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Automatic Refractometer - ATR Seriesfrom $8,602.13
· Brix and nD scales
· Multiple custom user-programmable scales
· Ultra-high accuracy critical angle measurements
· Printer and PC data output for enhanced usability
Model ATR-ST pictured here.
If you do not need assistance in making your selection, please go to the bottom of this page to order your refractometer.
SELECTING THE PROPER AUTOMATIC REFRACTOMETER
Choosing the correct Automatic Refractometer for your laboratory is fairly simple, once a few key issues are resolved. In each section, select the appropriate answer(s) to assist you in determining which Automatic Refractometer is right for you.
1. Markets and Applications
The Brix scale is traditionally used in the following industries for the quality control of raw, intermediate and final products; the concentration of sugar, solids and drying agents; and for purity control: | SUGAR | SOFT DRINKS | JUICE | FOOD | WINERIES | BREWERIES |
| DAIRIES | CHOCOLATE | COFFEE | LUBRICANTS | PHARMACEUTICAL |
The Refractive Index (nD) scale is used most often for the following industries to determine the R.I. of essential oils, fragrances, raw materials, analytical reagents, petroleum products; purity control:
| COSMETIC | CHEMICAL | PETROCHEMICAL | GLASS, PLASTIC & FILM TESTING |
2. Scales and Range
| Brix | Refractive Index (nD) | >1.52300 nD |
Once the intended scale (Brix or Refractive Index) is determined, range is the next point of focus.
The ATR-Series models all feature the full Brix 0-95% range. For the Refractive Index scale, the highest point of reading needs to be determined.
3. Accuracy
| ±0.05% | ±0.02% | ±0.0001 nD | ±0.00002 nD |
Depending on the application or the required precision of readings, accuracy is a key point. It should be noted for Brix and/or Refractive Index.
4. Temperature Level
The expected temperature level(s) for test samples is important for determining the proper refractometer. Temperature has a direct effect on refractometer readings. For accurate results the sample temperature must be in equilibrium with the refractometer.
5. Temperature Control
| None | Circulator | Electronic (Peltier) |
There are two methods to accurately regulate prism temperature on an automatic refractometer. The most traditional is connection of the refractometer to an external circulating water bath. If a laboratory is looking to purchase a new automatic refractometer and they already own a circulator they may choose this method by default.
Electronic (Peltier) temperature control is another option. This method is built into the refractometer, so no external instrumentation is required. A desired temperature level is keyed into the refractometer so that it automatically heats or cools the sample to the target value at the point of reading.
Depending on budget and testing requirements, many laboratories choose automatic refractometers with no temperature control capabilities. In this scenario, accurate results can still be achieved provided that the laboratory's ambient temperature is tightly regulated and the test samples are at or near room temperature. If they are not, a wait-time setting can be keyed into the refractometer so that it pauses for X seconds before measurement.
NOTE: Temperature control is not the same as automatic temperature compensation (ATC). Temperature control is the active regulation of prism temperature, while automatic temperature compensation is a correction value which is applied to any reading taken at a temperature other than the reference temperature (i.e. 20°C for Brix)
6. Sample Type
Liquid samples can be broken down into three categories: transparent, translucent, and opaque. Transparent and translucent samples are the easiest and most accurate liquid to measure with a refractometer. Opaque samples can, at times, present problems for refractometers.
Optical refractometers make use of transmitted light for measurements. However, automatic refractometers employ the use of reflected light in the optoelectronic assembly, so readings are completely unaffected by color or opacity. Any liquid sample can be tested on all of the ATR-Series models.
Testing for solid samples (such as glass, plastic and film) has typically always been conducted on Abbe-style refractometers. Since automatic refractometers generally have conical-shaped prism assemblies, flat solid samples have presented obvious problems. However Model ATR-ST has a flat design to its prism assembly. This unit is capable of measuring not only liquids but also glass, plastic and film...with digital accuracy.
Example Applications
Situation 1: A soft drink company needs to test the Brix levels of post-mix and syrup solutions. The temperature in their laboratory is controlled to about 20°C. Their test samples are usually right at room temperature before readings. They need an accurate instrument, but are somewhat budget-conscious.
Recommended Model: ATR-ST
Why? The defining reason is temperature. The lab has a stable temperature of 20°C, as do their samples. Because of this, they do not require temperature control capabilities on their refractometer.
Situation 2: A citrus company test orange juice samples in their QC lab after the juice comes off the process line. The temperature of the samples when they arrive at the lab is approximately 40°C. They must test a large number of samples each day and cannot wait for the joice to cool to room temperature. They have a circulating water bath, which they are currently using on an Abbe refratometer they are looking to replace. They prefer using a circulator for temperature control, but need an automatic refractometer that is accurate to ±0.02% for the Brix scale.
Recommended Model ATR-SW
Why? Temerature control is the most important issue here. Model ATR-W2, which has electronic (Peltier) temperature control may also be recommended. However, since this company prefers circulators, Model ATR-SW is a closer fit for their needs. In addition, circulators typically heat and cool a refractometer's prism assembly at a faster rate than Peltier. They also require a highly accurate refractometer; Model ATR-SW features Brix accuracy of ±0.02%.
Situation 3: A testing lab is working with a cosmetic company seeking the refractive index analysis of cosmetic materials. The cosmetic company is requesting the R.I. analysis be conducted when the samples are in a liquid state, they turn to solids at temperatures below 65°C. They are requiring the testing lab to conduct measurements at 70°C. The testing lab needs to purchase an automatic refractometer, but they have limited bench space and must meet the temperature demands of their customer.
Recommended Model: ATR-W2
Why? Since the cosmetic samples are in solid form at temperatures below 65°C, the prism temperature will need to be accurately set at 70°C. Model ATR-W2, with electronic (Peltier) temperature control, regulates prism temperature from 10.00 to 70.00° with high precision. In addition, Model ATR-W2 is compact and takes up little bench space.
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Bench Top RefractometerRefractometers may also be used to determine the purity of a substance from it's refractive index. Refractometers are used for measuring fluid concentrations such as sugar content - Brix level - of juices and fruits. Also useful for determining urine specific gravity, blood levels of proteins, salinity and carbonated beverages.
Your choice for laboratory products and scientific equipment should always be made with value in mind. The Bench Top Refractometers offered here, along with over 750,000 other laboratory items we have available to you have been selected by Lab Depot as high value lab products. As such, full warranties on our Bench Top Refractometers and all of these other laboratory items listed on this website provide you with complete protection.
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