Description
The HI98163 is a portable, rugged, and waterproof food pH meter that measures pH and temperature using the FC2323 Meat pH Electrode with a stainless steel piercing blade. This professional and waterproof meter meets IP67 standards. The HI98163 is supplied with all the accessories needed to perform a pH/temperature measurement and comes packaged in a durable thermoformed carrying bag that keeps meters, probes, and calibration standards safe in place.
In the meat processing industry, pH monitoring is considered of utmost importance due to its effect on meat quality factors, including water-holding capacity and shelf life. After slaughter, biochemical processes begin to break down the meat. Glycolysis begins post-mortem by converting glycogen into lactic acid, reducing the pH of the outside. Depending on a number of factors, such as the type of animal and even the breed, this decrease in pH can start from a single hour to many. It is vital to monitor the pH during this phase, as once the lowest pH value is reached, the pH will slowly begin to rise, indicating that decomposition has begun.
The pH value of meat influences its water-holding capacity, which has a direct impact on the consumer’s qualities, such as tenderness and colour. Lower pH values result in lower water binding capacity and lighter colours, factors such as these can be important when considering how to produce meat products efficiently, for example, when producing dry sausages the meat must have a low water-holding capacity in order for it to dry evenly.
Depending on the type of final product and the steps required to get there, pH values will vary throughout the meat processing industry. It is imperative, regardless of the final product, that the pH is kept at a low value to prevent bacterial spoilage and comply with food safety regulations. By controlling pH values throughout the meat production process, the creation of consistent and safe meat products can be ensured.
Meat products can provide a number of challenges for the person who needs to measure pH. Oils and solids from the meat can coat the sensitive surface of the glass membrane and/or obstruct the reference bond. The FC2323 supplied with the HI98163 is specifically designed to measure pH in meat. Design considerations include a stainless steel piercing blade around the tapered tip for easy penetration, an open joint that resists clogging, and a food-grade polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plastic body that is resistant to most chemicals and solvents including sodium hypochlorite. It has high abrasion resistance, mechanical strength, and resistance to ultraviolet and nuclear radiation. PVDF is also resistant to fungal growth. The FC2323 is a general-purpose pH electrode ideal for meat that quickly connects to the HI98163 with a waterproof DIN connector, allowing for a secure, threadless connection.
Specs:
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: ±0.1; ±0.002 pH
pH calibration: up to five calibration points, seven standard buffers available (1.68, 4.01, 6.86, 7.01, 9.18, 10.01, 12.45) + five custom buffers
pH Temperature Compensation: manual or automatic from -20.0 to 120.0 °C (-4.0 to 248.0 °F)
Input Impedance pH: 10^12 Ohms
mV Range: ± 2000 mV
mV Resolution: 0.1 mV
mV accuracy: ± 0.2 mV
Temperature Range: -20.0 to 120.0 °C (-4.0 to 248.0 °F)
Temperature Resolution: 0.1°C (0.1°F)
Temperature Accuracy: ± 0.4°C (± 0.8°F) (excluding probe error)
Temperature Compensation: manual or automatic from -20.0 to 120.0 °C (-4.0 to 248.0 °F)
pH Electrode: FC2323 Foodcare PVDF body, pH Electrode with Internal Temperature Sensor, Quick Connect DIN Connector & 1m (3.3′ Cable)
Record Memory: 200 samples (100 pH and 100 mV range)
Connectivity: Optoisolated USB with optional HI 92000 software and micro USB cable
Auto Power Off: User selectable: 5, 10, 30, 60 min or can be turned off
LPG: Yes
Battery Type / Duration: 1.5V AA Batteries (4) / approximately 200 hours of continuous use without backlight (50 hours with backlight)
IP protection: IP67
Environment: 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F); 100% RH
Dimensions: 185 x 93 x 35.2 mm (7.3 x 3.6 x 1.4″)
Weight: 400 g (14.2 oz.)
