Hanna Instruments Aquaculture Photometer – HI83303

The HI83303 is a small multiparameter photometer designed for aquaculture applications. The meter is one of the most advanced available, with an innovative optical design that employs a reference detector and focusing lens to eliminate errors caused by changes in the light source as well as imperfections in the glass cuvette. This meter includes 20 different programmed methods for measuring 12 key water quality parameters, as well as an absorbance measurement mode for performance verification and users who want to develop their own concentration versus absorbance curves. Aquaculture parameters such as alkalinity, calcium, nitrite, and phosphate are essential for a healthy system. It also includes parameters that are specific to a marine or freshwater environment.

With its digital pH/temperature electrode input, the HI83303 doubles as a professional pH meter, saving valuable laboratory benchtop space. Now, a single meter can perform both photometric and pH measurements.

A cutting-edge optical system
A benchtop photometer with unrivaled performance
Input from a digital pH electrode
Save valuable bench space by using a meter that functions as both a photometer and a laboratory pH meter.
Mode of Measuring Absorbance

Category: Photo Meter

Description

The HI83303 benchtop photometer uses 20 different methods to measure 12 different key water quality parameters. This photometer has an innovative optical system that employs LEDs, narrow band interference filters, a focusing lens, and both a silicon photodetector for absorbance measurement and a reference detector to ensure accurate and repeatable photometric readings every time.

The HI83303, designed specifically for the aquaculture industry, is a comprehensive solution for maintaining optimal chemical and environmental conditions, preventing disease, and increasing production. The HI83303 measures important parameters like alkalinity, calcium, nitrite, and phosphate. Alkalinity has a dynamic relationship with pH and CO2 concentrations; high alkalinity water reduces pH fluctuations. The buffering capacity stores extra CO2, which is required for photosynthesis in the ponds to produce oxygen. Maintaining specific calcium levels is critical for proper fish growth and development. Nitrite in excess can be toxic to fish. When nitrite interacts with haemoglobin, the iron is oxidised, and the blood cell no longer has the ability to carry oxygen. Phosphate is necessary for plant growth; however, too much phosphate in an aquaculture system can contribute to algal blooms, which reduce dissolved oxygen, which is essential for a healthy ecosystem.

A digital pH electrode input enables the user to measure pH using a standard glass electrode. The digital pH electrode incorporates a microchip within the probe that stores all calibration data. Because the calibration information is stored in the probe, it is possible to swap pH electrodes without having to recalibrate. With a built-in thermistor located in the tip of the sensing bulb for fast and accurate temperature measurement, all pH measurements are automatically compensated for temperature variations.

The HI83303 has an absorbance measuring mode that allows CAL Check standards to be used to validate the system’s performance. The absorbance mode allows the user to measure and plot their own concentration versus absorbance mode by selecting one of five light wavelengths (420 nm, 466 nm, 525 nm, 575 nm, and 610 nm). This is helpful for users who have their own chemical method as well as educators who want to teach the concept of absorbance using the Beer-Lambert Law.

There are two USB ports for transferring data to a flash drive or computer and powering the metre. The metre can also run on an internal 3.7 VDC Lithium-polymer rechargeable battery for added convenience and portability.

Features/Benefits:

Backlit 128 x 64 Pixel Graphic LCD Display

Backlit graphic display allows for easy viewing in low light conditions
The 128 x 64 Pixel LCD allows for a simplified user interface with virtual keys and on-screen help to guide the user through use of the meter

Built-in Reaction Timer for Photometric Measurements

The measurement is taken after the countdown timer expires.
Countdown timer ensures that all readings are taken at the appropriate reaction intervals regardless of user for better consistency in measurements

Absorbance mode

Hanna’s exclusive CAL Check cuvettes for validation of light source and detector
Allows for the user to plot concentration versus absorbance for a specific wavelength for use with user-supplied chemistry or for teaching principles of photometry

Units of Measure

Appropriate unit of measure along with chemical form is displayed along with reading

Result Conversion

Automatically convert readings to other chemical forms with the touch of a button

Cuvette Cover

Aids in preventing stray light from affecting measurements

Digital pH Electrode Input

Measure pH and temperature with a single probe
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) to track calibration information including date, time, buffers used, offset and slope for traceability
pH CAL Check alerts user to potential problems during the calibration process
Space saving having a pH meter and photometer built into one meter

Data Logging

Up to 1000 photometric and pH readings can be stored by simply pressing the dedicated LOG button. Logged readings are just as easily recalled by pressing the RCL button
Sample ID and User ID information can be added to a logged reading using alphanumeric keypad

Connectivity

Logged readings can be quickly and easily transferred to a flash drive using the USB-A host port or to a computer using the micro USB-B port
Data is exported as a .CSV file for use with common spreadsheet programs

Battery Status Indicator

Indicates the amount of battery life left

Error Messages

Photometric error messages include no cap, high zero, and standard too low
pH calibration messages include clean electrode, check buffer and check probe

On-screen Features

Method Selection
Users can easily select any one of the 20 measurement methods via the dedicated METHOD button.

Data Logging
Up to 1000 measurement readings can be logged with user and sample ID and recalled for future use.

pH Measurement Mode
Selecting the pH measurement mode allows for the photometer to be used as a professional pH meter with many features including temperature compensated measurements, automatic two point calibration, and GLP.

Advanced Optical System

HI83303 is designed with an innovative optical system that incorporates a beam splitter so that light can be used for absorbance readings and for a reference detector. The reference detector monitors the intensity of light and modulates when there is drift due to power fluctuation or the heating of the optical components. Each part has an important role in providing unparalleled performance from a photometer.

High Efficiency LED Light Source

A LED light source offers superior performance as compared to a tungsten lamp. LEDs have a much higher luminous efficiency, providing more light while using less power. They also produce very little heat, which could otherwise affect the optical components and electronic stability. LEDs are available in a wide array of wavelengths, whereas tungsten lamps are supposed to be white light (all wavelengths of visible light) but actually have a poor blue/violet light output.

High-Quality Narrow Band Interference Filters

The narrow band interference filter not only ensures greater wavelength accuracy (+/- 1 nm) but is extremely efficient. The filters used allow up to 95% of the light from the LED to be transmitted as compared to other filters that are only 75% efficient. The higher efficiency allows for a brighter, stronger light source. The end result is higher measurement stability and less wavelength error.

Reference Detector for a Stable Light Source

A beam splitter is used as part of the internal reference system of the HI83303 photometer. The reference detector compensates for any drift due to power fluctuations or ambient temperature changes. Now you can rely on a stable source of light between your blank (zero) measurement and sample measurement.

Large Cuvette Size

The sample cell of the HI83303 fits a round, glass cuvette with a 25 mm path length. Along with the advanced optical components, the larger size of the cuvette greatly reduces errors in rotation from the indexing mark of the cuvettes. The relatively long path length of the sample cuvette allows the light to pass through more of the sample solution, ensuring accurate measurements even in low absorbance samples.

Focusing Lens for Greater Light Yield

Adding a focusing lens to the optical path allows for the collection of all of the light that exits the cuvette and focuses the light on the silicon photodetector. This novel approach to photometric measurements cancels the errors from imperfections and scratches present in the glass cuvette eliminating the need to index the cuvette.