Hach PCII Portable Single-Parameter Water Quality Photometer (Hexavalent Chromium, Herbicides, Free & Total Chlorine, Ozone)

Overview

The Hach PCII Portable Single-Parameter Water Quality Photometer is a field-deployable, pre-programmed photometric analyzer engineered for rapid, reliable quantification of individual water quality parameters using standardized colorimetric and immunoassay methods. Designed in accordance with EPA-approved and ISO-compliant test procedures—including APHA Standard Methods, ASTM D1253 (chlorine), ASTM D511 (fluoride), and ISO 6878 (hexavalent chromium)—the PCII employs fixed-wavelength optical detection optimized for each target analyte. Its core measurement principle relies on absorbance spectroscopy (Beer-Lambert law) in the visible spectrum, where sample-specific reagents generate chromophores whose intensity correlates linearly with analyte concentration. Unlike multi-parameter benchtop spectrophotometers, the PCII eliminates wavelength selection ambiguity by embedding dedicated optical filters and calibration curves directly into firmware—ensuring method fidelity without user intervention. This architecture delivers high reproducibility (<2% RSD across replicate analyses) and eliminates inter-laboratory variability associated with manual curve fitting or instrument setup. The device is validated per Hach’s internal QA/QC protocols aligned with GLP requirements and supports traceability through lot-specific reagent calibration data stored within each test kit.

Key Features

• Ultra-portable design: Weighing only 230 g, the PCII fits comfortably in a lab coat pocket or field sampling kit.
• Robust environmental protection: Rated IP67-equivalent for submersion up to 0.9 m for 30 minutes—enabling use in rain, splashing, or shallow immersion scenarios without functional compromise.
• Integrated data handling: Stores the 10 most recent measurements with timestamp; no external logging required—critical for chain-of-custody documentation during regulatory inspections.
• Backlit LCD interface: High-contrast display with automatic brightness adjustment ensures readability under low-light conditions (e.g., wastewater manholes, nighttime sampling).
• Battery status monitoring: Real-time icon-based power indication prevents unexpected shutdowns during critical field measurements.
• Pre-validated method compliance: Each parameter-specific unit ships with factory-applied calibration verified against NIST-traceable standards; no user calibration required prior to first use.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PCII accommodates standard 13-mm round glass or plastic cuvettes (included), compatible with Hach’s proprietary reagent kits (e.g., 1,5-diphenylcarbazide for Cr(VI), DPD for chlorine species, immunoassay tubes for atrazine and alachlor). It accepts raw, filtered, or clarified aqueous samples—including drinking water, surface water, wastewater effluents, and swimming pool recirculation streams—without dilution for most listed ranges (e.g., free chlorine: 0.02–2.00 mg/L Cl₂; ozone: 0.02–0.70 mg/L). All methods comply with U.S. EPA Method 365.3 (total phosphorus), Method 334.0 (chlorine), and Method 7196A (hexavalent chromium), as well as ISO 7393-2 (free chlorine) and ISO 10530 (ozone). Device firmware and reagent lot documentation support audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows when paired with Hach’s DataCapture software.

Software & Data Management

While the PCII operates autonomously without connectivity, its measurement logs can be exported via optional USB-to-serial adapter (Hach Part No. 2927800) to Hach’s DataCapture v3.2 or later—a Windows-based desktop application compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures. DataCapture enforces role-based access control, audit trails for all data edits, and automated report generation meeting EPA Form 3320-1 and ISO 17025 reporting requirements. Firmware updates are distributed through Hach’s secure Customer Portal and include revision-controlled change logs traceable to method validation summaries. No cloud storage or third-party telemetry is enabled by default—ensuring data sovereignty for regulated utilities and government agencies.

Applications

• Drinking water distribution system monitoring: Rapid verification of residual disinfectant (free/total chlorine, ozone) at entry points, storage tanks, and endpoint taps per WHO Guidelines and USEPA LT2ESWTR.
• Agricultural runoff screening: Field-level detection of herbicide residues (atrazine, alachlor) at ng/L sensitivity levels to assess watershed contamination risk.
• Industrial wastewater compliance: Hexavalent chromium quantification in electroplating effluents per 40 CFR Part 413 and California AB 1409 reporting thresholds.
• Recreational water safety: On-site verification of chlorine and bromine residuals in pools and spas per CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Section 4.0.
• Emergency response: First-responder deployment for rapid triage of oxidant or heavy metal contamination following chemical spills or natural disasters.

FAQ

Does the PCII require daily calibration?
No. Each unit is factory-calibrated using NIST-traceable standards and retains calibration for the lifetime of the reagent kit. Verification checks using Hach’s Calibration Check Standards (e.g., 58700-CK) are recommended before each sampling session.
Can multiple parameters be measured with one PCII unit?
No. The PCII is a single-parameter platform; each unit is configured for one specific analyte (e.g., 58700-00 measures only free/total chlorine). Multi-analyte capability requires separate instruments or upgrade to the Hach DR3900 Benchtop Spectrophotometer.
Are reagents supplied with the instrument?
Reagents are sold separately as consumable kits. Each kit includes pre-measured reagents, cuvettes, and lot-specific calibration certificates. Shelf life is typically 12–24 months when stored per Hach’s specifications (2–8 °C for immunoassay tubes; ambient for DPD tablets).
Is the PCII suitable for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?
Yes—when used with documented SOPs, traceable reagents, and supporting records (e.g., calibration check logs, environmental monitoring), the PCII meets technical requirements for testing competence under Clause 7.2 and 7.7 of ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
What is the warranty coverage?
Hach provides a two-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions, excluding consumables (batteries, reagents, cuvettes) and damage from misuse or unauthorized modification.