ATAGO PR-RI Digital Portable Refractometer with Custom Scale Function
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | PR-RI |
| Product Type | Handheld Refractometer |
| Temperature Control | Yes |
| Digital Display | Yes |
| Refractive Index Range | 1.3306 to 1.4436 |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±0.0002 RI (at 20°C water) |
| Resolution | 0.0001 RI |
| Operating Temperature | 5–45°C |
| Ambient Temperature Range | 5–40°C |
| Power Supply | 9V Alkaline Battery (006P) |
| IP Rating | IP64 |
| Dimensions & Weight | 17 × 9 × 4 cm, 300 g (main unit only) |
Overview
The ATAGO PR-RI is a high-precision digital handheld refractometer engineered for reliable, field-ready refractive index (RI) measurement across industrial quality control and R&D environments. Based on the principle of total internal reflection at the prism–sample interface, the instrument determines RI by detecting the critical angle shift induced by sample optical density. Its optical path incorporates a temperature-compensated sapphire prism and integrated Peltier-assisted thermal regulation, enabling stable measurements within ±0.0002 RI accuracy—calibrated against distilled water at 20°C per ISO 21148:2020 and ASTM D1218 standards. Designed for rapid, non-destructive analysis of transparent to mildly turbid liquids, the PR-RI delivers traceable, repeatable results without solvent consumption or sample preparation—making it ideal for inline process verification, raw material screening, and laboratory benchtop validation.
Key Features
- High-resolution digital display with 0.0001 RI resolution and real-time temperature readout (°C)
- Onboard Peltier-based temperature control system maintaining prism surface at user-selectable setpoints between 5°C and 45°C
- Custom scale programming capability: users may define and store up to 10 proprietary calibration curves (e.g., % w/w concentration vs. RI) via PC software
- Rugged, IP64-rated housing resistant to dust ingress and water splashes—suitable for production floor, warehouse, and outdoor use
- Optimized optical design featuring a high-transmittance sapphire measuring prism with anti-scratch coating and extended service life
- Battery-powered operation (9V alkaline, 006P type) supporting >5,000 measurements per charge; auto-power-off after 3 minutes of inactivity
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PR-RI accommodates aqueous solutions, organic solvents, glycol-based fluids, edible oils, polymer emulsions, and low-viscosity chemical formulations with refractive indices between 1.3306 and 1.4436. Samples must be optically homogeneous and free of suspended particulates larger than 5 µm to avoid scattering-induced deviation. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety and meets EN 61326-1 requirements for electromagnetic compatibility in industrial environments. Its measurement traceability aligns with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 principles when operated under documented calibration procedures using NIST-traceable reference standards (e.g., certified sucrose solutions or synthetic calibration oils). For regulated industries—including pharmaceutical manufacturing and food safety labs—the PR-RI supports GLP-compliant workflows through audit-trail-enabled software export (CSV/TXT), though native 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires integration with validated third-party data management platforms.
Software & Data Management
ATAGO’s optional PC application (Refractometer Manager v3.x) enables full configuration of custom scales, firmware updates, data logging, and statistical reporting (mean, SD, CV%, min/max). Measurement records include timestamp, ambient temperature, prism temperature, RI value, and user-defined batch ID. Exported datasets retain metadata required for ISO 9001 documentation and internal QA audits. The software supports CSV and TXT formats compatible with LIMS, Excel, and Minitab. No cloud connectivity or remote access is embedded in the device firmware—ensuring data sovereignty and alignment with ITAR and GDPR-sensitive operational protocols.
Applications
- Food & Beverage: Brix-to-RI correlation for juice, syrup, dairy, and fermentation broth consistency checks
- Chemical Manufacturing: Solvent purity verification (e.g., ethanol/water blends), monomer concentration monitoring in polymer synthesis
- Pharmaceuticals: Excipient solution density verification, cleaning agent concentration tracking in CIP systems
- Automotive & Lubricants: Glycol coolant concentration mapping, brake fluid hygroscopicity assessment
- Agriculture & Horticulture: Nutrient solution strength monitoring in hydroponics and fertigation systems
- Academic Research: Teaching optical property fundamentals; supporting materials science projects involving thin-film deposition or colloidal dispersion characterization
FAQ
What calibration standards are recommended for routine verification?
Distilled water at 20°C (RI = 1.3330) and certified sucrose reference solutions (e.g., 10%, 30%, and 60% w/w) per USP <851>.
Can the PR-RI measure opaque or highly viscous samples?
No—it requires optically clear or slightly translucent liquids; viscosity should remain below ~500 mPa·s to ensure uniform prism coverage and avoid air bubble entrapment.
Is temperature compensation automatic across all custom scales?
Yes—each stored scale applies ATAGO’s proprietary algorithm for temperature-dependent RI correction based on built-in thermistor feedback from the prism surface.
How often should the prism be cleaned and recalibrated?
Wipe with lens tissue and reagent-grade isopropanol after each use; full calibration verification is advised before each shift in regulated settings or every 24 hours in continuous operation.
Does the PR-RI support RS-232 or USB output?
No—data transfer occurs exclusively via PC software using a proprietary USB cable; no real-time serial streaming capability is implemented.
