The Correct Technique of Using a Digital Refractometer

A Refractometer is the most effective instrument that measures the refractive index of gases, liquids, and solids. It is a non-invasive device used to measure the speed of the light reduced in any solution. Inside it, a shadow line appears which can be viewed with the help of magnifying eyepiece. In short, it is used for the identification of the substances. It is commonly used in beer making industry, vision care, and veterinary medicine or in the study of gems. In vision care, it is used to test the eyesight and the nature of the glasses.

Digital Refractometers

Digital handheld is most popular for its tolerance, lightweight and water resistant abilities. These features help to do as many as measurements in a very short period of time. The laboratory Refractometers are the best solution for the people who want results in parameters or outputs

They are the most popular as they are very easy to use. To use them you need to deposit juice in a well that allows a light emitting diode (LED) to reflect light through the prism. Once you deposit your juice you need to wait for only a few seconds and you will see results in the LCD screen. In addition to giving fast results, they also give accurate results. Their main flaw is that they are quite expensive.

Techniques to know to control a Digital Refractometer

For refractometers to last for a long time, you need to take good care of them. Here are tips on how to take care of them:

Wet environment

You should never expose the digital refractometers to wet environment. Once you are through with the analysis or you want to store them, you should clean and dry the prism. One sign that you have exposed your digital refractometer to wet environment is cloudiness of the field of view. When this happens you should ask a professional technician to help you out.

Right use

You should never use the digital refractometer for the wrong purpose. For example, you should never use a digital refractometer to measure saline solutions. To be on the safe side you should buy a digital refractometer that is designed for the solution that you are interested in evaluating.

Storage

In addition to ensuring that you store the digital refractometer in a dry place, you also need to ensure that the storage location has a constant temperature. Research studies have shown that storing the refractometer in a location whose temperature fluctuates by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit you risk damaging the optics and prism.

Conclusion

You should always handle the digital refractometer with great care as dropping them can result in breakage, scratching or displacement of the optics or prism. Their results are more effective in a well-maintained, clean running and recently charged systems. It really does not matter for which reason you are using this instrument, they come in a large range of variety at a very affordable rate. The only part is calibration as it refers to the accurate reading. In order to calibrate it, one can put some drops of RO/DI. They help you to eliminate all the mess with no use of moving parts.