ATAGO RX-5000α-Plus High-Precision Desktop Refractometer

Overview

The ATAGO RX-5000α-Plus is a high-precision benchtop refractometer engineered for metrologically rigorous liquid analysis in regulated and research-intensive environments. It operates on the principle of critical angle measurement using monochromatic sodium D-line light (589.3 nm), enabling direct determination of refractive index (n_D) with traceable accuracy. Unlike conventional Abbe refractometers requiring external water baths, the RX-5000α-Plus integrates a thermoelectric (Peltier) temperature control system—delivering stable, programmable sample conditioning from 5.00 °C to 60.00 °C with ±0.05 °C thermal accuracy. This eliminates manual thermostatic intervention and ensures compliance with ISO 21748, ASTM D1218, and USP requirements for temperature-controlled refractometric measurements. The instrument supports dual-parameter output—refractive index (n_D) displayed to five decimal places and Brix concentration to three decimal places—making it suitable for applications demanding quantifiable repeatability across batch release testing, formulation development, and raw material verification.

Key Features

• High-resolution optical detection system with synthetic sapphire prism and SUS316 stainless steel sample stage—resistant to corrosion, thermal drift, and mechanical wear.
• Peltier-driven temperature regulation with real-time feedback control and automatic temperature compensation (ATC), eliminating dependency on external chillers or circulators.
• Measurement repeatability of ≤0.00001 n_D and ≤0.005% Brix under controlled laboratory conditions (23 ±1 °C, humidity <60% RH).
• 60-user-definable calibration scales—enabling direct reporting of custom concentration units (e.g., % w/w glycerol, % v/v ethanol, molality of sucrose solutions) without post-processing.
• Manual zero-point calibration function compliant with GLP documentation standards; full audit trail available when paired with FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data logging software (optional).
• RS-232C serial interface for integration into LIMS or MES platforms; compatible with standard terminal emulators and automated report generation scripts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RX-5000α-Plus accommodates aqueous and organic liquid samples with viscosities up to 500 mPa·s and refractive indices between 1.32700 and 1.58000. Its sapphire prism surface withstands aggressive solvents (e.g., acetone, methanol, chloroform) and caustic reagents common in pharmaceutical cleaning validation or semiconductor wet processing. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and conforms to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards per EN 61326-1. For regulated environments—including FDA-regulated biopharmaceutical manufacturing, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs, and GMP-compliant QC facilities—the optional 21 CFR Part 11 software module provides electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit logs for all measurement events, calibration actions, and scale modifications.

Software & Data Management

While the RX-5000α-Plus operates as a standalone instrument with intuitive front-panel navigation, its RS-232C port enables seamless bidirectional communication with host systems. When configured with ATAGO’s certified data acquisition software (sold separately), users gain access to time-stamped measurement records, configurable pass/fail limits, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and export-ready CSV or PDF reports. All data fields—including n_D, Brix, temperature, operator ID, sample ID, and timestamp—are captured at acquisition. The software enforces ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and supports periodic review cycles required under Annex 11 and WHO TRS 991 guidelines.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Quantification of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) solutions, excipient concentration checks, and osmolality proxy estimation via n_D correlation.
• Food & Beverage: Brix standardization in juice, syrup, and dairy processing; sugar inversion monitoring during hydrolysis; alcohol content estimation in fermented beverages.
• Chemical Manufacturing: Real-time monitoring of polymer solution concentrations, solvent recovery efficiency, and catalyst loading consistency.
• Electrolyte Formulation: Precision control of lithium-ion battery electrolyte composition (e.g., LiPF₆ in EC/DMC blends) where n_D correlates linearly with salt molarity.
• Academic Research: Calibration reference for optical sensor development, thermodynamic property modeling of binary mixtures, and inter-laboratory method transfer studies.

FAQ

Does the RX-5000α-Plus require external temperature stabilization?

No. Its integrated Peltier module maintains sample temperature within ±0.05 °C across the 5.00–60.00 °C range, independent of ambient fluctuations.
Can the instrument measure non-aqueous solutions such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol?

Yes—provided the refractive index falls within 1.32700–1.58000 and the sample does not chemically attack sapphire or SUS316 surfaces.
Is traceable calibration certification included with purchase?

Factory calibration is performed using NIST-traceable sucrose standards; optional UKAS-accredited calibration certificates are available upon request.
How many user-defined scales can be stored simultaneously?

Up to 60 custom scales may be programmed and recalled directly from the instrument interface.
What is the minimum sample volume required for measurement?

Approximately 0.3 mL is sufficient to cover the prism surface uniformly; no flow cell or syringe pump is needed.