Table of Contents
What is the purpose of a refractometer?
A refractometer is used to determine a concentration of a particular substance within a given solution. It operates based on the principle of refraction. When rays of light pass from one medium into another, they are bent either toward or away from a normal line between the two media.
What is a refractometer and when is it used?
A refractometer is a simple instrument used for measuring concentrations of aqueous solutions. It requires only a few drops of liquid, and is used throughout the food, agricultural, chemical, and manufacturing industries.
What fluids can be checked with a refractometer?
Refractometers can measure both Ethylene and Propylene glycol based coolant/antifreeze very accurately.
What is a refractometer used for in veterinary medicine?
The Vetlab veterinary refractometer is a lightweight, hand-held diagnostic instrument designed for fast, simple and inexpensive measurement of Serum/Plasma Protein and Urine Specific Gravity on samples from animals.
Is a refractometer better than a hydrometer?
Well, neither is more “accurate” than the other, they function very differently. A refractometer measures the amount of sugar in your solution via “refraction” of light, when it passes through the wort sample. On the other hand, a hydrometer is used to measure the Specific Gravity of your wine or beer.
What is refractometer in food industry?
Refractometers are used to monitor and control the quality of yoghurt, jam, fruit extract, syrup, coffee extract, chocolate, milk, baby food etc. by measuring the total solids in them during processing.
Can a refractometer measure alcohol?
It will not test the alcohol level. A refractometer will only test the sugar level of a wine must or finished wine. This is no different than what a wine hydrometer can actually do. They both measure the sugar in a wine, not the alcohol.
How much do refractometers cost?
You can find a very basic analog refractometer for $17 to $20. If you’d like an analog model with automatic temperature compensation (ATC) or an LED light, you’ll find those handheld models in the $20 to $30 price range.
How do you use a veterinary refractometer?
Place a drop of distilled water on the prism, close the lid and hold the instrument up to the light while looking through the eye piece. Check that the distilled water reads 1.000 on the specific gravity (U.G.) scale. If it does, the instrument is ready for use.
Do I need a hydrometer if I have a refractometer?
A hydrometer measures liquid density, while a refractometer uses light to determine the sugar dissolved in the liquid. You’ll need a relatively large liquid sample to use a hydrometer, but a refractometer only needs a drop.