ChemTron HandyLab 200 Waterproof Portable Conductivity Meter
| Brand | ChemTron |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | HandyLab 200 |
| Portability | Portable |
| Application | Laboratory |
| TDS Range | 0–1999 mg/L, 0–199.9 g/L |
| Resistivity Range | 1.000 Ω·cm – 199.9 MΩ·cm |
| Salinity Range | 0.0–70.0 (IOT) |
| Temperature Range | −5.0–+105.0 °C |
| Conductivity Range | 0.000–1999 mS/cm (with K=0.01, 0.1, 1.0 cm⁻¹ electrodes) |
| Accuracy | ±0.5% of reading (typical) |
| Data Storage | 200 manual entries |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Display | Backlit monochrome LCD |
Overview
The ChemTron HandyLab 200 is a rugged, waterproof portable conductivity meter engineered for high-precision electrochemical measurements in demanding field and laboratory environments. Based on four-electrode or two-electrode AC conductivity measurement principles—configurable via interchangeable probe modules—the instrument delivers stable, temperature-compensated readings across wide dynamic ranges. Its core architecture supports simultaneous measurement of conductivity, resistivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity (reported in IOT units per ISO 8046), and temperature—enabling comprehensive water quality assessment without requiring multiple instruments. Designed and assembled in Germany under stringent quality control protocols, the HandyLab 200 meets the operational expectations of environmental monitoring teams, municipal water laboratories, educational institutions, and industrial process QA/QC personnel who require traceable, repeatable results under variable ambient conditions.
Key Features
- IP67-rated enclosure ensures full dust ingress protection and immersion resistance up to 1 m for 30 minutes—enabling reliable operation in rain, humid chambers, or near splash zones.
- Intuitive glove-compatible membrane keypad with tactile feedback, optimized for use with standard lab or field gloves.
- Integrated rechargeable battery system provides >100 hours of continuous operation per charge; supports USB-C charging and real-time power status indication.
- Backlit monochrome LCD display with adjustable contrast ensures legibility under low-light or direct sunlight conditions.
- Auto-ranging conductivity measurement across three decades (0.000 µS/cm to 1999 mS/cm), automatically selecting optimal cell constant (K = 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 cm⁻¹) based on measured value and user-defined calibration profile.
- On-board temperature compensation using either built-in NTC sensor (±0.1 °C accuracy) or external Pt1000 probe input for enhanced thermal fidelity in non-isothermal samples.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HandyLab 200 accommodates aqueous solutions ranging from ultrapure water (≥18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity) to saturated brines and aggressive industrial effluents. It accepts standardized DIN/ISO-compliant conductivity cells—including ChemTron’s K=0.01 cm⁻¹ micro-cell for low-conductivity applications and K=1.0 cm⁻¹ robust rod-type sensors for high-salinity or fouling-prone matrices. All measurements adhere to fundamental electrochemical standards: conductivity values are calculated per ASTM D1125 (Standard Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water) and ISO 7888 (Water Quality — Determination of Electrical Conductivity). The device supports GLP-compliant workflows through timestamped data logging and user ID tagging (via optional password-protected access levels), and its firmware architecture permits audit-trail generation compatible with internal QA documentation requirements.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and export are managed via the ChemTron LabLink desktop application (Windows/macOS), which enables secure bidirectional communication over USB or Bluetooth 5.0. Each of the 200 manually stored readings includes conductivity, TDS, resistivity, salinity, temperature, date/time stamp, electrode ID, and calibration status flags. Export formats include CSV (for LIMS integration), PDF reports (with embedded calibration certificates), and XML (for automated ingestion into ELN systems). Firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages verified against SHA-256 checksums—ensuring integrity and traceability in regulated environments. While not natively 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, the system supports electronic signature workflows when deployed within validated institutional IT infrastructures.
Applications
- Field-based potable water and wastewater compliance testing (e.g., EPA Method 120.1, ISO 7888).
- Monitoring reverse osmosis (RO) and deionization (DI) system performance in pharmaceutical manufacturing cleanrooms.
- Educational laboratory instruction in electrochemistry, environmental science, and analytical chemistry curricula.
- Process control of cooling tower water, boiler feedwater, and electroplating bath conductivity.
- Validation of calibration standards (e.g., KCl reference solutions at 25 °C per NIST SRM 3190 series).
FAQ
Does the HandyLab 200 support automatic temperature compensation (ATC)?
Yes—it features dual ATC modes: linear (based on user-defined β coefficient) and nonlinear (using the CaCl₂ or NaCl reference curves per ISO 7888 Annex B).
Can it store calibration data for multiple electrodes?
Yes—up to five independent calibration profiles can be saved, each associated with a unique electrode ID and cell constant.
Is the instrument suitable for measuring seawater conductivity?
Yes—its extended salinity range (0.0–70.0 IOT) and high-end conductivity capability (up to 1999 mS/cm) cover natural seawater (≈53 mS/cm) and hypersaline brines.
What is the minimum detectable conductivity value?
With the optional K=0.01 cm⁻¹ cell, the lower limit is 0.000 µS/cm (theoretical), with practical resolution of 0.001 µS/cm at 25 °C.
Does it meet any international safety or EMC standards?
Yes—it complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC for Laboratory Equipment), certified by TÜV Rheinland.
