Hanna Instruments DiST 4 HI98304 Portable EC meter, conductivity and temperature measurement
The Hanna Instruments DiST® 4 HI98304 is a compact, portable EC meter that can measure electrical conductivity and temperature in liquid samples. Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of how easily a liquid conducts electricity and is related to the amount of dissolved ions in the liquid. This measurement is useful for checking quality of water, nutrient solutions and other liquids in agricultural, industrial and laboratory environments.
The HI98304 is a pocket sized conductivity tester from the Hanna Instruments DiST line. The measuring range is from 0.00 to 20.00 mS/cm, which makes it suitable for higher conductivity samples than the lower range models in the same series. The instrument combines a conductivity sensor, temperature sensor and digital display in a compact housing suitable for routine measurements in the field or laboratory.
How the HI98304 measures the electrical conductivity
The amperometric graphite electrode of the meter measures the electrical conductivity. What the instrument actually does is measure the ease with which an electrical current can flow through the liquid between the two contacts of the sensor. The presence of dissolved ions will affect this conductivity . This includes ions in salts and nutrient compounds .
While EC is widely used to measure water and nutrient solutions, it does not identify the individual dissolved substances. Two liquids will have similar EC readings but different combinations of dissolved ions. Therefore, the HI98304 is used as a conductivity measurement tool and not as a tool to identify specific chemicals.
The meter has a multi-level LCD display which can show conductivity and temperature simultaneously. This gives users the ability to see both values during a measurement, without having to switch between instruments.
Important features and practical applications
- High range EC measurement Conductivity measurement from 0.00 to 20.00 mS/cm with a resolution of 0.01 mS/cm. This range is useful to test liquids with relatively high concentration of dissolved ions.
- Graphite sensor . The non-oxidising graphite electrode minimizes oxidation-related changes at the sensor surface. This ensures reproducible measurements in routine use.
- Automatic temperature compensation Conductivity varies with temperature. The meter compensates for temperature automatically within its specified operating range. This helps to make readings more comparable when temperatures of the samples vary.
- Integrated temperature measurement: The instrument measures sample temperature from 0.0 to 50.0 °C with a resolution of 0.1 °C.
- Automatic one point calibration: Calibration with an adequate reference conductivity solution. The calibration point specified for this model is 12.88 mS/cm.
- Measurement stability indicator: A visual indicator helps users to know when a reading has stabilized.
- Two-button operation: Separate controls to turn the meter on/off and to start the calibration.
Technical specs
- Brand: Hanna Instruments
- Product line: DiST®
- Model: HI98304 (en)
- Product type: EC Portable Meter
- Measurement Parameters: Conductivity and Temperature
- EC measurement range: 0.00 - 20.00 mS/cm
- EC resolution: 0.01 mS/cm
- EC Accuracy: ±2% FS
- Calibration: One-point, automatic
- Calibration solution: 12.88 mS/cm
- Temperature: 32.0 to 122.0°F (0.0 to 50.0°C)
- Temperature resolution 0.1 °C (0.1 °F)
- Temperature accuracy: ±0.5°C (±1.0°F)
- Temperature compensation: Automatic 0° to 50°C
- Temperature correction factor: 1.9%/°C
- Battery type: CR2032 lithium battery (3V)
- Battery life: Approximately 250 hours of continuous use
- Operating environment: 0 to 50°C at maximum relative humidity of 100%
- Dimensions 160mm x 40mm x 17mm
- Weight: Approx. 75 g, depending on the declared weighing configuration
Compatible and Appropriate Applications
The HI98304 can be used wherever routine conductivity measurements aid in the assessment of the condition of water or other suitable liquid samples.
- Hydroponics and Agriculture Check the EC of nutrient solutions and irrigation water to monitor changes in dissolved ion concentration.
- Water treatment Perform conductivity measurements as part of water quality checks and treatment processes.
- Cooling towers and boilers: Monitor conductivity as part of water management.
- Aquaculture and Aquariums: Conductivity as an Indicator of Changes in Water Composition.
- Laboratories: Perform routine conductivity measurements on suitable liquid samples.
- Wastewater and general water testing: Use the EC readings to help assess changes in the dissolved ionic content.
The HI98304 measures conductivity and temperature, not pH, individual nutrients, or total dissolved solids (TDS) directly. When those measurements are needed, an extra instrument might be required.
Models : DiST differences
The primary difference between the Hanna Instruments DiST conductivity testers is their measurement range. The HI98303 measures EC from 0 to 2000 uS/cm while the HI98304 measures up to 20.00 mS/cm. The HI98304 is intended for higher conductivity samples such as 1 mS/cm = 1000 µS/cm. The choice between both depends on the expected conductivity of the samples under test.
Calibration, use and maintenance.
Before taking readings, check the sensor to make sure it is clean. Turn on the meter and place the sensing end into the sample according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the reading to settle and use the stability indicator to help when to note the result.
The calibration must be performed with the specified 12.88 mS/cm conductivity solution. Follow the instruction manual for the proper calibration procedure. Do not contaminate the reference solution with liquid from previously tested samples. Rinse the sensor between samples as appropriate to minimize cross-contamination.
Keep the protective cap on when the meter is not in use. Change the CR2032 battery when needed and keep the sensor clean for consistent readings.
Components included
The HI98304 kit contains:
- Hanna Instruments HI98304 DiST 4 EC Meter
- Protective cover
- 3V lithium battery CR2032
- Conductivity Calibration Solution Sachets 12.88 mS/cm
- Instrument’s quality certificate
- Instructions
Verify the supplier’s packaging information to ensure it includes the product contents.
Things to keep in mind
The HI98304 is designed for routine, portable conductivity measurements, not for continuous, unattended monitoring. Its temperature compensation is functional in the range of 0.0 to 50.0 °C as specified. Samples may need another method or instrument outside of the instrument’s measurement conditions.
EC readings indicate the total conductivity, not the nature or exact quantity of the dissolved matter. Perform proper calibration procedures for accurate comparisons and always clean the sensor between samples. Also, take into account the temperature and characteristics of the liquid you’re testing.
