Sanxin TN150 Portable Turbidimeter (White-Light Basic Model)

Overview

The Sanxin TN150 Portable Turbidimeter (White-Light Basic Model) is a field-deployable optical instrument engineered for precise, traceable turbidity measurement in aqueous media using the 90° nephelometric scattering principle. It operates in full compliance with EPA Method 180.1 and China’s HJ 1075–2019 standard, both of which specify white-light illumination (400–600 nm tungsten-halogen source) and right-angle detection geometry to ensure metrological consistency for low-to-moderate turbidity applications. Unlike near-infrared or LED-based systems, the TN150’s broad-spectrum tungsten lamp provides stable spectral output ideal for detecting fine particulates—especially critical in potable water, drinking water distribution systems, and municipal treatment monitoring where sub-1 NTU resolution is operationally essential. Its robust mechanical architecture, IP67-rated enclosure, and integrated thermal management enable reliable performance across ambient temperatures from 0 °C to 50 °C—making it suitable for both laboratory benchtop use and uncontrolled outdoor environments including wellheads, reservoirs, and wastewater outfalls.

Key Features

• 90° scattered-light detection geometry per EPA 180.1 and HJ 1075–2019, minimizing interference from color absorption and particle size bias
• Auto-ranging measurement capability across three calibrated intervals (0.01–19.99, 20.0–99.9, and 100–1000 NTU/FNU), eliminating manual range selection errors
• TFT color display with intuitive graphical user interface supporting English, Chinese, and Spanish—designed for rapid operator onboarding without technical training
• Rechargeable 3.7 V lithium-ion battery delivering >20 hours of continuous operation—approximately five times longer than AA-powered competitive models using equivalent tungsten sources
• Integrated average-read mode: captures and displays arithmetic mean of up to ten sequential measurements, enhancing statistical reliability for rapidly settling suspensions (e.g., flocculated coagulants or biofilm fragments)
• IP67 ingress protection certified for dust-tight operation and temporary immersion (up to 1 m for 30 min), validated under IEC 60529
• Replaceable tungsten-halogen lamp module with documented spectral stability over rated lifetime; no recalibration required after lamp replacement
• On-device diagnostics including low-battery warning, zero-drift alert (±0.5 FS/30 min), and real-time stability monitoring (±1.0 FS/30 min)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TN150 accepts standard Ø25 × 60 mm borosilicate glass sample vials (18 mL volume), ensuring optical homogeneity and chemical resistance to chlorine, low-concentration acids, and common disinfectants. Its measurement methodology aligns with the physical principles defined in ISO 7027–1:2016 (nephelometry), though it does not claim formal ISO 7027 certification due to its white-light source rather than the specified 860 nm infrared emitter. For regulatory reporting in U.S. environmental programs, data generated by the TN150 satisfies EPA 180.1 field verification requirements when used with NIST-traceable polymer calibration standards (0, 20, 100, 400, and 800 NTU/FNU). All supplied calibration solutions are EPA- and ASTM D6508-compliant, non-toxic, ready-to-use, and retain certified values for 12 months when stored between 5 °C and 30 °C. The instrument itself is CE-marked and manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015–certified quality management system, supporting GLP-aligned documentation practices.

Software & Data Management

The TN150 operates as a standalone, embedded-system device with no external software dependency. All configuration—including language selection, auto-off delay (1–60 min), backlight intensity, and averaging count—is managed directly through the on-unit menu. Measurement data is displayed in real time with timestamped readouts; however, the device does not feature onboard memory or USB/Bluetooth export. This design prioritizes operational simplicity, electromagnetic immunity, and audit trail integrity in regulated field settings where uncontrolled data transfer could compromise chain-of-custody protocols. Users intending to archive results are advised to manually record values or integrate the TN150 into existing LIMS workflows via visual transcription or optional third-party digital logging accessories compatible with its analog output interface (available upon request).

Applications

• Drinking water quality verification at treatment plant effluent points and distribution network sampling stations
• Swimming pool and spa water clarity monitoring per WHO and national recreational water guidelines
• Environmental field surveys of surface water bodies (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) during routine EPA NPDES compliance checks
• Industrial process water monitoring in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor manufacturing facilities
• Educational laboratory instruction in environmental science curricula requiring hands-on nephelometric methodology
• Emergency response deployments following natural disasters affecting water infrastructure

FAQ

Does the TN150 comply with US EPA Method 180.1?
Yes—the instrument implements 90° white-light scattering geometry, uses a tungsten-halogen source (400–600 nm), and supports certified polymer calibration standards meeting EPA 180.1 requirements for field turbidity measurement.

Can the TN150 be used for wastewater samples with high turbidity?
It is optimized for low-to-moderate turbidity (0–1000 NTU/FNU); samples exceeding 1000 NTU require dilution with deionized water prior to analysis to maintain accuracy within ±8%.

Is the calibration solution traceable to NIST?
The supplied polymer standards are certified by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory with traceability to national primary standards; full CoA documentation is provided with each kit.

What is the expected service life of the tungsten lamp?
Rated for ≥2,000 hours of cumulative operation under typical field conditions; lamp replacement is user-serviceable and does not necessitate factory recalibration.

Does the TN150 support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
As a stand-alone, non-networked instrument without electronic signature or audit trail functionality, it does not meet Part 11 requirements; however, its documented calibration history and controlled operating parameters support ALCOA+ data integrity principles in GMP environments when used with procedural controls.