1. Introduction
The aichose Brix Refractometer with Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) is a precision optical instrument designed for measuring the sugar content (Brix) in various liquid solutions. It is commonly used in applications such as wine making, home brewing, fruit juice production, and other agricultural or industrial processes requiring accurate sugar concentration readings. This device offers a Brix range of 0-32% with a reading resolution of 0.2% and an accuracy of +/-0.2%.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your refractometer to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
2. Product Overview and Components
Familiarize yourself with the main components of your aichose Brix Refractometer:
Figure 2.1: Labeled components of the aichose Brix Refractometer.
- Daylight Plate: A transparent cover that protects the prism and flattens the sample liquid.
- Main Prism Assembly: The optical component where the sample is placed for measurement.
- Calibration Screw: Used to adjust the zero point of the refractometer.
- Rubber Grip: Provides a secure and comfortable hold.
- Focus Adjustment: Rotates to bring the scale into clear focus.
- Eyepiece: The viewing lens through which the Brix scale is observed.
Figure 2.2: Included contents of the aichose Brix Refractometer kit.
3. Setup and Calibration
Before first use and periodically thereafter, the refractometer must be calibrated to ensure accurate readings. Calibration should be performed at room temperature (approximately 20°C / 68°F).
- Clean the Prism: Open the daylight plate and carefully clean the prism surface with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Apply Distilled Water: Place 2-3 drops of distilled water onto the main prism assembly. Close the daylight plate gently, ensuring the water spreads evenly across the prism without air bubbles.
- Observe the Scale: Point the refractometer towards a light source and look through the eyepiece. Rotate the focus adjustment until the scale is clear.
- Adjust Zero Point: The boundary between the blue and white fields should align with the '0' mark on the Brix scale. If it does not, use the included screwdriver to turn the calibration screw until the boundary aligns perfectly with '0'.
- Clean After Calibration: Wipe the distilled water off the prism and daylight plate with a clean, soft cloth.
Figure 3.1: Adjusting the calibration screw with distilled water on the prism.
4. Operating Instructions
Once calibrated, your refractometer is ready for use.
- Prepare Sample: Ensure your liquid sample is at room temperature for optimal accuracy, as the ATC feature compensates for minor temperature variations but extreme differences can affect readings.
- Clean Prism: Open the daylight plate and clean the prism surface thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Apply Sample: Using a dropper, place 2-3 drops of the liquid to be tested onto the main prism assembly. Close the daylight plate gently, allowing the liquid to spread evenly without air bubbles.
- Read Measurement: Point the refractometer towards a natural light source (avoid direct sunlight) and look through the eyepiece. Rotate the focus adjustment until the scale is clear. The reading is taken at the point where the blue and white boundary intersects the Brix scale.
- Record Reading: Note the value indicated by the boundary line.
- Clean After Use: Immediately after each measurement, clean the prism and daylight plate with a damp, soft cloth and then dry it completely. Residual sugar can crystallize and damage the prism.
Figure 4.1: Step-by-step guide for using the refractometer.
Figure 4.2: Example view of the Brix scale through the eyepiece.
5. Applications
The aichose Brix Refractometer is suitable for a wide range of applications requiring sugar content measurement:
- Beverage Industry: Measuring Brix in fruit juices, soft drinks, wine, and beer wort.
- Food Production: Checking sugar levels in jams, jellies, syrups, and other food products.
- Agriculture: Determining ripeness of fruits and vegetables.
- Home Brewing & Winemaking: Monitoring fermentation progress and final sugar content.
Figure 5.1: Examples of liquids and produce where the refractometer can be used.
Figure 5.2: Refractometer in use for agricultural purposes, testing grape ripeness.
6. Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of your refractometer.
- Cleaning: Always clean the prism and daylight plate immediately after each use. Use a soft, damp cloth. For sticky or sugary residues, a small amount of mild soap solution can be used, followed by wiping with a clean, damp cloth and then drying completely.
- Storage: Store the refractometer in its protective case in a dry, cool, and dust-free environment. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Handling: Handle the instrument with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts.
- Avoid Immersion: Do not immerse the refractometer in water or any other liquid.
- Lens Care: Do not touch the optical lens surfaces with bare fingers. If cleaning is necessary, use a lens cleaning cloth.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your refractometer, consider the following:
- Inaccurate Readings:
- Calibration: Ensure the refractometer is properly calibrated to '0' with distilled water before each use or if readings seem off.
- Temperature: While the device has ATC, extreme temperature differences between the sample and the refractometer can affect accuracy. Allow the sample to reach room temperature.
- Cleaning: Residue on the prism can lead to incorrect readings. Ensure the prism is clean and dry.
- Sample Application: Ensure the sample spreads evenly across the prism without air bubbles.
- Blurry Scale:
- Focus Adjustment: Rotate the focus adjustment ring on the eyepiece until the scale is sharp and clear.
- Lighting: Ensure you are viewing the scale under sufficient, even light.
- Blue/White Boundary Not Visible:
- Sufficient Sample: Ensure enough liquid (2-3 drops) is applied to cover the prism.
- Light Source: Point the refractometer towards a bright, even light source.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brix Range | 0-32% |
| Reading Resolution | 0.2% |
| Brix Accuracy | +/-0.2% |
| Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 6.8 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.7 ounces |
| Model Number | SR0017-ATC |
| Manufacturer | Xindacheng |
9. Warranty and Support
For any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, or performance of your aichose Brix Refractometer, please refer to the seller's support channels. Specific warranty information may be provided with your purchase documentation. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
