Hanna Instruments Water Conditioning Photometer – HI83308

The HI83308 benchtop photometer uses 23 different methods to measure 15 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 HI83308 was designed to measure the most common water quality parameters. Iron is an important parameter to test for when testing water quality because it can affect colour, odour, and turbidity, as well as being the most troublesome factor for appliances and surfaces in contact with water. Iron levels in water can cause clogged water pipes or heat exchangers. Furthermore, because ammonia is highly soluble in water and extremely toxic to fish, ammonia detection in water treatment systems is especially important for aquarium owners and fish farm operators. Fluoride is another important parameter in water quality monitoring. Fluoride is best known for its ability to prevent tooth decay. While fluoride does help prevent tooth decay, too little fluoride can be ineffective, while too much fluoride can cause tooth staining.

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 HI83308 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 four light wavelengths (420 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 meter. The meter 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 the use of the meter

Built-in Reaction Timer for Photometric Measurements

• The measurement is taken after the countdown timer expires.
• The countdown timer ensures that all readings are taken at the appropriate reaction intervals regardless of the 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

• An 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 users to potential problems during the calibration process
• Space saving by 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 the 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 a clean electrode, check buffer and check probe

On-screen Features

Method Selection
Users can easily select any one of the 23 measurement methods via the dedicated METHOD button.

Data Logging
Up to 1000 measurement readings can be logged with the 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

HI83308 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

An 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 are 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 HI83308 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 HI83308 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.