APERA INSTRUMENTS / EC850 / AI5512

Conductivity in hand.
A clear field routine.

EC850 brings conductivity, calculated TDS and temperature together in a portable Value Series kit. Its supplied 2301T-S platinum-black electrode combines conductivity and temperature sensing in one probe, while the meter shows the reading, temperature and stability indication together. Choose this configuration for routine measurements you will document yourself.

A practical fit for water treatment, environmental checks and compatible nutrient solutions. Match the calibration, temperature conditions and TDS factor to your method instead of treating every dissolved material as the same measurement.

A cell selected for conductivity

The supplied 2301T-S uses a platinum-black sensing surface in a POM body. Its integrated 30 kΩ thermistor supports automatic temperature compensation through the 8-pin connection. This is the supplied S-model probe, not a different Q-model replacement.

Calibration that fits the sample

The current US kit specification lists one- to three-point automatic calibration and recognition of 84 µS/cm, 1413 µS/cm, 12.88 mS/cm and 111.8 mS/cm standards. Recognition does not mean every standard is supplied; the high-range standard is a separate purchase.

Readable at the bench or outside

A large display presents the measurement alongside temperature. Wait for the stability indicator rather than copying a moving number. The fold-out stand supports bench use, and the protective sleeve improves grip when moving between sampling locations.

Know what this configuration supplies.

Water-treatment spot checks

Compare samples at defined process locations with consistent calibration and compensation settings. Record where and when each sample was collected so a change in conductivity can be investigated in its operating context.

Environmental sampling rounds

Carry the meter and standards in the case for planned measurements. Use clean sample vessels and rinse between sites. Conductivity is useful context for a water sample, not an identification of its individual contaminants.

Nutrient and general laboratory solutions

Use conductivity for compatible dissolved-ion solutions and calculated TDS where your procedure defines a conversion factor. The adjustable factor spans 0.40 to 1.00; establish the appropriate value before comparing results from different instruments.

Calibrate the range.
Remove trapped bubbles.

Connect the 2301T-S to the aligned 8-pin socket and secure the locking ring without forcing it. Set the appropriate cell constant, then use fresh portions of standards near the expected sample range. Keep bottle contents clean and never pour used standard back into its original bottle.

Remove the storage cap, rinse with distilled or deionized water and, when suitable, rinse again with sample. Immerse the sensing end and stir briefly to release trapped air. Stop moving the probe and wait for a stable reading before noting the result and temperature.

Separate the temperature specifications: the meter displays 0 to 100°C, but conductivity compensation is specified over 0 to 50°C. The probe manual lists an operating limit of 80°C, not permission to extend compensated measurements beyond 50°C. Plan demanding samples around the complete measurement system.

Clean gently.
Store this conductivity cell in pure water.

Rinse before and after each measurement. Do not rub the platinum-black sensing surface. Follow the electrode-specific cleaning directions for deposits, then rinse thoroughly and recalibrate when needed. Avoid transferring pH-electrode cleaning habits to this conductivity cell.

Return the sensor to its cap with clean distilled or deionized water when not in use. Replace contaminated cap water. This is deliberately different from the KCl wet-storage routine for a glass pH electrode; the two solutions are not interchangeable care instructions.

Keep the 8-pin connector clean and dry, and protect the probe from mechanical damage during transport. The meter’s IP57 rating does not make a wet connection good practice. Check the sensor and standards before troubleshooting an unexpected sample result.

A stable reading is the start of the record.

Use the physical controls for on-meter measurement and calibration. HOLD temporarily locks a reading on screen; write the result and its sample context in your external worksheet or record system. Screen values in photographs are illustrative, not sample results.

Use calibration solutions and settings appropriate to the parameter and fitted electrode. Temperature compensation does not make different sample temperatures, preparation methods or chemistry equivalent. Follow the model-specific meter and electrode instructions before extending the method to a new sample.

A stable display.
Your own field record.

EC850 is specified with data storage and storage content marked N/A. Build the workflow around reading the display and entering results into your own worksheet, notebook or external record system, rather than relying on stored sample recall.

Capture sample identity, operator, collection time, displayed conductivity or TDS, units and temperature. Add the calibration standard and relevant compensation settings. These are recommended record fields you maintain, not a promise that the meter creates a time-stamped file.

For calculated TDS, write down the conversion factor as well as the value. A consistent record helps distinguish a real process change from a changed setting. Review each entry while the sample is still available for a repeat measurement.