KEM DA-130Nc Portable Digital Density Meter with Stand
| Brand | KEM (Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Yes |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | DA-130Nc |
| Instrument Type | Oscillating U-Tube Densimeter |
| Portability | Handheld |
| Sample Type | Liquids Only |
| Density Range | 0.0000–2.0000 g/cm³ |
| Density Accuracy | ±0.001 g/cm³ |
| Density Resolution | 0.0001 g/cm³ |
| Repeatability | ±0.0005 g/cm³ |
| Temperature Range | 0.0–40.0 °C |
| Minimum Sample Volume | 1–2 mL |
| Viscosity Limit | ≤2000 mPa·s |
| Data Storage Capacity | 1100 measurements |
| Communication | IrDA infrared interface, optional RS-232C |
| Power Supply | Two 1.5 V alkaline batteries (approx. 90 h operation) |
| Dimensions | 65 × 115 × 235 mm |
| Weight | 360 g |
| Includes | Integrated stand (DA-130Nc Stand) |
Overview
The KEM DA-130Nc Portable Digital Density Meter is an oscillating U-tube densimeter engineered for high-precision, field-deployable density and relative density measurements of liquid samples. Based on the fundamental principle of measuring the natural resonant frequency of a U-shaped glass tube filled with sample—where frequency inversely correlates with mass—and calibrated against reference standards, the DA-130Nc delivers traceable, reproducible results compliant with international standard test methods including ASTM D7777–24 and IP 559:2012. Its compact, handheld architecture enables direct in-situ analysis without requiring laboratory infrastructure, making it suitable for quality control checkpoints, refinery field testing, beverage production lines, pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, and R&D mobile labs. The instrument operates across a wide density range (0.0000–2.0000 g/cm³) at ambient temperatures from 0.0 to 40.0 °C, with resolution of 0.0001 g/cm³ and repeatability of ±0.0005 g/cm³—performance characteristics validated under controlled metrological conditions per JJG 1058–2010.
Key Features
- Oscillating U-tube measurement principle ensures high accuracy, minimal thermal drift, and immunity to sediment or particulate interference—ideal for turbid or mildly viscous liquids.
- Integrated manual aspiration pump supports sampling of liquids up to 2000 mPa·s viscosity; injection via syringe minimizes air bubble entrapment and ensures precise volume control (1–2 mL).
- Self-contained temperature-controlled oscillator and built-in Pt100 sensor enable real-time temperature compensation; user-configurable temperature coefficients for up to 10 substances (e.g., ethanol, glycerol, toluene, sulfuric acid) allow automatic conversion to reference temperatures (e.g., 15 °C, 20 °C, 60 °F).
- Dual calibration modes: automatic water-based zero-point correction plus optional air or certified density standard fluid calibration—fully traceable to NIST-traceable reference materials.
- Large backlit LCD displays multiple parameters simultaneously: density (g/cm³), relative density (t/t), API gravity, Brix %, Plato, Baume, alcohol content (v/v %, w/w %, US/UK proof), H₂SO₄ concentration (% w/w), and custom-defined concentration equations.
- Onboard memory stores 1100 measurement records with timestamp, sample ID, temperature, and stability status; data export supported via IrDA infrared interface or optional RS-232C port for integration into LIMS or QA/QC databases.
- Lightweight (360 g), battery-powered (two AA alkaline cells, ~90 h life), and supplied with dedicated stand for stable benchtop use—optimized for both handheld mobility and stationary deployment.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DA-130Nc is validated for routine analysis of homogeneous liquid-phase samples with no suspended solids or entrained gas. It meets regulatory and industry requirements for method validation in GxP environments: its measurement traceability aligns with ISO/IEC 17025–2017 calibration protocols, and data integrity features—including time-stamped storage, non-editable records, and audit-ready output—support compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with validated software and IrDA/RS-232C interfaces. Applications span ASTM D7777–24 (petroleum density), IP 559 (middle distillates), USP (density of pharmaceutical liquids), and EN 13804 (food-grade alcohol determination). It is routinely deployed for QC of crude oil fractions, lubricants, edible oils, alcoholic beverages, battery electrolytes, electroplating baths, and cleaning agents—provided samples are degassed and thermally equilibrated prior to measurement.
Software & Data Management
While the DA-130Nc operates autonomously without PC dependency, its IrDA interface enables seamless data transfer to Windows-based KEM Density Manager software (sold separately), which provides GLP-compliant reporting, statistical trend analysis, calibration log archiving, and customizable certificate generation. All stored measurements include metadata: date/time stamp, operator ID (manually entered), temperature, stability flag, and calibration history. When connected via RS-232C, the device supports ASCII-formatted output compatible with third-party SCADA systems, ERP modules, and electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). No firmware updates require proprietary dongles; configuration changes (e.g., unit selection, temperature coefficient tables) are performed directly via intuitive menu navigation.
Applications
- Petroleum & Energy: On-site API gravity and density verification of crude oil, diesel, jet fuel, and lubricants per ASTM D7777 and IP 559.
- Food & Beverage: Alcohol quantification in spirits (v/v %, proof), Brix and Plato in wort/must, Baume in vinegar, and density-based sugar recovery calculations in juice processing.
- Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics: Relative density assessment of solvents, excipients, and liquid dosage forms per USP ; concentration monitoring of glycerin, propylene glycol, or ethanol solutions.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Real-time control of acid/base concentration (e.g., H₂SO₄, NaOH), plating bath composition, and surfactant formulations.
- Academic & Field Research: Rapid density profiling of environmental water samples, biofuel blends, or polymer solutions during pilot-scale development.
FAQ
What is the measurement principle of the DA-130Nc?
It employs oscillating U-tube densimetry: the sample-filled U-shaped glass tube vibrates at a natural frequency inversely proportional to its mass; density is calculated from this frequency using factory-calibrated constants.
Can the DA-130Nc measure slurries or suspensions?
No—it is designed exclusively for clear, homogeneous liquids. Particulates or bubbles will disrupt resonance and invalidate results.
Is temperature control active or passive?
Passive: the instrument measures sample temperature in real time and applies user-defined or preloaded temperature compensation algorithms; it does not actively heat or cool the sample.
How is calibration traceability maintained?
Via dual-point calibration using air (or dry nitrogen) and certified water (or NIST-traceable density standards); calibration logs are stored with timestamps and operator IDs.
Does the DA-130Nc comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The hardware itself is Part 11–capable when paired with validated KEM software and IrDA/RS-232C interfaces that enforce electronic signatures, audit trails, and record protection—subject to site-specific validation.




