As a global leader in water analytics, HACH offers a broad range of testing reagents and instruments, including advanced spectrophotometers. These devices measure the concentration of substances in water samples by analyzing light absorbance and transmission, ensuring the highest accuracy in water quality control.
HACH spectrophotometers combine multiple water analysis methods, built-in error prevention, and both portable and laboratory solutions — making them suitable for any application or budget. They are widely used for analyzing wastewater, industrial and municipal water, groundwater, and for monitoring nutrient levels and other key parameters.
These innovative, multifunctional instruments ensure regulatory compliance and stable industrial performance. HACH offers three types of spectrophotometers, which we review below.
DR1900 Portable Spectrophotometer
The DR1900 is lightweight, compact, and ideal for fieldwork. It is designed for use in challenging environmental conditions and features a rugged, water- and dust-resistant design.
DR3900 Laboratory Spectrophotometer
The DR3900 is designed for continuous, intensive laboratory use. It comes preprogrammed with 250 analytical methods for quick reagent recognition and measures light transmission within the visible electromagnetic spectrum.
Users can also create custom programs and calibration curves for specialized analyses.
The DR3900 ensures consistent, repeatable results regardless of operator experience. It also provides automatic data logging and traceability, simplifying the preparation of regulatory reports. The instrument calculates the average of 10 consecutive readings to eliminate the effects of scratches or fingerprints on cuvettes.
DR6000 UV-VIS Laboratory Spectrophotometer
The DR6000 is an industry-leading laboratory spectrophotometer, designed for professional laboratories. Unlike the DR1900 and DR3900, it operates with two light sources — a visible and an ultraviolet lamp — expanding its analytical range.
It includes integrated QA software support that helps plan and document quality measurements.
Like the DR3900, it comes preprogrammed with HACH’s 250 analytical methods and supports the creation of custom methods and calibration curves.
The DR6000 features Truecal software, which ensures highly reliable and precise measurements. As with the DR3900, it calculates the average of 10 repeated measurements, eliminating potential interference from cuvette scratches or fingerprints.
Here's the table to compare the technical specifications of spectrophotometers:
| DR1900 | DR3900 | DR6000 | |
| Specific Technology (optional) | Does not use RFID; methods are selected manually by the operator. | Uses RFID technology for automatic calibration factor updates and quick identification of the appropriate method; provides sample ID and certificate of analysis | Uses RFID technology for automatic calibration factor updates and quick identification of the appropriate method; provides sample ID and certificate of analysis |
| Cuvette Compatibility | square: 10 x 10 mm/ 1 inch; round: 13 mm / 1 inch; |
rectangular: 10 mm, 50 mm, 1 inch; round: 13 mm/ 1 inch |
rectangular: 10, 20, 30, 50 mm/ 1 inch; round: 13 mm/ 1 inch; 100 mm rectangular cell available with additional adapter |
| Data Storage | 500 results (date, time, sample ID, operator ID) | 2,000 results (date, time, sample ID, operator ID) | 5,000 results (date, time, sample ID, operator ID) |
| Enclosure waterproof rating | IP67 | IP30 | IP20 with closed lid |
| Interfaces | USB type Mini IP67 (with optional Module) | USB type A (2), USB type B, Ethernet, RFID module | USB type A (2), USB type B, Ethernet, RFID module |
| Operating mode | Transmittance (%), Absorbance and Concentration | Transmittance (%), Absorbance and Concentration, Scanning | Transmittance (%), Absorbance and Concentration, Scanning |
| Power supply | 110 - 240 V / 50/60 Hz ( optional Module required); 4 x AA size Alkaline 4x NiMH rechargeable Battery; |
External power supply, 100 - 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz | Power cord, 100 - 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz |
| Pre-programmed methods | 220 | > 220 | > 240 |
| Source lamp | Xenon Flash | Gas-filled Tungsten (visible) | Tungsten (VIS), Deuterium lamp (UV) |
| User programmes | 50 | 100 | 200 |
| Quality assurance | No built-in QA scheduling or documentation function | Function to schedule and document QA with pass/fail indication | Function to schedule and document QA with pass/fall indication |
| Warranty | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months |
| Wavelength accuracy | ± 2 nm (range 340 - 800nm) | ± 1.5 nm (wavelength range 340 - 900 nm) | ± 1 nm |
| Wavelength calibration | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Wavelength range | 340 - 800 nm | 320 - 1100 nm | 190 - 1100 nm |
Selecting the right spectrophotometer — combined with continuous local technical support from HACH’s authorized service team — ensures reliable, high-precision water quality measurements. This guarantees safety, regulatory
