Premium Series Portable Blade Spear pH Meter for Meat with GLP Data Logger

What It Is

The Apera PH8500-MT is a Premium Series portable pH meter purpose-built for professional pH measurement of raw meat, frozen meat, meat products, and fish. It is the AI5558 SKU in Apera's 8500 series — the top-tier portable line — and is distinguished from value-tier meters by its GLP data management system, extended calibration buffer recognition, and the inclusion of the LabSen® 763 Swiss-technology blade spear electrode.

The meter handles pH across a -2.00 to 16.00 range at 0.1/0.01 pH selectable resolution, with automatic temperature compensation across 0–100°C. Auto-calibration recognizes up to 12 buffer standards including pH 1.68, 4.00, 7.00, 10.01, and 12.45. The large white-backlit LCD simultaneously displays pH and temperature, along with reading-stability icons, calibration status, time, and storage indicators — everything needed to confirm a valid reading in a busy processing or quality-control environment.

The LabSen® 763 Blade Spear Electrode

The included LabSen® 763 is the core differentiator of this kit. Built with proprietary sensor technologies and materials from Switzerland, it features a titanium-body blade spear design that penetrates directly into meat, fish, or semi-frozen samples without requiring sample preparation, slurries, or risk of shattering the glass membrane against a hard substrate.

The electrode's LabSen S-Type pointed glass diaphragm delivers fully stabilized readings in 15 to 30 seconds and is up to 10 times more mechanically robust than conventional glass membranes — critical when repeatedly inserting a probe into dense muscle tissue. An open and ceramic double-junction construction with polymer electrolyte ensures full contact with the sample while minimizing junction clogs from fat, protein, or tissue debris. The proprietary blue gel internal solution is non-flowing, eliminates air bubble formation, and allows the electrode to function accurately even when inverted. No electrolyte refilling is ever required. An integrated temperature sensor enables the meter's automatic temperature compensation without a separate probe.

GLP Data Logger and Connectivity

For operations that require documented quality records — HACCP programs, processing audits, or internal QC protocols — the PH8500-MT stores up to 500 data sets in GLP-standard format. Storage can be triggered manually or set to auto-timed intervals, and all stored data is protected against loss in the event of a power outage. Recorded data exports to a PC or laptop via USB, supporting report generation and traceability without manual transcription.

Intelligent self-diagnosis functions alert the operator to out-of-range readings, electrode invalidation, and calibration anomalies. Calibration reminders and last-calibration date review keep the instrument in compliance with standard QC verification schedules. The meter also supports ORP measurement when paired with an optional 301Pt-C ORP electrode (sold separately via BNC connection).

Build and Field Suitability

The PH8500-MT is rated IP57 waterproof and dustproof, making it appropriate for wet processing environments, cold-room use, and wash-down areas. A soft silicone case absorbs impact and provides secure grip in wet or gloved hands. A foldable built-in stand converts the unit from handheld to benchtop configuration — useful for fixed-station QC sampling workflows.

Power is supplied by batteries or USB, giving operators flexibility in environments where access to outlets is limited. The 3-year instrument warranty and 6-month electrode warranty reflect Apera's standard for the Premium Series line. For high-volume or multi-station programs, replacement LabSen® 763 electrodes are available separately and are compatible with other Apera meters using BNC/RCA connectors, including the PH910, PH9500, PH850, PC8500, and PH820.