Basic Refractometer Principles

Refractometers work according to the principle that when a ray of light

passes from one medium to another, the speed of the light changes
according to the density of the transmitting medium. At the interface
between two media, the ray changes direction as its speed suddenly
changes. This effect is known as refraction and is a familiar concept.
The refractive index (RI) of a substance is a measure of the speed of light in
a substance relative to that in a vacuum (very close to the speed in
air). The RI is a physical property that depends upon temperature and the
wavelength of the light. For a particular substance the RI is a unique
number when measured using a monochromatic light source (single
wavelength) at a fixed temperature.
Handheld refractometers and bench refractometers are devices that measure
the RI of a substance, usually a liquid, but sometimes a solid. Laboratory
bench refractometers utilize monochromatic light, usually that of sodium at
589.3 nm. They also have a means for controlling temperature or at least
measuring it precisely in order to 'compensate' for any variance. A bench
refractometer can typically measure the refractive index to within 0.0001 or
better. Thus, the refractive index of water when measured with sodium light
(589.3 nm) at 20 C is 1.33299.
Scientists may wish to measure the RI when studying the physical properties
of different liquids and solids. However, bench and handheld refractometers
are usually used for more pragmatic purposes, usually to measure the
concentration of a dissolved substance.
The simplest and most popular use of a bench or handheld refractometer is
in measuring the concentration of sugar in water. As the concentration of
sugar increases the RI increases. A bench or handheld refractometer can
therefore be used to measure concentration of sugar provided the
relationship between RI and concentration (and temperature!) is known.
The Brix scale is the most widely used scale and is based on the relationship
between pure sucrose in water concentration (weight %) and RI. The Brix
scale is more popular than RI itself. Brix is used for testing 'liquid food'
products. Even when the food does not just contain sucrose in water, but
other dissolved ingredients, the Brix scale is used as a measure of
'nutritional value'. Thus soft drinks, juices, sauces, preserves etc. are
assigned 'a Brix value' as part of the Quality Assurance for the
product. Indeed, in the juice and soft drink industries, the Brix value is
arguably the most important parameter in quality control.

Calibration and Services

Refractometer Calibration
Sucrose Solutions
Sucrose Solutions are an extremely easy to use medium for verifying and calibrating refractometers
measuring in the Brix scale, as no special consideration is required when testing instruments at ambient
temperature fitted with sucrose temperature compensation (ATC). Sucrose Solutions are typically used in
the food, beverage and sugar industry.
Sucrose Solutions are manufactured on a %weight/weight basis and are calibrated in accordance with EN
ISO/IEC 17025:2005. A number of concentrations are available between 0 and 60 Brix, all being
traceable to NIST and ICUMSA.
Sucrose Solutions are supplied in 15ml plastic dropper bottles complete with a Certificate of Calibration
but may also be supplied in a larger quantity for high volume users or for customers wishing to verify the
performance of density meters operating in the Brix scale.
The Certificate of Calibration gives values for sucrose in % weight/weight, Brix and refractive index as
well as giving detail about traceability and uncertainty.

Sucrose Solutions Supply Contracts

As Sucrose Solutions have a limited shelf life of 6-weeks, they must be purchased at the time of
requirement. If a frequent calibration regime is operated, the administration cost of issuing purchase
orders every time can be relatively high. Many users therefore choose to take out a supply contract on a
single order that ensures trouble free, regular delivery over a twelve month period.
For details about regular supply of Sucrose Solutions, please contact the Sales Team at Bellingham +
Stanley to discuss the options.

Sucrose Solutions General

Order Code 15ml Value (Brix) Value (RI)

SS00 0 1.33299

SS05 5 1.34026

SS075 7.5 1.34401

SS10 10 1.34782

SS112 11.2 1.34968

SS115 11.5 1.35015

SS12 12 1.35093
SS125 12.5 1.35171

SS15 15 1.35568

SS20 20 1.36384

SS25 25 1.37233

SS30 30 1.38115

SS35 35 1.39032

SS40 40 1.39986

SS45 45 1.40978

SS50 50 1.42009

SS55 55 1.43080

SS60 60 1.44193

Specification

Certificate: (ISO17025)

Uncertainty 0.02 Brix

(k=2)

Shelf Life: 6-weeks

Storage: Refrigerated at approx 5C

Do not freeze

Traceability: ICUMSA
NIST