Hach 2100N Benchtop Turbidimeter
| Brand | Hach |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 2100N |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop / Laboratory |
| Measurement Range | 0–4000 NTU |
| Resolution | 0.001 NTU (0–1000 NTU: ±0.01 NTU or ±2% of reading |
| 1000–4000 NTU | ±5% of reading) |
| Operating Temperature | 10–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity | ≤90% RH (non-condensing at 25 °C) |
| Power Supply | 230 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Sample Volume | 20 mL minimum |
| Measurement Modes | NTU, NEP, EBC |
| Ratio Measurement | Yes |
| Air Purge Function | Yes |
| Data Storage | Internal memory with HachLink™ software export capability |
Overview
The Hach 2100N Benchtop Turbidimeter is a precision optical instrument engineered for reliable, traceable turbidity measurement in laboratory environments. It operates on the principle of nephelometric detection—measuring the intensity of light scattered at 90° from a collimated incident beam—as defined in Standard Methods 2130B and ISO 7027. Its patented dual-detector ratio measurement system simultaneously captures forward-scattered and 90°-scattered light, enabling real-time compensation for color interference, sample absorption, and lamp aging—critical for accurate NTU reporting across diverse sample matrices including colored wastewater, potable water, process streams, and research suspensions.
Key Features
- Ratio-based nephelometry: Dual photodetector architecture eliminates spectral interference from sample coloration and improves long-term stability without manual recalibration.
- Programmable signal averaging: Adjustable integration time (1–100 cycles) enhances repeatability for low-turbidity samples (e.g., filtered drinking water) and mitigates noise from particulate settling or air bubbles.
- Integrated air purge system: Delivers dry, particle-free air to the sample cell chamber to prevent condensation-induced scattering—essential for consistent measurements of cold or hot samples (e.g., boiler feedwater, chilled groundwater).
- Three standardized reporting units: Direct switching between NTU (nephelometric turbidity units), NEP (Formazin Nephelometric Units per ASTM D1889), and EBC (European Brewery Convention units) ensures compliance with regional regulatory and industrial specifications.
- Robust optical design: Sealed xenon flash lamp and thermally stabilized detectors minimize drift over extended operation, supporting GLP-compliant daily verification protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 2100N accommodates standard 25-mm round glass vials (20 mL minimum volume) and supports routine cleaning validation via Hach’s certified Formazin standards (20, 100, 400, 800, and 2000 NTU). Its measurement performance conforms to EPA Method 180.1, ASTM D6508, ISO 7027-1:2016, and USP <<730> for pharmaceutical water testing. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and is designed to support audit-ready workflows under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with HachLink™ software configured for electronic signatures and audit trails.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition, calibration logging, and report generation are managed through HachLink™ Desktop Software—a validated application compatible with Windows OS. The software enables full traceability: each stored measurement includes timestamp, operator ID (user-defined), calibration history, and instrument configuration parameters. Export formats include CSV, PDF, and XML for LIMS integration. Internal memory retains up to 500 test results with metadata; all data transfers maintain integrity via USB 2.0 connection with hardware-level encryption handshake.
Applications
- Drinking water quality assurance per WHO Guidelines and national regulatory limits (e.g., ≤1 NTU for finished water)
- Wastewater treatment plant effluent monitoring (secondary/tertiary discharge compliance)
- Groundwater and surface water characterization in environmental field labs
- Pharmaceutical purified water and water-for-injection (WFI) verification per USP <1231>
- Food & beverage process control (e.g., beer clarity per EBC, juice suspension stability)
- Academic research on colloidal behavior, coagulation kinetics, and membrane fouling studies
FAQ
Does the 2100N require annual factory recalibration?
No—its ratio measurement design and stable xenon source enable user-performed verification using NIST-traceable Formazin standards. Annual calibration is recommended only if required by internal QA policy or regulatory jurisdiction.
Can the 2100N measure samples with high dissolved color (e.g., peat-stained surface water)?
Yes—the ratio algorithm corrects for absorbance-related signal loss, delivering accurate NTU values where single-beam instruments exhibit significant negative bias.
Is the air purge function mandatory for all measurements?
It is optional but strongly advised for samples below 15 °C or above 35 °C to prevent optical artifacts from condensation or thermal lensing effects.
What validation documentation is supplied with the instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance, Factory Calibration Report (including detector linearity and zero offset verification), and a NIST-traceable Formazin Standard Kit (20–2000 NTU).
How does the 2100N support multi-user laboratory environments?
HachLink™ allows assignment of unique operator IDs, password-protected method templates, and role-based access control—enabling compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for accredited testing labs.
