Refractometers, developed in the 1800s by Ernst Abbe through the principles of Snell�s laws of refraction have come a long way in terms of usefulness, though their principle of operation has changed very little.
Atago is one the world leading manufacturers of refractometers and have brought innovation and design attributes, which have extended the applications of instruments in use today.
A refractometer can be used to determine the identity of an unknown substance based on its refractive index, to assess the purity of a particular substance, or to determine the concentration of one substance dissolved in another. Most commonly, refractometers are used for measuring fluid concentrations such as the sugar content (Brix level, for example in carbonated beverages, fruits, juices, honey and or vegetables, etc), blood protein concentration, salinity and specific gravity of urine. Refractometers are also used for measuring fluid concentrations for commercial liquids such as antifreeze, cutting fluid, and industrial fluids.
The instruments may be classified into 5 distinct types, which apply measuring principles that offer increasing levels of accuracy and performance.
(click on images for a full description of the instrument)
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