THE ORIGINAL AQUAFAUNA BIO-MARINE FULLY AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED REFRACTOMETER, 0-100 PPT
ACCURACY
The Aquafauna refractometer has been set with a Temperature Compensation Coefficient (TCC) corresponding to seawater (30 to 50 ppt). Within this range, TCC responds correctly and accurately within 0.1%. Outside this range, refractometer's accuracy is within 0.2%. As the instrument approaches 20 deg C (68 deg F), variance decreases and the error factor approaches zero).
SPECIFICATIONS
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SCALE |
Specific Gravity and Parts Per Thousand (ppt) |
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SCALE RANGE |
Specific Gravity = 1.000 to 1.070 |
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COMPENSATION RANGE |
10 deg C to 30 deg C (ABMTC only) |
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SIZE |
20 cm x 4 cm |
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WEIGHT |
175 grams |
THE COMPENSATION DEVICE
The refractive index of liquid differs with temperature. It is most desirable that measurement be made under constant temperature conditions of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degF). To achieve compensated readings of liquid samples which are not 20 degrees C, a fused bimetal compensator has been designed into the Aquafauna refractometer. Contained in the barrel, this device has excellent durability.Upon taking a sample under the daylight plate, the sample immediately adopts the temperature of the instrument. If measuring heated or refrigerated samples, allow the liquid to attain ambient temperature or wait 1 or 2 minutes after applying the sample to the prism. With the Aquafauna refractometer, it is possible to achieve accurate temperature compensated readings of liquid samples when the instrument is between the temperatures of 10 deg C and 30 deg C (50 deg F - 86 deg: F).
CALIBRATING TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING REFRACTOMETER
Allow the Aquafauna refractometer to rest for approximately one hour at 20 degrees Celsius (68 deg F) or in the ambient temperature in which you will be taking readings. Place distilled water under the daylight plate. The boundary refraction line should read 1.000 specific gravity or 0 ppt. If line is above of below the 1.000 specific gravity / 0 ppt marking on the scale, remove the plastic cap (new models have no cap), which has been sealed with silicone. Then, while looking through unit, use a small screwdriver to turn adjustment screw counter clockwise until boundary refraction line moves above zero then turn the adjustment screw clockwise until refraction line moves down to zero. Always make your "zero adjustments" in the clockwise direction so as to prevent any thread slippage. When line is at zero, place a small drop of silicone sealant on top of adjustment screw (not necessary on new models) and replace the plastic cap. With finger, press center of plastic cap and twist cap half turn to help spread sealant and insure a watertight seal.
USING THE INSTRUMENT FOR MEASUREMENT
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Open the daylight plate and put several drops of sample on the prism surface. Close the daylight plate so the plate comes into contact with the prism surface. The sample should spread completely over the prism surface. Air bubbles or an insufficient sample will be hard to read. If this occurs, repeat the procedure, applying more of the liquid sample. |
Holding the Aquafauna refractometer by the rubber grip, point the prism end of the refractometer to a light source and observe the field of view through the eyepiece. Focus the eyepiece by turning the cross-striped portion of the rubber eyepiece guard either clockwise or counter-clockwise until the scale becomes clearly visible. |
A horizontal boundary line separating the blue field of view (top) and white field of view (bottom) will appear in the field of vision. Adjust the angle of unit to the light source until line is sharp and distinct. The values |
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(Note: If line appears diffused, repeat step 1 above as there may be debris and/or and insufficient sample between the prism and daylight plate) |
PRECAUTIONS IN MEASUREMENT
Both the Automatic Compensating instrument and Non-Compensating instrument will react to changes in ambient temperature. Therefore, giving one's body temperature unwittingly to the refractometer (ie: warm hands) may result in faulty readings (this is true more so the Temperature Compensated model than the Non-Compensated model). When handling the instrument, care must be directed to the following points.
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Release hold of the instrument when not in use for easurement. A warm hand can activate a faulty temperature compensation (Compensated units) or cause a variation in a 20 deg C calibration (non-compensating units). |
Do not hold the instrument by its plastic encasement surrounding the prism (prism head). Hold only the anti-slip rubber grip area. |
When subjecting refractometer to ambient temperature changes, be sure to re-check calibration. The more extreme the change in temperature, the longer you should let unit sit in the new temperature before re-calibrating. |
If measuring different types of samples, be sure to clean prism with distilled water before taking next sample so any residue from previous sample will not influence the reading of the new sample. (Note: ALWAYS clean prism with distilled water and wipe dry when you are done using instrument). |
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CARING FOR YOUR REFRACTOMETER
· Always wipe the prism surface and daylight plate dry between and after each measurement.
· Do not allow saltwater to remain anywhere on the unit. When through, wipe clean with damp cloth (fresh water) then wipe dry.
· Keep in dry place and preferably in the ambient temperature in which you are taking samples. (this will eliminate constant re-calibration).
· DO NOT immerse unit past the daylight plate when taking samples direct from liquid source.
· Submersion past the daylight plate partially or completely will cause leaking and/or condensation inside the unit, distorting the view and ultimately damaging the bi-metal compensating device. (internal water damage is not covered by warranty).
REMEMBER...the Aquafauna refractometer is a precision optical instrument - HANDLE IT WITH CARE!
TROUBLESHOOTING
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HARD TO READ HORIZONTAL LINE |
1. Make sure your sample completely covers prism |
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HORIZONTAL LINE IS TILTED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT: |
Barrel either unscrewed from prism head or is over tightened. To reset, put sample on prism. While looking through unit, hold the barrel with one hand and with other hand, turn the prism head in the OPPOSITE direction from which the line tilts until line is straight across. |
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DIFFUSED READINGS (HAZY, FOGGY) |
1. Check eyepiece. When lifting unit to your eye, an exhaling breath on the eyepiece will create condensation on the outside of the small circular lens. This will dissipate in a few seconds or can be wiped off.
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FAINT LINE/or NO READING (LIGHT BLUE OR TOTALLY WHITE |
Check under daylight plate and look at prism. Small areas resembling air bubbles where the blue color appears to lifted will cause the readings to become less distinct. |
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NO LINE OR LINE WILL NOT CALIBRATE TO ZERO |
Remove plastic cap that covers adjustment screw. Place sample on prism and while looking through unit, turn adjustment screw counter clockwise with small screwdriver until horizontal line begins to rise. If adjustment screw comes all the way out of unit but the line still does not rise, return to Aquafauna for inspection/repair. If line does rise, using distilled water, place a sample on prism, turn adjustment screw counter clockwise until line is above zero then turn adjustment screw clockwise and re-calibrate unit back to zero. |
WARRANTY
Aquafauna Bio-Marine, Inc. will repair or replace, at its option the instrument for shipping charges only, if it is found to be defective in workmanship or material for one year from the date of purchase by the end-user. This warranty is null and void if the instrument has been misused in any way* or has been repaired or altered by other than Aquafauna Bio-Marine, Inc or its appointed servicing agent.
*This includes units that have been dropped resulting in a cracked prisms or other major internal damage. This also includes units with extreme internal damage due to oxidation, corrosion of internal parts due to submersion of unit in any solution.
DO NOT COMPLETELY SUBMERSE UNIT IN ANY SOLUTION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO USE.
NEEDING REPAIRS?
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Shipment in the United States |
1. Pack the refractometer in a suitable cushioned box. Enclose a note explaining the reason for return (ie: Type of damage, when it was purchased, etc.). |
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Shipment from outside the United States. |
1. Pack the refractometer in a suitable cushioned box. Enclose a note explaining the reason for return (ie: Type of damage, when it was purchased, etc.). |
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DO NOT SEND VIA AIRFREIGHT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE |
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