Hanna Instruments HI98162 Portable pH/mV/Temperature Meter for Dairy Applications

Overview

The Hanna Instruments HI98162 is a high-precision, portable benchtop-grade pH/mV/temperature meter engineered specifically for quality control and process monitoring in dairy production environments. It operates on potentiometric measurement principles compliant with ISO 3696, ASTM E70, and USP , delivering traceable, reproducible results across the full operational pH spectrum—from acidic whey fractions (-2.000 pH) to alkaline cleaning-in-place (CIP) solutions (up to 20.000 pH). Its integrated temperature compensation uses a built-in NTC thermistor within the FC1013 electrode, enabling real-time automatic correction per NIST-traceable algorithms. Designed for rugged daily use in humid, splash-prone dairy labs and processing floors, the instrument meets IP67 ingress protection standards and features a chemically resistant PVDF body—critical for resistance to milk proteins, lactic acid, and caustic sanitizers.

Key Features

• Triple-parameter measurement: Simultaneous high-resolution pH (-2.000 to 20.000), redox potential (±2000.0 mV), and temperature (-20.0 to 120.0 °C) with selectable °F output
• Advanced calibration architecture: Supports up to five-point auto-recognition using Hanna’s certified buffer set (1.68, 4.01, 6.86, 7.01, 9.18, 10.01, 12.45 pH), plus five user-defined points for non-standard media such as fermented milk or ultrafiltered permeate
• Sensor Check™ diagnostic system: Provides real-time electrode health assessment—including slope (%), offset (mV), and response time—enabling proactive maintenance and GLP-compliant electrode validation
• Auto-endpoint hold: Stabilizes readings automatically upon signal convergence (≤0.1 pH/min drift), eliminating subjective judgment during manual recording
• BEPS (Battery Error Prevention System): Alerts users via flashing battery icon at ≤5% remaining capacity, preventing data loss due to unexpected power failure
• Programmable auto-shutdown: Configurable intervals (5, 10, 30, 60 minutes or disabled) optimize battery life without compromising workflow continuity

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HI98162 is validated for direct immersion measurements in liquid dairy matrices including raw milk, pasteurized whole/skim milk, cream, yogurt, cheese whey, and CIP rinse water. Its FC1013 electrode features a spherical PVDF sensing tip and open-junction reference design optimized for low-fouling performance in protein-rich, viscous, or particulate-laden samples. The instrument complies with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for calibration traceability and supports full GLP data integrity through timestamped calibration logs, electrode diagnostics, and audit-ready USB export. All firmware and calibration routines adhere to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when used with HI92000-15 software, enabling electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable record retention.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and reporting are enabled via USB interface and the optional HI92000-15 Windows-based software suite. This platform provides full compliance with laboratory data management standards: it captures not only raw pH/mV/°C values but also metadata—including operator ID, sample ID, calibration history, electrode status, ambient conditions, and GPS-tagged location (when paired with compatible hardware). Export formats include CSV, PDF, and XML for seamless integration into LIMS, ERP, or QA documentation systems. Each logged entry includes ISO 8601 timestamps and digital signatures, satisfying internal audit and third-party certification requirements (e.g., SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000).

Applications

• Raw milk acceptance testing: Rapid verification of acidity (pH ~6.5–6.7) and detection of abnormal fermentation or mastitis-related alkalinity shifts
• Fermentation monitoring: Tracking pH decline during yogurt or cultured butter production to determine optimal ripening endpoints
• CIP solution verification: Confirming alkaline (pH >12.0) and acidic (pH <2.5) sanitizer concentrations prior to equipment rinsing
• Whey demineralization QC: Monitoring electrodialysis influent/effluent pH stability under high-conductivity conditions
• Regulatory compliance reporting: Generating auditable records for HACCP critical control points and dairy processing license renewals

FAQ

Is the HI98162 suitable for measuring pH in high-fat dairy samples like cream or butter serum?
Yes—the FC1013 electrode’s open-junction design and PVDF body resist clogging and lipid adhesion, ensuring stable junction potential and repeatable readings in emulsified matrices.
Does the meter support automatic temperature compensation for non-aqueous dairy media?
It applies Nernstian temperature correction based on aqueous assumptions; for non-aqueous or highly viscous samples (e.g., condensed milk), manual offset adjustment is recommended per ISO 17472 guidelines.
Can calibration data be exported separately from measurement logs?
Yes—HI92000-15 allows independent export of calibration certificates, electrode diagnostics, and user-defined buffer tables in PDF format for internal SOP documentation.
What is the expected service life of the FC1013 electrode under daily dairy lab use?
With proper storage (in 3M KCl solution) and weekly cleaning with enzymatic detergent, typical electrode lifespan exceeds 12 months in controlled lab environments.
Does the HI98162 meet EU CE marking and RoHS compliance requirements?
Yes—it carries CE marking per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2011/65/EU (RoHS), with conformity assessment conducted by TÜV SÜD (Certificate No. R 50305542).