HANNA HI9810-61 Portable pH/EC/TDS/Temperature Meter
The HANNA HI9810-61 is an economical, waterproof, and portable meter engineered to provide reliable and accurate measurements of pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and temperature. This versatile instrument is particularly well-suited for demanding applications in agriculture, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems, as well as general water quality monitoring.
Understanding the HI9810-61's Capabilities
This multi-parameter meter simplifies daily water quality analysis by combining four crucial measurements into a single, user-friendly device. It displays readings on a large LCD screen, which also provides helpful tutorial instructions and a battery life indicator. Dedicated buttons allow for easy switching between measurement modes.
Key Features and Benefits
• 3-in-1 Probe Design: The HI9810-61 comes with the HI1285-61 (or HI1285-5) polypropylene body probe, which integrates pH, EC/TDS, and temperature sensors into a single robust unit. This eliminates the need for multiple instruments and frequent probe changes.
• Amplified pH Electrode: The pH electrode circuit features a built-in amplifier that significantly reduces interference from electrical noise commonly found in environments with motors, ballasts, or pumps, ensuring more stable and accurate pH readings. The gel-filled design makes it maintenance-free, as it does not require periodic refilling.
• Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC): Both EC and TDS readings are automatically compensated for variations in temperature across a range of 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F), with a fixed temperature correction coefficient (β) of 2%/°C. This ensures consistent and accurate results even in fluctuating conditions.
• Fixed EC to TDS Conversion Factor: The meter applies a fixed conversion factor of 0.5, meaning 1 µS/cm is automatically converted to 0.5 ppm or mg/L for TDS readings, simplifying calculations.
• Durability and Portability: Its waterproof and robust polypropylene body is designed for use in tough environments. Its compact dimensions and light weight make it easily portable.
How it Works
The HI9810-61 measures the ability of a solution to conduct an electric current, which directly reflects the concentration of ions present. The principle of operation for conductivity measurement is based on Ohm’s law. For EC/TDS, an alternating voltage is applied to an amperometric sensor (two stainless steel pins), and the current that passes through the solution determines the conductance. The meter then calculates the conductivity and estimates TDS from this measurement.
Applications
The HI9810-61 is an indispensable tool across various fields:
• Hydroponics and Agriculture: Essential for monitoring nutrient solutions and soil health to ensure optimal plant growth and yield. It helps growers manage nutrient concentrations, preventing imbalances that could harm plants.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Ideal for assessing the purity and pollution levels of drinking water, industrial water, and wastewater.
• Aquaculture and Aquariums: Used to maintain the correct water quality, salinity, and nutrient levels for aquatic life, reducing stress and promoting healthy growth.
• Industrial Process Control: Monitors the concentration of solutions in processes like electroplating.
• Environmental Monitoring: Can be used for monitoring soil and groundwater pollution.
• Food Industry: Useful for monitoring salinity and sugar levels during food processing.
Calibration
The meter is manually calibrated to a single point using two trimmers. pH is calibrated to pH 7.01, while EC/TDS is calibrated to either 1.41 mS/cm (1413 µS/cm) or 1500 ppm. Regular calibration is crucial to maintain measurement accuracy. The meter comes with necessary calibration sachets.
Understanding EC and TDS
• Electrical Conductivity (EC): Represents a solution's ability to conduct an electric current, directly related to the concentration of dissolved ions. Higher ion concentration leads to higher conductivity. It is typically measured in microSiemens per centimeter (µS/cm) or milliSiemens per centimeter (mS/cm).
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Refers to the total amount of all solids dissolved in water, including inorganic salts (like calcium, magnesium, sodium), organics, and other impurities. It is commonly expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). TDS meters estimate this value by converting the EC measurement using a conversion factor.
Care and Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, rinse the probe with clean water after each use and store it properly. Regular calibration is recommended, especially before the first use and periodically thereafter.
Technical Specifications
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Parameter
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Details
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Model
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HI9810-61
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pH Range
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0 to 14 pH
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pH Resolution
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0.1 pH
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pH Accuracy
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±0.1 pH
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pH Calibration
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Manual 1 point through offset trimmer (pH 7.01)
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EC Range
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0 to 6000 µS/cm
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EC Resolution
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10 µS/cm
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EC Accuracy
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±2% F.S.
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EC Calibration
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Manual, one-point (1.41 mS/cm or 1500 ppm)
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TDS Range
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0 to 3000 mg/L (ppm)
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TDS Resolution
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10 mg/L (ppm)
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TDS Accuracy
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±2% F.S.
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EC to TDS Conversion Factor
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1 µS/cm = 0.5 mg/L (fixed at 0.5)
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Temperature Compensation
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Automatic, 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) with a β of 2%/°C
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Temperature Correction Coeff.
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β = 2%/°C
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Probe
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HI1285-61 combination, amplified, double-junction, gel pH electrode with incorporated EC/TDS probe and built-in temperature sensor and 1m (3.3') cable
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Battery Type/Life
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9V / approximately 150 hours of continuous use
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Environment
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0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F); max 95% RH non-condensing
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Dimensions
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185 x 82 x 45 mm (7.3 x 3.2 x 1.8 in.)
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Weight
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520 g (1.1 lb.)
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What's Included
The HANNA HI9810-61 is supplied complete with the HI1285-61 multiparameter probe, one sachet of HI70007 pH 7.01 buffer solution, one sachet of HI70031 1413 µS/cm calibration solution, one sachet of HI70032 1382 ppm solution, a 9V battery, and comprehensive instructions.