Hach Lange has launched a new family of laboratory and field-use intelligent digital sensors for conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen with a single plug-and-play meter
The HQD (High Quality Digital) platform incorporates digital sensor technology that provides outstanding levels of accuracy and reliability.
This has been made possible because each sensor stores its own calibration, cable connection is standard throughout the range and includes colour-coded clips, and the meters are able to recognise each individual sensor.
As a result, probes can be changed without the need for recalibration.
The HQD meter can store up to 500 readings and it has a USB port for data transfer via memory stick or for connection to a PC, printer or Lims.
Communications are GLP compliant.
A range of sensor formats is available to suit all applications from laboratory testing to wastewater.
For example, customers can choose rugged stainless steel electrodes with cable lengths up to 30 metres for certain applications.
The pH and conductivity 'Intellical' electrodes offer high levels of precision in all types of water and the dissolved oxygen sensor features Hach Lange's revolutionary LDO technology (luminescent dissolved oxygen).
The LDO requires no electrolyte or membrane, which can result in high maintenance requirements in traditional DO methods.
In addition, it does not suffer from problems such as interference or contamination.
The sensor cap is simply replaced once per year and digital technology enables the sensor to inform the user when cap replacement is due.
Hach Lange's lab sales manager, Matt Dillon, says that the company is "Extremely excited about the prospects for these new instruments.
Our customers take high quality for granted, but the HQD platform is much more than a new range of products.
Our development engineers have designed new levels of simplicity into the operation of these instruments, whilst reducing potential for human error.
For example, the meter recognises the probe and the large illuminated graphic display guides the user quickly and clearly through the measurement procedure.
The operator and sample names are clearly displayed and recorded, and the meter gives both visual and audio indication of stable readings.
It can even remind the user when calibration is due.
"For a limited period, we are offering a free 14-day trial on a selection of HQD instruments (for the UK) to anyone interested in digital electrochemistry".