How to Choose a Refractometer

Chemical

Water Based: Petroleum Based:
  • Resins
  • Polymers
  • Coolants
  • Gels
  • Glues
  • Glycols
  • Fine chemicals
  • Ethylene
  • Acids
  • Oil based paints
  • Fine chemicals
  • Fluranes
  • PET
  • Polymers
  • Resins
  • Solvents
  • Plastics

Feature Highlight

Feature Highlight: Chemical Resistance All J Series refractometers are designed for high chemical resistance from the outset with the wetted parts being sapphire, Tectron® and 316 stainless steel. However, when using HCl and other caustic compounds, 316 stainless steel is not resistant enough. For these applications Rudolph offers an extended chemical resistance option where the sample dish and cover are made from Hastelloy (H Option).

Hastelloy Suggested Applications

  • Hydrofluoric acid at all concentrations
  • HCl and similar acids at all concentrations
  • Strong alkalis
  • Strong oxidizing agents

For plastic manufacturers who measure liquids and solids like PET, Rudolph has a Contact Presser (CP) with extra weight.

(CP) Option Suggested Application

  • PET: polyethylene terephthalate

Model Specification Features and Benefits
J57HA (Water-based chemicals only) Measurement Range: 1.33 - 1.53 RI; 0 - 95% Brix
Accuracy: 0.00004 RI, 0.03 Brix
Electronic Temperature Control: Fixed temperature selection: 20°C and 25°C
A refractometer can only achieve real world accuracy if the prism is cleaned properly between samples. The flat open sample area has no corners to trap even sticky materials and is resistant to almost all solvents including Acetone, Toluene and similar organics. Choose (HA) option for HFl and HCl acids.
J157-CC-AM (Water-based chemicals only) Measurement Range: 1.33 - 1.53 RI; 0 - 95% Brix
Accuracy: 0.00004 RI, 0.03 Brix
Electronic Temperature Control: Flexible temperature selection between 15°C - 50°C

DUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM
Unlike other temperature controlled refractometers, the J157/257/357 have temperature control from both above and below the sample. The Sample Cover is controlled to the same temperature as the prism and, when lowered, is designed to provide a temperature controlled micro environment that provides unrivaled temperature stability, fast measurement time and minimal evaporation. Depending on options, the Sample Cover can also be used to initiate measurement. (Select AM option)

OPTIONAL CONTACT PRESSER (CP OPTION)
The J157/257/357 are available with an optional Temperature Controlled Sample Presser (CP option) that touches the sample. Compared with the standard temperature controlled cover, the optional CP Presser reduces the empty volume of the measurement area thereby decreasing evaporation and at the same time helping to evenly spread semi solid materials over the measurement prism. This feature offers improved performance on many samples such as PET and Glycerine.

J257-CC-AM (Petroleum-based chemicals) Measurement Range: 1.26 - 1.70 RI; 0 - 95% Brix
Accuracy: 0.0001 RI; 0.1 Brix
Electronic Temperature Control: Flexible temperature selection between 15°C - 70°C
J357-CP-AM (Petroleum-based chemicals) Measurement Range: 1.26 - 1.70 RI; 0 - 95% Brix
Accuracy: 0.00004 RI; 0.03 Brix
Electronic Temperature Control: Flexible temperature selection between 15°C - 100°C; TB option: allows 15°C - 110°C with one hour boost to 120°C