D ATA S H E E T

Flow
Sigma 950 Series
Permanent/Portable
Open Channel
Flow Meters

Sigma 950 Series Permanent/Portable

Open Channel Flow Meters provide portable and/or
permanent single-channel monitoring plus water
quality testing, process control interface, and digital
display. Both models offer maximum flexibility for
multiple applications—including surcharge or
reversed flow conditions, weirs and flumes, and
small-to-large channels. Up to three different level
sensor technologies and velocity in one meter.

Features and Benefits

Versatility and Customization Communications and Data Storage Options
The Sigma 950 series are the meters of choice by flow Industry standard SCADA MODBUS ASCII protocol is
professionals, consultants, and municipalities. Choose from included in all Sigma 950 flow meters. 4-20 mA outputs WW
any of the following technologies to fit your application. are available for flexible integration with a SCADA system.
• Use the Submerged Area/Velocity flow meter to Remote communications is available via modem or
measure flow in collections systems for periods up to RS-232 connection. Store 18,000 data points in memory
40 days using our 6 amp-hr gel electrolyte battery. (expandable to 116,000 data points).
• Use any of our level technologies when primary IW
devices (Weirs and Flumes) are available to measure
Superior Submersible Area Velocity Sensor for
level and calculate flow. Open Channel Applications
• The bubbler level technology is ideal for applications The Sigma 950 AV Optiflo flow meter provides Doppler
with high winds, high temperature or when foam is velocity monitoring that uses advanced ultrasonic, one-MHz
present. Doppler technology for flow measurements. This technology
avoids signal dropouts and ensures high levels of accuracy C
• The combination of bubbler level technology and in low-flow, full-pipe, or reversed-flow conditions. Installation
doppler velocity is the favorite of storm water is fast and single point atmospheric calibration is easy.
professionals.
• The ultrasonic level technology is ideal to monitor Applications
industrial discharges for your Pre-treatment program
Sigma 950 Permanent/Portable Open Channel
in combination of any of our Automatic Wastewater
Flow Meter
samplers.
• Long term or permanent flow studies
Sampler Pacing and Equipment Control • Sanitary sewer evaluation studies
Control samplers, pumps, or other equipment for monitored • CSO studies and monitoring
flow based on selected parameter(s) of high/low set points • NPDES stormwater compliance
and built-in relay outputs. Sampler pacing provides the
ability to document overflow problems. • Industrial compliance monitoring
Sigma 950 AV Optiflo Permanent/Portable Open Channel
Easy to Use Interface Flow Meter
The large LCD graphics quickly displays information on-site • Applications involving frequent moving of meter
(available in 10 languages) without the inconvenience of to different site conditions
paper charts. The built-in keypad makes using laptops in
the field optional. A single keystroke can provide an
instantaneous data summary and review of all program
settings.

DW = drinking water WW = wastewater municipal PW = pure water / power

IW = industrial water E = environmental C = collections FB = food and beverage
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Specifications*
Flow Meter Specifications
Units of Measurement Graphics Display Sampler Output
Flow: gps, gpm, gph, lps, lpm, lph, Back lit LCD 12 to 17 Vdc pulse, 100 mA maximum
mgd, afd, cfs, cfm, cfh, cfd, m3s, m3m, Auto-off when not in use at 500 ms duration
m3h, m3d (under battery operation)
Totalized Flow: L, m3, ft.3, gal., acre-ft. SCII Mode: 8 line x 40 character Communications
Graphics Mode: 60 x 240 dot RS-232: Up to 19,200 baud
Primary Devices Dimensions: 3.8 x 12.7 cm (1.5 x 5 in.) SCADA MODBUS communication
Flumes: Parshall, Palmer Bowlus, Displays: level vs. time, flow vs. time protocol via RS-232 or optional modem
Leopold-Lagco, H, HL, HS, trapezoidal Optional Displays: rainfall, pH, ORP, Modem (optional):14,400 bps; V.32 bia,
Weirs: V-notch (22.5 to 120°) temperature, DO, conductivity vs. time, V.42, MNP2-4 error correction. V.42 bis
Contracted/non-contracted rectangular, sampler events, and alarm events MNP5 data compression. MNP 10-EC
Thelmar, Compound Cipolletti Cellular Protocol Pager
Manning Equation: Round, U Keypad
rectangular, and trapezoidal channels 21 position sealed membrane switch Enclosure Material
Flow Nozzles: California Pipe with blinking green LED to indicate ABS, UV resistant
Head vs. Flow: Custom programmable power on
Enclosure Rating
curve (up to 99 points) Four “soft keys”, functions defined by
display NEMA 4X,6
Operating Temperature
Data Logging Power Options
-10 to 65.5°C (14 to 150°F)
“Smart” Dynamic memory allocation 12 Vdc supplied from 6 amp-hr. gel
Storage Temperature automatically partitions memory to electrolyte rechargeable battery
-40 to 80°C (-40 to 176°F) provide the maximum logging time. No 4 amp-hr. Ni-Cad rechargeable battery
manual memory partitioning required. Lantern battery pack with two 6-Volt
Humidity lantern batteries
0 to 100%, condensing Memory Mode: Either slate or wrap- 115 Vac, 230 Vac, or 100 Vac power
around may be selected converter with battery charger
Time-Based Accuracy Data Points: Approximately 20,000
standard. Expandable up to 116,000 Dimensions
±6 seconds (± 0.007%) per day
data points. 34.3 H x 25.4 W x 24.1 D cm
Air Intake Daily Statistics: Available for up to 32 (13.5 x 10.0 x 9.5 in.)
days
Atmospheric pressure reference is
Recording Intervals: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, Weight
desiccant protected
15, 20, 30, or 60-minute intervals 5 kg (11 lbs.) not including power source
Totalizers Program Memory
8-digit resettable and 8-digit non- Non-volatile programmable flash, can be
resettable LCD software totalizer updated via RS-232 port
Optional 6-digit non-resettable
mechanical totalizer

Sensor Specifications
950 BUBBLER SENSOR Filter Span
Range 10 micron on bubble source intake 0 to 8.84 m, (0 to 29 ft.)
0.003 to 3.6 m (0.01 to 11.75 ft.)
Line Purge Ambient Operating Temperature
Accuracy Bubble line is high pressure purged at -18 to 60°C (0 to 140°F)
programmed intervals, or in manual
±0.003 m (±0.011 ft.)
mode on demand Temperature Error
(linearity and hysteresis at 22°C (72°F))
from 0.01 to 11.75 feet ±0.000047 ft./F° (maximum error within
Line Size compensated temperature range per
Ambient Operating Temperature 0.32 cm (1/8 in.) ID standard degree of change)
-18 to 63°C (0 to 145°F)
Line Lengths Resolution
Compensated Temperature 160 m (500 ft.) maximum 0.0011 ft.
0 to 59°C (32 to 138°F)
950 DOWNLOOKING ULTRASONIC Material
Temperature Error DEPTH SENSOR PVC housing
Buna-N acoustic window
±0.0003 ft./°F (maximum error within 50 kHz Ultrasonic Sensor
compensated temperature range per
Range Cable
degree of change)
38.1 cm to 9.1 m (15 in. to 30 ft.) 4-conductor with integral stainless steel
Air Intakes sensor to liquid support cable
Standard Length: 7.6 m (25 ft.)
Bubble source and reference port
desiccant protected. Accuracy
Fittings provided for remote intakes. 1 to 10 ft. ±0.01 ft. (±0.003 m)
(at 22°C (72°F), still air, 40 to 70%
relative humidity) Continued on next page.
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Specifications continued
Crystal Specification Span Cable
11.5° included beam angle 0.038 to 4.57 m (0.125 to 15 ft.) 4-conductor polyurethane sensor
cable with air vent
Dimensions Ambient Operating Temperature Length: 7.6 m (25 ft.) standard;
9.5 H x 7 D cm (3.75 x 2.75 in.) -18 to 60°C (0 to 140°F) 76 m (250 ft.) maximum

Weight Temperature Error Dimensions

0.7 kg (1.5 lbs.) ±0.00005 m/°C (±0.0001 ft./°F) Transducer Only: 2.54 x 17.2 cm
maximum error within compensated (1 x 6.75 in.)
temperature range per degree of change Probe Frontal Area: 0.875 in2
75 kHz Ultrasonic Sensor
Resolution Weight
Range 0.019 cm (0.0075 in.) 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs.)
23 cm to 3.3 m (9 in. to 10.8 ft.)
sensor to liquid Material
Stat-Kon® A-E ABS Plastic
Accuracy SUBMERGED AREA/VELOCITY
1 to 10 ft. ±0.01 ft. (±0.003 m) Cable SENSOR
(at 22°C (72°F), still air, 40 to 70% 4-conductor
relative humidity) Standard Length: 7.6 m (25 ft.) Velocity Measurement
Custom Length: Up to 305 m (1000 ft.) Method
Span using RS485 two wire remote sensor
Doppler ultrasound Twin 1 MHz
0 to 4.57 m (0 to 15 ft.) option
piezoelectric crystals
Crystal Specification
Ambient Operating Temperature Accuracy1
-18 to 60°C (0 to 140°F) 7° beam angle
±2% of reading
Temperature Error Dimensions
Recommended Range
±0.000047 ft./°F (maximum error within 4.44 D x 31.5 L cm (1.75 x 12.4 in.) -1.52 to 6.10 m/s (-5 to 20 ft/s)
compensated temperature range per
degree of change) Connection Typical Minimum Depth
Bare lead connection via 3658 junction 2 cm (0.8 in.)
Resolution box or quick connect
0.0011 ft. Zero Stability
950 SUBMERGED DEPTH ONLY < 0.015 m/s (< 0.05 ft/s)
Material SENSOR
PVC housing Range Depth Measurement
Buna-N acoustic window 2.5 psi: 0.01 to 1.75 m (0.04 to 5.75 ft.) Method
Pressure transducer with stainless steel
Cable Accuracy diaphragm
4-conductor with integral stainless steel ±0.1% full scale (non-linearity and
support cable Accuracy2
hysteresis)
Length: 7.6 m (25 ft.) standard ±0.16% full scale ±1.5% of reading at
Transducer constant temp (± 2.5°C)
Crystal Specification ±0.20% full scale ±1.75% of reading
Type: Differential piezo resistive with from 0 to 30°C (32 to 86°F)
5° beam angle with horn balanced bridge ±0.25% full scale ±2.1% of reading from
Orientation: Inverted 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Dimensions
12.7 H x 5.7 D cm (5.0 x 2.25 in.) Maximum Allowable Level Depth Range
6x over pressure Standard: 0 to 3 m (0 to 10 ft.)
Weight
Extended: 0 to 9 m (0 to 30 ft.)
0.7 kg (1.5 lbs.) Ambient Operating Temperature
0 to 71°C (32 to 160°F) Maximum Allowable Depth
Standard: 10.5 m (34.5 ft.)
Compensated Temperature Extended: 31.5 m (103.5 ft.)
75 KHZ IN-PIPE ZERO DEADBAND
ULTRASONIC DEPTH SENSOR 0 to 36°C (32 to 96°F)
Velocity-Induced Depth Error
Range Temperature Error: Compensated based on pipe geometry
From sensor to liquid, 2.5 psi: 0.04 to 5.75 ft. ±0.006 ft./F° and flow velocity
0 to 2.4 m (0 to 8 ft.) (Max error within compensated temp Air Intake
range per degree of change) Atmospheric pressure reference is
Accuracy
desiccant protected
0.038 to 2.4 m ±0.003 m Air Intake
(0.125 to 8 ft. ±0.01 ft.) Atmospheric pressure reference is 1
When the sensor is out of the water, the system may report
at 22°C (72°F), still air, 40 to 70% desiccant protected velocity readings of up to 0.76 m/s due to Radio Frequency
relative humidity Material
Interferences at frequencies of 140 MHz to 170 MHz and 300
MHz with field strengths greater than 3 V/m.
316 stainless steel body with titanium 2
For temperatures above 40°C (104°F) add ±0.3 cm/°C
diaphragm (0.03 in./°F)
Continued on next page.
4

Specifications continued
General Temperature Error LOW PROFILE VELOCITY ONLY
Material ±0.0003 ft./°F (maximum error within SENSOR
Noryl® plastic outer shell with epoxy compensated temperature range per Method
potting within degree of change) Doppler principle

≤ 1.2 W @ 12 Vdc
Power Consumption Air Intakes Accuracy
Bubble source and reference port ±2% of reading
desiccant protected.
Cable Fittings provided for remote intakes. Range
Material: Urethane cable with air vent -1.52 to 6.1 ms (-5 to +20 ft/s)
Standard Length: 9, 15, 23 and 30.5m Filters
(30, 50, 75 and 100 ft.) 10 micron on bubble source intake Zero Stability
Custom Length: 30.75 to 76 m (101 to ±1.52 cm/s (±0.05 ft/s)
250 ft.) maximum Line Purge
Diameter: 0.91 cm (0.36 in.) Bubble line is high pressure purged at Resolution
programmed intervals, or in manual 0.3 cm/s (0.01 ft/s)
Dimensions mode on demand
2 H x 3.8 W x 13.5 L cm Response Time
(0.8 x 1.5 x 5.31 in.) Velocity Measurement 4.8 seconds

Operating Temperature Method Profile Time

0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) Doppler ultrasonic 4.8 seconds

Depth Compensated Temperature Transducer Type Nose Angle

0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) Twin 1 MHz piezoelectric crystals 20° from horizontal
Range Cable
BUBBLER AREA/VELOCITY SENSOR -1.52 to 6.10 m/s (-5 to 20 fps) Length: 7.6 m (25 ft.) standard;
custom cable lengths to 76 m (250 ft.)
Zero Stability Diameter: 0.57 cm (0.225 in.)
Depth Measurement
< 0.015 m/s (0.05 fps)
Method Materials
Doppler principle/pressure transducer Accuracy Sensor: Polymer
±2% of reading Cable: Urethane Jacket
Range Mounting Hardware: Stainless steel
0.003 to 3.6 m (0.01 to 11.75 ft.) Depth for Velocity
2 cm (0.8 in.) minimum, typical Dimensions
Accuracy 6.86L x 3.81W x 1.12H cm
0.01 to 11.75 ft. ±0.011 ft. (0.033 m) Operating Temperature (2.7 x 1.5 x 0.44 in.)
(linearity and hysteresis at 22°C (72°F)) -18 to 60°C (0 to 140°F)

Ambient Operating Temperature Dimensions

-18 to 63°C (0 to 145°F) 1.12 x 3.81 x 6.86 cm
(0.44 x 1.5 x 2.7 in.)
Compensated Temperature
0 to 59°C (32 to 136°F)

Continued on next page.

 5

Specifications continued
Factory Installed Options
pH-TEMPERATURE OR ORP METER ANALOG INPUT CHANNELS MODEM
Control/Logging Up to seven additional data-logging 14,400 baud rate
Log pH-temperature or ORP channels record data from external CRC auto to check sum
independent of flow or in conjunction source(s) FCC approved
with flow; also controls sample Field assignable units Cellular compatible
collection in response to value -4.5 to +4.5 Vdc; ±0.5% full scale
exceeding low/high set points voltage accuracy EXPANDED MEMORY
0 to 20 mA; ±0.2% full scale 4-20 mA
pH/Temperature Sensor accuracy with 200 ohm impedance Increase memory from 18,432 data points
Temperature compensated; impact to 116,736 data points
resistant ABS plastic body; combination
electrode with porous Teflon® junction 4 - 20 MA OUTPUTS
AC POWER BACKUP
Measurement Range Up to two integral user assignable
outputs Provides power in the event of an
2 to 12 pH within specifications;
Optically isolated AC power failure
0 to 14 pH maximum range
Up to 600 ohm load per output Internal trickle charger maintains
Operating Temperature 0.1 % FS error 6 amp-hour battery
-18 to 80°C (0 to 176°F) 24 Vdc - no load
Insulation voltage between flow meter
Recording Intervals and 4-20 mA output - 2500 Vac,
1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 30, between the two 4-20 mA outputs -
and 60 minutes 1500 Vac

Probe Pre-Amplifier/Junction Box

NEMA 4X with labeled terminal strip ALARM RELAYS

Dimensions (4) 10 amp/120 Vac or 5 amp/250 Vac

1.9 x 15.2 cm (0.75 x 6 in.) with form C relays
1.9-cm (0.75-in.) MPT cable end User assignable for any internal or
external data channel or event

MECHANICAL TOTALIZER
RAIN GAUGE INPUT
6-digit non-resettable mechanical Teflon® is a registered trademark
For use with Hach Tipping Bucket of E.I. Dupont de Nemours Inc.
totalizer
Rain Gauge.
Selectable units: gal., liters, ft.3, m3,
Flow Meter records rainfall data in Noryl® is a registered trademark
acre-ft. of the General Electric Company.
0.01 in. increments.

*Specifications subject to change without notice.

6

Engineering Specifications
Flow Meter 9. Flow totalizing:
1. The flow meter shall operate on 12 Vdc, which is supplied a. The flow meter shall have two software totalizers, one
by a battery or 115 Vac power converters. resettable and the other resettable.
b. (Optional) The meter shall include a 6-digit non-
2. All electrical components shall be enclosed in a NEMA 4X- resettable electro-mechanical totalizer, protected to
6 enclosure. The enclosure shall have a continuous hinged meet NEMA 4X, 6 standards.
front cover to protect the display and keypad and shall
maintain NEMA 4X,6 with the cover open. 10. Sampler pacing:
a. The flow meter shall have a 12 Vdc pulse output for
3. The enclosure shall contain desiccant and a front panel pacing an automatic liquid sampler in proportion to
humidity indicator. flow, with field selectable flow volume between
pulses.
4. Current data shall be displayed on the flow meter front b. The meter shall be capable of initiating a sampler on
panel by means of an external push button on the level, flow rate, and flow rate of change.
enclosure. The meter shall not require opening of a cover
to see current status. 11. Integral metering devices (optional):
a. The meter shall be equipped with an integral pH-
5. The meter shall have an 8 line x 40-character backlit liquid temperature/ORP meter. The pH meter shall have a
crystal graphics display. In addition to indicating all range of 0 to 14 pH with a ±1% resolution over an
programming steps and current status such as level, operating range of 0 to 176 degrees F.
velocity and flow rate, the display shall show all logged b. The meter shall be equipped with an integral
data in field selectable tabular and graphics (x-y plot) temperature meter. The temperature meter shall have
formats. an operating range of 0 to 176 degrees F. The meter
shall include a platinum RTD probe in a stainless steel
6. All program entries shall be entered via a sealed front body with 25-foot cable.
panel keypad, and indicated on the front panel display. c. The meter shall be equipped with a rain gauge input.
The keypad and display shall meet NEMA 4X-6 standards. The sampler shall accept contact closure inputs from an
7. A personal computer or any other external means shall not external rain gauge.
d. The meter shall be equipped with seven external analog
be required to program the flow meter or integral logger or
inputs. The first four channels shall be capable of
to access data. logging a 4-20 mA current input, and the remaining
8. Flow meter programming/measurements: three channels shall be set up to log -4.5 to +4.5 Vdc
a. The flow meters shall be field programmable for primary voltage input.
devices including: 12.The flow meter and sensor shall be the Sigma Model 950
i. Weirs: V-notch weirs (any angle from 22.5 to 120 Permanent/Portable Open Channel Flow Meter OR Sigma
degrees, compound V-notch/rectangular weirs, Model 950 AV Optiflo Permanent/Portable Open Channel
Flow Meter manufactured by Hach Company.
contracted and non-contracted rectangular weirs,
trapezoidal weirs, and ThelMar weirs.
ii. Flumes: Parshall (1 to 144 inch), Palmer Bowlus (4 to
72 inch), trapezoidal (60 degree small, large, and
extra large, 45 degree 2 and 12 inch), H. HL,
and HS type flumes, and Leopold-Lagco (4 to 72
inch).
iii. Nozzle: California pipe method; Manning equation for
round, U-channel, rectangular, and trapezoidal cross
sections; power curve equation.
iv. Head vs. flow tables: Two tables of up to 99 (head,
flow) points per table (tables may be stored in flow
meter’s memory and retrieved as required).
b. Field selectable units of measurement shall include:
i. Level: Inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
ii. Flow rate: GPS, GPM, GPH, MGD, AFD, LPS, LPM,
LPH, CFS, CFM, CFH, CFD, CMS, CMM, CMH, CMD.
iii. Total flow: Gallons, cubic feet, acre-feet, liters, and
cubic meters.
 7

Dimensions
Placement of Sigma 950 Series Permanent/Portable Open Channel Flow Meters depends on the suitability of the monitoring
site. Select sites that have normalized flow and minimal turbulence. Turbulence can make it difficult to detect an average
velocity in the flow stream. Obstructions, vertical drops, pipe bends, and elbows can create turbulence and affect the
accuracy of measurements. Mounting options for Sigma 950 flow meters include wall mounting, suspension harness
installation, or manhole rung hanger.
8

At Hach, it’s about learning

Ordering Information from our customers and
providing the right answers.
Complete Flow Meter Systems Sensor Mounting Hardware It’s more than ensuring the
quality of water—it’s about
3672950 950 Bubbler Flow Meter; 1361 Spring Ring for 6-in. diameter ensuring the quality of life.
includes 25 ft. tubing pipe
When it comes to the things
3680950 950 Submerged Pressure Flow 1362 Spring Ring for 8-in. diameter that touch our lives...
Meter; includes 25 ft. sensor pipe
cable 1363 Spring Ring for 10-in. diameter Keep it pure.
3286951 950 75 kHz Down-look pipe
Ultrasonic Flow Meter; includes Make it simple.
1364 Spring Ring for 12-in. diameter
25 ft. sensor cable pipe Be right.
3286952 950 75 kHz In-Pipe Ultrasonic 3263 Sensor Mounting Clip; for
Flow Meter; includes 25 ft. 88000, wafer velocity, and
sensor cable bubbler level velocity sensors
3248950 950 Bubbler AV Flow Meter; 3868 Portable Bracket; for in-pipe For current price information,
includes 25 ft. of sensor cable ultrasonic sensor mounting clip technical support, and
3522950 950 Submerged AV Flow 3875 Permanent In-Pipe Ultrasonic ordering assistance, contact
Meter; includes 25 ft. of sensor Sensor Mounting Bracket the Hach office or distributor
cable
3305 Velocity Sensor Mounting Plate serving your area.
3959952 950 75k Hz Ultrasonic AV Flow
Meter with In Pipe Ultrasonic 9574 Insertion Tool; for non-confined
and Velocity Sensors space entry
In the United States and all other
2974 Permanent Wall Mount countries, contact:
Integral Water Quality Options Bracket; for down-looking
and Sensors ultrasonic sensor HACH COMPANY
2904 Floor or Wall Adjustable 5600 Lindbergh Drive
2684 Factory Installed Integral pH- Mounting Bracket; for down- Loveland, CO 80539 U.S.A.
Temp/ORP Sensor; includes looking ultrasonic sensor
pre-amp interface Telephone: 800-368-2723 / 970-622-7120
9538 Tripod Mounting Bracket; for Fax: 970-619-5150
3328 pH-Temperature Sensor down-looking ultrasonic sensor
(grounded); includes 25 ft. E-mail: [email protected]
cable 2883 Cable Straightener; for down- www.hachflow.com
looking ultrasonic sensor
2080 ORP Sensor; includes 25 ft.
cable 3183 Cable Grip; for down-looking
ultrasonic sensor
3216 DO Probe Kit; includes 25 ft.
cable. Cables and Interfaces
3225 Conductivity Probe Kit;
includes 25 ft. cable 1727 Sampler or Flow Meter to PC
Cable
3222 DO Probe only; includes 25 ft.
cable 3358 RS232 Extension Cable
3223 Conductivity Probe only;
includes 25 ft. cable Accessories
77247-00 Silicon Oil; dual 50-ml pack
Communication and Control (refills 100 sensors)
Interfaces 77248-00 Silicon Oil Refill Kit; includes
2676 First 4-20 mA Output; includes dispensing tool and oil packs
25 ft. cable 77256-00 Oil-Filled Sub-AV Sensor Kit
2923 Second 4-20 mA Output 77300-00 Retrofit Kit (converts non oil-
2691 First Set Two (2) Alarm Relays filled to oil-filled); includes
with settable trip points Silicon Oil Refill Kit
2707 Second Set Two (2) Alarm
Relays with settable trip points
4578 Modem; 14,400 baud
(domestic lines only)

LIT2547 Rev 6
F13 Printed in U.S.A.
©Hach Company, 2013. All rights reserved.
In the interest of improving and updating its equipment, Hach Company reserves the right to alter specifications to equipment at any time.