AlgaeTorch

Chlorophyll and Cyanobacteria Measurement

The quick-and-easy portable measuring instrument. Switch on, dip in, read off!

The bbe AlgaeTorch is a handy instrument for the measurement of microalgae and cyanobacteria in all types of water, both fresh and saline. The AlgaeTorch measures chlorophyll-a of intact cells without sample preparation. A complete measurement needs less than 20 seconds. No sampling or preparation is necessary.

Measurement of algal concentrations via fluorescence

The bbe AlgaeTorch uses in vivo fluorescence of algae cells: the algae pigments are selectively excited by coloured LEDs and emit red fluorescence light as a natural phenomenon. The intensity of the chlorophyll fluorescence is used to determine all phytoplankton as chlorophyll-a, here blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and total microalgae. The calculation is based on the calibration of the AlgaeTorch with real microalgae. The result is shown immediately on the display and stored in the internal memory. An encapsulated USB port enables subsequent data transfer to a PC. The PC software is supplied free of charge.

Automatic turbidity compensation

Suspended particles in the water affect the chlorophyll determination. The built-in turbidity measurement compensates for such effects automatically. The benefit is the simultaneous turbidity correction during chlorophyll measurement which makes subsequent correction unnecessary, improves the accuracy and enables the evaluation of the results at site. The turbidity value is shown in the display.

Stand alone and online operation

The instrument is robust and completely sealed. The AlgaeTorcht is operated through the transparent housing using capacity keys. The key actions are confirmed by a vibration signal. In this way it is possible to ensure safe operation of the instrument even in a wet environment. The instrument is deployable down to depth of 10 m (optionally 100 m with the AlgaeTorch 100). No power cable is needed for operation due to the internal rechargeable batteries. The AlgaeTorch 10 is not conceived as an instrument for long-term submersed measurement.

The AlgaeTorch 100 can perform submersed chlorophyll measurement online connected to a cable to maximum 30 m depth. Different lengths of cable extensions (10, 20 and 30 m) are available for profiling and data transfer. The built-in pressure sensor in the AlgaeTorch 100 traces the depth. All results are visualized on the screen with the connected PC using bbe++ software.

With automatic turbidity correction for a reliable chlorophyll determination and GPS sensor for exact location recording

Features & Informations

Advantages of algae determination

  • prompt chlorophyll analysis
  • hazardous blue-green algae detection
  • real-time measurement with automatic turbidity correction
  • GPS coordinates
  • simple operation with cable-free measurement
  • calibrated with living algal cultures

Applications - Water Quality Monitoring

  • water quality measurement in lakes, rivers, streams and also seawater
  • detection of algal blooms and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)
  • management of reservoirs and dams
  • environmental monitoring
  • research and education
  • analysis due to EU Water Frame Directive and Bathing Water Directive

Software

Instrument functions

  • start/stop of instrument
  • access to all stored values
  • online display
  • input and display of all parameters
  • calibration

PC software functions

  • read-out of data and parameters
  • display and saving of measurement data
  • graphic display of time and if necessary depth of measurement
  • data export to EXCEL and ASCII files
  • data export to Google Earth

Please note: The AlgaeTorch 10 is not conceived as an instrument for long-term submersed measurement.

Technical specification of our AlgaeTorch

Description Value
Measurands
  • total chlorophyll [µg chl-a/l]
  • cyanobacteria chlorophyll [µg chl-a/l]
Measuring range 0 - 500 µg chl-a/l
Resolution 0.1 µg chl-a/l
Lower detection limit 0.15 µg chl-a/l
Repeatability > 99% full scale
Turbidity compensation 0-200 FTU
Weight 1.3 kg
Size (H x Ø) 500 x 60 mm
Power supply 110/230 V - 50/60 Hz - 12V DC
Power input 10 W
Temperature Sample water: 0 - 35° C / Environment: 0 - 40° C
Protection class IP 68
Depth range
  • AlgaeTorch 10 (10 m)
  • AlgaeTorch 100 (100 m)
Interface USB data port
Accessories
  • carrying case
  • mains unit
  • manual
  • software
  • hand loop
Options
  • 10m rope
  • telescopic rod
  • nylon shoulder bag
  • underwater cable extension 10m, 20m, 30m (ATo100)
  • SDI-12 protocol with bbe converter

Subject to alteration!

Available variants of the AlgaeTorch

AlgaeTorch 10

Item number: BG0036.0000

A lightweight, handheld spectrofluorometer for the measurement of chlorophyll in water (cyanobacteria and total content), internal memory, internal rechargeable batteries. Submersible to 10 m.

Measurement range:

  • 0-500 µg chlorophyll-a/l
  • resolution 0.1 µg/l

bbe software:

  • software chlorophyll determination & cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) detection

Operation:

  • handheld, internal software
  • data transfer and operation with laptop or PC
Request a quote

AlgaeTorch 100

Item number: BG0037.0000

A lightweight, handheld spectrofluorometer for the measurement of chlorophyll in water (cyanobacteria and total content) incl. pressure sensor, internal datalogger, internal rechargeable batteries. Submersible to 100 m.

The 100-meter version has a pressure sensor so that depths up to 100m can be linked to the respective measurements.

Measurement range:

  • 0-500 µg chlorophyll-a/l
  • resolution 0.1 µg/l

bbe software:

  • software chlorophyll determination & cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) detection

Operation:

  • handheld, internal software
  • data transfer to laptop or PC via USB
Request a quote

Available accessories for the AlgaeTorch

Shoulder Bag (ATo/BTo)

Itemnumber: E16156

A handy, lightweight, nylon shoulder bag.

Telescopic Rod (ATo/BTo)

Itemnumber: BG0036.0030

A telescopic rod to operate the AlgaeTorch at a distance (extendable from 0.95 - 2.80 m).

Rope 10m for ATo

Itemnumber: BG0036.0024

Rope for the AlgaeTorch, also available in other length (10 - 100m).

Rope 100 m + drum

Itemnumber: BG0036.0031

Cable drum including a 100 m rope, for deeper measurements with the AlgaeTorch 100.

Also suitable for the use of the FluoroProbe.

Measurement Cylinder

Item number: F0036.0045-A

The cylinder is used for analysis of single water samples (approx. 2l) and the calibration of offsets.

Extension (submersible) for Data & Charging (ATo100)

Item number: BG0036.0083-BG0036.0085

Submersible extension for the data cable of the AlgaeTorch100. Available from a length of 10 to 30m.

Hydro-Wiper for AlgaeTorch

Item number: BG0036.0123 (30m) / BG0036.0099 (100m)

The Hydro-Wiper enables the instrument to remain submersed for longer periods without the need of being cleaned manualy. The wiper brushes periodically clean the lenses of the measuring cell to remove and avoid the build-up of biofilms and dirt which can affect the accuracy of the measurements.

Hydro-Wiper 30m for the AlgaeTorch (data logger controlled)
control board is included
cleaning device for long-term deployment
Specifications:
   - wipe interval: 15 -720 min.
   - depth rating: 30 m

 

Hydro-Wiper 100m for AlgaeTorch
cleaning device for long-term deployment
Specifications:
   - wipe interval: 15 -720 min.
   - power supply: 6x AA alkaline batteries
   - deployment endurance: more than 4 month with a 2-hour wipe interval
   - depth rating: 100 m

Sensor Performance Attachment for ATo

Itemnumber: BG0036.0056

This is a attachment for the AlgaeTorch to test the performance of the sensor if it is necessary to recalibrate the device.

Protocoll Coverter SDI12 and serial

Itemnumber: BG0036.0900

Translates the measurement results from the bbe protocol to SDI12 etc.

position of switch: bbe device: protocol of data logger:
0 FluoroProbe SDI-12
1 AlgaeGuard EMC-1
2 AlgaeTorch AOA-Protocol
3 AOA SDI-12
4 AlgaeTorch SDI-12
5 PhycoProbe SDI-12
6 AlgaeTorch EMC-1
7 AlgaeGuard SDI-12

Dimensions: 16 x 9.5 x 5.5 cm, ~440g

Voltage: 100 – 240 V / 50 – 60 Hz (power supply unit)

 

Downloads & Information about the AlgaeTorch

Manuals, software and further informations for this product may be available in the internal area for registered users.