Sample Well
5 Character
LCD
Read Key
Calibrate Key
Scale Key
Battery Door
Brix/RI-Chek
User Guide
INTRODUCTION:
We at Reichert Analytical Instruments would like to extend our
appreciation to you for purchasing this refractometer. It is our mission
to provide a quality product at a very competitive price to our end
users and we feel this instrument will prove its value time and again
to you.
FEATURES:
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION:
Automatic temperature compensation corrects readings over a range
of temperatures. As an example: Samples taken within the working
temperature range of the instrument are corrected to a reference
temperature of 20 degrees C. Temperature correction is essential
because refractive index varies inversely with temperature. This fea-
ture is used in lieu of temperature control of the prism and sample.
For this feature to be effective however it is necessary to allow the
sample to temperature equilibrate to the ambient temperature of the
prism. Without allowing for temperature equilibration of the sample
the read values will not be accurate since the sample will be in a
state of temperature and refractive index change.
The built in temperature compensation mode is based on the temper-
ature coefficients of sucrose per the ICUMSA scales. When readings
are taken in the nD-TC scale, the values will only be valid for water
soluable solutions.
SIMPLE SET UP:
1.
Insert the included batteries with positive side facing outward.
2.
Align small mark found on the battery cover with mark found on
the instrument body and insert cover as shown above.
3.
Rotate the cover in the clock wise direction
until it is in the position shown to the right.
CLEANING:
Cleaning of the measurement surface and well should be performed
immediately after each sample reading. Never immerse the
instrument in any liquid. When the measurement surface and well
have been completely cleaned no residue should be present.
To properly clean the sample well and glass measurement surface
use a mild soap and water solution or Isopropyl Alcohol followed by
a distilled water rinse and then thoroughly dry with a soft lint and
residue free cloth or a product such as Kimwipes®.
To clean the refractometer’s body use a soft cloth with a mild
cleaning solution like window cleaner applied to the cloth and follow
by wiping the instrument dry.
CLEANING PRECAUTIONS:
1.
Never use any harsh cleaning agents that will damage the
instrument.
2.
Strong solvents should never be used. Such chemicals will
deteriorate the prism seal and attack individual component parts
of the instrument which will adversely affect or destroy the
instrument.
CALIBRATION:
1.
Be sure that the measuring surface and well are clean as outlined
under the “Cleaning” section.
2.
Apply distilled water to the measurement surface.
3.
Allow time for the distilled water sample to temperature equilibrate
to that of the instrument.
4.
Press and hold the “CAL” key until CAL is displayed. While still
holding the “CAL” key press the “READ” key and then release both
keys.
5.
A series of dashed lines will appear and successful calibration will
be indicated when the word END is displayed.
SAMPLE ANALYSIS:
Before analyzing a sample, it should be noted that to attain the
greatest accuracy the refractometer should be calibrated at the same
temperature as the envirnoment that it will be used in. As an
example; if the environment that the instrument is being used in
changes by five degrees, then the instrument should be re-calibrated.
1.
Inspect the glass measuring surface and well to be sure that there
is no residue remaining from a previous sample analysis. If the
measuring surface and well does not appear to be clean, then
refer to the cleaning section of this user guide before proceeding.
2.
Extract the sample to be tested and apply adequate sample to
the sample well to completely cover the glass measuring surface.
Minimum sample size is 0.3 mL.
3.
Allow the sample time to reach the same temperature as the
instrument. Failure to do so will result in inaccurate measurement.
4.
Press the “READ” key and note the displayed value and the
position of the annuciator. The annunciator should be located
below the fluid scale that you are attempting to attain a reading for.
If the position of the annunciator is not located under the desired
scale, then press the “SCALE” key until the annuciator position
indicates the correct scale.
SCALES:
To change the reading scale between Brix-TC, RI-TC and RI, press
the “SCALE” key to toggle through those choices. The annuciator
displayed on the screen denotes the active scale.
Displaying Actual Temperature:
To display the temperature at the measuring surface, momentarily
press the “CAL” button while the sample value is displayed.
