Q: Wie platziere und reinige ich die Probe richtig?
- A: Für flüssige Proben verwenden Sie eine saubere Pipette, um 1–2 Tropfen der Flüssigkeitsprobe zu entnehmen und auf die Arbeitsfläche des Prismas zu geben. Decken Sie es anschließend mit dem oberen Lichteintrittsprisma ab. Bei flüchtigen Proben können Sie diese während der Messung mit einer Spritze aus der seitlichen Öffnung der Prismenanordnung ergänzen.
Bei festen Proben muss der Feststoff eine polierte, flache Oberfläche haben. Wischen Sie vor der Messung die polierte Oberfläche sauber und träufeln Sie 1–2 Tropfen einer transparenten Flüssigkeit (z. B. Bromnaphthalin) mit einem höheren Brechungsindex als die feste Probe auf die Arbeitsfläche des unteren Prismas, um einen guten Kontakt zu gewährleisten.
Die Arbeitsflächen des Prismensystems müssen vor und nach jeder Messung sowie beim Probenwechsel gereinigt und mit einem weichen Tuch abgewischt werden.
Q: Where is a handheld refractometer commonly used?
- A: A handheld refractometer is a portable and easy-to-use tool designed for quick, on-site measurements of liquid concentration. Its versatility makes it useful across a wide range of industries, including:
Food and Beverage Industry: Used to measure sugar content (Brix value) in fruit juice, honey, soft drinks, wine, and syrups. It helps producers monitor ripeness, sweetness, and product consistency.
Automotive Industry: Used to check the concentration of coolants (antifreeze), windshield washer fluids, and battery electrolytes, ensuring proper engine and vehicle maintenance.
Agriculture and Horticulture: Helps farmers and growers assess the ripeness and quality of fruits and vegetables by measuring sugar levels in crops like grapes, apples, or melons.
Chemical Industry: Used to determine the concentration of various chemical solutions, such as alcohols, solvents, or cleaning agents, especially in quality control and mixing processes.
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industry: Applied in the formulation of solutions, gels, and serums to check ingredient concentrations or ensure consistency in production.
Aquaculture and Marine Biology: Used to monitor salinity levels in aquariums, fish farms, or seawater samples to maintain a stable aquatic environment.
Education and Research: A useful tool for science labs and field studies in chemistry, biology, and environmental science, where sample concentration measurements are required.
Q: What material is a refractometer made of? How durable is it?
- A: The body of the refractometer is typically made of solid brass (pure copper alloy), which offers excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance. This makes it suitable for harsh environments and long-term use. The metal construction also ensures durability and resistance to wear, making it ideal for frequent handling and fieldwork.
Q: Does a refractometer need regular calibration? How is it calibrated?
- A: Yes, refractometers require regular calibration to ensure accurate measurements—especially after long-term use or when the device is exposed to significant temperature changes.
How to calibrate:
Calibration is typically done using a standard liquid, such as distilled water, which has a refractive index of 1.3330 at 20°C. Models that require special calibration liquid or other material (such as a standard calibration block) will come with these material. Follow the instructions in the user manual and adjust the calibration screw or knob until the reading matches the known reference value.