YSI 5200A Multi-Parameter Dissolved Oxygen Meter

Overview

The YSI 5200A Multi-Parameter Dissolved Oxygen Meter is a rugged, laboratory- and field-deployable benchtop monitor engineered for continuous, high-reliability dissolved oxygen (DO) and ancillary water quality parameter measurement in aquaculture, wastewater treatment, environmental research, and industrial process control applications. Utilizing Clark-type polarographic electrochemical sensing technology, the 5200A delivers stable, temperature-compensated DO quantification across a broad dynamic range (0–60 mg/L or 0–500% air saturation), with trace-level resolution and calibrated accuracy traceable to NIST standards. Its modular architecture supports up to four simultaneous polarographic DO/temperature probes—or integrated multi-parameter sensors (DO, temperature, conductivity, pH, ORP)—enabling comprehensive water quality profiling without requiring multiple standalone instruments. Designed and assembled in the United States, the 5200A complies with international electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety directives (CE, UL/CSA CUL, ETL), and meets enclosure requirements for harsh outdoor environments (NEMA 4X, IP65).

Key Features

• Four-channel analog input architecture supporting up to four polarographic DO/temperature probes (e.g., Apr-61, Oct-61, 5561 series) or mixed-sensor configurations including DO/Temp/Conductivity/pH (e.g., Apr-62, Oct-62)
• Dual power capability: seamless auto-switching between 100–240 V AC mains and 12 V DC (battery/solar), with built-in low-voltage detection and alarm output
• Eight programmable relay outputs (5 A @ 230 V AC), configurable for process control, alarm actuation, or feed timer synchronization
• Real-time event logging with GLP-compliant audit trail: calibration history, setpoint changes, alarm triggers, and relay activation timestamps
• Integrated time-stamped data storage: 1000 measurement records, 1250 alarm/event logs, and 500 GLP entries—retained during power loss
• Front-panel backlit LCD with intuitive menu navigation, real-time clock, and status indicators for probe health, communication link, and power mode

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YSI 5200A is validated for use in freshwater, brackish, seawater, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), activated sludge basins, and effluent streams. Its polarographic sensors operate reliably across salinities from 0 to 80 ppt and temperatures from –15 °C to +70 °C. Calibration protocols align with ASTM D888 (Standard Test Methods for Dissolved Oxygen in Water) and ISO 5814:2012 (Water quality — Determination of dissolved oxygen — Electrochemical probe method). The instrument’s firmware and data handling architecture support regulatory compliance frameworks including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when used with AquaManager software and appropriate electronic signature controls), EPA Method 360.1, and EU WFD monitoring guidelines. All sensor interfaces meet IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 immunity and emission standards.

Software & Data Management

The YSI 5200A operates natively with AquaManager desktop software (Windows 2000 through Windows 10), providing centralized facility-wide monitoring, configuration management, and historical data analysis. AquaManager enables remote access via LAN or internet-connected networks, supports email/SMS alerting to up to ten recipients per site, and exports data in CSV, Excel, and XML formats for integration into LIMS or SCADA platforms. The software maintains full audit trails compliant with GLP and GMP documentation requirements—including user login history, parameter edits, calibration events, and report generation timestamps. Optional AquaManager Smart Feeding Module allows feed delivery automation based on real-time DO, temperature, and biomass-derived inputs, interfacing with third-party feeders via 4–20 mA or digital I/O signals.

Applications

• Aquaculture operations: Real-time DO monitoring in hatcheries, raceways, and RAS tanks to prevent hypoxia-induced mortality and optimize feeding cycles
• Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment: Continuous DO profiling in aeration basins, bioreactors, and final effluent channels to maintain aerobic digestion efficiency
• Environmental monitoring stations: Long-term deployment in rivers, lakes, and estuaries using solar-powered 12 V DC operation and NEMA 4X-rated enclosures
• Research laboratories: Multi-parameter validation studies requiring synchronized DO, temperature, conductivity, pH, and ORP acquisition under controlled conditions
• Pharmaceutical and biotech process water systems: Monitoring of purified water (PW) and water-for-injection (WFI) loops where DO levels impact microbial control strategies

FAQ

What probe types are compatible with the YSI 5200A?
The 5200A accepts all YSI polarographic DO/temperature probes (e.g., Apr-61, Oct-61, 5561 series) and multi-parameter probes (e.g., Apr-62, Oct-62) with 4-, 10-, 20-, or 30-meter cable options. It does not support optical (luminescent) DO sensors.
Can the 5200A be integrated into an existing SCADA or BMS system?
Yes—via RS-232 or RS-485 Modbus RTU protocol, or optionally through the 5402 Serial-to-Ethernet module for TCP/IP-based integration into Ethernet-enabled control networks.
Is AquaManager software included with the instrument?
AquaManager is supplied as standard with the 5200A (part number 5209A); no additional license fee is required for basic monitoring, data export, and alarm configuration.
How is calibration traceability documented?
Each calibration event is timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory with operator ID (if enabled), buffer lot numbers, ambient conditions, and measured deviation—fully retrievable via AquaManager’s GLP report generator.
Does the 5200A support automatic temperature compensation?
Yes—integrated Pt1000 or thermistor-based temperature measurement is performed simultaneously with DO, and all DO readings are automatically compensated per ISO 5814 algorithms.