YDWO WZB45 Portable Digital Refractometer
| Brand | YDWO (Yidian Woguang) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | WZB45 |
| Type | Handheld Refractometer |
| Temperature Compensation | Yes |
| Digital Display | Yes |
| Measurement Range | 0–45% Brix / 1.3330–1.4098 RI |
| Accuracy | ±0.2% Brix / ±0.0003 RI |
Overview
The YDWO WZB45 Portable Digital Refractometer is a precision optical instrument engineered for rapid, field-deployable measurement of refractive index (RI) and derived concentration units—including Brix, salinity, specific gravity, and more—based on the fundamental principle of Snell’s Law. It utilizes a high-stability Abbe-type prism assembly coupled with a temperature-compensated LED light source and CMOS photodetector array to deliver repeatable, operator-independent readings in under three seconds. Designed for routine quality control in food & beverage production, agricultural processing, clinical point-of-care testing, and industrial fluid management, the WZB45 eliminates subjective visual interpolation associated with analog refractometers. Its compact form factor (140 × 65 × 40 mm), lightweight construction (172 g), and pocket-portable design enable seamless integration into mobile inspection workflows without compromising metrological integrity.
Key Features
- High-resolution LCD display with dual-unit capability (e.g., Brix % and refractive index simultaneously)
- Integrated automatic temperature compensation (ATC) across 10–40 °C, calibrated to the standard sodium D-line (589.3 nm)
- Single-drop sample requirement (≤0.1 mL) with rapid thermal equilibration via sapphire-coated prism surface
- Extended operational lifetime: rated for ≥10,000 measurements per battery set (2 × AAA)
- Auto-power-off after 3 minutes of inactivity; low-battery indicator alerts prior to critical discharge
- Unit-switching functionality: °C/°F toggle, configurable output modes (Brix, RI, salinity %, SG, alcohol % v/v, etc.)
- Ruggedized ABS housing with IP65-rated ingress protection against dust and water splashes
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WZB45 supports aqueous solutions with viscosity ≤500 mPa·s and non-volatile solute content typical of fruit juices, soft drinks, dairy products, brines, antifreeze mixtures (ethylene/propylene glycol), battery electrolytes, urine, serum protein dilutions, and fermentation intermediates. It complies with core optical metrology conventions defined in ISO 21748 (Refractometry — Guidance for the use of refractometers) and aligns with ASTM D1218 (Standard Test Method for Refractive Index of Hydrocarbon Liquids). While not certified for regulated GMP environments, its ATC algorithm and traceable calibration protocol support GLP-aligned documentation when used with NIST-traceable sucrose standards. No hazardous materials or optical oils are required for operation.
Software & Data Management
The WZB45 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware update capability or PC connectivity. All calibration, unit selection, and temperature mode adjustments are performed via tactile membrane buttons. Factory calibration is performed using certified sucrose reference solutions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% w/w) traceable to NIST SRM 84d. Users may perform two-point recalibration in the field using supplied standard solutions. Audit-ready records must be manually transcribed; however, the device’s repeatability (RSD < 0.15% for Brix at 20 °C) and stability (drift < 0.0001 RI over 8 h) facilitate robust manual logbook compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when paired with controlled procedural documentation.
Applications
- Fruit juice and soft drink manufacturing: real-time Brix verification pre- and post-pasteurization
- Honey grading and adulteration screening per Codex Alimentarius standards
- Winemaking: monitoring must sugar content and estimating potential alcohol yield
- Aquaculture and marine biology: salinity assessment in hatchery water systems
- Veterinary clinics: rapid urine specific gravity and serum protein estimation in canine/feline diagnostics
- Automotive maintenance: ethylene glycol/propylene glycol concentration and freeze-point determination in coolant loops
- Battery service: specific gravity evaluation of lead-acid electrolyte (1.00–1.50 sg)
FAQ
What is the wavelength of the light source used in the WZB45?
The instrument employs a monochromatic LED centered at 589.3 nm (sodium D-line), ensuring consistency with international refractive index reporting conventions.
Does the WZB45 require periodic factory recalibration?
While not mandatory, annual verification against NIST-traceable standards is recommended for applications requiring documented metrological continuity.
Can the WZB45 measure non-aqueous liquids such as ethanol or acetone?
No—its ATC algorithm and calibration curve are optimized for aqueous solutions only; measurements of pure organic solvents will yield inaccurate results.
Is the prism surface scratch-resistant?
Yes—the measuring surface features a sapphire-hardened coating (Mohs hardness ≥9), resistant to abrasion from routine cleaning with lens tissue and isopropyl alcohol.
How does the WZB45 handle high-sugar or viscous samples like maple syrup or condensed milk?
Viscosity >500 mPa·s may delay thermal equilibrium and cause transient reading drift; users should allow ≥10 s stabilization and wipe the prism thoroughly between measurements.
