ATAGO RX-5000i-Plus High-Precision Automatic Digital Refractometer

Overview

The ATAGO RX-5000i-Plus is a high-precision, benchtop automatic digital refractometer engineered for metrological-grade measurement of refractive index (n_D) and Brix concentration in liquid samples. It operates on the principle of total internal reflection at the prism–sample interface, where incident light undergoes critical angle deviation proportional to the sample’s optical density. This fundamental optical property correlates directly with solute concentration—enabling traceable, non-destructive quantification of sugar, alcohol, glycol, salt, and other dissolved substances without reagents or calibration curves. Designed for laboratories requiring regulatory compliance and long-term measurement stability, the RX-5000i-Plus integrates a thermoelectric (Peltier) temperature control system capable of maintaining sample temperature within ±0.05 °C across a 5.00–75.00 °C range—eliminating reliance on external water baths and ensuring strict adherence to ASTM D1218, ISO 21745, and USP temperature-dependent refractometric protocols.

Key Features

• Ultra-high resolution display: n_D to 0.000001 and Brix to 0.001%, enabling detection of subtle compositional shifts in high-value formulations.
• Intelligent prism self-diagnostic function: continuously monitors surface contamination and optical integrity prior to each measurement cycle, preventing erroneous readings caused by residual film or micro-scratches.
• Five configurable measurement modes: MODE-1 (temperature-stabilized precision), MODE-2 (interval-based kinetic profiling), MODE-3 (non-thermostatted rapid acquisition, <4 s), MODE-S (stability-triggered readout for volatile or settling samples), and MODE-T (low-concentration optimization for aqueous extracts such as tea or herbal infusions).
• Synthetic sapphire prism and SUS316 stainless steel sample well: chemically inert, scratch-resistant, and compatible with aggressive solvents, cleaning agents, and high-pH or high-salinity matrices.
• Integrated FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data logging software: enforces electronic signature, audit trail, and user access control; automatically timestamps and archives all raw n_D, Brix, temperature, and operator metadata.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RX-5000i-Plus accommodates a broad spectrum of industrial and research-grade liquids—including ethanol–water mixtures (e.g., alcoholic beverages, fuel ethanol), fruit juices, syrups, pharmaceutical excipients, coolant glycols, and semiconductor-grade process chemicals. Its ATC (Automatic Temperature Compensation) algorithm applies real-time correction using built-in NIST-traceable temperature sensors, satisfying ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited testing laboratories. The instrument conforms to GLP and GMP documentation standards through its secure, encrypted local memory (500 entries) and export-ready CSV/Excel output. All factory-default scales—including alcohol % v/v, Oechsle, Baumé, and Plato—are pre-validated per AOAC Official Method 932.12 and ICUMSA GS7-10. Up to 100 custom scales can be programmed and validated internally for proprietary formulations.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware supports dual communication interfaces: RS-232C for legacy LIMS integration and USB for direct PC connection. The included ATAGO Data Manager software provides full 21 CFR Part 11 functionality—including role-based user authentication, immutable audit logs, electronic signatures, and change history for all method parameters and calibration events. Measurement records include instrument ID, timestamp, environmental temperature/humidity (if connected to optional sensor), operator ID, and full spectral validation flags. Data exports are compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 and support automated reporting for internal QA reviews or regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Quality control of fermented beverages: precise ethanol quantification in wine, beer, and spirits per OIV methods.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: concentration verification of syrup bases, injectables, and ophthalmic solutions under USP .
• Food R&D: Brix consistency monitoring in jams, concentrates, and dairy-based emulsions during thermal processing.
• Automotive and aerospace: ethylene glycol concentration verification in antifreeze coolants per SAE J1087.
• Academic research: solvent purity assessment, polymer solution characterization, and thermodynamic studies of binary liquid systems.

FAQ

Does the RX-5000i-Plus require external cooling water for temperature stabilization?

No—it uses an integrated Peltier element for both heating and cooling, eliminating dependency on chiller units or tap water.
Can I validate my own concentration scale against certified reference materials?

Yes. The instrument supports user-defined scale creation with up to 10-point calibration using NIST-traceable sucrose or ethanol standards.
Is the sapphire prism resistant to hydrofluoric acid or strong alkalis?

Sapphire is highly resistant to most acids and bases but not HF; avoid contact with hydrofluoric acid or molten alkalis above 500 °C.
How does the auto-clean diagnostic function work?

It analyzes reflected light intensity and beam profile uniformity before measurement; if deviation exceeds preset thresholds, it alerts the user and suspends acquisition until manual cleaning is confirmed.
Can measurement data be exported to LIMS without third-party middleware?

Yes—via RS-232C serial protocol with ASCII command set, supporting direct integration into validated laboratory information management systems.