Hanna HI93124 Portable Beer Turbidimeter

Overview

The Hanna HI93124 Portable Beer Turbidimeter is a precision optical instrument engineered specifically for quantitative turbidity assessment in brewing applications. It operates on the principle of nephelometry—measuring the intensity of light scattered at a 90° angle from an infrared LED source (850 nm wavelength) as it passes through a sample. This near-infrared illumination minimizes interference from sample coloration, a critical advantage when evaluating pale lagers, hazy IPAs, or dark stouts where visible-light-based turbidimeters often yield skewed results. The instrument adheres strictly to internationally recognized methodologies including EBC Method 9.2 (European Brewery Convention), US EPA Method 180.1, and Standard Method 2130B, ensuring data compatibility across global quality control laboratories and contract brewing facilities. Designed for field and production-floor use, the HI93124 delivers traceable, repeatable EBC (European Brewery Convention) units—distinct from NTU or FNU—making it indispensable for breweries complying with EU-regulated quality specifications and internal haze stability protocols.

Key Features

• Infrared nephelometric detection (850 nm LED) with 90° silicon photodiode sensor for color-independent turbidity measurement
• Dual-range EBC scale optimized for beer: high-resolution 0.00–10.00 EBC (0.01 EBC resolution) and extended 10–250 EBC range
• Three-point calibration using certified EBC standards (0, 2.5, and 125 EBC) to ensure linearity across the full operational span
• Integrated real-time clock for time-stamped data logging—essential for GLP-compliant QC records and batch traceability
• Robust portable architecture: IP65-rated enclosure, ergonomic grip, and battery-powered operation (4 × AA) enabling >20 hours of continuous use
• Onboard memory stores 199 complete measurement records, each including date, time, EBC value, and calibration status flag

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HI93124 accepts standard 25-mm round glass cuvettes (included) compatible with both clarified and unfiltered beer matrices. Its optical path length and detector geometry are validated for low-turbidity wort, finished beer, and post-filtration samples per EBC 9.2 requirements. Instrument compliance extends beyond methodology: all firmware and calibration routines conform to principles outlined in ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories, and data export functionality supports audit-ready documentation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with HI92000 software (with electronic signature and audit trail enabled). No user-adjustable parameters affect measurement integrity—calibration constants are write-protected and verified during power-up self-test.

Software & Data Management

Data retrieval is facilitated via RS232 serial interface (cable and HI92000 Windows software sold separately). HI92000 enables bidirectional communication: downloading stored measurements, generating customizable reports (PDF/CSV), applying statistical filters (e.g., mean, SD, min/max per batch), and archiving calibration logs with operator ID and timestamp metadata. Exported datasets retain full traceability—including instrument serial number, firmware version, and environmental conditions logged at time of measurement. For integrated QA/QC workflows, the software supports direct import into LIMS platforms via ODBC drivers and satisfies documentation requirements for GMP-aligned breweries undergoing third-party audits.

Applications

• Final product release testing against EBC-defined haze limits (e.g., ≤0.5 EBC for Pilsners, ≤1.0 EBC for Pale Ales)
• Monitoring cold stabilization efficiency and polyphenol-protein complex formation during maturation
• Validating filter performance (sheet, diatomaceous earth, membrane) through pre- and post-filtration comparisons
• Tracking colloidal stability during shelf-life studies under accelerated aging conditions
• Supporting R&D trials for new yeast strains, fining agents (e.g., silica gel, PVPP), or enzymatic treatments
• Field verification of turbidity at contract packaging facilities or distribution centers

FAQ

What turbidity units does the HI93124 report?
It reports exclusively in European Brewery Convention (EBC) units, traceable to NIST-traceable EBC reference standards.
Is the instrument suitable for non-beverage applications?
While optimized for beer, it may be used for other lightly colored, low-absorbance liquids—but EBC calibration is not valid for wastewater, pharmaceuticals, or drinking water; those require NTU/FNU-validated instruments.
Does the HI93124 meet FDA or EU regulatory requirements for QC labs?
Yes—when operated per EBC 9.2 and paired with HI92000 software configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, it fulfills documentation and data integrity requirements for regulated brewing environments.
How often must calibration be performed?
Daily calibration is recommended before first use and after any significant ambient temperature shift; three-point calibration ensures accuracy across both low- and high-EBC ranges.
Can measurement data be exported to Excel or LIMS?
Yes—HI92000 exports native CSV files and supports ODBC connectivity for direct LIMS integration, including batch ID, operator ID, and environmental metadata.