ATAGO RX-9000i Advanced Benchtop Digital Automatic Refractometer

Overview

The ATAGO RX-9000i is a high-precision, fully automated benchtop refractometer engineered for rigorous quantitative analysis of transparent and semi-transparent liquid samples across industrial QC, pharmaceutical development, and academic research environments. It operates on the principle of critical angle measurement using monochromatic sodium-D light (589.3 nm), enabling direct determination of refractive index (n_D) and derived concentration scales—including Brix, mass/volume percent, molality, and custom-defined indices—without chemical reagents or sample dilution. Its wide dynamic range (n_D: 1.299800–1.715000; Brix: 0.00–100.00%) accommodates highly viscous, high-sugar, or strongly ionic solutions—from concentrated fruit syrups and ethylene glycol antifreeze to sodium hydroxide caustic solutions and pharmaceutical excipient suspensions. Integrated Peltier temperature control ensures precise thermal stabilization (±0.05°C) within 5.00–75.00°C, eliminating dependency on external water baths and supporting ASTM D1218, ISO 21745, and USP compliance for temperature-critical measurements.

Key Features

• High-resolution touchscreen interface with intuitive one-finger operation and responsive GUI navigation
• Automated self-diagnostic system: real-time prism surface cleanliness assessment, ambient light interference detection, and wavelength drift monitoring to safeguard measurement integrity
• Five configurable measurement modes: Standard, Continuous, Auto-Start (on temperature stabilization), Auto-Save, and User-Defined Protocol mode
• Internal memory stores up to 500 measurement records with timestamp, temperature, n_D, Brix, and selected scale identifier
• Synthetic sapphire prism and SUS316 stainless-steel sample well provide exceptional chemical resistance and long-term dimensional stability against aggressive solvents, acids, and alkaline media
• Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) and built-in thermistor calibration traceable to NIST-certified references

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RX-9000i supports aqueous and non-aqueous liquids with optical clarity sufficient for total internal reflection—covering food-grade syrups (HFCS-55, invert sugar), electrolyte solutions (NaCl w/w and v/v, H₂O₂, NaOH), cryoprotectants (glycerol, propylene glycol), automotive fluids (coolants, brake fluids), and biological buffers. It meets GLP/GMP documentation requirements via RS-232C serial output for integration with LIMS or ELN systems. The instrument’s firmware supports audit trail functionality and user access levels per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines when connected to compliant data acquisition software. Calibration verification follows ISO/IEC 17025-recommended practices using certified refractive index standards (e.g., ATAGO RS-2, RS-3).

Software & Data Management

Data export is supported via RS-232C serial interface (standard) for direct connection to PCs running ATAGO’s optional WinCT-Refracto software or third-party SCADA/HMI platforms. WinCT-Refracto enables batch report generation (PDF/CSV), statistical process control (SPC) charting (X-bar/R), calibration log archiving, and multi-user permission management. All measurement events—including manual overrides, calibration actions, and system diagnostics—are time-stamped and logged with operator ID if configured. Optional thermal printer output (via parallel port adapter) provides hard-copy traceability for regulated workflows.

Applications

• Food & Beverage: Brix quantification in juice concentrates, honey moisture content, HFCS blending verification, and ethanol content screening in flavored beverages
• Pharmaceuticals: Excipient concentration monitoring (e.g., sucrose, mannitol), osmolality estimation, and cleaning validation of equipment rinse waters
• Chemical Manufacturing: Real-time control of NaOH lye strength, H₂O₂ decomposition tracking, and glycol-based antifreeze formulation consistency
• Academic Research: Solvent purity assessment, polymer solution characterization, and thermodynamic property derivation (e.g., partial molar volume)
• Quality Assurance Labs: Incoming raw material inspection, in-process checks, and final product release testing under ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 frameworks

FAQ

Does the RX-9000i require external cooling or heating equipment?

No—the integrated Peltier element enables rapid, bidirectional temperature control from 5.00°C to 75.00°C without auxiliary chillers or circulators.
Can the instrument measure non-Brix scales not listed in the factory presets?

Yes—users may define up to 10 custom calibration curves using paired n_D/concentration reference data via WinCT-Refracto software.
Is the sapphire prism resistant to scratching during routine cleaning?

Synthetic sapphire (Mohs hardness 9) withstands standard lint-free wipes and ethanol/isopropanol cleaning; abrasive pads or ultrasonic immersion are not recommended.
How is traceability maintained for regulatory audits?

Each measurement includes embedded metadata (timestamp, temp, operator ID if enabled, calibration status); full audit logs are exportable via RS-232C and support electronic signature workflows when used with validated software.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term accuracy?

Annual verification with certified n_D standards is advised; prism cleaning after each use and quarterly performance checks using ATAGO’s RS-2 reference fluid ensure sustained ±0.000040 n_D repeatability.