Hach Amtax Compact II Ammonia Nitrogen Analyzer

Overview

The Hach Amtax Compact II Ammonia Nitrogen Analyzer is an online, fully automated photometric analyzer engineered for continuous, reliable quantification of ammonium nitrogen (NH₄–N) in wastewater, influent/effluent streams, and surface water applications. It employs a standardized colorimetric distillation method compliant with ISO 7150-1 and ASTM D1426–15, wherein ammonium ions are converted to gaseous ammonia under alkaline conditions, selectively transferred across a gas-permeable membrane into an acidic indicator solution, and measured via absorbance at 660 nm. This two-phase separation design eliminates interferences from turbidity, color, and suspended solids—ensuring high specificity and long-term stability in real-world effluent matrices. The instrument operates unattended for extended periods, delivering traceable, auditable data suitable for regulatory reporting under EPA Method 350.1 and EU WFD compliance frameworks.

Key Features

• Multi-range flexibility: Configurable measurement spans include 0.20–12.00 mg/L, 0.20–30.00 mg/L, 2.0–120.0 mg/L, and 20–1200 mg/L NH₄–N—enabling precise monitoring across discharge limits, nitrification control points, and receiving water standards.
• Integrated thermostatic control: Built-in temperature stabilization module maintains reagent and reaction chamber at optimal 37 °C ± 0.5 °C, eliminating external incubators and ensuring consistent kinetics across ambient fluctuations (10–40 °C operating range).
• On-demand calibration verification: Supports insertion of standard solutions between routine sample measurements without interrupting the analytical cycle—providing continuous performance validation per GLP requirements.
• Automated leak detection: Humidity sensors mounted at the instrument base trigger immediate shutdown and visual alarm (“Leak Fault” in lower-left display) upon liquid accumulation—preventing electrical hazards and cross-contamination.
• Self-cleaning protocol: Programmable purge cycles using distillation reagent flush tubing, reaction chambers, and gas-transfer membranes—reducing manual maintenance intervals to ≤3 months under typical municipal wastewater duty cycles.
• Low-maintenance fluidics: Peristaltic pump and pinch-valve architecture isolates all wetted components from reagents and samples; no syringes, diaphragms, or seals requiring frequent replacement.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Amtax Compact II accepts raw or filtered wastewater (10–40 °C, pH 6–9, turbidity < 200 NTU) delivered at 1–5 psig pressure through 0.8 mm ID transparent tubing. It tolerates particulate loads up to 100 mg/L TSS without clogging, thanks to its non-clogging flow path and automatic backflush capability. All hardware and firmware comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61010-1 (safety). Data integrity meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with Hach’s AquaSuite™ software, including electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure user access levels. Certifications include CE marking, RoHS, and UL 61010–1 recognition.

Software & Data Management

The embedded web interface supports bilingual operation (English/Chinese) with intuitive navigation, real-time trend visualization, and historical data export in CSV or PDF formats. Configuration and diagnostics are accessible via Ethernet (RJ45), RS485 (Modbus RTU), or optional Wi-Fi module. Two isolated 4–20 mA analog outputs (≤500 Ω load) support integration with PLCs or SCADA systems. Dual programmable relays (24 VDC / 2 A) enable alarm triggering (e.g., low reagent, high drift) or external pump control. Firmware updates are performed remotely via secure HTTPS—maintaining version traceability and change logs per ISO/IEC 17025 documentation protocols.

Applications

• Wastewater treatment plant effluent compliance monitoring (e.g., NPDES permits, EU Urban Wastewater Directive)
• Nitrification/denitrification process control in activated sludge and MBR systems
• Industrial pretreatment verification (food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturing)
• Surface water quality surveillance in rivers, lakes, and estuaries
• Drinking water source protection and early-warning systems
• Research-grade longitudinal studies requiring high-reproducibility NH₄–N time-series data

FAQ

What sample pretreatment is required before analysis?
No filtration or acidification is needed. Samples must be within 10–40 °C and free of oils or solvents that could compromise the gas-permeable membrane.
How often must reagents be replaced?
Indicator solution: ~1 L/month; distillation reagent and standard solution: ~250 mL/month each—dependent on measurement frequency and range selected.
Does the analyzer support remote diagnostics and troubleshooting?
Yes. Built-in web server enables real-time status monitoring, error log review, and configuration backup/restore over standard Ethernet networks.
Can the Amtax Compact II be integrated into existing SCADA infrastructure?
Yes. Native Modbus RTU over RS485 and two configurable 4–20 mA outputs ensure seamless interoperability with major industrial control platforms.
Is validation documentation provided for regulatory audits?
Each unit ships with factory calibration certificate, IQ/OQ documentation templates, and traceable NIST-traceable standard verification reports—supporting ISO 17025 and EPA audit readiness.