The Model 3205 Ion Meter and its associated accessories provides a system which is dedicated to the rapid, easy and reliable determination of six ions which are of particular interest to those involved in water analysis and environmental testing. The package enables the accurate analysis of Ammonium, Calcium, Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate and Nitrite with the minimum of operator intervention.

The software built into this instrument, part of the Premier Portable range, will guide the user through calibration and measurement routines using the powerful menu based operating system and will give a direct read-out of results in concentration units chosen by the user. The meter, while being customized for dedicated ion analysis, also retains all the capabilities of the Model 3150 pH Meter and allows the routine determination of pH, mV and other, non-dedicated ions.

Key difficulties associated with portable ion analysis are the errors introduced when the temperature of calibration standards are at a different temperature to the solution under test. This is a common situation, particularly during cold periods. The combination electrodes offered with the Model 3205 Ion Meter are unusual in that they have very predictable temperature characteristics and it has been possible to incorporate accurate Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) algorithms into the software. The appropriate ATC parameters are automatically selected when a dedicated ion analysis mode is selected. This characteristic, in conjunction with vary stable electrode signals enables calibration to take place in the laboratory prior to field analysis. It is possible to use the Model 3205 Ion Meter with other commercially available ion selective electrodes but these benefits will not be available.

The Model 3205 Ion Meter system has been designed to simplify ion analysis but at the same time offer the assurance of reliable and accurate results. The inexperienced or less skilled user can undertake ion analyses with confidence - the instructional screens ensure that every test is valid. Any anomalies encountered during the calibration or measurement routines prompt a meaningful error message.

Concentration levels of the six dedicated ions can be displayed in a choice of six units - mg/l, ppm, %, moles, activity and none, The calibration values have been selected for convenience of use and coincide with the calibration standards available with the Model 3205 Ion Meter package. The user can, however, override these values and easily select alternatives. All samples and standards should be treated with the appropriate Ionic Strength Adjustment Buffer (ISAB) prior to use.

The Model 3205 Ion Meter offers the facility to download data held in memory to a printer or computer. These units incorporate a bi-directional infra-red link which ensures that the waterproof characteristics of the products can be maintained at all times. The infra-red link operates in conjunction with the optional interface cradle, allowing data interchange without the inconvenience of plugs and sockets.

Other Ion Meters available from Techne® are the Models 3340 and 3345 Laboratory Ion Meters.

Also available from Techne® in the Premier Portable range are the Model 3150  pH Meter, the Models 4150 and 4200 Conductivity Meter and the Model 9200 Dissolved Oxygen Meter.