Analogue refractometer for measuring viscosity
Analogue refractometers offer an efficient, accurate, and easy-to-use solution for measuring Brix levels and ensuring product quality in the food industry.
Analogue Refractometer for Measuring Brix and Viscosity in Food Products
An analogue refractometer is a simple optical instrument used to measure the Brix level (sugar concentration) or approximate viscosity of various food products, including honey, fruit juices, syrups, dairy, and other liquid-based foods. This handheld device provides quick and accurate readings, making it an essential tool for quality control in food processing, beekeeping, winemaking, and other industries that rely on consistent composition of products.
How does a Analogue Refractometer Work?
An analogue refractometer operates based on the principle of light refraction. When a liquid sample is placed on the instrument’s prism, light passing through the sample bends at an angle depending on its density. The refractometer then converts this refraction angle into a Brix percentage (°Bx) or another relevant scale, such as refractive index (RI).
To use the refractometer, follow these simple steps:
- Calibration: Before measurement, the refractometer should be calibrated using distilled water to ensure accuracy. A few drops of water are placed on the prism, and the calibration screw is adjusted until the reading is at zero.
- Sample Application: A small amount of the liquid product (e.g., honey, juice, syrup) is placed on the prism surface.
- Light Source & Reading: The user closes the transparent cover plate and looks through the eyepiece towards a light source. The Brix scale or measurement reading appears clearly within the viewing field.
- Cleaning: After measurement, the prism should be cleaned with a soft cloth to ensure accuracy for future readings.
Common Uses in the Food Industry
- Honey Production: Beekeepers use refractometers to measure moisture content in honey, ensuring it meets industry standards for stability and shelf life.
- Juice and Beverage Industry: Ensures the correct sugar content in fruit juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Dairy and Condensed Milk Production: Helps determine lactose levels and consistency in dairy-based products.
- Syrups and Sauces: Measures sugar concentration to maintain product consistency and prevent crystallization.
Advantages of an Analogue Refractometer
- Simple and Portable: The handheld design allows for easy, on-the-go use in food processing facilities, farms, or production sites.
- Fast and Reliable Results: Provides immediate readings without requiring complex digital setups or power sources.
- Cost-Effective: More affordable than digital alternatives while still offering high accuracy for routine testing.
- No Batteries Required: Functions entirely on optical principles, making it reliable in any setting.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for a wide range of food products, including honey, jam, soft drinks, beer, dairy products, sauces, and even industrial applications like lubricants and coolants.
- Type of the equipment: Optional equipment
You might also like
Various installation types are possible: in-line, directly into the product tank or via a bypass connector.
- Type of the equipment: Optional equipment
Within seconds, the device measures the refractive index of the sample and converts it to % of solids using the concentration unit.
The refractometer is ready for use after a simple user calibration with deionized or distilled water.
Within seconds, the device measures the refractive index of the sample and converts it to % of solids using the concentration unit.
The refractometer is ready for use after a simple user calibration with deionized or distilled water.
The sturdy mobile base for large pots, with a diameter ranging from 405 mm to 625 mm, is designed to support and easily transport our 50L, 100L and 150L cooking kettles.
- Made out of stainless steel
- Features casters with brakes on each wheel for secure handling
- Universal model for pots with diameters from 405 to 625 mm
- High load capacity - up to 200 kg
- Material: Stainless steel
- Type of the equipment: Optional equipment
The cyclone dust collection system is ideal for food processing facilities looking to prevent contamination by airborne particles, reduce product loss, and maintain a cleaner work environment.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Principle of operation: Continuous mode
- Voltage: 220-230V
Additional option to VMG laboratory vacuum homogenizer 20/50.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Type of the equipment: Optional equipment
The oil-free four-cylinder piston compressor is the ideal solution for those who value both performance and silence.
- Equipped with two twin-piston units with separate engines
- Four air filters
- Mechanical pressure switch
- Quiet operation (at least 25% quieter than traditional compressors)
- Carrying handle and mobile wheel support
- Principle of operation: Continuous mode
- Total power, kW: 1,5
- Voltage: 220-230V
Thermal insulation of the drying cabinet body to reduce heat loss during product drying. Additional option for the MAK DRYER 7-14.
- Type of the equipment: Optional equipment
A chiller is a cooling machine that removes heat from a liquid through vapor compression and absorption in a cyclic manner.
- Principle of operation: Continuous mode
- Cooling performance l/h: 100 / 200 l/ 300
A hydraulic crane hoist with a hook is a mechanical device designed to lift and move heavy machinery or engines, commonly used in industrial settings as well as automotive repair for safe and efficient handling of heavy loads.
- Type of the equipment: Optional equipment
The working surface is made out of food-grade stainless steel, on top of which the deep fryer can be installed. It is quipped with wheels for ease of movement.
- Material: Stainless steel
Rechargeable and portable, ideal for measuring sugar content in fruit juices and beverages, ergonomic design.
Compact and powerful gas stove with 3 rings designed for the connection to standard LPG cylinders. Ideal for heating large volumes of liquid, cooking soups or sauces in cooking kettles, and maintaining meal temperatures during preparation or service. The sturdy, open-frame design ensures excellent stability and high load capacity for everyday use in catering and food processing.
Hygienic linear internal stainless steel drainage system for food production, professional kitchens, pharmaceutical enterprises, restaurants and many others. The drain trap has a stainless steel bath and a connection to the sewer.
- Grate with a frame
- The load class of the grate can withstand being runover with a car
- Fixed height drain
- Built-in grease trap (optional)
- Material: Stainless steel
- Country of origin: Slovakia
Variable belt conveyor with wide use not only in the food industry. The length of the conveyor can be selected from 2 to 6 m. The width of the belt is 200 and 400 mm.
- Engine power, kW: 0,75
- Principle of operation: Continuous mode
The set consists of 20 shelves from AISI304 stainless steel. Additional option for MAK DRYER 7-14.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Type of the equipment: Optional equipment
The AISI 304 stainless steel oil drain system is suitable for use with most deep fryers. It allows you to filter the oil directly when draining it from the fryer.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 13,5