Hanna HI96800 Digital Refractometer for Refractive Index and Brix

Description

A Comprehensive Overview of HI96800

The Hanna HI96800 Digital Refractometer is a robust, portable, and water-resistant device that represents the culmination of Hanna Instruments’ extensive experience in manufacturing analytical instruments. This optical instrument is designed for quick and simple measurements, providing a reliable and effortless way to determine a liquid’s composition, concentration, and density. It achieves this by measuring the refractive index, a fundamental property of a substance, which is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the substance itself. The HI96800 is a significant improvement over traditional mechanical refractometers, as it eliminates the uncertainty often associated with them, making it an ideal choice for both laboratory and field use.

This advanced refractometer offers users the flexibility to display readings in various formats. With a simple user calibration using distilled or deionized water, the instrument can measure the refractive index of a sample within seconds. The readings can be displayed with or without sucrose temperature compensation (nD20​ and $nD$ respectively), and can also be converted to % Brix with the push of a single button. The device’s dual-level LCD screen simultaneously displays the measurement and the temperature, along with icons for helpful message codes, ensuring that users have all the necessary information at a glance.

Core Principles of Its Operation

The operation of the HI96800 is based on the principle of refractometry, which involves measuring the refraction of light as it passes through a sample. The device works by shining a light from a Yellow LED through a prism that is in contact with the sample. A linear image sensor then detects the critical angle at which the light is no longer refracted through the sample but is instead reflected. This critical angle is directly related to the sample’s refractive index, which in turn indicates its physical properties, such as concentration and density. This method, which employs temperature compensation algorithms, is in line with the ICUMSA (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis) Methods Book.

The instrument also features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), which is a crucial aspect for ensuring accurate and reliable measurements. Variations in temperature can significantly affect refractive index readings. The HI96800’s built-in temperature sensor and its sophisticated algorithms automatically adjust the readings for temperature fluctuations between 10.0 and 40.0 °C (50.0 and 104.0 °F), providing consistent results. This feature is particularly useful for field measurements where environmental temperatures can vary widely. The large dual-level LCD screen displays both the measurement and the temperature simultaneously, and the ATC icon blinks if the temperature exceeds the compensation range, alerting the user.

Key Features for Enhanced Usability

The Hanna HI96800 is loaded with features designed to make it exceptionally easy and convenient to use. Its compact and robust design includes a stainless steel sample well and a high-grade flint glass prism, which are not only durable but also easy to clean and corrosion-resistant. The device’s enclosure is rated IP65, making it water-resistant and suitable for performing under harsh laboratory and field conditions. The refractometer requires a minimum sample volume of just 100 μL, which is as small as two metric drops, and it delivers a reading in approximately 1.5 seconds. The user interface is intuitive and straightforward. The device features a simple one-button calibration process using distilled or deionized water, which should be performed daily or when the battery is replaced. Users can easily switch between refractive index ($nD$), temperature-compensated refractive index (nD20​), and % Brix readings by pressing the ‘RANGE’ key. The instrument also includes a low power indicator and automatically turns off after three minutes of non-use to conserve battery life, with a single 9V battery providing up to 5000 readings.

Diverse Applications Across Industries

The HI96800’s ability to measure refractive index and Brix makes it a versatile tool with applications across numerous industries. In the food and beverage industry, it is used to measure the sugar content of fruits, juices, and other sugary products, ensuring product quality and consistency. Winemakers, for instance, can use it to determine the ripeness of grapes, while soft drink manufacturers can monitor Brix levels to maintain taste and quality control.

In the pharmaceutical industry, refractive index is a critical quality indicator used to verify the concentration of solutions and to ensure the purity of ingredients. The HI96800’s high accuracy and quick response time make it an indispensable tool for routine quality checks in this sector. For environmental monitoring, the refractometer can be used to measure the salinity of water samples, which is essential for marine biology and water quality management. Its portability allows for on-site measurements, saving time and resources.

Precision and Accuracy in Measurements

Precision and accuracy are at the heart of the HI96800’s design. The refractometer has a refractive index range of 1.3300 to 1.5080 with a high accuracy of ±0.0005. For temperature-compensated readings, the range is 1.3330 to 1.5040 with the same accuracy. The % Brix range is from 0.0 to 85.0%, with an accuracy of ±0.2%. The device’s resolution for both refractive index and temperature-compensated refractive index is 0.0001, and for % Brix, it is 0.1. The temperature range for measurement is from 0.0 to 80.0 °C (32.0 to 176.0 °F), with an accuracy of ±0.3 °C (±0.5 °F).

The instrument’s fast measurement time of approximately 1.5 seconds ensures efficient workflow in both laboratory and field settings. The ICUMSA-recommended methodology for temperature compensation guarantees that the results are reliable and standardized. Furthermore, the dual-level display makes it easy for users to read both the measurement and the temperature at the same time, reducing the chance of error.

Maintenance and Calibration for Longevity

Proper maintenance and calibration are essential for the long-term performance and accuracy of the HI96800. The device should be handled with care and should not be immersed in water, with the exception of the sample well. The prism, made of flint glass, is a high-quality optical component that can be scratched by particulate matter or metallic tools. Therefore, it is recommended to use only a soft tissue and plastic pipettes for cleaning and transferring samples. Between samples, the prism and sample well should be rinsed with distilled or deionized water and wiped dry.

Calibration should be performed daily, or when the battery has been replaced, or if there have been significant environmental changes. This is a simple one-step process involving the use of distilled or deionized water. The instrument is designed to retain its calibration even when turned off, which is a great convenience for users. The inclusion of error messages on the display helps users troubleshoot common issues, such as low battery, temperature out of range, or insufficient sample volume.

The Unparalleled Service of tpt24

When it comes to purchasing the HI96800 Digital Refractometer, tpt24 online store stands as the premier global retailer for this product. Recognizing the critical need for authenticity and quality, tpt24 guarantees that every unit of the Hanna HI96800 is genuine and meets the highest standards. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is demonstrated by their comprehensive quality and authenticity assurance policies. No matter where you are in the world, tpt24 ensures that your product is delivered with a guarantee of authenticity and quality.

The HI96800 is supplied with a 9V battery, an instruction manual, a plastic pipette, and a quality certificate, ensuring you have everything you need to get started. The instrument is also backed by a two-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, further cementing its reliability. For any technical support, Hanna Instruments’ worldwide network is easily accessible via email or their website, providing peace of mind for users globally.

A Smart and Efficient Investment

The Hanna HI96800 refractometer is a smart investment for any professional or organization that requires accurate and reliable measurements of refractive index and Brix. Its combination of advanced technology, rugged design, and user-friendly features makes it a standout product in its class. The device’s portability and water resistance allow it to be used in diverse environments, from a sterile laboratory setting to a rugged field application.

The dual-level LCD, automatic temperature compensation, and fast response time contribute to its efficiency and ease of use, saving valuable time and effort. The precise measurements and robust construction ensure that the instrument will provide consistent results for a long time, making it a cost-effective solution for quality control and research purposes. In conclusion, the HI96800 is a powerful, reliable, and versatile tool that simplifies complex measurements and enhances operational efficiency.