A refractometer is a scientific instrument that measures the amount that light is bent (or refracted) when it moves from the air into a sample. Refractometers are typically used to determine the refractive index of a liquid sample.
The refractive index is a dimensionless number that describes how fast light travels through a material and through correlation with standards provides a means of estimating the sugar concentration in grams per liter for grape juice derived from grapes or must.
Refractive index meters come in both handheld and benchtop forms.
Handheld optical refractometers can also be known as Abbe refractometers after a common manufacturer, however they are currently produced by a range of manufacturers.
At measurement temperatures of the grape juice should be maintained between 15 and 25°C and monitored correctly to minimize the levels of temperature correction. ºBrix solutions prepared are to be stored in a fridge (4oC) when not in use. Solution should be prepared fresh monthly. Brix solutions should be brought to room temperature (between 15 and 25°C) prior to use and preferably as close to 20 ºC as possible.
Determination of Total Brix Percent | Total Sugar | Refractometric Dry Substance (RDS) | IS 15279
The observed Brix reading can be corrected for temperature using the following scale. The Brix scale is set for a temperature of 20 C, below this temperature the solution is less dense than the reading indicates so the table gives the value to subtract to obtain the equivalent Brix value at 20 C. At higher temperatures the solution is more dense than the reading indicates so the table gives you the value to add to adjust the Brix.
<aside> 📌 Measurement Range: Brix % or °Brix: [0 to 32% or 0 to 32°] Resolution: • Brix % or °Brix: [0.2% or 0.2°] Accuracy: • Brix % or °Brix: [± 0.2%]
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