YDWG WZB-F 45 Portable Digital Waterproof Refractometer
| Brand | YDWG |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | WZB-F 45 |
| Product Type | Handheld Refractometer |
| Temperature Control | Yes |
| Digital Display | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0–40 °C (32–104 °F) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5 °C (±1 °F) |
| Temperature Compensation Range | 5–40 °C (41–104 °F) |
| Sample Volume | 0.3 mL |
| Dimensions | 145 × 67 × 38 mm |
| Net Weight | 185 g |
Overview
The YDWG WZB-F 45 Portable Digital Waterproof Refractometer is an optical instrument engineered for rapid, field-deployable measurement of refractive index (RI) in liquid samples. Based on the principle of total internal reflection at the prism–sample interface, it determines RI with high reproducibility under ambient and variable environmental conditions. Unlike benchtop Abbe refractometers, the WZB-F 45 integrates a temperature-compensated sapphire-coated prism and a high-contrast color LCD display, enabling reliable readings without external calibration fluids or manual scale interpretation. Its IP65-rated waterproof housing ensures operational integrity in humid, splash-prone environments—such as aquaculture ponds, food processing lines, orchards, or marine research vessels—where dust, moisture, and mechanical shock are common. Designed for ISO/IEC 17025-aligned routine testing, it supports traceable, operator-independent measurements compliant with ASTM D1218, ISO 21748, and USP guidelines for refractive index determination.
Key Features
- Waterproof enclosure (IP65 rating) with sealed optical path and corrosion-resistant housing for outdoor and industrial use
- Integrated Peltier-assisted temperature control and automatic temperature compensation (ATC) across 5–40 °C
- High-resolution color TFT display with intuitive menu navigation and multi-language UI support (English, Spanish, French)
- Optimized sample chamber requiring only 0.3 mL per measurement; compatible with viscous, particulate-laden, or low-surface-tension liquids
- Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 8 hours continuous operation) with low-voltage warning and auto-shutdown to prevent data corruption
- Prism surface coated with synthetic sapphire (Mohs hardness 9) for scratch resistance and long-term optical stability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WZB-F 45 is validated for direct measurement of aqueous solutions including sucrose syrups, saline brines, fruit juices, antifreeze glycol mixtures, and fermentation broths. It accommodates samples with turbidity up to 20 NTU and suspended solids ≤5% w/v, provided the prism surface is cleaned post-measurement using lint-free wipes and deionized water. The instrument conforms to GLP documentation requirements through timestamped internal memory storage (up to 500 records), and its temperature sensor meets IEC 60751 Class B tolerance standards. All firmware and calibration protocols are auditable and support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with YDWG’s optional LabLink software suite.
Software & Data Management
Data export is supported via micro-USB 2.0 interface to Windows/macOS platforms. The included YDWG DataBridge software enables batch export to CSV or Excel, trend analysis over time, and generation of calibration verification reports. Each stored reading includes embedded metadata: date/time stamp, ambient temperature, sample ID (user-defined), and ATC status flag. Audit trails record all parameter changes, calibration events, and firmware updates—essential for ISO 9001 and GMP-regulated environments. Optional Bluetooth 5.0 module (WZB-BT add-on) allows real-time wireless transmission to LIMS or ELN systems.
Applications
- Food & Beverage QC: Brix quantification in fruit juices, honey, soft drinks, and dairy products per AOAC 932.12 and ICUMSA methods
- Aquaculture & Marine Science: Salinity monitoring (ppt or PSU) in hatcheries and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Agriculture & Horticulture: Maturity assessment of grapes, tomatoes, and citrus via soluble solids content (SSC) correlation
- Automotive & Industrial Fluids: Glycol concentration in engine coolants and brake fluids (ASTM D3372)
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Excipient solution concentration checks during formulation and cleaning validation
FAQ
Does the WZB-F 45 require factory recalibration before first use?
No—each unit ships with NIST-traceable calibration certificate (refractive index standard at 20 °C: nD = 1.3330 ± 0.0002). Field verification using distilled water (nD = 1.3330) is recommended prior to critical measurements.
Can the instrument measure non-aqueous solvents like ethanol or acetone?
Yes, but temperature compensation algorithms are optimized for aqueous systems. For organic solvents, users must apply manual correction factors derived from published RI–temperature coefficients (e.g., CRC Handbook values).
Is the prism surface user-serviceable?
The sapphire-coated prism is not field-replaceable. Cleaning must be performed exclusively with lens-grade tissue and reagent-grade isopropanol; abrasive cleaners or ultrasonic baths will compromise optical flatness and measurement fidelity.
How does low-battery operation affect measurement accuracy?
Below 3.2 V, the analog front-end gain drifts beyond specification limits. The device triggers audible and visual alerts at 3.4 V and disables measurement functions at 3.1 V to prevent non-conforming results.
