Hach 1900C Economical Portable Turbidimeter
| Brand | Hach |
|---|---|
| Origin | Imported |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Model | 1900C Economical |
| Product Type | Portable |
| Measurement Range | 0–1000 NTU |
| Resolution | 0.01 NTU |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50 °C |
| Accuracy | ±1.5% FS |
Overview
The Hach 1900C Economical Portable Turbidimeter is a precision optical instrument engineered for reliable, field-deployable turbidity measurement in accordance with internationally recognized methodologies—including U.S. EPA Method 180.1. It employs ratio-based nephelometric detection, utilizing dual photodetectors to simultaneously measure forward-scattered and side-scattered light at 90°. This ratio algorithm actively compensates for color interference, lamp intensity drift, stray light, and sample particulate settling—ensuring robust performance across variable water matrices. Designed specifically for cost-conscious yet technically demanding applications, the 1900C delivers laboratory-grade accuracy in a rugged, battery-powered portable platform. Its optical architecture conforms to ISO 7027 (nephelometric principle) and supports regulatory compliance for routine monitoring in municipal, industrial, and environmental settings.
Key Features
- Ratio optical system with dual-detector configuration for real-time compensation of color, turbidity interferences, and light-source instability
- High-resolution display with 0.01 NTU resolution across full 0–1000 NTU range
- Automatic signal averaging mode to mitigate transient fluctuations caused by particle migration in the measurement cell
- Integrated self-diagnostic firmware that identifies and reports optical path blockage, lamp degradation, or detector saturation
- Sealed, IP67-rated housing with rubberized grip and shock-absorbing casing for field durability
- Rechargeable NiMH battery pack supporting >1,000 measurements per charge; USB-C interface for firmware updates and data export
- Calibration verification via built-in STABICAL® reference standard vial (certified 0.1 NTU and 20 NTU traceable to NIST)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 1900C is validated for use with raw water, finished drinking water, wastewater effluents, process water, aquaculture systems, swimming pool recirculation lines, and pharmaceutical-grade purified water. It meets the measurement requirements of China’s GB 5749–2006 (Drinking Water Hygiene Standard), CJ/T 3020–1993 (Source Water Quality for Drinking Water), and GB/T 14848–1993 (Groundwater Quality Standard). Its methodology aligns with U.S. EPA Method 180.1 and ISO 7027:2016, enabling cross-jurisdictional data comparability. Instrument design adheres to IEC 61000-6-2 (electromagnetic immunity) and IEC 61000-6-3 (emission standards), and supports GLP-compliant operation through audit-trail-capable calibration logging (when used with Hach’s LogBook™ companion software).
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and instrument configuration are managed via Hach’s LogBook™ desktop application (Windows/macOS compatible), which provides secure, timestamped storage of measurement records, calibration history, operator ID tagging, and QC flagging. All data exports comply with ASTM D7840–14 guidelines for turbidity data integrity. The 1900C stores up to 500 measurement records internally with date/time stamping and auto-sequenced IDs. When connected to LogBook™, users can generate PDF reports conforming to ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements—including uncertainty estimation per GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement). Firmware updates preserve metrological traceability and include version-controlled release notes aligned with NIST SP 800-53 security controls.
Applications
- Routine turbidity screening at small-to-midsize water utilities lacking centralized lab infrastructure
- Field verification of filtration efficiency in membrane and granular media plants
- Compliance monitoring for discharge permits under local environmental protection bureau regulations
- Process control in beverage bottling facilities (e.g., post-carbonation clarity checks)
- Pre- and post-disinfection validation in hospital central sterile supply departments (CSSD)
- Baseline turbidity profiling in watershed management and groundwater recharge studies
- Educational use in university environmental engineering laboratories for method validation exercises
FAQ
Does the 1900C support calibration traceability to national standards?
Yes—calibration is performed using Hach-certified STABICAL® standards, each individually traceable to NIST SRM 2102 series via accredited calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025 certified).
Can the instrument be used in high-humidity or outdoor rain conditions?
The unit carries an IP67 ingress protection rating, permitting temporary submersion (up to 1 m for 30 min) and continuous operation in 95% RH environments without condensation-induced error.
Is method validation documentation available for regulatory submissions?
Hach provides a complete Method Validation Package (MVP-1900C), including linearity assessment, repeatability studies per ISO 5725, and interference testing reports compliant with USP <<1058> Analytical Instrument Qualification.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Optical path cleaning is advised after every 100 measurements in high-turbidity samples (>100 NTU); lamp replacement is specified at 5,000 hours or annually—whichever occurs first—per Hach Service Bulletin SB-1900C-03.
Does the device meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records?
Standalone operation does not fulfill Part 11; however, when integrated with Hach LogBook™ v4.2+ under configured electronic signature and audit-trail policies, it satisfies predicate rule requirements for regulated pharmaceutical and clinical laboratory use.
