JENCO 3173/3173R Benchtop Conductivity, TDS, Salinity and Temperature Meter

Overview

The JENCO 3173/3173R is a precision-engineered benchtop conductivity meter designed for routine and high-reliability measurement of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, and temperature in industrial process control, water treatment facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and academic laboratories. It operates on the principle of two-electrode or four-electrode conductometric measurement—depending on cell configuration—wherein an alternating current (AC) excitation signal is applied across a conductivity cell to minimize polarization effects and electrode fouling. The instrument calculates solution conductivity based on the measured conductance and the known cell constant (K = L/A), supporting traceable calibration per ASTM D1125 and ISO 7888 standards. Its robust architecture, wide dynamic range (0–200 mS/cm), and integrated automatic temperature compensation (ATC) using a built-in NTC thermistor ensure stable readings across thermal gradients commonly encountered in boiler feedwater, cooling tower effluent, brine solutions, and purified water systems.

Key Features

• Large backlit LCD display showing simultaneous real-time readouts of conductivity, TDS, salinity, and temperature—optimized for readability in ambient-lit and low-light industrial environments
• High-resolution measurement capability down to 0.001 µS/cm, enabling detection of ultra-pure water resistivity up to 100 MΩ·cm (equivalent to <0.055 µS/cm)
• Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) with user-selectable α coefficient (0.0–4.0 %/°C) for accurate correction across diverse electrolyte types including NaCl, KCl, and custom formulations
• Non-volatile memory retains calibration constants and user settings after power interruption—critical for GLP-compliant workflows requiring audit-ready continuity
• Dual-mode power operation: internal rechargeable battery (for temporary mobility) and universal AC adapter (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz)—ensuring uninterrupted operation during facility-wide power fluctuations
• Model 3173R includes RS-232C serial interface compliant with EIA/TIA-232-F specifications, enabling direct connection to LIMS, SCADA, or data acquisition systems for automated recordkeeping and 21 CFR Part 11–compatible electronic signatures (when paired with validated software)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 3173/3173R supports measurement of aqueous solutions ranging from deionized water (low-conductivity regime) to saturated brines and industrial process streams. It accommodates standard JENCO conductivity cells with cell constants of 0.1 cm⁻¹ (for high-resistivity applications), 1.0 cm⁻¹ (general-purpose), and 10 cm⁻¹ (high-conductivity media). All measurements comply with internationally recognized protocols: conductivity per ISO 7888:2019 (Water quality — Determination of electrical conductivity), TDS calculation per USP (Water for Pharmaceutical Purposes), and salinity determination aligned with PSS-78 practical salinity scale conventions. The instrument’s ±0.5% full-scale accuracy meets the performance criteria specified in ASTM D5391 (Standard Test Method for Electrical Conductivity of Water) for Grade 3 laboratory-grade instrumentation.

Software & Data Management

While the 3173/3173R operates as a standalone instrument, the RS-232C port on the 3173R model enables seamless integration with third-party data logging platforms—including LabVIEW, MATLAB, and custom Python-based acquisition scripts—via standard ASCII command protocol. Raw output includes timestamped values, unit identifiers, and status flags (e.g., “CAL” for calibration mode, “ATC ON”). When deployed in regulated environments, the system supports ALCOA+ data integrity principles through external software validation; audit trails, user access controls, and electronic signature capabilities must be implemented at the host application level per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. No proprietary cloud platform or firmware-based data storage is embedded—ensuring full data sovereignty and compatibility with air-gapped networks.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical water systems: Monitoring conductivity of Purified Water (PW) and Water for Injection (WFI) per USP and EU Ph. Eur. 2.2.38
• Power generation: Boiler feedwater and condensate purity verification in thermal and nuclear plants
• Food & beverage processing: Brine concentration control in pickling, fermentation, and dairy sanitation loops
• Environmental monitoring labs: Field-deployable bench verification of surface water, wastewater, and groundwater samples
• Academic teaching labs: Instructional platform for electrochemical fundamentals, calibration theory, and temperature-dependent ion mobility analysis

FAQ

What cell constants are supported by the 3173/3173R?

The instrument accepts interchangeable conductivity cells with standardized cell constants of 0.1 cm⁻¹, 1.0 cm⁻¹, and 10 cm⁻¹. Each cell must be manually entered into the device prior to calibration.
Does the 3173R support USB-to-RS232 adapters?

Yes—standard FTDI- or CP210x-based USB-to-RS232 adapters are fully compatible when configured for 9600 baud, 8N1, no flow control.
Is NIST-traceable calibration documentation available?

JENCO provides optional NIST-traceable conductivity standard certificates (e.g., KCl solutions at 25 °C) upon request; instrument calibration verification reports may be generated in-house using certified reference materials.
Can the device perform dual-range automatic ranging?

No—the 3173/3173R operates in fixed-range mode. Users must manually select the appropriate measurement range (e.g., 0–200 µS/cm, 0–2 mS/cm, or 0–200 mS/cm) prior to measurement.
Is the temperature sensor replaceable?

The integrated NTC temperature sensor is factory-calibrated and not field-replaceable; however, external PT100 or thermistor probes may be connected via optional analog input modules (sold separately).