Hanna HI93703-11 ISO Compliant Turbidity Meter with Data Logging

Description

Unveiling the Hanna HI93703-11 Turbidity Meter

The Hanna HI93703-11 is a cutting-edge portable logging turbidity meter designed to provide highly precise turbidity measurements for water and wastewater, both in the field and in the laboratory. This microprocessor-based instrument fully complies with the ISO 7027 International Standard, a critical feature that ensures accurate and reliable results by minimizing color interference. The meter operates across two distinct ranges: 0.00 to 50.00 FTU and 50 to 1000 FTU, with an intelligent autoranging function that selects the most suitable scale for the measurement. Beyond its core measurement capabilities, the HI93703-11 integrates a real-time clock and log-on-demand functionality, enabling the storage of up to 199 measurements for later retrieval. This blend of precision and practical features makes it a vital tool for professionals. The tpt24 online store stands as the premier global retailer for this product, guaranteeing its authenticity and quality with worldwide delivery to any country.

The Scientific Principle Behind Turbidity Measurement

The operational principle of the HI93703-11 is rooted in the ISO 7027 method. It functions by directing a beam of infrared light (890 nm) through a vial containing the water sample. A silicon photocell light detector is positioned at a 90° angle to the light path. This detector measures the amount of light scattered by the undissolved particles present in the sample, such as clay, silt, and microorganisms. The meter’s microprocessor then converts these readings into FTU values, which are identical to the widely recognized NTU units. This measurement approach, utilizing infrared light, is a key advantage as it effectively mitigates errors caused by the color of the dissolved substances, a common problem with instruments that use visible light. The optical system is also engineered to have very low stray light, which is crucial for achieving high accuracy, especially in low-turbidity samples.

Crucial Applications for Diverse Water Types

Turbidity measurement is a critical parameter in a variety of water quality applications. For drinking water, it is considered a fundamental safeguard against pathogens, as suspended particles can shield and protect harmful microorganisms from disinfection processes. The HI93703-11’s high precision and low detection limit make it perfectly suited for monitoring drinking water, where even minimal turbidity can indicate a potential problem. In the realm of environmental monitoring, turbidity measurements are taken in natural water sources to gauge the overall health of the ecosystem and its suitability for aquatic organisms. For wastewater treatment facilities, the continuous monitoring of turbidity is essential to ensure that the effluent meets strict regulatory standards before it is discharged back into the environment. The ability to perform these measurements with a portable, logging device like the HI93703-11 greatly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of water quality management programs.

An Operational Guide to the Meter

The HI93703-11 is designed for simple, intuitive operation, controlled by just five keys. After installing the batteries, a simple press of the ON/OFF key powers the unit on. The meter conducts a self-test and a battery test, displaying the remaining battery life as a percentage. When the LCD shows “—-“, the device is ready for a measurement. To take a reading, a clean cuvette is filled with the sample, wiped with a lint-free tissue, and placed into the cell, aligning the notch on the cap with the groove. By pressing the READ key, the meter performs the measurement, and the turbidity value appears in approximately 20 seconds. The keypad is water-resistant, allowing for quick cleanups with a moist cloth.

Ensuring Accuracy with Professional Calibration Standards

To ensure accurate measurements, the HI93703-11 features a powerful calibration function that can be performed at two or three points. It is recommended to calibrate the meter at least once a month for optimal accuracy. The calibration procedure is straightforward and uses supplied standards of 0, 10, and 500 FTU. Hanna Instruments provides AMCO AEPA-1 standards, which are recognized as a primary standard by the USEPA. These non-toxic standards are made of uniform polymer spheres and offer exceptional stability and a long shelf life of up to six months, making them highly practical and reusable. In contrast, formazine, an older standard, is a toxic and unstable substance that requires immediate use after preparation. The HI93703-11’s compatibility with AMCO AEPA-1 standards ensures consistent and reliable calibration over time. The last calibration date is automatically stored and can be retrieved by pressing the GLP/CAL key.

Robust Data Logging and PC Connectivity

A key function of the HI93703-11 is its data logging capability, which allows users to store up to 199 measurements on demand. After a reading is taken, simply pressing the STO button stores the value in the meter’s memory. The display shows the reference number of the stored sample, making it easy to track individual readings. The meter also includes a real-time clock, so each stored measurement is logged with the corresponding date and time. This logged data can be easily viewed on the meter itself by pressing the ALT and VIEW buttons together. For more comprehensive data management, the stored measurements can be transferred to a PC using an optional HI920011 serial cable and the HI92000 Windows-compatible software, which can be downloaded from Hanna’s website. This feature is invaluable for long-term monitoring, trend analysis, and creating detailed reports.

Efficient Power Management and Battery Monitoring

The HI93703-11 is designed with efficient power management to maximize battery life without compromising functionality. It operates on four standard 1.5V AA alkaline batteries, which provide approximately 60 hours of continuous use or 900 measurements. To conserve energy, the meter is equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that activates after 5 minutes of non-use. This feature is automatically disabled when the meter is connected to a computer for data transfer. A continuous battery level check is performed upon startup, and a “LO BAT” indicator appears in the lower right corner of the display when the battery level drops below 10%. When the batteries are too weak to guarantee reliable measurements, a “0% LO BAT” message is displayed, and the meter automatically shuts off, signaling the need for immediate replacement.

Physical Design and Comprehensive Accessories Package

The HI93703-11 is housed in a rugged and lightweight case, designed for durability and portability. Its user-friendly design includes a clear LCD for easy reading. The device is supplied with a carrying case, a glass cuvette with a cap, four 1.5V AA batteries, and an instruction manual. A positive-locking system ensures the cuvette is firmly seated in the measurement cell, providing consistent and repeatable results. Hanna Instruments offers a wide range of accessories for the meter, including spare cuvettes, cuvette cleaning solutions, and a maintenance kit. The company provides a two-year warranty for the meter against defects in workmanship and materials, provided it is used for its intended purpose and maintained according to the instructions.