Hach CEL900 Portable Water Quality Analysis Laboratory

Overview

The Hach CEL900 Portable Water Quality Analysis Laboratory is an integrated, field-deployable analytical platform engineered for rapid, reliable, and standardized water quality assessment across diverse operational environments. Built upon the proven optical and electrochemical architecture of the Hach DR900 series spectrophotometers and sensor modules, the CEL900 extends functionality beyond single-parameter measurement by integrating pre-configured reagent kits, calibrated sensors, sample handling accessories, and method-specific protocols into a unified, transportable system. It operates on established analytical principles including colorimetry (for parameters such as nitrate, phosphate, ammonia, and total chlorine), amperometric and potentiometric electrochemistry (for dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and ORP), and turbidimetry (per ISO 7027). Designed for deployment in resource-constrained or time-sensitive scenarios—including emergency response, remote field surveys, mobile laboratories, and routine lab verification—the CEL900 delivers traceable, reproducible data aligned with EPA Methods, ASTM standards (e.g., D1293 for pH, D3370 for sampling), and ISO 5667 series for water quality sampling and testing.

Key Features

• Modular, application-specific configurations: Pre-assembled kits tailored for drinking water, wastewater, industrial process water, boiler feedwater, environmental surface water, agricultural runoff, and academic teaching labs.
• Integrated DR900-based spectrophotometer: 19 mm round cell and 10–50 mm rectangular cell compatibility; wavelength range 420–610 nm; fixed-wavelength and method-programmed analysis modes.
• Dual-input digital meter interface: Simultaneous connection and real-time display of up to two electrochemical probes (e.g., pH + DO, or conductivity + ORP) with automatic temperature compensation.
• On-board method library: Preloaded with >100 Hach-approved test procedures compliant with APHA Standard Methods, EPA 100-series methods, and ISO water quality standards.
• Ruggedized field housing: IP67-rated carrying case with custom-cut foam inserts, shock-absorbing design, and integrated battery power (rechargeable Li-ion, ≥12 hours continuous operation).
• GLP-compliant data logging: Timestamped results with operator ID, calibration history, and method version tracking; exportable via USB or Bluetooth to Hach’s LogBook software or third-party LIMS.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CEL900 supports liquid samples across a broad matrix range—including raw surface water, clarified effluent, chlorinated distribution system water, low-ionic-strength rainwater, and high-TDS industrial cooling water—without requiring dilution for most standard methods. Sample volume requirements are optimized for field use (typically 5–25 mL per test). All included reagents conform to Hach’s Quality System certified under ISO 9001 and are manufactured to meet stability and lot-to-lot consistency requirements specified in ISO/IEC 17025. Instrument performance verification follows Hach’s internal calibration protocol traceable to NIST SRMs, and routine field checks align with EPA Guidance Document QA/G-5 and ASTM D5847 for field instrument validation.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and reporting are managed through Hach’s LogBook desktop software (Windows-compatible), which provides audit-trail-enabled result review, customizable report generation (PDF/CSV), and electronic signature support compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed in regulated environments. The CEL900’s internal memory stores ≥2,000 test records with full metadata (date/time, method ID, calibration status, user input flags). Firmware updates are delivered via secure Hach Connect portal, ensuring ongoing alignment with evolving regulatory method revisions and cybersecurity best practices (TLS 1.2+ encrypted transfers).

Applications

• Emergency response: Rapid screening for chlorine residual, nitrite, and turbidity during contamination events or post-disaster water safety assessments.
• Regulatory compliance monitoring: Field verification of discharge permits (e.g., NPDES), source water surveillance per Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, and wastewater treatment plant effluent checks.
• Industrial process control: Real-time monitoring of boiler feedwater alkalinity, cooling tower conductivity, and rinse water pH in pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Educational instruction: Hands-on method training for APHA Standard Methods, undergraduate environmental chemistry labs, and technician certification programs.
• Research fieldwork: Long-term water quality trend analysis in watersheds, wetlands, and agricultural catchments using standardized, inter-laboratory comparable protocols.

FAQ

Is the CEL900 suitable for GLP or GMP-regulated laboratories?
Yes—when used with LogBook software, full audit trails, electronic signatures, and calibration documentation meet core GLP and GMP data integrity expectations.
Can the CEL900 be calibrated against NIST-traceable standards?
All optical and electrochemical modules support calibration using NIST-traceable reference materials supplied by Hach or certified third-party vendors.
What maintenance is required for field durability?
Routine cleaning of optical cells and sensor membranes, biannual verification of photometric accuracy using Hach’s Calibration Check Standards, and annual firmware validation are recommended.
Does the system support custom method development?
While the onboard method library is fixed, LogBook software allows creation and validation of user-defined calculation templates compatible with exported raw data.
How is data security ensured during wireless transfer?
Bluetooth communication uses AES-128 encryption; all LogBook exports are digitally signed and optionally password-protected per organizational IT policy.