Monitoring Water Quality with One Measuring Instrument

Reliable assessment of water quality often requires the measurement of several parameters. When these are determined individually using different measuring instruments, the effort required for measurements, documentation and evaluation increases.

The HORIBA U-52 (30 m) from the U-50 series enables mobile multi-parameter measurements using a combined sensor probe. Various water parameters can be recorded within a single measurement process and displayed directly on the control unit.

The instrument is particularly suitable for on-site investigations of surface waters, water quality monitoring and the inspection of water treatment processes.

The U-52 version is equipped with a 30-metre sensor cable and enables the simultaneous display of up to 11 measured and calculated values.

Unlike the U-51 version, the HORIBA U-52 additionally features an integrated LED turbidity sensor. This allows the turbidity of a water sample to be assessed together with other relevant water quality parameters.

The extended cable length expands the range of applications for measurements at deeper or difficult-to-access sampling locations. This is particularly useful when investigating lakes, reservoirs, harbour basins and other bodies of water where the sensor probe must be positioned at a greater distance from the control unit.

Measuring Parameters of the HORIBA U-52

The multi-parameter measuring instrument records important physical and chemical parameters for assessing water quality.

• pH value: Assessment of the acidic or alkaline characteristics of a water sample.
• Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): Measurement of the electrochemical oxidation-reduction potential.
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Monitoring the oxygen content in water.
• Electrical Conductivity: Assessment of electrical conductivity as an indicator of dissolved ions.
• Salinity: Determination of salt content based on conductivity measurements.
• TDS: Determination of total dissolved solids as a calculated value.
• Seawater Specific Gravity: Calculated parameter for corresponding water samples.
• Temperature: Measurement of water temperature for the assessment and compensation of temperature-dependent parameters.
• Turbidity: Measurement of water turbidity using an LED-based optical sensor to assess suspended particles and changes in water clarity.

Depending on the parameter, different display formats and calculated values can be shown. The U-52 version includes turbidity measurement but does not feature GPS or water depth measurement.

Functions and Features

The HORIBA U-52 combines a multifunctional sensor probe with a portable control unit. This allows several water parameters to be recorded within a single measurement process, without requiring a separate measuring instrument for each parameter.

Integrated LED Turbidity Measurement

The integrated turbidity sensor uses an LED-based optical measurement method with forward light scattering. This enables the determination of turbidity caused by suspended particles in the water.

Turbidity measurements provide useful additional information when assessing surface waters, wastewater and other water samples in which suspended solids may be present.

Clear Measurement Display

The control unit features a backlit monochrome graphic display on which the recorded measurement values are clearly presented. This facilitates the assessment of water quality directly at the measuring location.

Data Storage and Transfer

The instrument offers a storage capacity of up to 10,000 data sets. Stored measurement data can be transferred via the USB interface for further documentation and evaluation.

Designed for Mobile Use

The robust construction and water-protected components are designed for measurements under demanding operating conditions. The sensor probe complies with protection class IP68, while the control unit complies with protection class IP67 when the sensor cable is connected.

Extended Applications with a 30-Metre Cable

The 30-metre sensor cable allows the sensor probe to be positioned at a greater distance from the control unit. The operator can carry out measurements from a suitable and easily accessible location.

This is particularly useful for measurements from bridges, jetties, platforms, riverbanks and other sampling locations where direct access to the water is limited.

The longer cable also enables measurements at different water depths. Water parameters can therefore be recorded at various measuring points within a body of water to investigate possible differences in water quality.

However, automatic water depth measurement is not included in the functions of the U-52. The actual measuring depth depends on the respective operating conditions and the manufacturer's specifications.

Calibration and Sensor Maintenance

The integrated calibration functions support the preparation of the measuring instrument for reliable measurements. Regular calibration, cleaning and maintenance of the sensors in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions are necessary to ensure consistently meaningful results.

Typical Applications

The HORIBA U-52 with a 30-metre sensor cable is suitable for various tasks in water analysis and environmental monitoring.

• Surface Waters: Investigation of rivers, lakes and other natural water bodies, including turbidity assessment.
• Environmental Monitoring: Measurement of important water parameters to observe changes in water quality.
• Industry and Process Water: Spot checks of relevant water parameters in industrial environments.
• Wastewater and Discharges: Supplementary on-site measurements of water characteristics and turbidity.
• Research and Field Investigations: Mobile data collection for scientific and application-related investigations.
• Measurements at Deeper Sampling Locations: Investigation of water parameters at different water depths, for example in lakes, reservoirs or harbour basins.
• Difficult-to-Access Sampling Locations: Water quality and turbidity measurements from bridges, platforms and elevated sampling positions.

Advantages of Multi-Parameter Measurement

• Measurement of several water parameters using a combined sensor probe.
• Integrated LED turbidity measurement for additional assessment of water clarity.
• Fewer instrument changes during extensive on-site measurements.
• Direct display of measurement values on the portable control unit.
• Storage and transfer of measurement data for documentation.
• Robust design for mobile water investigations.
• 30-metre sensor cable for flexible measurements at deeper and difficult-to-access sampling locations.

Technical Information and Downloads

A detailed overview of the technical features, measuring ranges, resolutions and further specifications of the HORIBA U-52 can be found under the "Specifications" tab.

Additional information about the HORIBA U-50 series is available in the product brochure in the download section.

Note on Scope of Delivery: From November 2026, HORIBA products will be supplied without batteries. Existing stock may still include batteries. Batteries are no longer included with newly manufactured products and must be purchased separately if required.