Leici PHBJ-260 Portable pH Meter

Overview

The Leici PHBJ-260 Portable pH Meter is a precision electrochemical instrument engineered for reliable field and laboratory measurement of hydrogen ion activity in aqueous solutions. Based on potentiometric principle using a glass pH electrode and reference electrode pair, the PHBJ-260 delivers traceable, repeatable pH readings compliant with standard electrochemical measurement protocols defined in ISO 3696, ASTM D1293, and USP . Its dual-parameter capability extends beyond pH to include millivolt (mV) measurements for oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) analysis and real-time temperature monitoring—critical for accurate temperature-compensated pH determination. Designed for operational robustness in variable environmental conditions, the meter features an IP65-rated enclosure, enabling use in humid or dust-prone settings such as wastewater treatment plants, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, educational labs, and food processing facilities.

Key Features

• High-resolution 0.01 pH readability with ±0.01 pH ±1 digit accuracy at 25 °C, meeting Class 0.01 specification per JJG 119–2018 (Chinese national metrological verification regulation for pH meters)
• Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) and manual temperature input options, supporting both built-in NTC thermistor probes and external Pt100 sensors
• Multi-point calibration support: one-point or two-point auto-calibration using user-selectable NIST-traceable buffer standards (pH 4.01, 7.00, 9.18)
• Adjustable isopotential point setting for optimized measurement of low-conductivity samples—including ultrapure water, boiler feedwater, and deionized water—minimizing liquid junction potential errors
• Backlit blue LCD display with wide viewing angle and automatic contrast adjustment for readability under ambient lighting or low-light field conditions
• Intelligent power management: low-battery warning, auto-power-off after 10 minutes of inactivity, and extended battery life up to 200 hours on four AA alkaline cells
• RS-232 serial interface compatible with Leici REX data acquisition software and TP-16 thermal printers for GLP-compliant documentation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PHBJ-260 supports direct immersion measurement of liquid samples with conductivity ≥25 µS/cm. For ultra-low-ionic-strength media (e.g., purified water, condensate), optional high-resistance pH electrodes (e.g., Leici E-201-C with sleeve-type reference junction) are recommended to mitigate diffusion potential drift. All measurements adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements through time-stamped data logging, operator ID entry (via software), and audit-trail-capable storage. The instrument’s design conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in measurement, control, and laboratory applications. While not certified for intrinsic safety in hazardous locations, its IP65 ingress protection ensures resistance to water jets and airborne particulates during routine industrial deployment.

Software & Data Management

Built-in memory retains up to 200 complete measurement records, each including pH/mV/temperature values, calibration history, date/time stamp, and operator notes (entered via REX software). Data export is supported in CSV format for downstream statistical analysis in Excel or LIMS environments. When connected to a Windows PC via RS-232 (with optional USB-to-serial adapter), the Leici REX software enables remote configuration, firmware updates, real-time graphing, and automated report generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, audit trails, and data integrity safeguards. No cloud connectivity or proprietary drivers are required; the system operates natively under Windows 7–11 without administrative privileges.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: surface water, groundwater, effluent, and stormwater pH profiling per EPA Method 150.1 and ISO 10523
• Pharmaceutical quality control: pH verification of injectables, buffers, and cleaning validation rinse waters per USP and EU GMP Annex 8
• Food & beverage safety: acidity testing of dairy products, fruit juices, and fermentation broths in accordance with AOAC 973.41
• Academic instruction: undergraduate electrochemistry labs emphasizing Nernst equation validation, buffer capacity analysis, and electrode response kinetics
• Industrial process support: boiler water alkalinity control, cooling tower chemistry management, and semiconductor rinse tank monitoring

FAQ

Does the PHBJ-260 support three-point calibration?
No—the instrument implements one- or two-point calibration only, consistent with ISO 17025-recommended practices for routine pH verification. Three-point calibration is unnecessary for most applications and may introduce nonlinearity artifacts if buffers are improperly selected.

Can it measure pH in non-aqueous solvents?
Not without modification. The PHBJ-260 is validated exclusively for aqueous systems. Measurements in ethanol, glycerol, or organic-aqueous mixtures require specialized electrodes and empirical correction factors outside the scope of factory calibration.

Is the RS-232 interface opto-isolated?
No—it is a standard TTL-level serial interface. For electrically noisy industrial environments, a galvanically isolated RS-232 converter is recommended to prevent ground-loop interference.

What is the warranty coverage?
Leici provides a 12-month limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, excluding consumables (electrodes, batteries) and damage from misuse or unauthorized modification.