DR3900 VIS Spectrophotometer with RFID Technology | HACH

Q1: What are the official technical specifications of the Hach DR3900 Benchtop Spectrophotometer?

Answer: Official manufacturer technical specifications from Hach include:

• Model: DR3900 Benchtop VIS Spectrophotometer with RFID (Product No. LPV440.99.00001 / LPV440.99.00012).

• Wavelength Range: 320 nm to 1100 nm.

• Wavelength Accuracy: +/- 1.5 nm (wavelength range 340 to 900 nm).

• Wavelength Resolution: 1 nm.

• Wavelength Selection: Automatic, based on method selection or barcode scan.

• Spectral Bandwidth: 5 nm.

• Photometric Measuring Range: +/- 3.0 Abs (wavelength range 340 to 900 nm).

• Photometric Accuracy: 5 mAbs at 0.0 to 0.5 Abs; 1% at 0.5 to 2.0 Abs.

• Light Source: Tungsten halogen lamp.

• Optical System: Reference beam, spectral technology.

• Display: 7-inch color TFT touchscreen (800 x 480 pixels).

• Pre-programmed Methods: Over 220 pre-programmed Hach methods.

• User Programs: Storage capacity for up to 100 user-defined programs.

• Data Storage: 2,000 data logs (Result, Date, Time, Sample ID, User ID).

• Interfaces & Connectivity: USB type A (2), USB type B (1), Ethernet (1), and built-in RFID module.

• Power Supply: Benchtop external power supply (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz).

• Dimensions & Weight: 220 x 137 x 332 mm; Net Weight: 4.2 kg (9.26 lbs).

Q2: What general market pricing and local supplier options apply in Bangladesh (BD)?

Answer: Globally, the list price of a Hach DR3900 benchtop spectrophotometer typically ranges between USD $5,500 and $7,500+, depending on bundled RFID accessories, TNTplus vial chemistries, or printer options. In Bangladesh (BD), import duties, air freight, and local taxes bring the procurement price between BDT 7,50000 and BDT 9,50,000+ depending on package configurations. For exact price quotes, local availability, government tender submissions, and institutional supply in BD, contact authorized laboratory suppliers such as Federal Scientific Mart, Dhaka, Bangladesh (fsm.com.bd).

Q3: What is the standard manufacturer warranty period and service coverage for the DR3900?

Answer: The Hach DR3900 comes standard with a 12-month (1-year) factory warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware components. Local authorized sales and service partners provide extended service agreements, annual preventive maintenance, wavelength verification using certified filter sets, optical calibration, and authentic replacement parts (such as tungsten halogen lamps).

Q4: How does 2D Barcode Recognition (IBR+) and RFID technology streamline testing on the DR3900?

Answer: The DR3900 features an automatic 2D barcode scanner and RFID reader to optimize laboratory workflows:

• Automatic Method Identification: When a 13-mm TNTplus vial is inserted, the instrument rotates the vial, reads the 2D barcode, identifies the test method, sets the exact wavelength, and takes 10 absorbance measurements to average out scratches and smudges.

• Expiry Date & Lot Tracking: The barcode automatically logs reagent lot numbers and expiration dates, flagging expired chemistry before executing tests.

• RFID Sample Tracking: RFID tags allow seamless alignment of sample IDs from the sampling point directly into the spectrophotometer without manual typing.

Q5: What is the difference between the Hach DR3900 and Hach DR6000 Spectrophotometer models?

Answer:

• Wavelength Spectrum: The DR3900 is a VIS spectrophotometer covering 320 nm to 1100 nm with a tungsten halogen lamp. The DR6000 is a UV-VIS spectrophotometer covering 190 nm to 1100 nm, utilizing both deuterium (UV) and halogen (VIS) lamps.

• UV Applications: The DR6000 enables direct UV absorbance testing (such as TOC at 254 nm, Nitrate at 220/275 nm, and protein/DNA quantification), whereas the DR3900 focuses on visible spectrum colorimetric assays and TNTplus vial chemistries.

• Optical Bandwidth: The DR3900 has a 5 nm spectral bandwidth, while the DR6000 offers a narrower 2 nm bandwidth for advanced research applications.

Q6: Which sample cell sizes and cuvettes are compatible with the DR3900?

Answer: The DR3900 includes a multi-cell adapter system compatible with:

• 13 mm round vials (Hach TNTplus chemistries).

• 16 mm round vials (Standard COD and Test 'N Tube vials).

• 1-inch (25 mm) round glass sample cells.

• 1 cm (10 mm) rectangular cell paths.

• 5 cm (50 mm) rectangular cell paths for low-concentration trace detection.

Q7: What key water analysis parameters are performed using the DR3900?

Answer: The DR3900 performs over 220 pre-programmed tests crucial for environmental and industrial QA/QC:

• Wastewater & Municipal: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Phosphate.

• Drinking Water & Utilities: Free and Total Chlorine, Fluoride, Turbidity, Iron, Manganese, Hardness, and Alkalinity.

• Industrial Process Water: Silica, Hydrazine, Dissolved Oxygen, Copper, Chromium, Nickel, and Sulfate.

Q8: How do you perform a TNTplus vial test step-by-step on the DR3900?

Answer:

1. Power on the DR3900 and allow self-check diagnostics to complete.

2. Prepare the TNTplus sample vial according to the reagent kit instructions (add sample, digest if necessary).

3. Wipe the outside of the 13-mm vial clean with a soft tissue.

4. Insert the vial directly into the round cell compartment.

5. The DR3900 automatically scans the 2D barcode, rotates the vial, executes 10 readings, and displays the exact concentration on the color touchscreen within seconds.

Q9: How do you transfer logged test results and update system software on the DR3900?

Answer:

• Data Transfer: Connect a standard USB flash drive or hook the instrument directly to a local network via the Ethernet port. Export results (up to 2,000 logs) into CSV, XML, or PDF formats for LIMS integration.

• Software Updates: Download official Hach update files onto a USB flash drive, insert it into the front USB port, and select System Updates from the touch menu.

Q10: What is included in the standard factory package when purchasing a Hach DR3900?

Answer: The standard factory shipment includes:

• DR3900 VIS Spectrophotometer with RFID module.

• Multi-cell adapter for rectangular and round cells.

• Light shield / cover.

• Matched pair of 1-inch (25 mm) glass sample cells.

• Benchtop power supply with regional power cords.

• Printed basic user manual and documentation CD.

Q11: What maintenance tasks ensure long-term accuracy and performance?

Answer:

• Lamp Replacement: Replace the internal tungsten halogen lamp when system diagnostics warn of reduced lamp output or after its operational lifespan expires.

• Cell Compartment Care: Wipe spills immediately with a soft swab. The sample compartment liner is removable for easy cleaning.

• System Verification: Periodically run Hach Checkit3 or secondary gel standard sets to confirm photometric and wavelength accuracy.

Q12: Why purchase Hach laboratory equipment from Federal Scientific Mart (fsm.com.bd)?

Answer: Purchasing through Federal Scientific Mart guarantees:

• Authorized Genuine Products: Original Hach benchtop spectrophotometers, certified TNTplus reagent vials, and authentic spare parts in factory packaging.

• Local Technical Support: Professional installation, operator training, calibration assistance, and direct warranty handling across Bangladesh.

• Nationwide Fast Delivery: Safe shipping to Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal, Rangpur, and all industrial zones across BD.