ATAGO DPH-2 Portable Digital pH Meter for Food & Beverage Applications

Overview

The ATAGO DPH-2 is a compact, rugged, and fully portable digital pH meter engineered specifically for rapid, on-site pH assessment in food processing, beverage production, brewing, agricultural soil analysis, industrial cleaning solution verification, and metalworking fluid monitoring. Unlike benchtop or laboratory-grade pH systems, the DPH-2 employs a solid-state, non-refillable combination pH electrode integrated directly into the probe tip—eliminating liquid junction maintenance while ensuring stable electrochemical response across diverse aqueous and semi-aqueous matrices. Its measurement principle relies on the Nernst equation, where the potential difference between the pH-sensitive glass membrane and a built-in reference element is converted to a digital pH value with automatic temperature compensation (ATC) via an embedded thermistor. Designed for field robustness and operational simplicity, the DPH-2 delivers repeatable measurements without requiring recalibration before each use—provided standard buffer checks are performed at the start of each shift per ISO 8655-5 and AOAC Official Method 984.27 guidelines for routine quality control.

Key Features

• Rugged IP67-rated housing—fully dust-tight and submersible up to 1 m for 30 minutes—enabling reliable operation in wet, humid, or splashed environments common in food manufacturing floors and outdoor sampling sites.
• Integrated ATC sensor ensures real-time correction of pH readings across 0–50°C, minimizing thermal drift and supporting compliance with ASTM E70 and USP pH measurement requirements.
• Three-point calibration (pH 4.0, 7.0, 10.0) using standardized NIST-traceable buffers—facilitating traceable accuracy verification aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 internal calibration protocols.
• High-contrast LCD display with backlight (activated manually) ensures legibility under low-light conditions, including cold storage rooms or outdoor daylight.
• Low-power design powered by four replaceable LR44 batteries—providing >10,000 measurements per set under typical usage, reducing downtime and consumable logistics.
• No moving parts, no refillable electrolyte reservoirs, and no external cables—minimizing failure modes and simplifying GLP-compliant recordkeeping during audits.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DPH-2 is validated for direct immersion measurement in liquids with conductivity ≥100 µS/cm, including fruit juices, dairy products, brines, vinegar, wort, mash, alkaline detergent solutions (pH 11–13), and water-based cutting fluids. It is not recommended for highly viscous, non-aqueous, or strongly oxidizing media (e.g., concentrated HNO₃ or bleach >5% v/v), which may degrade the glass membrane over time. The device conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. While not certified for intrinsic safety (ATEX/IECEx), its battery-powered architecture and sealed construction make it suitable for Zone 2/22 environments when used per manufacturer instructions. Documentation supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with ATAGO’s optional data logging accessories (sold separately).

Software & Data Management

The DPH-2 operates as a standalone instrument with no onboard memory or USB interface. However, it is compatible with ATAGO’s optional RS-232 or Bluetooth-enabled data transfer modules (e.g., DPH-2BT adapter), enabling integration into LIMS or MES platforms via ASCII serial output. When connected, the meter transmits timestamped pH and temperature values in real time, supporting audit trails required under GMP Annex 11 and ISO 13485. All calibration events—including date, buffer IDs, slope (%), and offset (mV)—are retained in volatile memory until next power cycle; therefore, users are advised to log calibration records manually or via external capture for full traceability per ISO 17025 clause 7.7.

Applications

• QC screening of raw milk, yogurt, soft drinks, wine, and soy sauce pre-fermentation and post-pasteurization.
• In-process verification of CIP rinse water pH to confirm neutralization prior to equipment reuse (per 3-A Sanitary Standards).
• Field testing of soil slurry pH in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation systems.
• Monitoring alkalinity of caustic cleaning solutions used in dairy and brewery sanitation cycles.
• Rapid validation of pH stability in formulated food emulsions and dressings during shelf-life studies.

FAQ

Is the DPH-2 compliant with FDA or EU food safety regulations?
Yes—the instrument’s design, materials, and performance specifications align with FDA guidance for pH monitoring in food contact applications and support compliance with EC No. 852/2004 hygiene requirements when used within defined operating parameters.
Can the electrode be replaced independently?
No—the pH sensor is a sealed, non-serviceable module; the entire unit must be returned to ATAGO-authorized service centers for electrode replacement or recalibration verification.
Does the DPH-2 meet ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements?
It supports implementation of accredited calibration procedures when used with certified buffers and documented SOPs, though formal accreditation requires lab-specific validation per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Daily calibration is advised for critical QC applications; for less demanding field use, calibration before first use each day—and after exposure to extreme pH or temperature—is sufficient per AOAC and ISO 8655 recommendations.
Is there a certificate of conformance included?
Each unit ships with a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformance (CoC) stating compliance with JIS Z 8001-4 and ATAGO’s internal quality standards; NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available upon request at time of order.