OHAUS AP30PM Portable Colorimeter
| Brand | OHAUS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Regional Classification | Domestic (China) |
| Model | AP30PM |
| Instrument Type | Portable / Handheld Water Quality Analyzer |
| Measurable Parameters | Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, pH, Urea, Chlorine Dioxide, Ozone |
| Data Storage Capacity | 5,000 Results |
| Optical Principle | LED-based Spectrophotometry with Multi-Wavelength Sources |
| IP Rating | IP67 (Dust-tight and Immersion-resistant up to 1 m for 30 min) |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery (Typical Operation Time: ≥20 Hours per Charge) |
| Interface | USB-C for PC Data Export |
| Sample Volume Requirement | ≤2.0 mL per Test |
| Response Time | <15 Seconds (Post-Reagent Addition) |
Overview
The OHAUS AP30PM Portable Colorimeter is an engineered field-deployable photometric analyzer designed for rapid, on-site quantification of critical water quality parameters in municipal distribution systems, swimming pools, cooling towers, wastewater effluents, and recreational water facilities. Built upon a multi-wavelength LED spectrophotometric platform, the instrument employs discrete, temperature-stabilized light sources (typically centered at 430 nm, 525 nm, 580 nm, and 610 nm) to selectively excite colorimetric reactions in aqueous samples. Each wavelength is calibrated against NIST-traceable standards and validated per ISO 8466-1 for calibration function linearity. Unlike broad-spectrum lamp-based systems, the AP30PM’s solid-state optical architecture eliminates warm-up drift, ensures long-term photometric stability (<±0.002 Abs/h), and enables precise absorbance measurements across 0–2.5 Abs range with 0.001 Abs resolution. Its compact form factor (185 × 85 × 45 mm), lightweight construction (≤320 g), and ergonomic grip facilitate single-handed operation during extended field surveys.
Key Features
- Multi-parameter capability: Simultaneous support for six regulated analytes—free chlorine (0.02–5.00 mg/L), total chlorine (0.02–5.00 mg/L), pH (6.5–8.5, via indicator-based colorimetry), urea (0–20 mg/L), chlorine dioxide (0.05–5.00 mg/L), and ozone (0.02–2.00 mg/L)—using pre-filled, lot-specific reagent vials.
- Robust optical path: Fixed-pathlength (10 mm) cuvette chamber with dual-beam referencing (sample/reference LED pairs) compensates for ambient light interference and source intensity fluctuation in real time.
- Integrated data integrity: On-device storage of 5,000 test records with timestamp, operator ID (configurable), location tag (via optional Bluetooth GNSS module), and raw absorbance values—fully compliant with GLP documentation requirements.
- Field-hardened enclosure: IP67-rated housing with sealed membrane keypad, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel sample port, and reinforced USB-C port gasketing for sustained use in high-humidity, chlorinated, or splash-prone environments.
- Low-consumption assay design: Each test consumes ≤2.0 mL sample volume and ≤0.5 mL reagent volume, reducing logistical burden during multi-point monitoring campaigns.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AP30PM is validated for use with clarified, non-turbid water samples meeting ISO 7027 turbidity limits (<5 NTU). It supports standard EPA, APHA, and ISO-compliant colorimetric methods—including EPA 330.5 (chlorine), ISO 7393-2 (total chlorine), ISO 15177 (urea), and ASTM D1253 (ozone)—when paired with OHAUS-certified reagent kits (catalog numbers AP30-CLF, AP30-CLT, etc.). All calibration curves are generated using certified reference materials traceable to NIST SRM 2832 (chlorine) and BAM-Urea-100 (urea). The device meets IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD immunity) and IEC 61000-4-3 (radiated RF immunity) for electromagnetic compatibility in industrial settings.
Software & Data Management
OHAUS AquaLink™ Desktop Software (v3.2+) provides secure bidirectional communication via USB-C. It enables batch export of CSV/Excel reports with embedded metadata (calibration history, QC check results, instrument firmware version), automated generation of LIMS-ready files, and audit trail logging per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable record archiving. Firmware updates and method library revisions are delivered through digitally signed packages verified via SHA-256 hash validation.
Applications
- Routine disinfectant residual monitoring in drinking water distribution networks and point-of-use locations.
- Compliance verification for WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality and EU Directive 98/83/EC.
- Swimming pool and spa facility management per CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Section 5.003.
- Pre- and post-filtration validation in membrane-based water reuse systems.
- Educational laboratory instruction in environmental chemistry and public health curricula.
FAQ
Does the AP30PM require annual factory recalibration?
No—field recalibration is performed using OHAUS-provided calibration standards; however, metrological verification against NIST-traceable references is recommended every 12 months or after 500 tests, whichever occurs first.
Can the instrument store custom calibration curves?
Yes—up to five user-defined methods may be loaded via AquaLink™ software, provided they conform to Beer-Lambert linearization constraints and include slope/intercept validation data.
Is Bluetooth connectivity supported natively?
Not built-in; however, optional external Bluetooth 5.0 adapters (OHAUS BT-ADP-01) enable wireless GPS tagging and remote configuration when used with AquaLink Mobile (iOS/Android).
What is the warranty coverage?
Standard 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship under normal field use conditions.
Are reagents supplied with the instrument?
No—reagents are sold separately as consumable kits; each kit includes lot-specific calibration certificates and expiration-dated vials aligned with ISO 17034 accreditation requirements.
