Below are general answers on how to operate, maintain, and calibrate a refractometer from the list of GAO Tek’s refractometers. To facilitate our customers to select our products, we have further classified our refractometers by their features: alarm enabled, auto, auto shut-off, benchtop, handheld, high precision, laboratory, industrial, outdoor, rugged, sugar, wide measurement range, and wine.

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Operating GAO Tek’s Refractometers:

Calibration:

  • Begin by calibrating the refractometer with distilled water or a calibration solution provided by GAO Tek.
  • Place a few drops on the glass surface and close the daylight plate.

Sample Application:

  • Ensure the refractometer prism is clean and dry.
  • Apply a small amount of your sample liquid onto the prism using a pipette or dropper.

Closing the Prism Plate:

  • Gently close the daylight plate to spread the sample thinly across the prism surface.
  • Avoid trapping air bubbles, as they can affect accuracy.

Holding Position:

  • Hold the refractometer horizontally and allow it to reach the ambient temperature of the surroundings.

Focusing:

  • Look through the eyepiece and focus the device using the adjustable eyepiece or a focusing knob until the boundary line is sharp and well-defined.

Reading:

  • Observe where the boundary line intersects the graduated scale. The scale typically represents the refractive index or percentage concentration of a particular substance.

Temperature Adjustment:

  • If your refractometer compensates for temperature, ensure that the sample temperature is within the specified range. Some models have automatic temperature compensation (ATC).

Cleaning:

  • After use, clean the refractometer prism with a soft, lint-free cloth and, if necessary, a mild cleaning solution recommended by GAO Tek.

Storage:

  • Store the refractometer in its protective case in a cool, dry place to prevent damage and ensure longevity.

Maintenance:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for any additional maintenance or recalibration requirements.

 

Maintaining GAO Tek’s Refractometers:

Cleaning:

  • After each use, clean the prism and sample well with a soft, lint-free cloth or tissue.
  • If necessary, use a mild cleaning solution recommended by GAO Tek to remove stubborn residues.
  • Avoid using abrasive materials or strong chemicals that may damage the prism coating.

Calibration Check:

  • Regularly check the calibration of your refractometer using distilled water or a calibration solution provided by us.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for calibration frequency and adjust if necessary.

Avoid Contamination:

  • Prevent cross-contamination by ensuring that the sample is clean and free from debris before applying it to the prism.
  • Use a separate, clean pipette or dropper for each sample to avoid contamination between different substances.

Storage:

  • Store the refractometer in its protective case when not in use to prevent dust, dirt, or damage.
  • Choose a cool, dry place for storage to avoid condensation on the prism.

Handle with Care:

  • Handle the refractometer carefully to prevent physical damage. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to excessive force.
  • When closing the daylight plate, do so gently to avoid scratching the prism.

Temperature Control:

  • Be mindful of the operating temperature range specified by the manufacturer. Avoid exposing the refractometer to extreme temperatures.
  • If your refractometer has automatic temperature compensation (ATC), ensure that it is functioning correctly.

Regular Maintenance Checks:

  • Periodically check for any signs of wear or damage on the refractometer, such as scratches on the prism or misalignment.
  • If you notice any issues, contact GAO Tek customer support or follow the troubleshooting guidelines in the user manual.

Avoid Direct Sunlight:

  • Refrain from exposing the refractometer to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can affect its accuracy.

Follow Our Guidelines:

  • Always refer to the user manual provided by GAO Tek for specific maintenance instructions and guidelines for your refractometer model.

 

Calibrating GAO Tek’s Refractometers:

Prepare Calibration Solution:

  • Obtain a calibration solution with a known refractive index value. GAO Tek might provide a specific calibration solution or recommend a standard solution suitable for your refractometer.

Clean the Prism:

  • Ensure the refractometer prism is clean and dry before calibration. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or lens tissue to remove any residue.

Apply Calibration Solution:

  • Place a few drops of the calibration solution onto the clean and dry prism. Use a pipette or dropper to dispense the solution evenly.

Close the Prism Plate:

  • Gently close the daylight plate to spread the calibration solution thinly across the prism surface. Avoid trapping air bubbles.

Adjust Focus:

  • Look through the eyepiece and adjust the focus using the adjustable eyepiece or focusing knob until the boundary line is sharp and well-defined.

Read Refractive Index:

  • Note that the boundary line intersects the graduated scale. This reading corresponds to the refractive index of the calibration solution.

Compare with Known Value:

  • Compare the obtained reading with the known refractive index value of the calibration solution. If there is a significant difference, adjustments are needed.

Adjustment Screw:

  • Some GAO Tek’s refractometers may have an adjustment screw to calibrate the instrument. Refer to the user manual to identify the adjustment screw and use it to bring the reading in line with the known value.

Repeat if Necessary:

  • If adjustments are made, repeat the calibration process until the refractometer provides readings consistent with the known values of the calibration solution.

Rinse and Clean:

  • Rinse the prism with distilled water or a cleaning solution recommended by GAO Tek to remove any residue from the calibration process.

Verification:

  • Verify the accuracy of the calibration periodically, especially if the refractometer has been unused for an extended period or if there are significant changes in environmental conditions.