ATAGO RX-5000i-plus Desktop Digital Refractometer
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | RX-5000i-plus |
| Measurement Range | 0.00–100.00% (Brix equivalent) |
| Accuracy | ±0.010% |
| Display | Digital Touchscreen |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Refractometer |
| Temperature Control | Peltier-based integrated thermostatic system |
| Compliance | FDA 21 CFR Part 11 software enabled |
| Data Storage | Auto-save of up to 500 measurement records |
| Interface | USB port + RS-232C |
| User Access Control | 4-tier permission levels, 5 unique user passwords |
| Custom Scale Capacity | Up to 100 user-defined scales |
| Preloaded Scales | 23 standard substance-specific calibration curves |
| Self-Diagnostic Function | Prism surface cleanliness detection, optical interference monitoring |
Overview
The ATAGO RX-5000i-plus is a high-precision benchtop digital refractometer engineered for laboratories requiring traceable, repeatable, and auditable concentration measurements across diverse industrial and research applications. It operates on the principle of total internal reflection at the prism-sample interface, measuring the critical angle of refraction to determine the refractive index (nD) with sub-micron optical resolution. From this fundamental optical parameter, the instrument calculates concentration values—including Brix (% w/w sucrose), % solids, or custom-defined units—based on preloaded or user-generated calibration models. Designed and manufactured in Japan, the RX-5000i-plus integrates a thermoelectric (Peltier) temperature control system directly into the prism assembly, eliminating reliance on external water baths while maintaining measurement stability within ±0.1 °C across ambient conditions. Its optical architecture complies with ISO 21748 and ASTM D1218 standards for refractive index determination, ensuring metrological consistency with international reference methods.
Key Features
- Integrated Peltier temperature regulation: Maintains prism surface at user-selectable setpoints (typically 20 °C, 25 °C, or custom) without external cooling units
- High-resolution capacitive touchscreen interface with six customizable UI themes for ergonomic daily operation
- Five dedicated measurement modes: Single-shot, continuous, timed interval, multi-point averaging, and temperature-swept acquisition
- Comprehensive data integrity framework: FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software with electronic signatures, audit trail logging, and immutable record storage
- Advanced self-diagnostic capability: Real-time assessment of prism contamination, light source intensity drift, and spectral interference from sample fluorescence or turbidity
- Robust access control: Four hierarchical privilege levels (Administrator, Supervisor, Operator, Viewer) supported by five distinct user passwords
- Expandable scale library: Preconfigured curves for 23 common substances (e.g., glycerol, ethylene glycol, sodium chloride, citric acid); capacity for 100 additional user-defined scales via nD-concentration pair input
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RX-5000i-plus accommodates aqueous solutions, syrups, juices, pharmaceutical excipients, chemical solvents, and semi-viscous formulations with refractive indices ranging from 1.3200 to 1.5600 (nD). Its stainless-steel sample stage and sapphire-coated prism ensure resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear during routine cleaning with ethanol or mild detergent. All firmware and embedded software modules are validated per ICH Q9 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for analytical instrumentation used in GLP and GMP environments. The device meets CE marking directives for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage safety (LVD), and its data export protocols conform to ASTM E1382-22 for digital laboratory instrument interoperability.
Software & Data Management
Measurement records—including timestamp, operator ID, temperature, nD, derived concentration, and raw optical signal intensity—are automatically archived in non-volatile memory (500-entry buffer). Data export is supported via USB mass-storage mode (CSV/Excel-compatible) or serial transmission through RS-232C to LIMS or ELN platforms. The included PC software provides full audit trail review, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and batch report generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 expectations. All modifications to calibration parameters, user permissions, or scale definitions are logged with time-stamped entries, user attribution, and pre-/post-change values.
Applications
- Food & Beverage QA/QC: Brix verification in fruit juices, soft drinks, jams, and dairy concentrates
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Excipient concentration checks in syrup bases, ophthalmic solutions, and parenteral formulations
- Chemical process monitoring: Glycol content in antifreeze, acid concentration in pickling baths, solvent purity screening
- Academic research: Solubility studies, polymer solution characterization, and thermodynamic modeling of binary mixtures
- Industrial coatings: Resin solids content validation prior to application or curing
FAQ
Does the RX-5000i-plus require external temperature control equipment?
No. It features an integrated Peltier thermoregulation system that actively stabilizes the prism temperature without auxiliary chillers or water circulation units.
Can measurement data be exported directly to Excel or LIMS?
Yes—via USB flash drive (CSV format) or RS-232C serial connection using standard ASCII protocol compatible with most laboratory informatics systems.
How many custom calibration curves can be stored?
Up to 100 user-defined scales may be configured, each supporting multi-point linear or polynomial regression based on nD–concentration reference data.
Is the instrument suitable for viscous or particulate-containing samples?
It is optimized for clear, homogeneous liquids; highly turbid or suspended-phase samples require filtration or centrifugation prior to analysis to avoid scattering-induced error.
What regulatory documentation is provided for validation purposes?
Factory calibration certificate (traceable to NIST standards), IQ/OQ documentation templates, and 21 CFR Part 11 configuration files are supplied with each unit.
