.
Generally, Imacimus has a similar correlation with other sensors in the EC market.
Conductivity is a theoretical value calculated from the basis of ionic balance by reading most of the ions.
There is no specific sensor for it, as it is calculated through a formula
No, they cannot send the information to other systems.
Imacimus 10 comes as a closed equipment.
Other equipment has connectivity options.
AMIC7
Calibration
When the results on the display show the v symbol.
If the calibration and measurement have been performed correctly, the value read should be 10 mg/L.
You should pay attention not to
a) do not cross-reference standard solutions with other solutions with higher values.
b) you must leave the sensor immersed for one minute to obtain the electrode value.
Every day you are going to measure a calibration.
Works for all measurements/samples
You can measure all required samples with a single calibration.
However, it is recommended to recalibrate every 10-15 samples for Standard 2 (you can do this manually or set the alarm in our software).
The equipment is factory verified.
Calibration of the system is generally performed by the same user who takes the readings, as it is a simple process, and only takes a few minutes.
The equipment is similar to a pH measurement system, which, being dual channel, allows measurement of pH and ion.
Instructions are attached in electronic format (105_Imacimus2_UserGuide // 201_SingleIon_UserGuide).
In any case, if the technician who will employ it, has any doubt, he can contact our technical service through our website, and that would support in the use of the system or training.
During calibration only the pH electrode should be rinsed with DI water, not the multi-ion probe, this is not necessary as we always calibrate from lowest to highest concentration.
Always rinse with DI water after measuring a sample.
If I have conditioned the probe 8h and when doing the first calibration I get some parameters with "X" what is happening?
Empty and clean the bottles in the case, dry them and refill them with new calibration liquid.
If it persists, check the sensor connectivity and/or replace the sensor.
If an electrode consistently fails calibration, can it be related to any other sensor?
Which one?
No.
The sensors operate independently.
In how many calibrations could an electrode be said to be depleted?
There is no exact number.
The calibration parameters indicate the status of the calibration over time/use.
Depending on the type of sample, preservation and handling, as well as the type of electrode, will determine the need for electrode replacement.
The equipment is isolated, although these waves may alter the results of the device.
If so, to what extent is it recommended to maintain the devices?
As far as possible to avoid distorted data.
There are many sensors that are not calibrating, what can I do?
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.
Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Take a look at our instruction manual: Advanced User Guide.
Calibrate daily, before using the equipment.
Recalibrate every 10-15 samples, or if more than 2h of calibration have passed.
(Recalibration depends on the required accuracy, more or less often).
What if the kit I bought for sap measurement, but I calibrate with standard solutions already included in the kit?
The ranges included with the kit are suitable for a wide range of samples and allow extrapolation of data.
That is, you can measure sap samples with the initial solutions.
Alternatively, calibrators are manufactured that are closer to specific sample ranges, such as sap and others, to improve accuracy.
Measure
Can the Imacimus results be compared with those of the laboratories?
Are there any studies/documents with related comparative information?
Imacimus is a laboratory equipment, based on electrochemistry, so the results are comparable to any laboratory measurement.
Electrochemical instruments offer quantitative determination of ionic species (parameters), with high accuracy.
It also depends on how the user cares/manages the equipment.
If the sample is in the same condition, the Imacimus results are within the same basis as any other lab report.
I have attached a technical report showing related comparative information from Imacimus vs other labs, which was held a few years ago by an independent party.
If the sample is in the same condition, the Imacimus results are within the same basis as any other lab report.
I have attached a technical report showing related comparative information from Imacimus vs other labs, which was held a few years ago by an independent party.
Yes, of course they do.
They share a common reference electrode.
The probes are not made to remain immersed in the sample solution for a long time.
It is recommended to retract the probe or use a flow cell / or automatic system.
AMIC7
No, probes are not designed to remain submerged for a long period, as they must be recalibrated often and it affects their life expectancy.
If a sensor is in a sample, it is running continuously, whether it is reading the sample or not.
They are also not designed to be completely submerged; there is a mark on the probe that indicates the maximum immersion level.
Depending on your target, we have low, medium and high range calibration solutions (more information in the calibration solutions available in PDF).
If required, we can also create specific solutions tailored to your needs.
The medium range generally comes with the equipment, and works for a wide range of samples.
There are 3 different options for continuous monitoring available:
1) Collect all measurements for the day (or per week), and try to get the measurements all together (takes about 1 minute per sample when calibrated)
2) Use the probes in a measuring cell/receiver.
Just make sure the probes are left in the air between measurements and use a small pumping system to fill the sample.
3) Switch to an automatic system (see our catalog and contact us for more information).
Never.
It should be recovered immediately and rinsed with DI water.
No, the measurement is performed directly.
Color or turbidity does not affect the results, although filtration is always recommended.
The pH range is wide and a variation in pH does not significantly affect the results between 4-9.
It depends on the sensor model, generally one drop is the minimum amount.
The tip surface must be in contact with the sample.
For the standard Nano 2.5 it is about 100uL and for the Mini 4.6/ Single Ion 12 mm the minimum is about 5 ml.
What is the maximum sample temperature range to obtain real values that do not damage the sensors?
Range of use 5-35ºC.
Samples should be at the same temperature as the calibration solutions.
Ideal for maximum sensitivity is at room temperature (20-25ºC).
Over your working temperature range (5-50Cº) does the temperature of the sample solution affect the concentration measurement and, if so, does it compensate for it on the circuit board?
In an ISE the measurement temperature is a factor to be taken into account.
There is no temperature compensation in ISE sensors.
Generally, measurements should be taken at a temperature similar to the calibration temperature.
Yes, the meter can be used with both the single ion probe and the multiple ion probe, although this must be done separately.
Standards
We manufacture multi-ION standards so that up to seven IONs can be calibrated simultaneously.
It is possible to calibrate each ion individually with its own single standard, but this is not as common at least for the agricultural field.
Laboratory uses may require specific standards, so the use of single ion standards would make more sense.
Use 15-20ml for up to 3 calibrations.
15 ml / change every 3 calibrations
125mL Bottle -> a minimum of 25 calibrations -> 625 samples
250mL Bottle -> a minimum of 50 calibrations -> 1250 samples
It is estimated to last approximately 60 calibrations.
Software
The software provided for imacimus is only executable on Windows based systems.
To run on IOS, you will be prompted to install a Windows emulator, and then run the imacimus software in that environment.
Use 15-20ml for up to 3 calibrations.No, data can be exported from the software via a .
csv file; although you can manually upload that file to a cloud if you wish.
Our systems are not suitable for such parameters, as the required concentration is usually below 0.1 ppm and ion selective electrodes do not work properly in that lower range.
When downloading the software, is it mandatory to make the measurements always with the same laptop or can I transfer the data from one PC to another?
You can download the software as many times as you need using the serial number of your meter.
The data is stored locally, but you can transfer it to a .
csv file and move it freely.
When downloading the software, is it mandatory to make the measurements always with the same laptop or can I transfer the data from one PC to another?
You can download the software as many times as you need using the serial number of your meter.
The data is stored locally, but you can transfer it to a .
csv file and move it freely.
AMIC7
The IMACIMUS is a Multi-ION meter/analyzer based on the electrochemical technique, Nernst Law, with the innovation of a patented carbon nanotube technology inside.
It is a quantitative instrument with laboratory precision, and like any other laboratory technique, it is user-dependent.
Each electrode has detection limits.
For more information related to that please have a look at the data sheets.
The electrodes are expendable, and are spare parts that must be replaced by the user from time to time.
Yes, it can be integrated on its own PCB, although the output for the sensors is analog, mV data.
You need a high impedance input (similar to pH electrodes) to read the ISE signal.
Digital: USB/UART
Analog: 4-20mA signal
Arduino C+ open source platform
We have a module that is a multi-parameter meter, with output connectivity using Rx, Tx communication for developers with Arduino or similar.
This can be used as an alternative, or you can adapt your PCB to read ISE correctly.
Yes, it can be integrated on its own PCB, although the output for the sensors is analog, mV data.
You need a high impedance input (similar to pH electrodes) to read the ISE signal.
Digital: USB/UART
Analog: 4-20mA signal
Arduino C+ open source platform
We have a module that is a multi-parameter meter, with output connectivity using Rx, Tx communication for developers with Arduino or similar.
This can be used as an alternative, or you can adapt your PCB to read ISE correctly.
PARTNER
Our company manufactures ISE electrodes and meters/analyzers.
Our meters process the analog signal from the sensors to a digital output.
We have a research model that is directly connected to an OPEN SOURCE PLATFORM to read the mV output of the sensor.
Our meters are multiparametric, up to 7 different parameters simultaneously.
The NTx DEVELOP series devices are based on an internal programming that allows to obtain the raw signal data from the sensors in digital format (mV), through Rx, Tx, GND communication.
One of the typical applications is to couple the Arduino equipment, which interrogates the meter when it wants to obtain the reading of the sensors.
