::: Superior Optical Instruments Abbemat Refractometer Series
Define the Accuracy – Choose the Features
Anton Paar offers a range of Abbemat refractometers which embody four decades of technical know-how.
Building on the longstanding knowledge from Dr. Kernchen, Anton Paar continues the tradition of producing high-end refractometers and expands the Abbemat series.
0.0001 nD
“Measures, measures, measures.”
The refractometers of the Performance line provide reliable results for routine applications at either 4 or 5 digits accuracy. Their sturdy design and straightforward operation make the Performance line refractometers true laboratory workhorses.
Performance line
Abbemat 500
Abbemat 300
0.00002 nD
The result:
“Measures when others fail.”
The refractometers of the Heavy Duty line are designed for special applications and for work in harsh environments.
Heavy Duty line
“Ready for any job today and fit for tomorrow.”
The refractometers of the Performance Plus line can be expanded with Plug and Play options which ensures your Abbemat is fit for future tasks. However often you change your application, the Performance Plus line is easily set up using intuitive touchscreen navigation.
Performance Plus line
Abbemat 550
Abbemat 350
Abbemat HPAbbemat HTAbbemat MWAbbemat WR
Performance Line
Abbemat 300 and Abbemat 500
The refractometers of the Performance line are designed for routine analyses and quality control, ranging from checks on incoming raw materials to intermediate and final products. You can select from industry-specific sets of scales. Their sturdy design and straightforward operation make the Abbemat 300/500 true laboratory workhorses. The heart of the refractometer, the prism, is scratch-proof, easy to clean and mounted in a stainless steel sample well.
Quality control mode
You want to see immediately whether the measured value is within the defined limits. The Abbemat screen shows the result and whether it is OK or not OK. This feature is available with the Performance line and Performance Plus line refractometers. With the Performance line refractometers, an easy-to-read dial also shows the position of the result within the limits you have defined.
Accuracy
Judgments based on refractive index measurements must be right. Whatever the application, you want to be sure that the results are trustworthy. Refractive index results from Abbemat 300 are accurate to ±0.0001 nD*; Abbemat 500 provides an accuracy of ±0.00002 nD*. Both are factory calibrated with official standards from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB, National Metrology Institute of Germany). You can order these standards from Anton Paar for your own use.
Operation
You can’t afford to lose time due to malfunctions or difficult handling. For this reason, the built-in color LCD screen and membrane keys are resistant to spillage and dirt. You can operate the refractometer even when wearing gloves. Alternatively, you can control Abbemat 300/500 via an external PC with the Abbemat PC software. Abbemat 300/500 refractometers warn you if the sample volume is not large enough for a valid measurement or the prism needs extra cleaning.
Measurement and reference setting
Abbemat 300/500 refractometers ensure maximum efficiency. For routine measurements, no navigation is required. Values are recorded by simply pressing the Start/Stop button. To set references, the menu takes you through the procedure step-by-step at intervals you define.
*under refractometric standard conditions
Performance Plus Line
Abbemat 350 and Abbemat 550
The refractometers of the Performance Plus line are designed for research and development as well as demanding quality control applications. Abbemat 350 and Abbemat 550 have the same accuracies and features as the refractometers of the Performance line and extra features for your convenience:
Convenience
Save time when defining individual settings or changing from one method to another: Abbemat 350/550 refractometers are set up conveniently using intuitive touchscreen navigation. Numerous predifined methods, method management as well as user-defineable methods and scales make the Performance Plus line fit to undertake every measuring task. You can download the instruction manual from the Abbemat 350/550’s memory so it is always at hand.
Communication
You want to make the refractometer part of your workflow. The Abbemat refractometers enable communication with LIMS and other instruments via CAN-bus, USB and RS232 interfaces. Abbemat 350/550 also provides ethernet interfaces. The Abbemat refractometers can be used with an external PC, printer, bar code reader and keyboard.
Traceability
To ensure that only the right people are doing the right things with the Abbemat there is advanced user management with password rules, audit trails and electronic signature.
Abbemat informs you about the history and current status of your results via the result memory, adjustment and check history, check intervals and validity checks for each measurement. Numerous predefined methods, method management and user-defineable methods and scales make the Performance Plus line fit for every measuring task.
Language
The Abbemat refractometers speak to you in a language you understand. The number of supported languages is continuously being expanded.
Heavy Duty Line
Abbemat HP/WR/MW/HT
The refractometers of the Heavy Duty line are designed for work in harsh environments and for special applications. They have a hermetically sealed stainless steel casing and no display.
Operation
You can be flexible in your applications: The Heavy Duty refractometers have the accessories and operation modes to suit your task. There are two operating modes available:4 Horizontal mode for manual filling using a pipette or spatula. 4 Vertical mode so that solid particles and air bubbles have no
effect: You can position the Abbemat on its side to prevent sedimentation and disturbance affecting the results.
PC software
To protect the refractometer in harsh environments, the Heavy Duty line refractometers have no display. They are controlled by an external PC which can be placed away from the workbench in another part of the laboratory.
Choose from the following Heavy Duty Abbemat refractometers:
You want to perform high-precision measurements.Abbemat HP stands for a maximum precision of ±0.00002 nD over the entire range from 1.32 nD to 1.56 nD.
You want to measure samples with very high or very low refractive index. Abbemat WR stands for measurements over a wide range of refractive indices, from 1.30 nD to 1.72 nD with an accuracy of ±0.00004 nD over the entire range.
You want to determine dispersion or measure refractive index at different wavelengths.Abbemat MW stands for measurements at multiple wavelengths. You can choose up to 8 wavelengths from 436 nm to 656 nm.
You want to measure hot samples or samples with high melting points.Abbemat HT stands for high-temperature measurements from 10 °C to 110 °C.
Abbemat Refractometers Provide 100 % Compliance
You need to fulfill exacting standards. With this in mind, all Abbemat refractometers are compliant with international standards such as ASTM, ICUMSA, OIML, AOAC, DIN/ISO, FDA, ISI, JIS and pharmacopoeias.
Abbemat refractometers provide full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, with user levels, audit trail, electronic signature and forgery-proof data export. Anton Paar also provides a qualification documentation package (IQ/OQ/PQ).
Abbemat Refractometers Get It Right
RI (αcrit, T, λ)
To achieve high quality measurements of refractive index (RI) a refractometer has to get three things right: temperature (T), wavelength (λ) and measuring the critical angle for total reflection (αcrit).
With Abbemat refractometers, the critical angle for total reflection is measured with a high-quality optical setup made of selected components. Minimal stray light, a high-resolution CCD sensor and Fresnel analysis result in a resolution up to 0.000001 in refractive index. The optical bench is hermetically sealed and separately temperature stabilized to protect it from outside influences such as condensation in tropical conditions.
The temperature is the biggest influencing factor on the refractive index. For this reason Abbemat refractometers control the temperature at the prism/sample interface at an accuracy of up to 0.03 °C within seconds.
The wavelength is tuned by Anton Paar to a bandwidth of ±0.2 nm by means of an interference filter. In contrast to simpler optical setups this technology ensures correct results for samples with different dispersions.
The refractive index is a number without dimensions. However, for daily work in the lab, a number of scales with units have proven useful. Abbemat refractometers cover all standard scales. Individual scales are available on request.
You want to identify and characterize samples by their density and refractive index?
Save time by measuring these parameters in one step by choosing the combination of an Abbemat refractometer and a DMA M density meter. Typical applications are the quality control of flavors and fragrances or oils. To automate filling, measuring and cleaning, you can add an Xsample sample changer. This is particularly useful for avoiding contact with toxic or poisonous samples. Xsample 22/52 fills single samples; Xsample 122/452 fills up to 96 samples. To measure aggressive samples, choose Xsample 52, which is resistant to corrosive samples and solvents.
You want to get refractometer and polarimeter readings at the same time?
The combination of an Abbemat refractometer and an MCP polarimeter provides simultaneous refractometer and polarimeter data. For convenience, the results are shown on the MCP screen and summarized in one report. This combination is well-suited for quality control requiring optical rotation and refractive index values.
The combination of Abbemat and an MCP Sucromat saccharimeter is perfect for determining %Pol, °Brix and apparent purity in order to analyze the raw, intermediate and final products of sugar manufacturing.
The Sucrolyser system provides automated analysis of sugar content (%Pol), dry substance (°Brix), apparent purity, and optionally also pH, conductivity ash, solution color, reflectance color and loss on drying.
You want to measure refractive index, density and optical rotation with one system?
The combination of a refractometer, density meter and polarimeter is ideal for the characterization of substances used in the flavors and fragrances sector, i.e. essential oils or aromas. The system is controlled via a PC and configured to measure the required parameters at the push of a button. Up to 96 samples are filled and measured; the sample cells are rinsed and dried automatically.
You want a quick startup after purchase?
To get your refractometer verified for the daily work as quickly as possible, Anton Paar provides a qualification and validation package which is particularly useful for companies in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. This package includes Risk Analysis, Design Qualification, Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification, Performance Qualification, Traceability Matrix, user training and qualified support on-site.
You want automated filling and measurement?
With the Performance Plus line refractometers you can automate sample filling and measurement of up to 96 samples with Xsample 122 or use an optional built-in peristaltic pump to fill samples into the measuring cell.
You want continuous monitoring of the reaction in a batch reactor?
The optional built-in peristaltic pump for the Abbemat Performance Plus line fills sample continuously into the measuring cell.
You measure toxic or poisonous samples?
To reduce your contact with toxic chemicals, use the Abbemat Performance Plus line with the peristaltic pump or Xsample 122 to fill the flow cell.
You also need a pH reading for your sample?
For simultaneous measurement of pH and refractive index in one step, a pH sensor can be added to the Abbemat Performance Plus line. If a peristaltic pump or sample changer is connected, the pH sensor is filled in the same cycle as the refractometer.
Easy Sample Handling
Solutions for the most convenient operation
You have volatile sample or solvent
Flow cells are particularly useful for measuring volatile samples or when using volatile solvents. The flow cell seals the measuring area and prevents the sample or solvent evaporating. Alternatively, e.g. when measuring semi-solid or gel-like samples, a magnetic sample cover seals the measuring cell and prevents the sample or solvent from evaporating.
You want to monitor the progress of a reaction in a batch reactor
The Abbemat flow cells allow bypass installation in small batch reactors, e.g. in combination with a peristaltic pump for automatic filling. For small sample volumes, use a micro flow cell.
You want to connect the Abbemat to an automated system
Both flow cells and micro flow cells allow automatic filling and cleaning, i.e. with the rinsing cycles of an automated system.
You have toxic or poisonous samples
As the micro flow cell can be filled and the sample can be removed manually using a syringe, this minimizes contact between operator and sample.
You want fast quality control for routine analysis
The flow cell with filling funnel is the right choice for measuring a large number of samples quickly in routine quality control when there is enough sample available. To fill this flow cell you just pour one sample after the other into the filling funnel. The new sample flushes the previous sample out.
You have small sample volume
Micro flow cells require only small sample volume. They can be filled manually using a syringe. After measurement, sample can be sucked out using a syringe.
You want easy input of sample data
For easy and convenient input of sample names, IDs, etc. a bar code reader is available.
You want to ensure traceable readings and verify that the refractometer is measuring correctly
To ensure that your refractometer is giving the right results, Anton Paar provides certified calibration standards from PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig, Germany). These standards are measured to a high level of accuracy (up to ±0.00001 nD) by PTB and are also used to adjust each Abbemat refractometers before delivery.
Whatever your samples are, the Abbemat refractometers can measure them.
For precise measurements only a few drops of liquid
sample are required
Highly viscous samples can easily be measured once applied
to the measuring prism
Even the refractive index of solids can be determined with the Abbemat refractometers
Measuring Principle
Why measure the refractive index?
The refractive index of a pure material is a physical property which you can use to identify and characterize samples. For binary mixtures, e.g. dissolved substances, the refractive index is a measure of concentration. For ternary or multi-component mixtures of a given mixing ratio, you can monitor the refractive index for quality control.
As refractive index measurements are quick and reliable, the method is the state of the art in industries around the globe. Measuring refractive index is an essential part of numerous standard operating procedures and laboratory analyses.
A measuring principle with clear benefits
Anton Paar refractometers use reflected rather than transmitted light to measure the refractive index. In this approach the sample on top of the measuring prism is irradiated from different angles by an LED. At the interface between sample and prism the incident beam is either refracted into the sample or reflected back into the prism. The reflected beam is detected by a sensor array. From this the critical angle for total reflection is calculated and used to determine the refractive index (RI) of the sample.
Your benefits of this technology are:
Economic use of sample4 You only require a few microliters 4 The sample can be recovered as the measurement is
non-destructive
Fast and easy 4 You do not have to prepare your sample4 Just apply sample and get a reading within seconds4 A quick wipe cleans the prism after each measurement
Highly tolerant 4 Independent of sample properties you can measure: - all samples from liquids to pastes, polymers to solids - turbid, colored or opaque samples - liquids containing air bubbles or solid particles 4 There is no influence from vibrations or other environmental
disturbances
Long-lasting4 There are no moving parts you need to change4 A long-life LED is used as the light source
Filter
LED
Lens
Lens
CCD sensor
Sample Prism
Refraction
Partial reflection
Total reflection
Critical angle of total reflection
Drugs: The production of pharmaceuticals is very demanding. Many national and international drug regulations and quality standards need to be fulfilled. This includes a precise identification and purity control of the raw materials as well as the final products. Anton Paar refractometers are designed to meet the standards of international pharmacopoeias. They provide 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
Phytopharmaceuticals:Plants containing pharmaceutical drugs can be used for medical treatment. As they are natural products, their composition depends on several environmental parameters and the concentration of the medical drugs they contain varies in a wide range. Abbemat refractometers provide correct identification and concentration measurements.
Juices and syrups:For economic transport and stocking, fruit juices are often concentrated to save weight and volume. Before bottling, they need to be diluted to a drinkable concentration. The concentration is measured in % Brix with Anton Paar refractometers.
Sugar: In order to maximize the yield in sugar manufacturing, the most important analytical parameters to monitor are Pol (°Z), %Brix (RDS) and Apparent Purity. For these measurements an Abbemat refractometer is directly connected to an MCP Sucromat, which then displays all these values simultaneously.
Coffee: To ensure that coffee grounds contain at least the minimum extract content, as required by regulations, producers use Abbemat refractometers to determine the content of dry substance in the extract. The end result: a cup of coffee that tastes good and has the expected strength.
Perfume: In perfume manufacturing, Abbemat refractometers in combination with DMA density meters and MCP polarimeters are used to carry out purity measurements on valuable essential oils and to assure the constant quality of the perfumes.
Food flavors: Natural and artificial flavors give all of our daily food its distinctive taste. In food production, incoming raw materials and finished products are characterized and tested for purity with Abbemat refractometers in combined setups with MCP polarimeters and DMA density meters.
Concrete: Additives in the concrete mixture influence the material properties. They are used as anti-freeze agents, to adjust the time for setting, and influence the desired texture. Abbemat refractometers have proven ideal for concentration measurements and quality control of such additives.
Nanoparticles: The size distribution of nanoparticles is determined by laser diffraction measurements analyzed by inverse scattering theory – a method which requires the refractive index value at the used laser wavelengths. Abbemat MW refractometers are used to determine these RI values. They can also measure very low concentrations of particles which tend to be hardly soluble.
Soft matter research:Phase transitions such as sol-gel transitions manifest themselves as changes in the volume and refractive index with temperature. Abbemat HT high-temperature refractometers are used to investigate such material behavior. Refractometers are ideal here as they do not exert pressure on the sample and are not disturbed by other influences.
Every Sample Has A Refractive Index
The following table lists some of the methods available. Please contact your local representative for an updated list.
Industry Method Units Max. Resolution Temperature [°C]
All Refractive Index nD 0.000001 10 - 85
BeveragesMust gauge °KMW, °OE 0.001 20
Zeiss Z 0.001 20
Food
Butter fat content %mas (g/100 g) 0.001 40
Butter iodine number IN 0.01 40
Honey moisture content %mas (g/100 g) 0.001 20
Milk fat content %mas (g/100 g) 0.001 20
Medical
Serum protein %Vol 0.01 17.50
Serum total solids %Vol 0.001 17.50
Urine osmotic pressure mOsm/l 0.1 20
Urine specific gravity g/ml 0.00001 20
Urine total solids %Vol 0.001 20
Sugar
%Brix %mas
(g sucrose/100 g) 0.001 10 - 40*
%Sucrose %mas (g/100 g) 0.001 10 - 40*
%Fructose %mas (g/100 g) 0.001 20
%Glucose %mas (g/100 g) 0.001 20
Invert sugar %mas (g/100 g) 0.001 20
Corn syrup, AC, 28DE %mas (g/100 g) 0.01 20
Others
FSII ASTM 5006-3 %Vol 0.0001 20
Antifreeze ethylene glycol
°C 0.01 20
Antifreeze propylene glycol
°C 0.01 20
Salinity scale%mas
(NaCl g/100 g)0.001 20
*above 40°C extrapolated
A Method for Every Application
Abbemat Features
Performance line Performance Plus line Heavy Duty line
Accessories and hardware
TFT touchscreen 6.5", 640 x 480 Pixels 2
Membrane keyboard
Vertical operation mode with flow cells
Range of flow cells
Hardware prepared for additional external devices
Optional input/output devices
AbbematPC software 1
External USB devices
Printer
Data interfaces
RS-232 serial port 2
CAN-bus 2
3 USB ports 2
Ethernet connector 2
VGA connector 2
Software features
Data export to MS Excel™ spreadsheet
Data export to text- or pdf file 2
User-configurable data output (ASCII / Excel / LIMS / printer) 2
Automatic data printout
Automatic sample name generation
User-definable sample name fields (e.g. batch no.)
Sample statistics
Backup and restoration of instrument settings
Pdf manual downloadable from device
Methods
Predefined methods
User-definable methods and scales 3
Scale calculator
User-configurable display and result output
User-definable result range for "pass or fail" (quality control mode)
Multiple measurements of sample
Automatic temperature correction
Quality and data security
Advanced user level management
Password rules
Audit trail
Electronic signature
Adjustment and checks history
Check of adjustment validity
Definition of check intervals
Validity check of measuring value
Compliance
21 CFR Part 11
AOAC, ASTM, CID, DIN, FDA, ICUMSA, ISI, JIS, OIML, SSDT methods
1) required for operation2) depending on the connected PC hardware/software; 3) on request
SpecificationsAbbemat 300/350 Abbemat 500/550 Abbemat WR
Wide range
Abbemat HT
High temperature
Abbemat HP
High precison
Abbemat MW
Multiwavelengths
Measuring ranges
Refractive Index scale (RI)
Range nD 1.3 to 1.72 1.3 to 1.72 1.3 to 1.72 1.3 to 1.72 1.32 to 1.56 1.3 to 1.72
Resolution nD ± 0.00001 ± 0.000001 ± 0.000001 ± 0.000001 ± 0.000001 ± 0.000001
Accuracy nD 1) ± 0.0001 ± 0.00002 ± 0.00004 ± 0.00004 ± 0.00002 ± 0.00004
Brix scale
Range 0 to 100 % 0 to 100 % 0 to 100 % 0 to 100 % 0 to 100 % 0 to 100 %
Resolution 0.01 % 0.001 % 0.001 % 0.001 % 0.001 % 0.001 %
Accuracy 0.05 % 0.01 % 0.03 % 0.03 % 0.015 % 0.03 %
Measuring principle Critical angle of total reflection measurement by shadowline detection with CCD array
Sample/prism temperature control by built-in solid state thermostat (Peltier)
Temperature range 10 °C to 85 °C 10 °C to 85 °C 10 °C to 70 °C 10 °C to 110 °C 10 °C to 70 °C 10 °C to 70 °C
Temperature probe
accuracy 1)
± 0.05 °C ± 0.03 °C ± 0.03 °C ± 0.03 °C ± 0.03 °C ± 0.03 °C
Temperature probe
stability 1)
± 0.002 °C ± 0.002 °C ± 0.002 °C ± 0.002 °C ± 0.002 °C ± 0.002 °C
Materials in contact with samples
Prism YAG (Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet)
Sample mold Stainless steel
Seal FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer)
Components
Light source LED light source, average lifetime > 100,000 h
Wavelength
(by wavelength-adjusted
interference filter)
589 nm 589 nm 589 nm 589 nm 589 nm
Up to 8 in the
436 nm to
656 nm range 2)
Power requirements 100-240 VAC +10%/-15%, 50/60 Hz, min. 10 W, max. 100 W, depending on sample temperature setting and ambient
temperature
Dimensions
W x H x D [mm] 300 x 145 x 330 180 x 120 x 250
Weight [kg] 6.5 6
1) valid at refractometric standard conditions (T= 20 °C, λ = 589 nm, ambient temperature = 23 °C)2) 589.3 nm Na-D; 435.8 nm Hg-g; 480.0 nm Cd-F'; 486.1 nm H-F; 488.0 nm Ar/Ion; 514.5 nm Ar/Ion; 532.0 nm Nd/Yag; 546.1 nm Hg-e;
632.8 nm He/Ne; 643.8 nm Cd-C'; 656.3 nm H-F', others on request
Specificationssubject to change
without notice
08/12 D01IP003EN-C
Photos: Croce & Wir
Instruments for:Density & concentration measurement
Rheometry & viscometry
Sample preparation
Microwave synthesis
Colloid science
X-ray structure analysis
Refractometry
Polarimetry
High-precision temperature measurement
Anton Paar® GmbHAnton-Paar-Str. 20A-8054 GrazAustria - EuropeTel: +43 (0)316 257-0Fax: +43 (0)316 257-257E-mail: [email protected]: www.anton-paar.com