Hach DR1900 Portable Spectrophotometer

A rugged portable spectrophotometer carrying over 220 water methods

The DR1900 combines the ruggedness and portability of a field instrument with more than 220 of the most commonly tested water methods. Hach describes it as the lightest, most compact portable spectrophotometer available, with a wavelength range of 340 to 800 nm that gives accuracy typically seen only in laboratory instruments. A xenon flash lamp serves as the light source, and the instrument is rated IP67 to keep the elements out in demanding conditions.

The interface is simple and the widest range of vial sizes makes testing flexible, from 13 and 16 mm round vials to 1 inch round and square cells through adapters. Operators can also create up to 50 user programs for their own methods.

Technical specifications

Field use and method coverage

The DR1900 is built for drinking-water plants, wastewater works, industrial water, power stations and field visits. The datasheet table lists the tests available, with examples such as free and total chlorine 0.02 to 10.0 mg/L, ammonia nitrogen 0.025 to 167 mg/L, COD 0 to 60,000 mg/L, total phosphorus 0.15 to 60 mg/L, reactive phosphorus 19 µg/L to 90 mg/L, nitrate nitrogen 0.22 to 150 mg/L, silica 0.003 to 100 mg/L and chloride 0.1 to 1,000 mg/L. The same table also lists BOD5, total alkalinity and a long run of metals methods.

Selecting it against bench models, and what to confirm

Pick the DR1900 when the instrument must travel, when a pocket colorimeter covers too few parameters, or when a plant wants a rugged backup beside a bench unit. For UV work or a larger method library on the bench, look at the DR3900 and the DR6000 pages.

Confirm the methods and reagent chemistries needed, the vial or cell types in use, the power arrangements for field days, and whether data download to a computer is required. Hach states that specifications are subject to change without notice, and the data logger holds 500 values, so frequent field users may need to download records regularly.

Key features in daily use

• Preprogrammed methods – more than 220 stored methods cover the parameters most often tested in drinking water, wastewater, boiler and cooling water, so most tests are run by selecting the method and following the on-screen steps.
• User programs – up to 50 user programs can be created for in-house or non-Hach methods, with their own wavelength and calibration.
• Automatic wavelength selection – the instrument sets the wavelength for each stored method, removing a common source of operator error.
• Xenon flash lamp – the lamp only fires during measurement, which suits battery operation in the field.
• GLP-style data logging – each of the 500 stored results carries date, time, sample ID and user ID, which supports traceable records for compliance reports.
• IP67 housing – protects the instrument from dust and temporary immersion, a real benefit at outdoor sampling points.

Typical parameters measured

The DR1900 is usually ordered for routine colorimetric analysis rather than for research scans. Common tests run with Hach reagents include chlorine (free and total), iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate, sulfate, COD after digestion, and many metals. The exact list, ranges and reagent sets for each method are given in the Hach method documentation, and the reagents are ordered separately from the instrument.

Practical tips for reliable results

• Use matched sample cells and keep them clean and free of fingerprints; wipe the outside before every reading.
• Run a blank with each batch, and use the correct cell adapter for the vial or cell size the method calls for.
• Check accuracy regularly with standard solutions, and record the results with the data logger.
• Observe reagent expiry dates and storage temperatures; reagents are often the weak link in field testing.
• Allow samples taken from hot surface tanks to approach the temperature stated in the method before analysis.

Use in Oman and GCC field conditions

Utilities, desalination operators, municipalities, oil and gas camps and consultants in the region often need to test water at remote wells, reservoirs and distribution points far from a laboratory. A portable spectrophotometer with an IP67 housing and battery operation suits this work. Heat is the main enemy: avoid leaving the instrument or reagents in a closed vehicle in summer, and carry them in an insulated case. Dust ingress is resisted by the housing, but the cell compartment should be kept closed and clean.

Choosing between the DR1900 and other Hach instruments

The DR1900 fits field teams and small laboratories that run standard methods. Where a laboratory needs full wavelength scanning, barcode reading of test vials or a larger method library, Hach bench spectrophotometers are better suited. Where only one or two parameters are tested, a dedicated colorimeter may be enough. Matching the instrument to the actual list of tests keeps cost and training effort down.

What to include in your RFQ

• The instrument and the list of parameters you plan to test, so the matching reagent sets and cell adapters can be quoted.
• Required accessories, such as sample cells, carrying case or standard solutions.
• Quantity, delivery location and any calibration or documentation requirements.

Documents and quotation

The DR1900 datasheet is attached. Browse more field instruments in Portable Test and Measurement or compare with the Hach HQ4200 portable meter. Send the model number and quantity through the RFQ form.