Cole-Parmer offers a range of refractometers including:
Manual handheld refractometers,
Digital handheld refractometers,
Digital benchtop refractometers,
Abbe refractometers.
Refractometers are used to measure the concentration of aqueous solutions. The refractometer requires only a few drops of liquid and are used throughout the food, agricultural, chemical and manufacturing industries.
A popular use is to measure sucrose concentrations which is reported on a BRIX scale. The % BRIX scale is calibrated to the number of grams of cane sugar contained in 100 g of water and is used to show the concentration percentage of soluble solids content of a sample (water solution). The soluble content is the total of all the solids dissolved in the water, beginning with sugar, salts, protein, acids etc.
When light enters the liquid it changes direction; This is called refraction. Refractometers measure the degree to which the light changes direction, called the angle of refraction. A refractometer takes the refraction angles and correlates them to refractive index values that have been established. Using these values, you can determine the concentration of solutions.
The two main factors affecting refractive index measurement are concentration of the dissolved substance and temperature of the solution. Many of our refractometers have an automatic temperature compensation which facilitates accurate results under differing temperature conditions.
View our online catalog to see our full selection of refractometer products or contact our Application Specialist to help you find the right product for your needs.