HORIBA LAQUAact D-70 Series Portable Multi-parameter Water Quality Analyzer
| Brand | HORIBA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | D-70 Series |
| Instrument Type | Portable/Handheld Water Quality Analyzer |
| Measured Parameters | pH, mV (ORP), Ion Concentration, Conductivity, Resistivity, Salinity, TDS, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Saturation DO, % Oxygen |
| Display | Backlit Monochrome LCD |
| Protection Rating | IP67 |
| Data Storage | 1000 measurements |
| Communication | USB/RS-232 for GLP/GMP-compliant data export |
| Calibration | Auto-identification of 5-point pH buffers (USA/NIST), automatic temperature compensation, electrode diagnostics |
| Power | 2× AAA alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (≈1000 h operation) |
| Dimensions | ~67 × 28 × 170 mm (W×D×H) |
| Weight | ~270–285 g (body only) |
Overview
The HORIBA LAQUAact D-70 Series is a rugged, field-deployable multi-parameter water quality analyzer engineered for high-reproducibility measurements across diverse environmental, municipal, and industrial monitoring applications. Built on HORIBA’s legacy of electrochemical sensor precision, the D-70 platform integrates glass electrode-based potentiometry (pH/mV), ion-selective electrode (ISE) methodology, AC two-electrode conductivity measurement, and membrane-covered galvanic cell-based dissolved oxygen detection—all within a single, lightweight, IP67-rated housing. Its modular architecture supports interchangeable sensor configurations (e.g., D-71 for pH-only, D-75 for DO, OM-71 for optical DO, ES-71 for conductivity), enabling mission-specific deployment without sacrificing metrological integrity. Designed in compliance with international standard methodologies—including ISO 7888 (conductivity), ISO 5667-22 (field pH), ASTM D1293 (pH of water), and USP (conductivity)—the D-70 Series delivers traceable, auditable results suitable for regulatory reporting under GLP and GMP frameworks.
Key Features
- Rugged IP67-rated enclosure with alcohol-resistant, impact-tolerant housing—certified for immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes and full dust ingress protection.
- Capacitive touch screen with anti-chemical tempered glass display—optimized for gloved operation and outdoor readability under variable ambient lighting.
- Smart navigation interface with real-time electrode diagnostics, calibration status visualization, and context-aware troubleshooting prompts.
- Auto-identifying 5-point pH calibration using pre-programmed USA and NIST buffer recognition—eliminating manual buffer selection errors.
- Simultaneous dual-channel measurement and display (e.g., pH + mV, conductivity + salinity, DO + % saturation) with independent temperature compensation per parameter.
- Integrated temperature sensor (0.0–100.0 °C range, ±0.1 °C accuracy) with optional extended range (−30 to 130 °C) via external probe compatibility.
- GLP/GMP-ready data management: 1000-measurement internal memory with timestamp, ID tag, operator code, and calibration history; USB/RS-232 export supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The D-70 Series is validated for use with natural waters (freshwater, estuarine, seawater), wastewater effluents, drinking water distribution systems, aquaculture tanks, and industrial process streams. All electrochemical sensors comply with IEC 60746-1 (electrochemical analyzers) and JIS K 0107 (Japanese Industrial Standard for pH meters). Conductivity measurements adhere to ISO 7888:2019 and are auto-compensated to 25 °C using either linear or non-linear (CaCl₂-based) algorithms. Dissolved oxygen readings incorporate simultaneous temperature, atmospheric pressure (barometric), and salinity correction per Winkler-derived empirical models (ISO 5814:2012). The instrument’s firmware supports configurable reporting units (e.g., μS/cm vs. mS/m, mg/L vs. ppm TDS, % saturation vs. mg/L DO), facilitating alignment with regional regulatory requirements (e.g., EU Bathing Water Directive, US EPA Method 360.1).
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and reporting are managed through HORIBA’s LAQUA Connect software (Windows-compatible), which enables batch download, spectral overlay, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%), and customizable PDF/CSV report generation. Each stored record includes embedded metadata: measurement date/time, sensor serial number, calibration coefficients, ambient temperature/humidity, and user-defined sample ID. The system enforces electronic signature workflows for critical operations (e.g., calibration, zero adjustment), maintaining full auditability for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages with SHA-256 verification, ensuring integrity and traceability throughout the device lifecycle.
Applications
- Field-based ambient water quality surveillance (EPA Region 10, EU WFD monitoring programs)
- Drinking water compliance testing at intake, treatment, and distribution points
- Wastewater discharge verification per local NPDES permits
- Aquaculture health management (DO, pH, salinity stability tracking)
- Industrial cooling tower and boiler feedwater control
- Educational laboratory instruction in environmental chemistry and analytical instrumentation
- Emergency response assessments following chemical spills or algal bloom events
FAQ
Does the D-70 Series support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when used with LAQUA Connect software and configured with electronic signatures, audit logs, and role-based access controls, the system meets core requirements for electronic records and signatures in regulated environments.
Can the same instrument measure both pH and dissolved oxygen simultaneously?
Yes—the D-75 and OM-71 configurations support concurrent pH and DO measurement with independent temperature compensation and real-time cross-parameter correlation.
What is the maximum depth rating for underwater operation?
The IP67 rating certifies operation at 1 meter submersion for up to 30 minutes; prolonged immersion or pressurized deployment requires optional pressure-rated sensor housings.
Is NIST-traceable calibration documentation included with purchase?
HORIBA provides factory calibration certificates (traceable to NMIJ/AIST) for all shipped sensors; end-user calibration verification tools and certified reference materials are available as accessories.
How is data integrity maintained during battery replacement?
Non-volatile memory retains all stored measurements and calibration history across power cycles; no data loss occurs during battery swap or AC adapter transition.


