Budget Expense Justification: Laboratory Spectrophotometer

Replace existing instrument with a new laboratory spectrophotometer. This instrument is used for measuring and reporting multiple parameters required for compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act or Clean Water Act.

Justification

By automating and reducing steps in the process, the replacement instrument will prevent measurement errors and enable the laboratory staff to complete required testing more efficiently. The time savings will allow the staff to be ready for increased testing requirements forecasted for the future. The instrument will also increase safety in the chemical dosing and disposal process.

It is essential to have a functioning instrument on hand to complete testing for compliance purposes, and the current model can be used as a backup in the future.

Expense

Item Cost DR 3900 Benchtop Spectrophotometer – Cat # LPV440.99.00012 $ 3875.00 PourThru Cell Kit – Cat # LZV899 $ 231.00 WarrantyPlus Instrument Protection & Service – Cat # WRTUPGDR3900 $ 758.00 Total (before tax and shipping) $ 4864.00

Return

 Hands-free calibration factor updates using the RFID feature eliminate delays currently required for manual updates of barcode programs. This allows the laboratory staff to work more efficiently, and also eliminates the risk of reporting errors based on manually entered values.

 When using barcoded chemistry vials, the instrument automatically detects and runs the correct method. This provides both time savings and prevents errors.

 When using barcoded chemistry vials, the instrument takes 10 readings and eliminates outliers, providing highly accurate readings without interference from vial imperfections.

 USB connectivity allows for direct download of measurement results, eliminating the potential for transcription errors.

 PourThru Cell Kit permits rapid testing without requiring individual measurements. Solutions being analyzed are poured into the cell by means of a funnel and tubing, and after measurement, solution from the cell flows through tubing to a drain. This reduces exposure to chemicals for laboratory staff, providing for a safer work environment. Sincerely,