Portable Refractometer / Handheld Refractometers

A portable refractometer (also referred to as hand held refractometer) measures the refractive index of aqueous solutions and is based on the relationship between refractive index and density. Density is used as a measure of dissolved material, which is important in the food and beverage industry, clinical laboratories for analyzing serum, and to researchers assessing sucrose density gradients. Refractometer ranges are in sucrose density or Brix units. A handheld refractometer is small and portable; the smallest has the dimensions of a pen. They have measurement ranges of up to 95% Brix, sample volumes of 3 ml or more, and operating temperatures between 5C and 100C. Ease-of-use attributes include continuous measurement capabilities, and fast and accurate readings that eliminate the need for user interpretation.