ATAGO PR-60PA Digital Handheld Refractometer for Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Concentration Measurement
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | PR-60PA |
| Product Type | Handheld Refractometer |
| Display | Digital LCD |
| Temperature Compensation | Automatic (10–35°C) |
| Measurement Range | 0.0–60.0% (w/w) IPA |
| Accuracy | ±0.5% (0–30%), ±0.8% (~40%), ±1.6% (~60%) |
| Resolution | 0.1% |
| Power Supply | 9V alkaline battery (006P) |
| IP Rating | IP64 |
| Dimensions | 170 × 90 × 40 mm |
| Weight | 300 g (without accessories) |
Overview
The ATAGO PR-60PA is a precision digital handheld refractometer engineered specifically for rapid, on-site quantification of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) concentration in aqueous solutions. It operates on the fundamental optical principle of critical angle refractometry: light passing from a high-refractive-index prism into a sample undergoes total internal reflection at an angle dependent on the sample’s refractive index, which correlates directly with IPA mass fraction (w/w %) under controlled conditions. Unlike general-purpose refractometers, the PR-60PA employs a factory-calibrated optical path and temperature-compensated algorithm optimized exclusively for the IPA–water binary system across its full 0.0–60.0% (w/w) range. Its design prioritizes robustness and operational simplicity in industrial environments—such as printing press maintenance, electronics cleaning validation, and pharmaceutical equipment rinse monitoring—where real-time verification of solvent strength is essential for process consistency and contamination control.
Key Features
- Dedicated IPA calibration curve traceable to ATAGO’s reference standards, ensuring metrological integrity for routine quality checks.
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) across 10–35°C ambient range, eliminating manual correction and minimizing thermal drift during field use.
- Digital LCD display with 0.1% resolution and intuitive single-button operation—no software installation or external interface required.
- IP64-rated enclosure providing dust-tight protection and resistance to water splashes, suitable for humid production floors and cleanroom peripheries.
- Compact ergonomic form factor (170 × 90 × 40 mm) and lightweight construction (300 g) enabling one-handed measurement and extended portability.
- Low-power consumption with standard 9V alkaline battery (006P), supporting >5,000 measurements per set under typical usage conditions.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PR-60PA is validated for use with homogeneous, non-viscous, particle-free IPA–water mixtures commonly employed in industrial cleaning, lithographic dampening, and surface preparation. It is not intended for use with emulsions, suspensions, or solutions containing glycols, surfactants, or dissolved salts, as these alter refractive behavior beyond the instrument’s calibration envelope. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, the device complies with JIS Z 8806:2015 (Refractometric Determination of Refractive Index) and supports GLP-aligned documentation when paired with ATAGO’s optional data logging accessories. Its accuracy specifications align with typical in-process verification requirements outlined in ASTM D1152 (Standard Specification for Isopropyl Alcohol) for concentration verification prior to critical cleaning steps.
Software & Data Management
The PR-60PA operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware updates or connectivity protocols. All measurement data remain local to the unit and are not stored or transmitted. For laboratories requiring audit trails or electronic records, ATAGO recommends pairing the PR-60PA with the PAL-HR series data logger (sold separately), which captures timestamped readings via analog output and exports CSV files compatible with LIMS platforms. This configuration satisfies basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for attributable, legible, and contemporaneous records when deployed with appropriate procedural controls and user access management.
Applications
- Verification of IPA concentration in printing press dampening solutions to maintain optimal ink transfer and plate wetting.
- Routine checks of cleaning bath strength in semiconductor wafer fabrication and PCB manufacturing lines.
- Field validation of disinfectant solution potency in ISO Class 7/8 cleanrooms where IPA-based sanitization is employed.
- QC screening of incoming IPA stock solutions prior to dilution and formulation in pharmaceutical secondary packaging operations.
- Process troubleshooting during solvent recovery cycles where concentration drift may indicate distillation inefficiency or cross-contamination.
FAQ
What is the recommended calibration frequency for the PR-60PA?
ATAGO recommends daily verification using distilled water (0.0% IPA) before first use and after extended idle periods. Full recalibration by an authorized service center is advised annually or after physical impact.
Can the PR-60PA measure ethanol or methanol solutions?
No—the optical calibration and ATC algorithm are specific to the IPA–water system; using it for other alcohols yields nontraceable, non-linear results.
Does the instrument require prism cleaning between samples?
Yes—residual solvent film alters refractive index readings. Wipe the prism surface with lens tissue and isopropyl alcohol after each measurement, then air-dry before next use.
Is the PR-60PA compliant with RoHS or REACH regulations?
Yes—ATAGO confirms full compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2) and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) for all materials used in the PR-60PA housing and optical components.
How does automatic temperature compensation work without a dedicated sensor?
The PR-60PA integrates a thermistor within the prism assembly that continuously monitors thermal equilibrium between the sample and optical block, feeding real-time data to its embedded microcontroller for refractive index correction per the IPA–water thermorefractive model.
