Lab-grade pH measurement for complex nutrient matrices, protein-containing solutions, and TRIS buffers.
The Apera PH700-BC (AI5018) is a purpose-built benchtop pH meter equipped with the Swiss-made LabSen® 823 electrode — designed for accurate, stable readings in biochemistry samples, enzyme solutions, and TRIS buffers where a standard glass electrode falls short. ±0.01 pH accuracy, IP54-rated enclosure, and 1–3 point auto-calibration make it a reliable bench instrument for commercial cultivation quality-control labs.
The Apera PH700-BC is a benchtop laboratory pH meter from Apera Instruments' 700 Series, configured specifically for biochemistry and life-science sample matrices. Its defining feature is the included Swiss LabSen® 823 combination pH/temperature electrode — a triple-ceramic-junction probe filled with Protelyte reference electrolyte rather than standard KCl. That design choice matters: TRIS buffers and protein-containing solutions are notoriously hard on conventional single-junction electrodes because protein and sulfide contamination of the reference junction causes junction potentials that drift readings. The LabSen 823's three ceramic junctions dramatically slow that contamination pathway, and the Protelyte electrolyte is microorganism-safe and food-contact compliant (EC Regulation 1935/2004), making it equally applicable to enzyme solution work, biological fluids, and general water solutions.
The meter body is IP54-rated for spill and dust resistance — a real consideration in any working grow lab or processing room environment. A built-in microprocessor handles automatic calibration, automatic temperature compensation (ATC), data storage, and max/min reading display, reducing operator steps and potential for manual error during routine QC.
Commercial cannabis and hemp operations with in-house tissue culture, extraction, or post-harvest processing labs are the primary fit for the PH700-BC. Standard cultivation nutrient solution checks — reservoir pH, RO water pH, runoff — are adequately served by a simpler single-junction meter. The PH700-BC is the right tool when the sample itself is the challenge: nutrient concentrates with high protein or organic load, enzyme-based remediation solutions, or any in-house analytical work involving TRIS buffer systems.
Licensed operators running ISO-aligned internal labs, or facilities where QA/QC documentation is part of a compliance program, will also benefit from the meter's 50-set onboard data storage and electrode condition display, which together support a traceable, repeatable measurement record without requiring a full LIMS integration. It is also a solid fit for any grow operation that simply wants a dedicated bench instrument for incoming water and media analysis, separate from the handheld probes on the floor.
Swiss LabSen® 823 Electrode: The triple-ceramic-junction design with Protelyte electrolyte is the core differentiator of this kit. Three junctions slow reference contamination in difficult matrices; Protelyte electrolyte is tasteless, odorless, and microorganism-safe — engineered for biological and food-contact applications where conventional electrolytes would compromise sample integrity or electrode longevity.
Auto-Calibration with Self-Diagnosis: The PH700-BC supports 1–3 point automatic calibration across pH 4.00, 7.00, and 10.01 buffers (50 mL of each included pre-mixed). After calibration, the meter displays electrode slope and condition — a quick field check on probe health without sending the electrode out for verification.
Max/Min Reading Mode: The meter can track and display the maximum and minimum pH readings captured during a measurement session. For operators running timed process checks or monitoring solution stability over a period, this eliminates the need to watch the display continuously.
IP54 Enclosure + Electrode Holder: The spill-proof, dust-proof housing handles lab bench realities. Silicone-sealed connectors protect the rear panel sockets. The included electrode holder accommodates up to two electrodes, keeping the bench organized when running the LabSen 823 alongside a secondary reference or ORP probe.
In a licensed cultivation or processing facility, the PH700-BC typically lives in the lab or QC station rather than on the grow floor. It handles the controlled, repeatable measurement work: incoming source-water verification, nutrient concentrate preparation, tissue culture media pH confirmation, or extraction solvent checks. Handheld pen meters handle floor-level spot checks; the PH700-BC provides the documented, electrode-condition-verified benchmark reading that anchors those field measurements.
Pairing this meter with Apera's 700 Series EC or conductivity benchtop instruments gives a facility a complete benchtop analytical station for pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity from a single equipment line — consistent calibration routines, compatible electrode holders, and a matched documentation workflow. For multi-site or multi-state operators standardizing their lab protocols, the 700 Series platform offers a cost-effective way to run the same instrument and SOP across all locations. Contact HSC to discuss kit configurations, replacement LabSen 823 electrode sourcing, or multi-unit orders for facility buildouts.
| Model / SKU | Apera PH700-BC / AI5018 |
| pH Measuring Range | 0 – 14.00 pH |
| pH Resolution | 0.01 pH |
| pH Accuracy | ±0.01 pH |
| Temperature Compensation | 0 – 100°C (Automatic or Manual) |
| Calibration | 1–3 Point Auto-Calibration; self-diagnosis and electrode condition display |
| Included Electrode | Swiss LabSen® 823 pH/Temp. Combination Electrode; Protelyte electrolyte; 3 ceramic junctions |
| Data Storage | 50 sets |
| Additional Modes | Max/Min reading mode |
| Enclosure Rating | IP54 (spill-proof and dust-proof) |
| Included Accessories | Electrode holder (up to 2 electrodes); pre-mixed pH 4.00, 7.00, 10.01 buffer solutions (50 mL each) |
| Warranty | 2 years (meter); 6 months (probe) |
Standard single-junction electrodes filled with KCl are prone to reference junction fouling in TRIS and protein-containing solutions. TRIS in particular has a steep temperature-dependent pKa and can contaminate a standard junction quickly, causing drifting or inaccurate readings. The LabSen 823 electrode included with the PH700-BC uses three ceramic junctions and Protelyte electrolyte specifically to slow that contamination pathway and maintain a stable liquid junction potential in these difficult matrices.
The meter delivers ±0.01 pH accuracy with a calibration self-diagnosis and electrode condition display after each calibration cycle. Onboard data storage holds 50 measurement sets. For most in-house QC applications — incoming water verification, nutrient concentrate preparation, tissue culture media — this is fully adequate. Operators subject to third-party ISO or state-mandated laboratory accreditation should confirm their specific SOP requirements with their compliance team.
Yes. The PH700-BC meter body has standard BNC-compatible connectors and is compatible with other Apera LabSen electrodes from the 700 Series platform. If your facility needs to measure high-temperature samples, strong alkaline solutions, or wastewater-type slurries, Apera offers purpose-specific electrodes (and full PH700-XX kits) for each application. Contact HSC to discuss electrode options for your specific sample matrix.
When Max/Min mode is active, the meter tracks and displays the highest and lowest pH readings captured during the measurement period, alternating between them on the display. This is useful for monitoring solution stability over time — for example, tracking pH drift in a nutrient tank or enzyme solution during a timed process — without requiring continuous manual observation and logging.
The AI5018 kit includes three 50 mL pre-mixed pH buffer solutions: pH 4.00, 7.00, and 10.01. These are single-use bottles sufficient to get the meter operational immediately. For ongoing operation, replacement NIST-traceable Apera buffer solutions are available separately. HSC can coordinate ongoing consumable supply alongside the meter — contact us to set up a recurring order.
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