FAQ

A handheld refractometer is a portable device used to measure the concentration of a liquid. It uses the refraction of light to measure how dense a liquid is. When light passes from air into a liquid, it bends. The amount it bends depends on how much stuff (like sugar or alcohol) is in the liquid. The refractometer measures this bending angle and gives you a reading that tells you how concentrated the liquid is.

A handheld refractometer is a portable and easy-to-use tool designed for quick, on-site measurements of liquid concentration. Its versatility makes it useful across a wide range of industries, including:

- Food and Beverage Industry: Used to measure sugar content (Brix value) in fruit juice, honey, soft drinks, wine, and syrups. It helps producers monitor ripeness, sweetness, and product consistency.

- Automotive Industry: Used to check the concentration of coolants (antifreeze), windshield washer fluids, and battery electrolytes, ensuring proper engine and vehicle maintenance.

- Agriculture and Horticulture: Helps farmers and growers assess the ripeness and quality of fruits and vegetables by measuring sugar levels in crops like grapes, apples, or melons.

- Chemical Industry: Used to determine the concentration of various chemical solutions, such as alcohols, solvents, or cleaning agents, especially in quality control and mixing processes.

- Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industry: Applied in the formulation of solutions, gels, and serums to check ingredient concentrations or ensure consistency in production.

- Aquaculture and Marine Biology: Used to monitor salinity levels in aquariums, fish farms, or seawater samples to maintain a stable aquatic environment.

- Education and Research: A useful tool for science labs and field studies in chemistry, biology, and environmental science, where sample concentration measurements are required.

Refractometers can measure a wide variety of liquid samples, depending on the model and scale. They are used across many industries to analyze properties like sugar content, salinity, alcohol concentration, and more. Some common examples include:

- Fruit juice, honey, and soft drinks

- Wine, beer, and spirits

- Saltwater and brine

- Coolants (antifreeze), battery fluids, and lubricants

- Industrial chemicals and solvents

- Pharmaceutical and cosmetic solutions

- Fermentation broths and brewing wort

Most liquids can be measured with the right refractometer. If you don’t see a model for your specific application, we can develop a custom solution tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us to learn more!

Handheld refractometers are simple to operate. In most cases, you just need to place a drop of the liquid sample on the prism, point the device toward a light source, and read the scale through the eyepiece. With minimal training, even first-time users can start measuring accurately. For step-by-step instructions, please refer to our detailed user manual.

The body of the refractometer is typically made of solid brass (pure copper alloy), which offers excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance. It makes our instruments suitable for harsh environments and long-term use. The metal construction also ensures durability and resistance to wear, making it ideal for frequent handling and fieldwork.

Yes. Handheld refractometers are intricate optical instruments, and they require regular calibration to ensure accurate measurements—especially after long-term use or when the device is exposed to significant temperature changes.

How to calibrate:

Calibration is typically done using a standard liquid, such as distilled water, which has a refractive index of 1.3330 at 20°C. Models that require special calibration liquid or other material (such as a standard calibration block) will come with these material. Follow the instructions in the user manual and adjust the calibration screw or knob until the reading matches the known reference value.

Yes, ambient temperature can affect the accuracy of refractometer readings.

• For models without ATC (Automatic Temperature Compensation), it’s best to perform measurements in a stable environment around 20°C (68°F).
• For models with ATC, the device can automatically adjust for temperature variations, allowing accurate readings within a broader range—typically 10–30°C (50–86°F).

Important: When calibrating the refractometer, make sure the room temperature is close to 20°C (68°F) for best results.

- Keep the prism clean: After each measurement, gently wipe the prism with lens paper or anhydrous ethanol to remove any residue and prevent corrosion.

- Avoid strong vibrations: Refractometers contain precision optical components that can be affected by shocks. Always handle with care during use and storage.

- Mind the environment: Do not use the device in extreme conditions such as high temperature, high humidity, or direct sunlight. For digital models, also avoid moisture and electromagnetic interference.

Proper maintenance ensures long-term accuracy and extends the lifespan of your refractometer.

We offer a three-year warranty covering non-human damage—within this period, we provide free replacement for any defects in materials or workmanship.

Additionally, we offer lifetime free maintenance. If your device needs repair after the warranty period, we will service it free of charge. However, please note that shipping costs and replacement parts (if required) may need to be covered by the customer.

For domestic orders within China, we usually ship via SF Express with free shipping.

For international orders, customers are responsible for shipping costs. If the customer does not specify a preferred freight forwarder or logistics provider, we typically use FedEx by default.

At our factory, the typical production lead time for refractometers is 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the model, order volume, and any customization needs. We are committed to delivering high-quality products on time.