Drick DRK-Y81 Automated Desktop Refractometer for Sucrose Concentration Analysis
| Brand | Drick |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | DRK-Y81 |
| Price Range | USD 11,200–14,000 (FOB) |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Refractometer |
| Temperature Control | Integrated Peltier Thermostat |
| Digital Display | High-Resolution LCD with Real-Time nD Readout |
| Refractive Index Range | 1.30000–1.70000 (nD) |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±0.0002 nD |
| Compliance | ISO 2165, ASTM D1218, USP <781>, GLP-Ready Architecture |
Overview
The Drick DRK-Y81 Automated Desktop Refractometer is a precision optical instrument engineered for high-reproducibility refractive index (nD) measurement of transparent and semi-transparent liquid samples—particularly aqueous sugar solutions, syrups, fruit juices, pharmaceutical formulations, and industrial coolants. It operates on the principle of total internal reflection at the prism–sample interface, where the critical angle of incidence is optically detected via a high-sensitivity CCD array and converted into a calibrated nD value using built-in reference curves traceable to NIST-traceable standards. Unlike manual Abbe refractometers, the DRK-Y81 integrates automated sample dispensing, thermally stabilized measurement, and digital signal processing to eliminate operator-dependent variability. Its optical path is sealed and purged to prevent condensation or contamination, ensuring long-term stability under routine QC laboratory conditions.
Key Features
- Integrated Peltier temperature control system maintaining sample temperature within ±0.1 °C across 10–40 °C range—critical for viscosity- and density-sensitive measurements per ISO 2165.
- High-resolution 5-digit nD display (1.30000–1.70000) with real-time auto-zero compensation and drift correction algorithms.
- Optical prism assembly fabricated from sapphire-grade BK7 glass with anti-reflective coating to minimize stray light and enhance signal-to-noise ratio.
- Automated calibration workflow supporting dual-point verification using certified sucrose standards (e.g., 10 wt% and 50 wt% at 20 °C).
- Rugged aluminum alloy chassis with ESD-safe surface finish and IP20-rated enclosure for benchtop deployment in regulated manufacturing environments.
- GLP-compliant audit trail logging: all measurements, calibrations, user logins, and parameter changes are timestamped and stored internally with non-volatile memory retention (>10,000 entries).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRK-Y81 accommodates samples with viscosities up to 500 mPa·s and minimum volume requirement of 0.5 mL. It supports direct analysis of undiluted fruit concentrates, invert sugar syrups, glycerol–water mixtures, and low-turbidity pharmaceutical excipient solutions. Sample compatibility excludes opaque suspensions, emulsions, or highly volatile solvents (e.g., acetone, ether) due to evaporation-induced refractive drift. The instrument conforms to international metrological requirements outlined in ISO 2165 (petroleum products), ASTM D1218 (hydrocarbon refractive index), and USP (refractometry in pharmaceutical quality control). Its firmware architecture supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures when paired with optional PC-based software.
Software & Data Management
The DRK-Y81 includes embedded firmware with USB 2.0 host interface for direct connection to Windows-based workstations. Optional Drick RefraLink™ PC software enables advanced data handling: batch report generation (PDF/CSV), statistical process control (SPC) charting (X-bar/R), trend analysis over time, and export to LIMS via ASTM E1384-compliant structured text files. All raw intensity profiles and calibration coefficients are accessible for internal validation. Audit logs are exportable in tamper-evident format with SHA-256 hash verification. No cloud dependency—the system operates fully offline to meet strict data sovereignty requirements in regulated industries.
Applications
- Food & Beverage: Brix quantification in orange juice, maple syrup, honey, and soft drink concentrates per AOAC 932.12.
- Pharmaceuticals: Excipient concentration verification (e.g., sorbitol, propylene glycol) and osmolality estimation in parenteral solutions.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Quality release testing of ethylene glycol–water antifreeze blends and industrial surfactant solutions.
- Academic Research: Solvent purity assessment, polymer solution characterization, and thermodynamic modeling of binary liquid systems.
- QC Laboratories: Routine incoming material inspection, in-process monitoring, and stability study support under ICH Q5C guidelines.
FAQ
What temperature standard does the DRK-Y81 use for nD reporting?
The instrument reports refractive index at the user-selectable reference temperature (default 20 °C), with automatic thermal compensation applied during measurement using integrated Pt100 sensor feedback.
Can the DRK-Y81 measure non-sugar aqueous solutions?
Yes—it provides absolute nD values for any homogeneous liquid; concentration conversion tables for NaCl, ethanol–water, and glycerol–water are preloaded and customizable via firmware update.
Is external calibration required before first use?
No—each unit ships with factory calibration verified against NIST SRM 1484 (sucrose solution standards); users perform only routine verification using supplied calibration fluids.
Does the system support multi-user access control?
Yes—up to 16 user accounts with role-based permissions (Operator, Supervisor, Administrator) and password-protected method editing.
How is measurement repeatability validated?
Repeatability is specified as ≤±0.0001 nD (RSD < 0.005%) for five consecutive injections of the same sucrose standard under controlled ambient conditions—verified per ISO 5725-2.
