Product Review: GroLine Professional Portable Soil pH Tester IC-HI98168
The Instrument Choice Team of Scientists regularly reviews new and popular products, so when searching for the perfect scientific instrument for your application, you can make more informed decisions.
This edition reviews Hanna Instruments GroLine Portable Soil pH Meter (IC-HI98168), a professional soil pH tester designed to simplify agricultural and general environmental soil pH testing.
Why Measure Soil pH?
The pH of soils substantial influences the general health and growth of plants. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 (0 = acidic, 7 = neutral, and 14 = highly alkaline). Most plants thrive in soils from pH 5.5 to pH 7.5, yet many species, including commercially significant varieties, prefer soil pH outside of this range.
What’s the take-home? Maintaining the ideal soil pH will help optimise plant propagation, growth rates, quality and overall yields.
About the Hanna Groline pH Tester IC-HI98168
The Hanna Groline pH tester IC-HI98168 is a pH tester designed for direct pH soil and soil slurry measurement. Its numerous features are well-suited to professional applications - farming, horticulture, academic research and education. It’s a device you can easily learn to operate and leave with inexperienced team members without fear of damage or poor results.
How would we describe this pH meter in a nutshell? It’s:
- Portable
- Simple-to-operate
- Waterproof
- Sturdy and reliable
- Accurate; and
- Versatile.
Summary of the Features and Benefits of the IC-HI98168 Hanna Groline pH Tester
After field-testing the Hanna Groline pH tester IC-HI98168, our scientific team sat down to summarise its important features and how these could affect field performance. Here are their notes.
1. Increased Traceability:
Saved Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) data, like date, time, pH calibration buffers, offset, and slope is accessible via a fixed, dedicated key for easy access.
Scientist’s Comment: A boost to operating productivity.
2. Versatile Data Logging:
The Hanna Groline pH tester IC-HI98168 has an intelligent log-on-demand feature that allows you to store up to 100 readings.(100 pH/100 mV).
Scientist’s Comment: Great for field testing. Another feature that boosts efficiency.
3. Durability:
Designed to withstand the knocks, drops, and spills of real-world practise, the IP67 rated meter’s body will protect fragile electronics in the most testing environment. Further, a quick-connect DIN that makes a water-tight seal without the need for twisting. This feature minimises the risk of electrode connector damage.
Scientist’s Comment: The Groline pH tester is fit for tough action!
4. PC Connectivity:
A sealed optoisolated USB port for straightforward interface with most PCs (with HI92000 software).
Scientist’s Comment: Hanna’s Groline pH tester IC-HI98168 is compatible and works well with existing equipment in most labs, facilities and field kits. We like the USP port seal – another detail that contributes to reliability.
5. Automatic Calibration:
The IC-HI98168 Hanna Groline pH Tester can be calibrated up to five points – and this includes custom buffers. The meter automatically recognises calibration buffers and displays buffer values on its LCD screen.
Scientist’s Comment: Another feature designed to ensure accuracy while fitting-in with existing gear and work practices.
6. Calibration Check:
Smart 'Cal Check' function alerts users to potential issues during calibration. For example, an alert will appear on the LCD when electrode cleaning is due or if the calibration buffer is contaminated. The Cal Check feature also displays electrode condition after calibration.
Scientist’s Comment: Another plus for productivity and precise data.
7. Easy to read LCD:
The meter’s high contrast LCD screen shows pH readings, virtual keys, error messages and a battery status indicator for intuitive navigation and use.
Scientist’s Comment: Key functions are easily accessible, and information is readable under testing conditions.
8. Conical Tip Electrode:
The conical tip of the electrode enables direct soil pH measurements as well as measurements in soil slurries.
Scientist’s Comment: The tip is sturdy and well-shaped to penetrate compacted soils, yet suitable to measure pH in saturated, loose soil as well.
9. Glass Body Electrode:
The glass electrode body is easy to clean, chemical resistant, and can reach thermal equilibrium quickly resulting in a fast and stable measurement.
Scientist’s Comment: Durable, reliable, accurate.
10. Triple Ceramic Junction:
The included electrode has three ceramic frits that allow electrolyte to flow at a high rate from inside the probe to the outside.
Scientist’s Comment: A higher flow rate will increase accuracy - particularly when testing low moisture soil.
11. The Complete Package:
The kit includes the soil pH tester, specially designed electrode, buffer solutions and cleaning solution for soil and humus deposits, all packed in a rugged carry case.
Scientist’s Comment: The Hanna Groline pH tester IC-HI98168 comes in a super convenient, comprehensive kit.
IC-HI98168 Hanna Groline pH Tester Specifications
IC-HI98168 Specifications
|
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| pH Range | -2.0 to 20.0 pH; -2.00 to 20.00 pH; -2.000 to 20.000 pH |
| pH Resolution | 0.1 pH; 0.01 pH; 0.001 pH |
| pH Accuracy | (at 25°C): +/- 0.1; +/- 0.002 pH |
| pH Calibration | Up to five-point calibration, seven standard buffers available (1.68, 4.01, 6.86, 7.01, 9.18, 10.01, 12.45) and five custom buffers |
| mV Range | ±2000 mV |
| mV Resolution | 0.1 mV |
| mV Accuracy | ±0.2 mV |
| Temperature Range | -20.0 to 120.0°C |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | at 25°C: ± 0.4°C (Excluding probe error) |
| Temperature Compensation | Manual or automatic from -20.0 to 120.0°C |
| Slope Calibration | From 80 to 110% |
| Electrode/Probe | Included refillable pH electrode with conical tip, internal temperature sensor, quick connect DIN connector and 1 m |
| Data Logging | 200 samples (100 pH and 100 mV range) |
| PC Connectivity | Opto-isolated USB with optional HI 92000 software and micro USB cable |
| BatteryType/Life | Four 1.5V AA batteries / approximately 200 hours of continuous use without backlight (50 hours with backlight) |
Conclusion
Portable, simple-to-operate, waterproof, sturdy and reliable, accurate; and versatile - the Hanna Groline pH tester IC-HI98168 makes research, agricultural and general environmental soil pH testing an easy task.
Want more information on the Hanna Groline pH tester IC-HI98168? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].
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