Refractometers measure the refractive index of gases, liquids, and translucent solids. There are four types: analog, digital, laboratory or Abbe, and online. They are used in winemaking, sugar production, veterinary medicine, and marine aquarists. Calibration is important for accurate readings.
A refractometer is an instrument used to measure the refractive index of gases, liquids and translucent solids such as gemstones. Fluids are tested for blood proteins, salinity, fluid concentrations, and urine specific gravity. The refractive index is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced in a solution, gas or solid. A shadow line appears inside the refractometer and is created by prisms and lenses. The user will view the shadow line through a magnifying eyepiece
Erst Abbe is credited with creating the first refractometer during the 1800s. These early refractometers were created exclusively in-house for Carl Zeiss Inc. They included integrated thermometers with circulating water baths which were required to maintain control of instrument and fluid temperatures . They would later go on sale together with the microscopes in their catalogue, but without a sketch. The first sketch will appear in the 1893 catalogue.
The evolution of the refractometer has left the world with four basic types. Analog or traditional refractometer, digital refractometer, laboratory refractometer or Abbe and online refractometer. Analog and digital refractometers both work in a similar way and are primarily portable. Using the critical angle principle, the digital differs by providing an LED light source that focuses on the prism element. Lab or Abbe refractometers are larger and not portable. They are mostly used for solids and have a digital display. Specialty filters can offer highly accurate readings by using multiple wavelengths to find a sample result. Inline process refractometers record the flow of a solution through a container, such as a pipe or tank. They use a sensor inside the container to measure the solution and compare it to a similar container in which a control is held.
One of the most common uses for portable refractometers is in winemaking. Measuring the sugar content of the fruit or grape helps determine maturity. Sugar producers need refractometers to determine the percentage of sugar solution in sap, syrups and concentrated sap. Veterinarians can use refractometers to find the protein concentration in blood samples. Serious marine aquarists will use one to determine the salinity of their tanks.
Regardless of why you’re using a refractometer, you’ll find them quite common and available in a variety of price ranges. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating your new meter. Calibration is important to get an accurate reading. When you’re ready to test, be sure to use fresh blood or sugar samples for the best readings regarding the concentrations of those liquids.
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