The HI83730 portable photometer is designed for determining the peroxide value in edible oils. It features Hanna’s advanced optical system, combining a special tungsten lamp, a narrow band interference filter, and a silicon photodetector to deliver precise photometric readings. The exclusive cuvette locking mechanism ensures the cuvette is always positioned consistently in the measurement cell for reliable results.
Features at a glance
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Built-in timer – Displays the countdown before measurement to ensure readings are taken at the correct reaction intervals.
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Zero key – Allows easy compensation for the sample’s natural color and imperfections prior to reagent addition.
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Auto shut-off – Automatically powers down after 15 minutes of inactivity in measurement mode to conserve battery life.
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Battery status indicator – Shows the remaining battery power.
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Error messages – Alert the user to issues such as no light, inverted sample, or readings out of range.
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Units of measure – Displays the appropriate unit alongside the measurement result.
Over time, edible oils can deteriorate, primarily due to oxidation. This process alters the oil’s flavor and aroma, making it less appealing to consumers. Oxidation occurs when unsaturated fatty acids in the oil react with oxygen, producing peroxide as an unwanted byproduct. Certain factors, such as exposure to light, metal ions, oxygen, or improper storage temperatures, accelerate this reaction. To assess oil quality and detect early signs of spoilage, the peroxide value is measured. This value represents the amount of peroxide oxygen per kilogram of oil, expressed in milliequivalents (meq); lower values indicate fresher, higher-quality oil.
The HI83730 photometer determines peroxide values below 25.0 meq O₂/kg using an adaptation of the EC 2568/91 method and its amendments. When the reagent reacts with peroxides in the sample, a yellow color develops, the intensity of which corresponds to the peroxide concentration. The photometer analyzes this color change using the Beer-Lambert Law, where light absorption is proportional to concentration. A narrow band interference filter at 466 nm allows only blue light to reach the silicon photodetector, ensuring accurate measurement of absorbance. As peroxide concentration increases, the sample absorbs more blue light, resulting in decreased transmittance.