Environmental Express SC980 Water Sample Thermometer

Overview

The Environmental Express SC980 Water Sample Thermometer is a precision-engineered, laboratory-grade immersion thermometer designed specifically for accurate, repeatable temperature measurement of aqueous samples in environmental, regulatory, and analytical chemistry workflows. Built upon a robust thermistor or platinum RTD sensing element (depending on configuration), the SC980 delivers high-stability analog-to-digital conversion with minimal thermal lag—critical when monitoring dynamic thermal equilibration in EPA-compliant water analysis protocols. Its primary application domain includes grab-sample temperature logging per ASTM D1293 (pH and temperature of water), EPA Method 1664 (oil and grease), and USP environmental monitoring, where traceable, documented temperature verification is mandatory prior to sample preservation or extraction.

Key Features

• PTFE-coated probe stem ensures long-term compatibility with aggressive aqueous matrices—including acidic leachates, saline estuarine samples, and chlorinated disinfectant solutions—without degradation or metallic ion leaching.
• Adjustable PTFE mounting bracket enables stable, reproducible positioning within standardized sample containers (e.g., 15-mL, 50-mL, and 100-mL EPA-approved polypropylene or glass vials), minimizing convective drift and operator-induced variability.
• LCD display supports real-time dual-unit readout (°C and °F), eliminating manual conversion errors during field or lab data entry.
• Supplied with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate issued by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited provider, satisfying audit requirements under GLP, GMP, and state-certified environmental laboratories (e.g., CA ELAP, NY ELAP).
• Modular design allows interchangeability across cup-specific probe variants (SC980, SC981, SC985, SC983), enabling consistent metrology across diverse sample volumes and thermal regimes without instrument replacement.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SC980 is validated for direct immersion in liquid-phase environmental samples meeting EPA SW-846 Chapter One criteria for container integrity and chemical inertness. Its PTFE housing and stem meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and resist hydrolysis, oxidation, and halogen exposure typical in wastewater, groundwater, and surface water matrices. All configurations comply with ASTM E77 (Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers) and support temperature documentation required by 40 CFR Part 136 (Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes). The NIST-traceable certificate includes uncertainty budgeting at ±0.1°C (k=2) over the 0–150°C range, aligning with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5.2 for measurement traceability.

Software & Data Management

While the SC980 operates as a standalone analog/digital thermometer, its output is compatible with standard data acquisition interfaces via optional 4–20 mA or 0–5 V analog output modules (sold separately). When integrated into LIMS or ELN platforms (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager), temperature readings can be auto-captured with timestamp, operator ID, and sample ID metadata—enabling full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with electronic signature-enabled software and audit-trail-enabled hardware loggers. Raw calibration data and certificate files are provided in PDF and CSV formats for archival in quality management systems.

Applications

• EPA-regulated water quality testing (e.g., temperature-dependent parameter validation prior to BOD, DO, or nutrient analysis)
• Field-deployable grab sampling in ambient, wastewater, and drinking water distribution systems
• Method validation and instrument qualification per ISO 17025 clause 6.4.10 (monitoring environmental conditions)
• Temperature verification during sample holding time compliance (e.g., 4°C storage per EPA 1664B Section 8.2)
• Calibration reference for secondary thermometers in multi-instrument labs undergoing internal audit

FAQ

Is the SC980 suitable for continuous immersion in seawater?
Yes—the PTFE coating and non-metallic wetted components provide sustained resistance to chloride-induced pitting and galvanic corrosion; however, prolonged static immersion beyond 72 hours is not recommended without periodic cleaning.
Can the NIST certificate be re-issued annually?
Environmental Express provides recalibration services through its ISO/IEC 17025-accredited partner network; certificates include full uncertainty analysis and are valid for 12 months from date of issue under controlled usage conditions.
Does the SC980 meet FDA requirements for pharmaceutical water system monitoring?
While not a dedicated USP purified water thermometer, the SC980’s PTFE construction, NIST traceability, and ≤0.1°C uncertainty satisfy Annex 1 and EU GMP Chapter 3 prerequisites for ancillary temperature verification in non-sterile water-for-injection support systems.
What cup adapters are included with the SC980 base unit?
The SC980 ships with the 50-mL cup adapter (UC475); 15-mL (SC415) and 100-mL (SC490) adapters are available as optional accessories to maintain metrological consistency across sample formats.
Is the LCD display backlit for low-light field use?
No—the monochrome LCD relies on ambient light; for nighttime or shaded environments, users should pair with a Class II LED inspection lamp compliant with IEC 60529 IP54 rating.