Hach DREL/2800 Portable Water Quality Laboratory

Overview

The Hach DREL/2800 Portable Water Quality Laboratory is a field-deployable, integrated analytical platform engineered for rapid, reliable, and standardized water quality assessment across diverse operational environments. Built upon the foundational principles of spectrophotometric analysis—specifically utilizing fixed-wavelength (e.g., 420 nm, 520 nm, 610 nm, 800 nm) and dual-beam optical detection—the system delivers quantitative measurement of key physicochemical parameters in accordance with globally recognized methods including EPA, ISO 7027 (turbidity), ISO 9963 (phosphate), ISO 15704 (nitrate), and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (SMWW). Its modular architecture supports both standalone operation in remote or emergency-response scenarios and seamless integration into routine laboratory workflows, enabling consistent data generation under GLP-compliant conditions.

Key Features

• Integrated benchtop spectrophotometer with pre-programmed, method-specific calibration curves for over 50 common water quality analytes—including nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, ammonia, chlorine (free & total), iron, manganese, hardness, silica, and sulfate.
• Modular expansion capability: Compatible with Hach sensION+156 Multi-Parameter Meter for simultaneous measurement of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), ORP, TDS, salinity, and temperature—each sensor meeting ASTM D1129 and ISO 7888 standards.
• Dedicated portable turbidimeter (e.g., 2100Q or TU5 series) compliant with ISO 7027 for Formazin-based nephelometric turbidity measurement (0.01–1000 NTU range).
• Pre-packaged, vacuum-sealed reagent kits with lot-specific calibration certificates; all reagents manufactured to Hach’s internal quality control specifications aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements.
• Ruggedized, shock-absorbing carrying case with custom-cut foam inserts, IP54-rated enclosure, and battery-powered operation (up to 8 hours on rechargeable Li-ion pack).
• Onboard data logging with timestamp, operator ID, and method version tracking—supporting audit-ready records per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with Hach’s DataStream software.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DREL/2800 accepts liquid samples across raw water, drinking water, wastewater effluent, surface water, and groundwater matrices. Sample volume requirements range from 5 mL to 25 mL depending on assay protocol. All test procedures are validated for matrix interferences typical of real-world samples (e.g., chloride interference in nitrate measurement via cadmium reduction; humic acid effects on colorimetric iron assays). The platform conforms to regulatory frameworks applicable to environmental laboratories, including U.S. EPA Methods 365.4 (phosphate), 354.1 (nitrate), 334.0 (chlorine), and EU Directive 98/83/EC (drinking water parameters). Instrument performance verification follows Hach’s documented IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and reporting are managed via Hach’s DataStream™ desktop application (v5.2+), which provides secure user authentication, electronic signature support, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and bidirectional synchronization with LIMS systems using ASTM E1384-compliant data exchange formats. Raw absorbance values, calibration history, QC check results (e.g., blank drift, standard recovery), and instrument diagnostics are stored with full metadata—enabling full traceability required for regulatory audits. Optional cloud-based data hosting (Hach Connect) supports role-based access control and real-time dashboard visualization for multi-site monitoring programs.

Applications

• Emergency response: Rapid deployment during natural disasters or chemical spills to assess contamination levels against WHO and EPA action thresholds.
• Field-based compliance monitoring: Routine sampling for municipal water utilities performing source water surveillance or distribution system integrity checks.
• Research and education: Used in university environmental science labs for method validation studies and student-led water quality surveys.
• Industrial pretreatment verification: On-site verification of influent characteristics prior to discharge into municipal sewer systems (per local POTW requirements).
• Third-party certification: Supporting ISO 22000 and HACCP-aligned water safety plans in food and beverage production facilities.

FAQ

Is the DREL/2800 suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories?
Yes—when operated with documented SOPs, calibrated reference standards, and maintained according to Hach’s preventive maintenance schedule, the DREL/2800 meets technical requirements for inclusion in accredited scope.
Can test methods be customized or validated for non-standard matrices?
Method adaptation is possible through Hach’s Application Support team; full validation (including LOD/LOQ, precision, spike recovery) must be performed per ISO 17025 Clause 7.2.2.
What is the recommended calibration frequency for the spectrophotometer?
Daily verification with NIST-traceable neutral density filters is advised; full wavelength and photometric calibration every 90 days or after instrument transport/shock.
Does the system support GLP-compliant electronic record keeping?
Yes—DataStream software includes audit trail functionality, user access logs, and electronic signatures compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Subpart B.
Are reagents supplied with expiration date and certificate of analysis?
All Hach reagent kits include printed CoA with lot number, expiry date, and certified concentration values traceable to NIST SRMs.