HORIBA LAQUAtwin Potassium Ion Meter
Due to its great reactivity, the alkali metal potassium occurs in nature only in potassium compounds. It is one of the ten most abundant elements in the earth's crust and is an essential component of all body cells.
As an electrolyte, it regulates the water balance of the cells and the acid-base balance of the human body.
In industry and medicine, potassium is used, among other things, for the production of glass, aluminum, construction and colorants, foodstuffs, detergents or for dialysis and infusion solutions. Industrial agriculture uses it in fertilizers, as potassium is lost during harvesting and must be replaced.
Application examples:
Soil analysis
Potassium is a natural chemical element and a nutrient that occurs in every soil. The ideal potassium value is between 8 and 10 mg of potassium per 100g in light soils and between 13 and 25 mg in heavy soils.
Regular monitoring of nutrient levels - not only potassium (K) but also nitrate (NO3) and calcium (Ca2+) - not only maximizes yields if the ideal value is maintained, but also minimizes fertilizer use and environmental pollution.
Potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins and cucumbers, for example, have a particularly high potassium requirement, because potassium regulates the water balance and is partly responsible for the healthy structure of cell walls.
Excess potassium, on the other hand, can lead to root damage and corresponding growth disorders and inhibit the plant's magnesium uptake.
Therefore, soil analysis should ideally always take into account the various soil parameters, as many soil nutrients can influence each other both positively and negatively.
With the handheld LAQUA Twin Potassium Ion Tester (K+) from Horiba, you can perform your soil analysis quickly and easily on site.
Freshwater aquaristics
In tap water, potassium is usually a deficient element, especially in relation to calcium and magnesium concentrations.
Thus, the Horiba handheld potassium meter can also be helpful in freshwater aquaristics for water analysis.
This is because both above and below water, the macro element influences photosynthesis and regulates the energy balance of the plant cell.
For checking a balanced ratio of potassium, magnesium and calcium in your aquarium, the respective individual water meters from Horiba offer you quick and easy sampling with immediate results.
Measuring sodium and potassium concentrations in the sweat of athletes
During regular sporting activity, not only the compensation of fluid loss through drinking, but also that of mineral loss are important and can subsequently put a great strain on the body.
Sweat consists mainly of water and the minerals dissolved in it. These in turn influence the acid-base balance in the body. Therefore, due to the loss during sweating, it is important to ensure an adequate supply of alkaline mineral compounds such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
While calcium, and to a lesser extent magnesium, can be absorbed through good mineral water, potassium is hardly contained in mineral or tap water. In general, potassium, among other things, is often taken in too small quantities. For this reason, athletes in particular should make sure that they get enough potassium from their diet. Because potassium contributes to an optimal muscle function.
Its value can be determined quickly and easily using the Horiba Pocket Tester.
As a "pocket laboratory", the LAQUAtwin hand-held potassium ion meter is therefore ideal for quick analyses, as it provides an accurate result in a wide range of applications with just a few sample drops. Samples no longer have to be submitted to a laboratory in a costly and time-consuming manner, but can provide results directly on site within a few seconds.
In addition, because the sensor does not dry out, the Horiba pocket tester can be stored dry without any problems.
All Horiba LAQUAtwin pockettesters are dustproof and waterproof.
Application information
- Minimum sample volume: 0.3 ml (0.05 ml with sampling sheet B)
- Up to 2 calibration points
- Automatic standard detection: 150 & 2000ppm potassium (standard)
- Changeable high and low calibration values
- Multiplication compensation: 0.01 to 9.90
- Temperature and mV display
- Temperature calibration: 5 to 40.0 ºC
- Auto-hold/auto-stable measurement
- Auto power off: 30 minutes.
- Low battery indicator IP67 rating dust and waterproof
- Replaceable sensor
- 400 hours battery life: continuous operation without backlighting
- Material: ABS epoxy resin
- Display: custom (monochrome) digital LCD with backlight
- Operating conditions: 5 to 40 ºC, 85% or less relative humidity
- Warranty: 2 years - meter, 6 months - sensor
- Packed in convenient carrying case
- Supplied with 150 & 2000ppm potassium standards, 5 x sampling sheets B, 2 x CR2032 batteries, pipette, operating instructions and quick reference guide
Precise Potassium Ion Measurement on the Go – Mobile, Reliable, and Easy Precise potassium ion measurement with 2-point calibration and integrated temperature display The Horiba K-11 Potassium Pocket Tester was designed to determine potassium in a wide variety of samples with high precision. Thanks to the ion-selective electrode and the digital LCD screen with backlight, the tester is perfect for mobile water quality and environmental analyses. The minimal sample volume of only 0.3 ml (0.05 ml with sampling sheet) ensures reliable results even with small sample sizes. With its 2-point calibration and automatic standard recognition, the device can be flexibly adapted to different measurement conditions. The IP67 rating for dust and water protection, along with a long battery life of up to approximately 400 hours, makes the tester highly reliable for mobile use. Technical Features for Reproducible Potassium Measurements The potassium tester covers a wide measurement range from 4 to 9,900 ppm (mg/L) and additionally displays temperatures up to 50 °C with a resolution of 0.1 °C. The integrated temperature compensation ensures stable results even under changing environmental conditions. Automatic standard recognition, adjustable calibration values, and multiplication compensation guarantee high reproducibility across different sample types. This makes the K-11 suitable for both routine and demanding analytical tasks. Why Potassium Measurement Is Important – Ideal with the Horiba K-11 Hand Tester Potassium is an essential parameter in water, environmental, agricultural, and food analysis. In water bodies, potassium content affects water quality, in soils it is a key nutrient for healthy plant growth, and in food it plays an important role for nutrition and labeling requirements. A mobile potassium hand tester enables rapid on-site analysis without time-consuming laboratory testing. Changes can be detected immediately, and decisions can be made right away. The Horiba K-11 combines this flexibility with high measurement accuracy and ease of use – ideal for fieldwork, routine checks, and scientific studies. Where Can It Be Used? Environmental Monitoring: The K-11 is a fast and precise measurement tool for environmental technicians and scientists monitoring potassium concentrations in water bodies to ensure water quality and identify contamination sources. Agriculture: The K-11 allows farmers and agronomists to measure potassium in soil. This is crucial for fertilizer application and improving plant growth. Easy evaluation of soil extracts enables precise nutrient requirement determination. Food Industry: The tester is used by quality assurance personnel to check potassium content in beverages and food. These measurements are important for product development, health assessments, and compliance with nutritional labeling requirements. Teaching, Research, and Development: By deepening the understanding of potassium’s role in biological and chemical processes, the K-11 serves researchers and educators as a useful tool for experimental studies and educational purposes.
Suitable HORIBA measuring instruments
Mobile Calcium Ion Tester from Horiba with Temperature Measurement – precise, compact, robust Handheld Ca²⁺ pocket tester with 2-point calibration and temperature display – ideal for water and environmental applications The mobile Horiba LAQUAtwin calcium ion tester measures both the Ca²⁺ concentration and the temperature of a sample. Equipped with an ion-selective sensor, a digital LCD display, and a minimal sample volume of only 0.3 ml (0.05 ml when using the sampling sheet), it delivers fast and reliable measurement results. Thanks to the integrated temperature display and automatic temperature compensation, calcium values can be measured accurately even under changing environmental conditions – making the device ideal for mobile applications. Mobile calcium ion tester for precise on-site measurements With two calibration points and automatic standard recognition (150 and 2000 ppm), the device can be flexibly adapted to different measurement situations. Temperature-compensated measurement, multiplicative compensation, automatic stability and hold modes, as well as automatic shut-off ensure easy and reliable operation. The tester is dustproof and waterproof according to IP67 and offers a long battery life of approximately 400 hours. It is supplied complete with standard solutions, sampling sheets, pipette, and batteries. Why calcium measurement is important – optimal results with the Horiba handheld tester Calcium is a key parameter in water, environmental, aquaculture, and food analysis. Calcium concentration influences water hardness, biological processes, coral growth, and product quality in beverages and food. Deviations can lead to ecological, technical, or quality-related impacts. A mobile calcium handheld tester allows fast analysis directly at the point of use without complex laboratory procedures. This makes it possible to detect changes immediately and take timely action. The Horiba LAQUAtwin calcium tester combines this flexibility with high measurement accuracy, simple operation, and a robust design. Typical applications of the Horiba LAQUAtwin calcium tester Aquaculture and corals Laboratories and schools Water treatment Beverages and food
Mobile Sodium Ion Tester from Horiba with Temperature Measurement – precise and robust High-precision sodium ion tester with 2-point calibration – ideal for water and environmental analysis The Horiba LAQUAtwin Na-11 sodium ion tester was specifically designed for accurate measurement of sodium concentrations in a wide range of samples. The device enables direct on-site measurements. Its clear display shows both the Na⁺ concentration and the sample temperature in a single step, making field, laboratory, and greenhouse work significantly more efficient. Mobile sodium ion tester for precise on-site measurements Featuring 2-point calibration and automatic standard recognition (150 and 2000 ppm), the instrument can be easily adapted to different measurement requirements. The integrated temperature display and automatic temperature compensation ensure accurate results even under fluctuating environmental conditions. The robust IP67 housing is dustproof and waterproof, making the tester suitable for demanding daily use. With a battery life of approximately 400 hours, reliable long-term operation is ensured. The tester is supplied with standard solutions, sampling sheets, batteries, and matching pipettes for immediate use. Why sodium measurement matters – and why a handheld tester is the ideal solution Measuring sodium ions plays a crucial role in water, environmental, food, and agricultural analysis. Excessively high or low sodium concentrations can significantly affect water quality, soil structure, plant growth, and the quality of food products and drinking water. Regulatory limits and quality standards further require regular monitoring. A mobile sodium ion handheld tester enables fast and precise analysis directly at the point of use, without time-consuming sampling or laboratory analysis. The Horiba LAQUAtwin Na-11 combines this flexibility with high measurement accuracy and ease of use, making it ideal for routine monitoring, quality control, and research applications. Typical applications for the Horiba sodium ion tester Environmental monitoring: Measurement of sodium concentrations in surface and groundwater to assess water quality and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Food and beverage production: Testing sodium levels in food and beverages for quality assurance, product development, and regulatory compliance. Agriculture: Monitoring sodium content in irrigation water and soils to support plant health and optimize water management. Research & development: Use in laboratories for experimental studies on sodium ion behavior under varying conditions. Education: Utilized in schools and universities to demonstrate the use of ion-selective electrodes in analytical chemistry.