ATAGO RX-5000α-Bev Desktop Digital Automatic Refractometer

Overview

The ATAGO RX-5000α-Bev is a high-precision benchtop digital automatic refractometer engineered for reliable, operator-independent measurement of refractive index and Brix concentration in liquid and semi-liquid samples. Utilizing the critical-angle principle of total internal reflection—measured via a high-stability LED light source and precision sapphire prism assembly—the instrument delivers traceable, repeatable results without manual scale reading or subjective interpretation. Designed specifically for beverage, food, pharmaceutical, and chemical quality control laboratories, the RX-5000α-Bev integrates automated sample detection, real-time temperature compensation (via built-in thermistor), and rapid measurement cycles (<3 seconds per reading). Its optical architecture conforms to international standards for refractometric analysis, including JIS Z 8806 (Refractometers for Sugar Solutions) and ISO 21745 (Determination of Refractive Index of Liquids), ensuring metrological integrity across routine QC workflows.

Key Features

• Automatic measurement initiation upon sample loading—no manual trigger required
• Digital LCD display with dual-unit output (Brix % and refractive index n_D)
• High-resolution optical system featuring sapphire measuring prism for long-term abrasion resistance and thermal stability
• Integrated temperature sensor with automatic compensation (range: 10–40 °C ambient; sample temperature effect corrected per JIS Z 8806 Annex B)
• Non-pressurized sample interface—compatible with viscous, foaming, or particulate-laden liquids when filtered or centrifuged
• Robust aluminum alloy chassis with ESD-safe surface finish for laboratory bench integration
• Compliance-ready firmware supporting audit trail generation (user ID, timestamp, result, method ID) for GLP/GMP environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RX-5000α-Bev accommodates aqueous solutions, syrups, fruit juices, soft drinks, dairy-based emulsions, alcohol-containing formulations (up to 40% v/v), and low-viscosity pharmaceutical excipients. Samples must be free of suspended solids >5 µm to avoid prism contamination or scattering error. While the instrument does not incorporate active Peltier temperature control, its passive thermal mass design and real-time ambient correction enable stable operation within standard laboratory conditions (20–25 °C, <60% RH). Regulatory alignment includes full traceability to NIST-traceable sucrose reference standards (SRM 84d), support for ASTM D1078 (Standard Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids), and compatibility with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with ATAGO’s optional PC software (RX-Link Pro v3.2+).

Software & Data Management

Data export is supported via USB 2.0 interface to Windows-compatible PCs running ATAGO’s RX-Link Pro software. The application enables method storage (up to 100 user-defined profiles), statistical process control (SPC) charting (X-bar/R, Cp/Cpk), batch-level reporting, and CSV/Excel-compatible data logging. All measurements include embedded metadata: operator ID, calibration status, prism cleaning timestamp, and environmental temperature at time of acquisition. Audit logs are write-protected and cannot be edited post-acquisition—meeting core ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) for regulated industries.

Applications

• QC release testing of finished beverages (soft drinks, wines, craft beers, RTD teas)
• In-process monitoring of sugar syrup concentration during blending and pasteurization
• Stability assessment of flavored emulsions and functional drink bases
• Raw material verification (e.g., honey purity, fruit concentrate solids content)
• Pharmaceutical excipient qualification (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol solutions)
• Academic research requiring high-reproducibility refractive index referencing in colloid and polymer solution studies

FAQ

Does the RX-5000α-Bev include temperature regulation?
No—it lacks integrated Peltier cooling/heating. Temperature compensation is algorithmic, based on real-time prism surface measurement.
Can it measure alcoholic solutions accurately?
Yes, provided ethanol concentration remains below 40% v/v and temperature is stabilized prior to measurement.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—calibration uses ATAGO-certified sucrose reference solutions, each traceable to NIST SRM 84d and accompanied by CoA.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Daily prism cleaning with lens-grade tissue and ATAGO PR-1 cleaning fluid; biannual verification using certified reference standards.
Is the instrument suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—when used with RX-Link Pro software and documented SOPs, it supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through electronic signatures and immutable audit trails.