Best Card, Best System … Pharo the new photometry system

Best Card, Best System … Pharo the new photometry 

system 

PLS LB PM FEA, PM Photometry

Modern requirements for state 

of the art photometry 

Drinking water & waste water analysis 

with excellence 

Gunter Decker 

Product Manager Food & Environmental Analysis 

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt 

Germany 

June 03, 2008 Complete solutions Page 2

ISO 14001: 2005_02 

4.5.1. Monitoring and Measurement 

Citation chapter 4.5.1: 

• “The organization shall ensure that calibrated or 

verified monitoring and measurement equipment 

is used and maintained i and shall retain associated 

records.” 


What kind of Analytical Quality Assurance is 

required for getting g good results and meeting 

international standards? 

• Installation (e.g. IQ, OQ, PQ) must be done after receiving the 

system. 

• Instruments must be regularly checked. 

• Accessories like e.g. certified glass ware must be re-checked. 

• Pipettes, balances and other equipment must be regularly checked 

and calibrated. 

• The staff performance incl. the chemicals and/or test kits must be 

checked by running some standards and testing the recovery rate. 

• Interfering substances for different samples must be checked. 

– Dilution, Spiking and e.g. multi Spiking therefore is required. 


Analytical Quality Assurance 

SelfCheck of NOVA 30/60/400 & Pharo 100/300 

• When the instruments are switched on, automatically the photometers 

start with a SelfCheck procedure. The instruments are checking the 

following steps: 

• Optical system 

- lamp 

- shaft for cell tests incl. the barcode reading system 

- reagent test kit shaft incl. the diodes for identifying the cells sizes 

- optical system incl. photomultiplier 

• Electronic system - Check of all electronic compounds 

• Check of the complete system 

- the system is measuring against air and comparing the result against 

the stored (in-build internal) tolerance. 

• Only when all steps are successfully passed the instrument is going into 

the measuring mode or the measuring can be started. 



Hardware control – AQA level 1 

• How to test the instruments? 

- Therefore we created a test kits using round cells – PhotoCheck. 

• What are the advantages for customers using PhotoCheck? 

- The PhotoCheck solutions are checked by an reference 

spectrophotometer (primary standard) which is controlled by 

NIST standards. 

- PhotoCheck is traceable to NIST and has a shelf life of 3 years. 

• All lot certificates are in the Internet. 

• With PhotoCheck customers are able to check the hardware by 

themselves. PhotoCheck meets the requirement of ISO 9001, ISO 

14001 & ISO 17025. 


Printout of the PhotoCheck results from a 

Pharo / NOVA 

AQA-Check of meter AQA1 

29.08.2007 10:23 

Operator: 

AQA-Interval 

12 w 

AQA-Check AQA1 ok 

L-Check 

ok 

Test solution Meas. value Dimension Theor. val. Tolerance Result 

445-1 0.211 A 0.200 0.020 ok 

445-2 0.641 A 0.650 0.030 ok 

445-3 1.120120 A 1.100100 0.040040 ok 

445-4 1.520 A 1.500 0.050 ok 

525-1 0.270 A 0.280 0.020 ok 

525-2 0.698 A 0.710 0.030 ok 

525-3 1.130130 A 1.142142 0.040040 ok 

525-4 1.573 A 1.580 0.050 ok 

690-1 0.215 A 0.230 0.020 ok 

690-2 0.442 A 0.450 0.030 ok 

690-3 0.931 A 0.950 0.040040 ok 

690-4 1.480 A 1.460 0.050 ok 


Documentation of the results using 

PhotoCheck 

• Control Chart 

Page 2 of the package insert 

from PhotoCheck 

• Add the measured absorbance 

b 

values and sign the sheet. 

• This meets the requirements 

according ISO 9001, 14001 & 

ISO 17025 


Analytical Quality Assurance – 

System control – AQA level 2 

• What is necessary to monitor the complete system? 

• Customers should run standards. 

- To know that the handling is correct and that they are able 

to get correct results 

- Frequency depends on the customer and should be 

reflecting the importance of the results 

• Customers should test the recovery rate to identify matrix 

influences 

• That’s the reason why we create CombiCheck 



System control – AQA level 2 

• CombiCheck – the multi usable AQA tool to check the 

complete system. 

• Two solutions are coming with the box 

- R-1 (ready-to-use standard) 

- R-2 (addition solution for spiking to test the recovery) 

• CombiCheck can be used for Spectroquant ® Picco, Multy, 

NOVA, Pharo and e.g. also spectrophotometers. 

• Advantage: 

The NOVA and Pharo photometers are pre-programmed with 

the target values of the R-1 solution from CombiCheck. 


How is the CombiCheck reagent R-1 working? 

CombiCheck R-1 = multi parameter solution in one bottle 

• Instead of using the sample, add 

the same quantity of the R-1 

(standard solution) to the test and 

measure the result. 

• result = same as expected ☺ 

protocol result in control chart 

• result ≠ different as expected 

- error in the system, check system, 

if error not found - service 

CombiCheck 10, R-1 

25.0 ± 6.0mg/l Cl 

80 ± 12mg/l COD 

4.00 ± 0.30mg/l NH4-N 

N 

2.50 ± 0.40mg/l NO3-N 

0.80 ± 0.0808 mg/l PO4-PP 

100 ± 15mg/l SO4 

The measuring errors from CombiCheck are less that 0.5 % 


Control Chart of the CombiCheck 

to document the measured results of R-1 

m 

KONTROLLKARTE / CONTROL CHART 

COD 1.1454014540 10 - 150 

NOVA 60, serial no. 99450026 

CombiCheck 

Test: Meßbereich / Measuring range: mg/l 

Photometer: 

 

 

 

92 

80 

68 

mg/l 

mg/l 

mg/l 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x x x 

x 

x 

x 

Vertrauensb sbereich / 

Confidence 

interval 

Meßwert / Measurement 

value 

82 83 81 79 82 77 77 81 80 86 85 74 91 73 70 71 70 66 73 70 

Datum / Date 

Feb. 2005, 01. 

04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 11. 

12. 

13. 14. 

15. 18. 19. 20. 

21. 22. 25. 26. 27. 

28. 

Prüfer / Tester 

De De De De De De De De De De De XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY 

Merck KGaA, D-64271 Darmstadt 

7.91146.7591/02-61874047 msp. 05/98 



Print out of a AQA2-Check of a Pharo / NOVA using 

CombiCheck or standard solutions 

AQA-Check of meter AQA2 

25.05.05 13:57 

Operator: 

AQA-Interval 

2 w 

Method Meas.value Dimension unit Theor. val. Tolerance Result 

14558 1.95 mg/l NH4-N 2.00 0.20 ok 

14555 5200 mg/l COD 5000 400 ok 

14540 78 mg/l COD 80 12 ok 

14540 65 mg/l COD 80 12 Error 

14563 2.4 mg/l NO3-N 2.5 0.4 ok 

14541 780 mg/l COD 750 75 ok 

14828 0.49 mg/l Cl2 0.50 0.05 ok 

14557 0.77 mg/l F- 0.80 0.07 ok 


How is the CombiCheck reagent R-2 working? 

CombiCheck R-2 = multi parameter solution in one bottle 

• How to use CombiCheck: CombiCheck 10, R-2 

- First step: Measure the sample 

- Second step: take a new tube and add 

the sample and 0.1 ml of the R-2. 

Measure and compare the results. 

• result = in the tolerance range ☺ 

- the recovery is nearly 100 % 

• result ≠ out of the tolerance range 

- the recovery is lower or higher 100 % 

– matrix effect, e.g. sample 

preparation necessary 

concentration and 

confidence interval 

Cat. no. 

25 ± 6 mg/l Cl - 1.1473014730 

30 ± 8 mg/l COD 1.14540 

3.00 ± 0.25 mg/l NH4-N N 1.1455814558 

0.60 ± 0.07 mg/l PO4-P 

0.30 ± 0.05 mg/l PO4-P 

1.14543 

1.1484814848 

sample = 72 mg/l COD 

sample + 0.1 ml = 105 mg/l COD 

For pipetting of 0.1 ml very precise pipettes are required. 


Control Chart of the CombiCheck 

to document the measured results of R-2 

m 

KONTROLLKARTE / CONTROL CHART 

CombiCheck 

Test: Meßbereich / Measuring range: mg/l 

Photometer: 

COD 1.14540 10 - 150 

NOVA 60, serial no. 99450026 

 

38 

mg/l 

x 

x 

 

 

30 

22 

mg/l 

mg/l 

x 

x x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Vertrauensbereich 

/ 

Confidence interva val 

Meßwert / Measurement 28 29 28 29 32 27 27 31 30 28 30 23 37 33 23 34 31 39 24 23 

value 

Feb. 2002, 01 04 05 06 07 08 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 

Datum / Date 

Prüfer / Tester 

. De De . De . De . De . De . De . De . De . De . De . XY . X. 

X. 

X. 

X. 

XY . . XY XY . XY . 

Y Y Y Y 

Merck KGaA, D-64271 Darmstadt 

7.91146.7591/02-61874047 msp. 05/98 



System control – AQA level l 2 

What are the advantages for customers using CombiChecks? 

• CombiChecks are ready-to-use test kits for system control 

(shelf life 2 years). 

• Each pack CombiCheck contains R-1 (standard solution) and R-2 

(addition solution – spiking). They are prepared by the high-precision 

weighing of standard substances. 

• All analytical scales used are regularly calibrated and monitored against 

standards of the PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany) 

and NIST (National Institute t of Standards d and Technology, USA). 

• The standard substances can be traced back directly to e.g. the 

respective NIST standard reference material - CombiChecks are 

traceable to NIST 

- Certificates of quality and the lot certificate are in the Internet. 

• With CombiCheck our customers are able to do a control of the whole 

system which is required from ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 17025. 


Certificate of Quality for CombiCheck 

1.14676.000114676 Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 10 

zur Qualitätsprüfung photometrischer Methoden / for quality check of photometric methods / 

para comprobar la calidad de métodos fotométricos 

Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 10 ist ein gebrauchsfertiger Mehrelement-Standard zur Überprüfung der 

Spectroquant ® Testsätze. Jede Packung enthält eine Standardlösung und eine Additionslösung. Diese 

werden durch genaue Einwaage von Standardsubstanzen hergestellt. Alle Waagen werden regelmäßig gegen 

PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, Deutschland) und NIST Standards (National Institute of Standards 

and Technology, USA) kalibriert und überwacht. Die Standardsubstanzen sind z.B. auf Standard Referenz 

Material von NIST rückführbar. 

Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 10 is a ready-to-use multiparameter standard for checking the Spectroquant ® test 

kits. Each pack contains one standard solution and one addition solution, which are prepared by the highprecision 

weighing in of standard substances. All analytical scales used are regularly calibrated and monitored 

against standards of the PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany) and NIST (National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, USA). The standard substances can be traced back directly to e.g. the respective 

NIST standard reference material. 

Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 10 es un patrón multielemento listo para el uso para comprobar los kits de tests 

Spectroquant ® . Cada envase contiene una solución patrón y una solución de adición. Éstas son preparadas 

pesando exactamente las sustancias patrón. Todas las balanzas se calibran y controlan regularmente frente a 

patrones PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Alemania) y patrones NIST (National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, EUA). Las sustancias patrón son referibles p.ej., al material de referencia estándar 

de NIST. 

Parameter / 

Parameter / 

Parámetro 

Sollwert und Vertrauensbereich / 

concentration and confidence interval / 

valor nominal e intervalo de confianza 

Standardlösung Reagenz R-1 

Standard Solution Reagent R-1 

Solución patrón del reactivo R-1 

einsetzbar für Art. / 

can be used for test kits / 

aplicable para art. 

Ammonium / Ammonium / 4.00 ± 0.30 mg/l (de) NH4-N 1.14558.0001 

Amonio 

Chlorid / Chloride / Cloruros 25 ±6mg/l(de) Cl 1.14730.000114730 0001 

CSB / COD / DQO 80 

80 

80 

Nitrat / Nitrate / Nitratos 2.50 

2.50 

Phosphor / Phosphorous / 

Fósforo 

Sulfat / Sulfate / Sulfatos 100 

100 

100 

± 12 mg/l CSB / COD / de DQO 



± 0.25 mg/l (de) NO3-N 

± 0.25 mg/l (de) NO3-N 

1.09772.0001 

1.14540.0001 

1.18751.0001 

1.14556.0001 

1.14773.0001 

• Certificates of Quality 

are available for all 

CombiChecks 

Additionslösung Reagenz R-2 2( (zur Aufstockung der Probe) 

0.80 ± 0.08 mg/l (de) PO4-P 

1.14543.0001 

0.80 ± 0.08 mg/l (de) PO4-P 

1.14848.0001 

± 15 mg/l (de) SO4 

1.00617.0001 

± 15 mg/l (de) SO4 

1.14548.0001 

± 15 mg/l (de) SO4 

1.14791.0001 

• This certificate shows 

the quality of the 

3.00 ± 0.25 mg/l (de) NH4-N 1.14558.0001 CombiCheck and is a 


1.09772.0001 

basic information to 


1.14540.0001 


1.18751.0001 

± 0.20 mg/l (de) NO3-N 

1.14556.0001 

± 0.40 mg/l (de) NO3-N 

1.14773.0001 meet the quality 

0.60 ± 0.07 mg/l (de) PO4-P 

1.14543.0001 

0.30 ± 0.05 mg/l (de) PO4-P 

1.14848.0001 

± 15 mg/l (de) SO4 

1.00617.0001 

± 5 mg/l (de) SO4 

1.14548.0001 

± 10 mg/l (de) SO4 

1.14791.0001 

criteria of the ISO 9001, 

ISO 14001 and other 

regulations. 

Addition Solution Reagent R-2 (for spiking the sample) 

Solución de adición del reactivo R-2 (para aumentar la concentración de la muestra) 

Ammonium / Ammonium / 

Amonio 

Chlorid / Chloride / Cloruros 25 ± 6 mg/l (de) Cl 1.14730.0001 

CSB / COD / DQO 45 

30 

45 

Nitrat / Nitrate / Nitratos 1.50 

2.00 

Phosphor / Phosphorous / 

Fósforo 

Sulfat / Sulfate / Sulfatos 100 

40 

80 

Darmstadt, 21.09.2004 

g 

Merck KGaA, Qualitätskontrolle / Quality control / Laborleiter / Head of Lab. / 

Control de calidad Jefe de laboratorio 

http://photometry.merck.de 

• All CombiChecks are 

traced back to NIST 


Lot Certificate for CombiCheck 

Chargenzert if ikat 

Lot Certificate • Certificado de lote 

Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 20 

zur Qualitätsprüfung photometrischer Methoden / for quality check of photometric methods / 

para comprobar la calidad de métodos fotométricos 

1.14675.0001 Charge / Lot / Lote: OC499922 

Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 20 ist ein gebrauchsfertiger Mehrelement-Standard zur Überprüfung der 

Spectroquant ® Testsätze. Jede Packung enthält eine Standardlösung und eine Additionslösung. Diese 

werden durch genaue Einwaage von Standardsubstanzen hergestellt. Alle Waagen werden regelmäßig gegen 

PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, Deutschland) und NIST Standards (National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, USA) kalibriert und überwacht. Die Standardsubstanzen sind z.B. auf Standard 

Referenz Material von NIST rückführbar. 

Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 20 is a ready-to-use multiparameter standard for checking the Spectroquant ® test 

kits. Each pack contains one standard solution and one addition solution, which are prepared by the highprecision 

weighing in of standard substances. All analytical scales used are regularly calibrated and monitored 

against standards of the PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany) and NIST (National Institute 

of Standards and Technology, USA). The standard substances can be traced back directly to e.g. the respective 

NIST standard reference material. 

Spectroquant ® CombiCheck 20 es un patrón multielemento listo para el uso para comprobar los kits de tests 

Spectroquant ® . Cada envase contiene una solución patrón y una solución de adición. Éstas son preparadas 

pesando exactamente las sustancias patrón. Todas las balanzas se calibran y controlan regularmente frente a 

patrones PTB (Physikalisch-Technische h h i h Bundesanstalt, Alemania) y patrones NIST (National Institute t of 

Standards and Technology, EUA). Las sustancias patrón son referibles p.ej., al material de referencia estándar 

de NIST. 

Parameter / Sollwert und Vertrauensbereich / Messergebnis / 

eingesetzte Testsätze 

Parameter / concentration and confidence interval / 

Result / 

zur Überprüfung / 

Parámetro valor nominal e intervalo de confianza Resultado 

used test kits for checking / 

kits de tests usados para la 

comprobación 

Standardlösung Reagenz R-1 

Standard Solution Reagent R-1 

Solución patrón del reactivo R-1 

Ammonium / 12.0 ± 1.0 mg/l NH4-N / 

mg/l NH4-N / 

1.14544.0001 

Ammonium / 

de NH4-N / 

de NH4-N / 

Amonio 

Chlorid / Chloride / 60 ± 10 mg/l Cl / 

mg/l Cl / 

1.14730.0001 

Cloruros 

de Cl 

de Cl 

CSB / COD / DQO 750 ± 75 mg/l CSB / COD / de mg/l CSB / COD / 

1.14541.0001 

DQO 

de DQO 

Nitrat / Nitrate / 9.0 ± 0.9 mg/l NO3-N / 

mg/l NO3-N / 

1.14563.0001 

Nitratos 

de NO3-N 

de NO3-N 

Phosphor / 

8.0 ± 0.7 mg/l PO4-P / 

mg/l PO4-P / 

1.14729.0001 

Phosphorous / 

de PO4-P 

de PO4-P 

Fósforo 

Sulfat / Sulfate / 500 ± 75 mg/l SO4 / 

mg/l SO4 / 

1.14564.0001 

Sulfatos 

de SO4 

de SO4 

Additionslösung Reagenz R-2 (zur Aufstockung der Probe) 

Addition Solution Reagent R-2 2(Spike sample) 

Solución de adición del reactivo R-2 (para aumentar la concentración de la muestra) 

Ammonium / 

8.0 ± 0.8 mg/l NH4-N / 

mg/l NH4-N / 

1.14544.0001 

Ammonium / 

de NH4-N / 

de NH4-N / 

Amonio 

Chlorid / Chloride / 40 ± 7 mg/l Cl / 

mg/l Cl / 

1.14730.0001 

Cloruros 

de Cl 

de Cl 

CSB / COD / DQO 200 ± 40 mg/l CSB / COD / de mg/l CSB / COD / 

1.14541.0001 

DQO 

de DQO 

Nitrat / Nitrate / 7.5 ± 0.8 mg/l NO3-N / 

mg/l NO3-N / 

1.14563.0001 

Nitratos 

de NO3-N 

de NO3-N 

Phosphor / 

5.0 ± 0.5 mg/l PO4-P / 

mg/l PO4-P / 

1.14729.0001 

Phosphorous / 

de PO4-P 

de PO4-P 

Fósforo 

Sulfat / Sulfate / 150 ± 30 mg/l SO4 / 

mg/l SO4 / 

1.14564.0001 

Sulfatos 

de SO4 

de SO4 

• Lot certificates are 

available for all 

CombiCheck test kits 

• CombiChecks are 

traceable to NIST. 

Mindestens verwendbar bis: / Minimum shelf life: / 

Utilizable como mínimo hasta el: 25.08.2007 

Datum der Freigabe: / Date of release: / 

Fecha de liberación: 26.08.2004 

Merck KGaA, Qualitätskontrolle / Quality control / Laborleiter / Head of Lab. / 

Control de calidad Jefe de laboratorio 

http://photometry.merck.de 



Printout of measured results of Pharo / NOVA 

after using PhotoCheck and CombiCheck 

no. of meas. I.D. Date time meas. Dimension unit AQA 

value number value 

001 14739 10.08.0708 07 09:03:50 1.2 mg/l NH4-NN AQA2 

002 14558 10.08.07 09:50:05 7.7 mg/l NH4-N AQA2 

003 14560 10.08.07 10:31:35 21 mg/l COD AQA2 

004 14541 10.08.07 10:36:13 280 mg/l COD AQA2 

005 14541 10.08.07 10:38:39 670 mg/l COD AQA2 

006 14555 10.08.07 10:40:21 5280 mg/l COD AQA2 

007 14543 10.08.07 11:30:53 0.35 mg/l PO4-P AQA2 

008 14729 10.08.07 11:46:47 12.5 mg/l PO4-P AQA2 

009 00598 10.08.07 14:56:33 0.355 mg/l Cl2 AQA1 

010 00602 10.08.0708 07 14:58:36 0.709 mg/l Cl2 AQA1 

011 14761 11.08.07 10:05:44 0.029 mg/l Fe AQA2 

012 14758 11.08.07 11:23:53 0.043 mg/l Cr AQA2 

013 00856 11.08.07 11:56:28 0.052 mg/l PHE AQA1 

014 14563 11.08.07 12:02:33 3.40 mg/l NO3-N N AQA2 

015 14558 11.08.07 12:09:42 6.9 mg/l NH4-N AQA2 


Spectroquant ® Multy Colorimeter 

SQ Multy Colorimeter offers an easy start t into water analysis: 

• Covers all important parameters for waste water and drinking water analysis - 

more than 120 methods are pre-calibrated 

• Complete, portable and flexible solution – comes with a case and can be used 

with mains or power pack (rechargeable batteries), all accessories are 

included 

• 16 and 24 mm round cells can be used for measuring 

• Use of ready-to-use Standards (CombiCheck) possible 

• Documentation of the results via PC or printer 

• Method update via internet t is free of charge 

• Different citation forms are integrated 

• Use the Spectroquant ® tests 

• New: Programming of own methods 

is possible (update) 

NEW 

Multy 


SQ Multy Colorimeter - dual beam technology: 

Detector 

Measuring beam 

Sample cell 

Interference 

filter 

Reference 

beam 

Detector 

LED 

Permeable 

mirror 


Spectroquant ® NOVA photometers 

• Easy to handle because of bar-code reading and stored blank values 

• Automatically identification system for cell size (10, 20 and 50 mm) 

• Analytical Quality Assurance system available 

• Flexible because of the use of cell and reagent tests and therefore low, 

medium and higher levels can be measured 

• Documentation of the results via PC or printer 

• Open and flexible system for the future 

(170 methods already pre-calibrated) 

NOVA 60 and NOVA 400 


How to measure tests on NOVA 

labelled? 

inserted? 

recognized? 

Unique: barcode reading 

and automatic cell size 

recognition for reagent 

tests !!! 

Measuring + result shown 

on display 


How to measure cell tests 

(all NOVA photometers) 

labelled? 

inserted? 

recognized? 

Exception 

no 

manual 

input 

of 

method 

yes 

Measuring + results shown in display 


Optical path NOVA 30 and 60 

Diaphragm 

Round Cell 

Rectangular cells 

Mirrors 

(partly light permeable) 

Lamp 

Lens 

Lens 

Full light is 

passing the cells 

Filtermoduls with Measuring 

Elements (each with 4 Filters) 

“Unused” light, which would 

otherwise be wasted is used as 

reference beam 

The monochromator 

(filters) is at the end, just 

before the detector 


Optical path NOVA 30 and 60 

Lamp 

Diaphragm 

Lens 

Round Cell 

Lens 

Rectangu 

lar cells 

Mirrors 

(partly light permeable) 

Filtermoduls with Measuring 

Elements (each with 4 Filters) 

Advantage of NOVA: 

• Very robust, because no 

moving gparts 

• Fast measurement - at all 

wavelengths at the same 

time 

• Full light intensity passes cell, 

light is split at the end 

-No problems with straylight, 

even in full sun light no lid is 

necessary 

• Measures easily high 

absorbance 

• Only specific wavelengths 

available 


The new Spectroquant ® Pharo line: 

NEW 

Cat. No.: 

Name: 

1.00706.0001 Spectroquant ® Spectrophotometer Pharo 100 

320 – 1100 nm, 4 nm 

1.00707.0001 Spectroquant ® UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Pharo 300 

190 – 1100 nm, 4 nm 


Single beam spectrometer 

Single beam 

In single beam instruments you have to measure 

the reference before you measure your sample! 

3 

1 

2 

This device separates the light in 

The emitted light is focused via beams 

the entrance 

of different 

wavelengths The non and absorbed focuses light the passes single beams the sample 

slit to the dispersion device. 

successive and reached through the the detector. exit slit on the sample. 


Optical path of SQ Pharo 100: 

Entrance slit 

Halogen lamp 

Lens 

Lid 

Round cell 

Optical Filter 

Monochromator 

Shutter 

Rectangular cell 

• Light of one wavelength is passing the cell 

Lens 

- less energy, not likely to destroy biological samples 

- stray light is a more important, lid necessary 

Photodiode 

• Shutter: cutting of light beam, stray light (ambient light) can be measured 

and compensated. 

• Optical filter: reduction of stray light through suppression of light of the 

„wrong“ wavelength. 


Optical path of SQ Pharo 300: 

Entrance slit 

Xenon flash lamp 

Lens 

Lid 

Round cell 

Optical Filter 

Monochromator 

Rectangular cell 

Lens 

Photodiode 

• Similar construction, but without shutter 


Tungsten-Halogen lamp 

Intensity Spectrum of the Tungsten-Halogen Lamp 

• The beside picture shows a typical 

lamp. They are easy to handle, 

relatively cheap and have a good 

intensity in the visible range. 

The intensity in UV range is very low. 

Therefore the tungsten-halogen 

lamps are only used in the VIS range. 

• The lifespan is ~1000h. 

• Customers can changed the lamp 

easily. Prices are ~ 60-100 EUR. 

• Tungsten-Halogen lamp is used in 

Pharo 100. 


Pulsed xenon lamp 

Intensity Spectrum of the Xenon Lamp 

• The pictures show some typical 

types of these lamps. 

• They have good intensity in UV and 

VIS range. 

• They need no warm up time and 

produce only few heat, but they 

have a medium noise. 

• They are quite expensive 

(~800 EUR) but have a very 

long lifespan (5 x 10 8 flashes), 

correspond to min. 13.000h 

continuous operation. 

• Service required for lamp exchange. 

• Pulsed xenon lamp is used in 

Pharo 300. 


Deuterium lamp 

• The beside picture shows a typical 

deuterium lamp. 

• Good intensity in UV range. 

• Average lifespan of ~2000h. 

• Price is about ~400-600 EUR, 

means ~half of xenon flash lamp. 

• A combination of Tungsten-Halogen 

and Deuterium lamp is used in 

most of the commercial available 

UV-VIS spectrophotometers. 

Intensity Spectrum of the Deuterium Arc Lamp 


The features of the Spectroquant ® Pharo line: 

Actual date and time 

Access to all 

Easy access to 

Photometer 

general settings AQA functions information 

(software version) 

Easy to handle 

through intuitive 

menu navigation 

• User are guided 

through the menu 

• In many cases 

they only have to 

select between 

given possibilities 


Measuring concentration: 

Result in 

big, easy to 

read letters 

5 digit cat.no. 

Type of cell used 


change citation 

form 

Parameter 

name 

Measuring 

range 


change the unit 

(e.g. ppm, mmol/l) 


Measuring concentration: 

Easy control functions for users: 

Dilution factor 

(settings done 

by user) 

Turbidity 

correction 

If an own blank is used, it 

is shown in the display 

Batch of blank can be 

stored as well 

Display of absorbance 

possible (no separate 

measurement 

necessary) 



Easy handling through pop up menus 


How to measure tests on Pharo (and NOVA) 

Automatic 

selection of 

measuring range 


How to measure tests on Pharo 

Adapterless and automatic cell size recognition 

√ 

X X 

√ √ X 

√ √ √ 

1cm 2cm 5cm 



User management: 

User rights 

in detail 

NEW 



• Extended instrument supported AQA 

- AQA1: checking the photometer 

- minimum with PhotoCheck 

- can be enlarged with e.g. CertiPUR 

® UV/VIS standards 

- AQA2: checking the complete system 

- with Standards, e.g. CombiCheck 

- MatrixCheck: checking the influence of the sample 

(interferences) 

- by using CombiCheck R2 solution or 

- multiple dilution or stocking up 

- guided multiple stocking and dilution procedure 


The need for MatrixCheck 

• What is the matrix effect? 

– Besides the parameter, which needs to be analysed, 

the sample may include other substances, which can 

interfere with the current form of analysis. 

– Details are described in the package inserts in the 

chapter “influence of foreign substances”. 

– The effect of several interferences can only be checked 

by diluting or spiking the sample. 


MatrixCheck by spiking 

on SQ Pharo 

NEW 

• To detect a matrix effect, you 

can spike your sample with a 

selected standard solution. 

• Therefore you have to prepare 

up to three solutions with 

different mixing ratio of sample 

and standard solution. 

• The left round cell includes just 

the sample (after colour 

reaction), the others includes the 

sample and standard solution in 

a predefined d mixing i ratio. 

• First the sample is measured, 

before the MatrixCheck is 

performed. 


MatrixCheck by spiking 

on SQ Pharo 

NEW 

• After supplying the mixing ration 

data, the meter is calculating the 

target value for each round cell. 

• Each cell has to be measured 

one after the other. 

• The actual - measured - value is 

displayed. 

• The meter is calculating the 

recovery. 

• If the recovery is in a range of 

e.g. ± 10 %, there are no 

interferences coming from the 

matrix. 


MatrixCheck by dilution 

• An other method to detect matrix 

effects is to dilute the sample 

with a predefined volume of 

distilled water. 

• Up to three predefined dilutions 

are required. 

• The left round cell includes just 

the sample (after colour 

reaction), the others includes the 

sample and distilled water in a 

predefined mixing ratio 

• First the sample is measured, 

before the MatrixCheck by 

dilution is performed. 


MatrixCheck by dilution 

• After supplying the mixing ratio 

data for dilution, the meter is 

calculating the target value for 

each cell. 

• Each cell has to be measured 

one after the other. 

• The actual – measured - value is 

displayed. 

• The meter is calculating the 

recovery. 

• If the recovery is in a range of 

e.g. ± 10 %, there are no 

interferences coming from the 

matrix. (tolerance can be set by 

the user) 


Cells 

• Our standard 1,2 and 5cm cells are made from optical glass and are tested 

for all our Spectroquant ® test kits (for use on SQ NOVA, SQ Pharo etc.). 

• The newer ones are marked, because it is very important to use the same 

orientation for zero adjustment and measurements. 

• For the UV range we introduced a 1cm Quartz cell (item 1.00784.0001) 

NEW 


Cells 

NEW 

50-mm halfmicro cell (item 1.73502.0001) 

Advantage: 

• Minimum quantity for the “normal” 50-mm 

rectangular cell is approx. 10 ml. Therefore 

the volume of sample and reagents have to 

be doubled in the past for some test kits 

(approx. 10 items). 

• The new 50-mm halfmicro cell works with 5 

ml volume – doubling not anymore required. 

• User can use the full number of 

determinations and saves money 


Spectroquant ® Test Kits - Environmental Testing 

• Comprehensive product 

range of 

» Spectroquant ® cell tests 

» Spectroquant ® reagent 

tests 

• around 150 tests 

• for water, waste water, 

environmental analysis, 

in-process control 


Spectroquant ® Cell Tests 

• Highly convenient and user-friendly. Virtually 

all of the reagents necessary for the analysis 

are contained in the cells. 

• The packaging concept offers the cells ideal 

protection from fluctuations in temperature 

and moisture during transport. 

• The external label shows information about 

the content and gives valuable information 

regarding safety and risk issues, the batch 

number, and the shelf-life of the test kit (up to 

three years, without refrigerator). 

• The cell label shows the parameters, item 

number and contains the bar code, which 

ensures that no mistakes can occur. 

• Reagents that must be added for the 

determination or for the pre-treatment of the 

samples are contained in easy-to handle 

dose-metering bottles. 


Spectroquant ® Reagent Tests 

• Inexpensive, ready-to-use reagent mixtures in 

a user-friendly design. 

• Selection of the appropriate p cell format makes 

it easy to vary the measuring range as you 

require. 

• The AutoSelector contains the bar code for 

the automatic selection of the correct method 

• Ideal for e.g. drinking water analysis: the 

lower limit of detection (LLD) can be extended 

into the ppb range by the use of 50 mm cells. 

• The reagents are either in liquid or in powder 

form and are added to the sample using a 

dropper, pipette, or metering spoon. 

• Extremely long shelf-life (up to three years) 

and the avoidance of the necessity for 

storage in a refrigerator. 


Lot Certificate for Spectroquant ® Tests 

► 

• Lot certificates are available for 

all photometric test kits 

• As Merck is a certified supplier, 

the lot certificates could be used 

from Merck. Means: 

– We are doing the quality control 

– Customers have to do just a 

quality check of the incoming test 

kit when such certificates t are 

available 

• Means less time and money 

– Meets ISO 9001 - 4.10 + 4.11 

– Meets ISO 14001 - 4.5.1 + 4.5.3 

• http://photometry.merck.de 


Certificate of Quality for Spectroquant ® Tests 

Eignung der Spectroquant ® Testsätze zur Selbstüberwachung 

Applicability of Spectroquant ® Test Kits for Self-Monitoring. 

Aptitud de los equipos de ensayo Spectroquant ® para autovigilancia 

• Certificates of Quality are available for 

all photometric test kits 

• This certificates give the information 

summarising several lots. Customers 

Spectroquant can see all quality details of our test 

® COD Cell Test, Cat. No. 1.14541 

25 – 1500 mg/l CSB / COD / kits and the precise how we are able 

DQO 

17 mg/l CSB / COD / DQO 

to produce. This information is 

6.9 mg/l CSB / COD / DQO 

necessary for the official use of the 

18 mg/l CSB / COD / DQO 

method. 

Die Verfahrenskenndaten für den unten genannten Testsatz wurden gemäß ISO 8466-1 und DIN 38402 A51 

”Kalibrierung von Analysenverfahren” bei der Produktionsendkontrolle ermittelt. 

The test characteristic data of the procedure of the following test kit were determined in accordance with ISO 

8466-1 and DIN 38402 A51 ”Calibration of analysis methods” during the production control process. 

Los datos característicos del procedimiento para el equipo de ensayo abajo citado se determinaron según ISO 

8466-1 y DIN 38402 A51 ”Calibración de procedimientos analíticos” durante el control final de producción. 

Spectroquant ® CSB-Küvettentest, Art.-Nr. 1.14541 

Spectroquant ® Test en cubetas DQO, Art. Núm. 1.14541 

Messbereich / Measuring Range / Intervalo de medida 

Empfindlichkeit: 0.010 E (Extinktion) = 

Sensitivity: 0.010 A (absorbance) = 

Sensibilidad: 0.010 A (absorbancia) = 

Nachweisgrenze 

Lower Limit of Detection (LLD) 

Límite de detección 

Bestimmungsgrenze 

Method Detection Limit (MDL) 

Límite de determinación 

Vertrauensbereich (95 % Wahrscheinlichkeit) (Mittelwert aller Chargen) 

Confidence Interval (P = 95 %) (average value of lots) 

Intervalo de confianza (95 % de probabilidad) (valor medio de todos los 

lotes) 

Verfahrensstandardabweichung (Mittelwert aller Chargen) 

Standard Deviation of Procedure (average value of lots) 

Desviación estándar del procedimiento (valor medio de todos los lotes) 

Verfahrensvariationskoeffizient (Mittelwert aller Chargen) 

Variation Coefficient of Procedure (average value of lots) 

Coeficiente de variación del procedimiento (valor medio de todos los lotes) 

Anzahl Produktionschargen zur Berechnung 

Number of Lots for calculation 

Número de lotes de producción para el cálculo 

Genauigkeit / Accuracy / Exactitud 

± 14 mg/l CSB / COD / DQO 

± 5.6 mg/l CSB / COD / DQO 

± 0.73 % 

30 

± 30 mg/l CSB / COD / DQO 

– Certificates are regularly updated 

• http://photometry.merck.de 

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, 10.10.2004 

Susen Püschel 

Merck KGaA, 64271 Darmstadt, Germany 

► 


End of the Presentation 

Modern requirements for state 

of the art photometry 

Drinking water analysis with excellence 

Gunter Decker 

Product Manager Food & Environmental Analysis 

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt 

Germany

Best Card, Best System … Pharo the new photometry system

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