We’ve all been there – stuck with cumbersome laboratory equipment and lengthy testing procedures when it comes to fluoride testing in the field. But HORIBA’s LAQUAtwin F-11 fluoride meter is turning this on its head. This ultra-portable fluoride testing device is the perfect tool for field use, delivering lab-grade accuracy in something that fits in the palm of your hand. With the F-11, you can quickly and easily determine the fluoride concentration in water samples with a lot more precision than other meters out there. And this thing gives you instant, reliable results, making it easier than ever before to test fluoride levels in the field.
Why the F-11 Fluoride Meter is So Important
Traditional methods for testing fluoride are a real pain in the neck – they require a lot of sample volume, special equipment, and a whole lot of messing about. The F-11’s got a game-changing flat sensor technology that does away with all that. This is a total winner for people who need to monitor fluoride levels in different environments, keeping public health and safety top of mind.
Whether you’re testing the fluoride levels in drinking water, doing environmental testing, or just doing quality control in an industrial setting, this little fluoride meter is there to bring lab-quality performance right to your testing site. It’s a real step up from the traditional fluoride test kits – it makes the whole process a lot easier and more reliable.
Precision Fluoride Measurement in Tiny Volumes
The F-11’s most impressive feature has got to be its ability to get at fluoride concentrations using some of the tiniest sample sizes around – just 0.3ml of liquid will give you an accurate reading. You can use the included sampling sheets to get down to as little as 0.1 ml, which makes it especially good for situations where you’ve got limited sample collection or you’re testing things that are really precious. Other methods might also let you get at small sample volumes, but they’re not as accurate or as convenient in the long run.
This makes the F-11 perfect for:
- Field work where sample collection can be tricky
- Working with precious samples where you can’t afford to waste any
- Quick spot checks throughout facilities
- Testing in remote locations where lab equipment isn’t an option
The fluoride ion-selective electrode uses a lanthanum trifluoride crystal sensor to give you fluoride concentrations from 0.1 to 990 ppm (mg/L) with a margin of error of just ±2% of the actual value. That means it can handle pretty much any common fluoride
testing situation, from super low levels to high-concentration industrial applications. And unlike test strips that need you to compare results to a colour chart, the F-11 gives you clear digital readings right away.
Specially Designed for Easy Calibration
Calibrating your fluoride testing equipment is super important if you want to get reliable results, and the F-11 makes that process a whole lot easier. The two-point auto calibration system will automatically pick up on 1 ppm and 10 ppm fluoride standards – just drop a few drops of standard solution on the sensor, press the calibration button, and you’re good to go. The F-11 comes with all the stuff you need to get started, including calibration standards and TISAB solution. And if you need to use different standards, that’s supported too.
Tough, Practical and Easy to Use
The real world’s not a lab, so the F-11 is built to withstand it. It’s waterproof, dustproof and will put up with rainy days, dusty environments and all sorts of other hazards that you might face in the field. It’s a bit on the heavier side, weighing in at 55 grams, but it’s still small enough to pop into a pocket or a field kit. The included carry case will keep it safe while you’re on the go.
The Display is Easy to Read
The F-11 is designed for real-world use – it’s got a clear backlit LCD screen that’s readable in any conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit facilities. You can filter your water samples before testing, just to make sure there are no particulates messing with the results.
F-11 – The Smart Choice for Professional Fluoride Analysis
The F-11 has some pretty clever features that really make it stand out from the crowd. They include things like:
- Automatic sample dilution correction
- Auto stable and auto hold modes to get the best reading every time
- Temperature display and compensation for accuracy across the board
- Automatic standard recognition to make the calibration process a breeze
- Auto power-off to save battery life
Compared to other meters out there, the F-11 really is in a league of its own when it comes to smart features and versatility.
Three Easy Steps to Accurate Fluoride Testing
Using the LAQUAtwin F-11 is a pretty straightforward affair
- Calibration: Setup: Get your calibration standard on the clean sensor and press that button, then just wait for the happy face to confirm – all done. Rinse off and give it a dry.
- Testing: Simply place your sample right on the flat sensor. When the reading finally stabilises, you should see that lovely smiley face.
- Cleaning Time: Rinse the sensor with water and dry it off with a soft tissue. You’re all set for the next sample now.
This streamlined process means you can get more samples tested in less time, and you’ve got fewer opportunities for contamination or making a mistake.
Complete Fluoride Testing Kit – Everything You Need
Every LAQUAtwin F-11 package comes with the following items, so you can get up and running right away:
- The LAQUAtwin F-11 meter with sensor
- 1 ppm and 10 ppm fluoride ion standards (each one is 14ml)
- TISAB solution (14ml)
- A small 5ml plastic beaker
- 5 sampling sheets
- A syringe for handling your samples
- Batteries to keep it all going
- Instruction manual to get you started
- Protective storage case to keep everything safe
Real World Applications – Fluoride Testing in Drinking Water
The F-11 fluoride meter is useful for all sorts of industries and applications:
Water Quality Monitoring: Use it to check drinking water, ground water and surface water for fluoride levels and check for compliance and safety. We use it to check how well fluoride is being added to water in various states around the world, including Australia.
Environmental Testing: Use it to check fluoride levels in soil extracts, leachates and environmental samples. It can help identify where fluoride comes from, both natural and man-made sources.
Industrial Quality Control: Use it to check fluoride levels in manufacturing processes, wastewater and product formulations. We use it to check water before and after fluoride has been added to it in industrial processes.
Research and Education: Use it for analysis in lab courses and field research projects. We use it to study the effects of fluoride on kids, oral health and disease control, and to see if it really does prevent tooth decay.
Dental and Health Applications: Use it to test fluoride levels in health-related applications. Monitoring fluoride levels is important for preventing tooth decay and keeping your teeth healthy, and for making sure you don’t get too much fluoride from other things like food.
Government departments in states like Australia have regulations and set guidelines to ensure public health and safety from fluoride in water. Finding the right balance so that you get the good effects of fluoride, like disease control and preventing tooth decay, without the risks of getting too much, is a challenge. Ongoing debate continues about the safety of added fluoride in water, and most research says it’s okay as long as you stick to the recommended levels. You also need to think about fluoride in food and other things you are exposed to when thinking about your overall health and fluoride exposure.
Revolutionary Flat Sensor Technology
The LAQUAtwin’s flat sensor technology is a real game-changer for portable ion measurement. Its super-thin design, less than 1mm thick, packs the same measurement principles as big laboratory electrodes into a compact and durable format. The flat design makes it great for testing all sorts of things, like:
- Tiny amounts of liquid
- Semi-solids and pastes
- Dry powders (as long as they are moistened)
- Paper and other materials with moisture
- Surface deposits and residues
- The F-11 is specialised for fluoride detection, but other sensors are available for testing contaminants like lead in water.
Long-Term Value and Maintenance
The F-11 sensor will give you around 1500 measurements before it needs to be replaced, which is long-term reliability. Replacement sensors are easy to get and put in, so you can just get on with it. The meter body is built to last with tough ABS epoxy that resists chemicals and physical impacts.
Just make sure to keep it calibrated and clean it regularly, and it will keep on giving you good results. Regular cleaning keeps any nasty residues off the sensor, so your results
stay accurate. The simple maintenance requirements mean minimal downtime and maximum productivity. Just do a quick check and calibration at the start of each day to ensure you get the best results.
Technical Spec
Model: LAQUAtwin F-11
Measurement Principle: Ion-selective electrode (LaF₃ crystal)
Sample Volume: 0.3ml minimum (0.1ml with sampling sheet)
Measurement Range: 0.1 to 990 ppm (mg/L)
Resolution: 0.1 ppm (0.1-9.9 ppm), 1 ppm (10-99 ppm), 10 ppm (100-990 ppm)
Accuracy: ±2% of reading
Calibration: 2 point automatic
Temperature Range: 0 to 50.0°C display and compensation
Operating Conditions: 5 to 40°C, ≤85% RH (non-condensing)
Protection Rating: IP67 (waterproof and dustproof)
Battery Life: Approximately 400 hours
Dimensions: 164 × 29 × 20 mm
Weight: 55 grams (with sensor and batteries)
While a multimeter or digital multimeter will cover the basics for all kinds of electrical testing, the LAQUAtwin F-11 is one of a kind. A super-specialised tool that’s tailor-made for getting accurate readings on fluoride levels – and it’s got some features that even most standard testers just can’t match.
Sixty Years of HORIBA Knowhow
The LAQUAtwin F-11 doesn’t just put six decades of HORIBA’s top-notch innovation in analytical gear to good use – it
builds on that expertise and shows the company’s got a real knack for making world-class instruments that are actually easy to use in the field. And with a global reputation and a Japanese base, you can bet HORIBA knows its stuff when it comes to getting accurate measurements.
Get Portable Fluoride Testing Up and Running
Whether you’re trading in some older methods of testing for fluoride, or you just want a portable way to do fluoride measurements on the go, the LAQUAtwin F-11 is a top choice for professionals who need reliable results in tough field conditions. Its combination of accuracy, portability and ruggedness makes it a real game-changer – and we reckon it’s the perfect pick for anyone who wants top-notch results without breaking the bank.
If you’ve got any questions about fluoride testing, or you’d like to see some hard evidence that the F-11 really delivers, give Australian Scientific a call and we’ll be happy to sort you out.
Time to get your fluoride testing act together? We reckon the LAQUAtwin F-11 is the way to go. Grab a hold of it – and Australian Scientific – and we’ll get you set up with a top-class fluoride testing kit and all the support you need to get the job done.
