KEM RA-620 User manual

Refractometer
RA-620/RA-600
Operation Manual
* P 5 9 0 0 0 3 3 0 1 *
Read this operation manual thoroughly before use.
AN 59-00033-01Ver.10

1. Introduction
RA-620/RA-600
1
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a KEM refractometer.
This refractometer (RA-620/RA-600) is a precision instrument which measures the
refractive index of liquid samples. The reflection signal of LED light from prism received
by CCD (charge-coupled device) is computed by the built-in processor, and measurement
results appear on display immediately. Therefore, utmost care should be taken when you
install or handle the product.
Features
！Easy Operation！
4.7-inch colour LCD & touchscreen operation
Information message to guide you to next step
Display in English, Korean, Chinese or Russian
！Easy Maintenance！
Easy to clean sample stage
Clean and durable aluminum die casting housing
！Reliable！
Standard liquid of refractive index traceable to national
standard is supplied.
GLP/GMP conformed by record keeping.
Password protection ensures security.
！Efficient！
Measurement time is shortened by enhanced repeatability
and stability.
Built-in temperature control by peltier thermostat for the
range of 5 to 75C.
Data export to PC by USB flash drive
For details of each of the above, refer to the separate Function Description.

1. Introduction
2
1-1. Safety Controls
Important:
You must observe the following rules in order to prevent physical or property
damage of yourself as well as of the others.
Meaning of Symbols
Warning
Danger of severe injury or possible death
Caution
Risk of physical or property damage
This symbol means Prohibition.
This symbol means Mandatory.
Place for Installation
Avoid a place under any of the following conditions to avoid malfunction.
Caution
Under vibration
Under direct sun
light
Corrosive gas
atmosphere
Heavily loaded and
fluctuated or
near power source
or magnetic field
Excessive range of
temperature
other than
specified
Ambient humidity
exceeding 85%RH
Power Source
Warning
You must ground earth wire of power Cord.
Danger of electric shock if not grounded to earth.
Caution
Plug out power
cord in case of
unit malfunction
or possible
lightning.
Otherwise, the unit
may be broken.
Power source for this unit:
AC100-240V
Frequency: 50Hz/60Hz
Do not share
power as shown
below.
Supply power direct from
power outlet.

1. Introduction
RA-620/RA-600
3
Test Sample
Warning
Some sample or chemical
requires protective gloves,
glasses and mask. Ventilate the
room. Splashing chemical may
injure the eyes or skin. Windpipe
may be hurt if fume is inhaled.
Do not use chemical which may
generate inflammable gas or
work in such atmosphere.
Be aware of a risk of explosion
inside the system.
Caution
Do not use chemical of strong
acid like hydrochloric, sulfuric
acid or hydrofluoric acid as test
sample or as cleaner. It may
corrode the sample stage.
Do not test colloidal sample or
carbonated water containing particles
which scatter light and cause poor
repeatability or void measurement.
Sample stage and prism may turn hot during measurement. Do not touch
parts of high temperature. Be aware of danger of burns.
Storage
Caution
Clean the prism before you
leave the unit unused for
an extended period of
time.
It is recommended to use
the carton box in which
the unit was first
delivered.
Avoid very hot or
humid ambient or
a dusty place for a
long term storage.
Other Cautions
Caution
Do not attempt overhaul or repair
the unit by unauthorized person
except authorized by KEM.
Danger of electric shock, fire or
malfunction.
Do not use the unit in a way other
than specified.
Danger of fire, electric shock or
malfunctioning of the unit.
When cleaning the housing
(except prism and sample stage),
do not use solvent like alcohol,
acetone or thinner, which may
cause deform, change in color or
crack.
Do not use a sharp pointed pen
like ball pointed pen or refilling
pencil on the touch-screen.
It may cause malfunction of
screen. (Use supplied stylus)
Environment
This equipment shall be used under the following conditions classified in the
section 1.4.1 of the CE marking (Low Voltage Directive, 2006/95/EC, EN61010-1):
altitude up to 2000m; switching voltage CAT II; pollution degree 2.

1. Introduction
4
1-2. About the Manual
Read this operation manual thoroughly before use.
It describes all that are required for routine measurements.
Keep this manual beside your equipment so that you can refer to whenever necessary.
For detailed test methods, see the separate Function Description.
For basic measurement procedures, see the quick manual.
The following symbols indicate the important notes that raise your attention.
1. Note
Note
Unless you observe the note, you may not be able to obtain specified performance of
the unit, and your unit may not be covered by warranty.
2. Hint
This symbol notes technical tips which are convenient to your measurement work.
It is prohibited to duplicate any part or all of manual without prior consent.
This manual has been prepared to the best of our knowledge; however, if you should
find any missing or ambiguous description, please contact your nearest dealer or sale
representative.
Maker will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by use of or the result of the
product.
This manual describes usage according to standard specification. For special version,
refer to the accompanying document.
This manual is printed on recycled paper.
Microsoft and Excel are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

1. Introduction
RA-620/RA-600
5
1-3. Supplied Parts and Installation
Supplied Parts
The carton box contains Main unit of RA-620 or RA-600 together with supplied
parts and operating manual. Check the contents according to the below list.
If you should find any missing or broken part or parts, contact your dealer or sales
representative.
Part Number
Part Description
Quantity
-
Main Unit
1
-*1
AC Adapter Type2
1
69-00444
Touch Pen
1
12-04442
Water/2bottles
1
12-02918
RA-600 Series Operation Manual(CD-ROM)
1
59-00035-01
RA-600 Series Quick Manual
1
59-00405
Safety Instructions
1
20-05627
Inspection Certificate/Warranty
1
50-00761
Contact
1
59-00133
Unpack the carton
1
*1：Varies by power supply requirement.
Installation
Connecting power cord
1) Make sure the power switch is in OFF position.
2) Plug in the supplied AC adapter into power connector of the unit.
3) Connect power cord to the outlet of power source.
(For 2P plug, connect AC-3P adapter between power cord and outlet)
4) Turn on the power.
Note
Ambient condition for use
(Temperature : 5 to 35C, Humidity : 85%RH or below (no condensation))
Install the unit under a stable ambient condition.

Table of Contents
6
Table of Contents
Page
1. Introduction 1
1-1. Safety Controls .............................................................. 2
1-2. About the Manual........................................................... 4
1-3. Supplied Parts and Installation ........................................ 5
2. Parts Configuration 8
2-1. Main Unit ...................................................................... 8
2-2. Touchscreen .................................................................10
3. Preparation for Measurement 15
3-1. Warming-Up .................................................................15
3-2. Supply Reference Water ................................................16
3-3. Prepare Tools................................................................17
3-4. Set Up Conditions (Temperature, Contents).....................18
4. Measurement 19
4-1. Sample Measurement ....................................................19
4-2. Read Data, Store in USB Flash Drive ...............................21
4-3. Check ..........................................................................23
4-4. Calibration....................................................................25
5. Function Tools 28
5-1. Function.......................................................................28
6. Maintenance 31
6-1. Daily Maintenance.........................................................31
6-2. Periodic Check ..............................................................32
6-3. Change Filter ................................................................33
6-4. Consumables and Parts .................................................34
7. Troubleshooting 35
7-1. Error Message ..............................................................35
7-2. Technical Tips...............................................................38
8. Technical Information 40
8-1. Terminology and References ..........................................40
8-2. Options ........................................................................44
8-3. Specifications ...............................................................46
9. Warranty and After-sales Service 47

Contents by Subject
RA-620/RA-600
7
Contents by Subject
Measurement
Measure P. 19
Stop measurement P. 20
Measurement Data
Read the data P. 21
Download data to USB flash drive P. 21
Set up condition・Check・Calibrate
Set up measuring condition P. 18
Configure Contents (nD, Brix) P. 18
Check on unit and the result P. 23
Calibrate the unit P. 25

2. Parts Configuration
8
2. Parts Configuration
2-1. Main Unit
Front and top
Touchscreen » [2-2. Touchscreen]
Sample Cover
Anti Volatilization Device
Sample Stage
Prism
As measurement temperature is set to high, the sample stage and prism will
warm-up accordingly.
Note
The stopper on sample cover prevents erroneous access to the screen.
Do not give excessive force to the sample cover.

2. Parts Configuration
RA-620/RA-600
9
Rear
Stylus Holder
Stylus » [6-4. Consumables and Parts]
USB Connector
Exhaust Vent
LAN Connector
Power Switch
Power Connector
» [1-3. Supplied Parts
and Installation]
Intake Vent » [2-2. Change Filter]
RS-232C Connector (COM2)
RS-232C Connector (COM1)
Bottom
Rubber Foot
Exhaust Vent
Note
Do not block the exhaust vent and the intake vent.

2. Parts Configuration
10
2-2. Touchscreen
Main window Simple mode
Contents
When pressed, the
window for selection of
contents appears.
» See [3-4. Set Up
Conditions]
Set Temp.
Measurement Temp.
Shows set temp. and
measurement temp.
Press here to enter set
temp.
» See [3-4. Set Up
Conditions]
Date, time
Shows date and time.
When pressed, the
window for entry of date
and time appears.
» See separate Function
Description.
Result
Shows measure results.
When pressed, it shows a
list of results.
» See [4-2. Read Data,
Store in USB Flash Drive]
Menu
When pressed, it turns
to window for selection
of menu.
» See separate Function
Description.
Stability
This icon shows stability
sense of measurement.
Stability 0
Stability 1
Stability 2
» See separate Function
Description.
Check
Navigation starts with this
button.
(check with water)
» See [4-3. Check]
Start
Measurement starts. It
turns to reset mode
during measurement.
When reset is pressed, it
will be aborted.
» See [4-1. Measure]

2. Parts Configuration
RA-620/RA-600
11
Main window Normal mode
Operator
Shows operator’s name.
When pressed, the
window for selection of
user name.
» See separate Function
Description.
Method
Shows method name.
When pressed, it turns
to the window for
selection of method.
» See separate Function
Description.
Option
When this button is
pressed, window for
setup of option appears.
» See separate Function
Description.
Indicator
Shows the indicator.
When pressed, it turns to
window for setup of
indicator.
» See separate Function
Description.
Information
Shows status or
condition of unit
(information).
Stability
Shows stability sense of
measurement.
When pressed, it turns to
window for selection of
stability.
» See separate Function
Description.
Simple mode or Normal mode of Main window can be switched on “Menu”»
“Setup”»”Display mode”. For details, see separate Function Description.

2. Parts Configuration
12
Main window Normal mode (When selecting changer)
Sample No.
Shows sample No.
Press here to enter
sample No.
» See Function Description.
Rinse & Purge
Press here to start rinse &
purge.
» See Function Description.
Purge
Press here to start purge.
Switches to Skip when
changer is operating.
» See Function Description.
Press Skip while changer
is in motion to move to
next operation.
Main window is always in “Normal mode”when changer is selected.

2. Parts Configuration
RA-620/RA-600
13
Entry window
The entry window always appears whenever you access to the touch-screen.
Enter with Alphabet, Numeric .To confirm entry that you have entered, press Enter key.
The Cap ▪ Small key switches capital ▪ small letter.
Up to 16 characters can be entered except for sample ID up to 32 characters.
Enter “~”for a symbol of an extended range of character.
Alphabet (capital)
Alphabet (small letter)
Numeric character

2. Parts Configuration
14
Operational window
Each window has buttons in common.
Print out contents on
display.
Returns to Main window.
Returns to previous
window.
Tab buttons
Switch the tabs.
turns the
page.
For details of operation, see the separate Function Description.
Note
To operate the touch screen, lightly touch with stylus or your finger.
Do not use a sharp pointed pen (like a ball pointed pen or refilling pencil).
Otherwise, the screen may be damaged.

3. Preparation for Measurement
RA-620/RA-600
15
3. Preparation for Measurement
The following preparations are necessary prior to sample measurement.
3-1. Warming-Up
You can start measurement once the set temp. is reached after turning on the power. (If
calibration is not done at the set temp., conduct a calibration first.)
Warming-up is recommended for measurement of better stability.
It balances thermal difference between the inside and outside of unit.
Thermal equilibrium stabilizes electronics of precision parts and is ideal status for correct
measurement.
Suggested warming-up time is about 20 minutes, but it is subject to the ambient temp.
and the set temp.
To start measurement right after power-on, first check the value with water prior to
measurement.
Checking with water is not necessary each time, however, it is recommended to do so if
more than one hour has elapsed since the last measurement.
For details of calibration, see [4-4. Calibration].
For details of check, see [4-3. Check].

3. Preparation for Measurement
16
3-2. Supply Reference Water
Reference water used for check and calibration plays an important role as check point or
reference point in maintaining performance and reliability of RA-620/RA-600
refractometer. Therefore, the quality of water has to meet the following conditions.
Recommended water for use in check or calibration:
Refractive index standard liquid (pure water)
Distilled water
You need to be careful when using the following types of water:
Ion-exchanged water
Tap water
Cautions:
1) Make sure that the results become the same as what are obtained
with refractive index standard liquid (pure water) or distilled water.
2) Make sure of resultant repeatability by conducting a series of test.
Otherwise, the water is not appropriate for use in check and calibration.
KEM offers refractive index standard liquid (pure water).
For details, see [6-4. Consumables and parts].
Note
Water not appropriate for use in check and calibration will lead to wrong
measurement results.

3. Preparation for Measurement
RA-620/RA-600
17
3-3. Prepare Tools
The following tools are recommended to prepare for correct measurement.
For sampling on prism
1) Plastic spoon
Convenient for low viscosity sample like fruit juice, soft drink,
etc.
2) Plastic rod with round tip
Suitable for high viscosity sample like starch syrup, honey,
etc.
3) Polyethylene dropper
For repeated measurement of low viscosity sample
Use a tool appropriate for the sample that you are going to test.
For wiping off sample on prism
1) Tissue paper or paper waste
Tissue fiber should not break and its debris must not remain on prism.
After sample is wiped off, tissue fiber debris should not remain on prism.
To clean the prism
1) Cleaning soft bottle (polyethylene made) with nozzle
Convenient to drop a few drops of cleanser
2) Cleaning liquid
Water :suitable for aqueous sample
Ethanol :for oil sample insoluble in water
(Use toluene or acetone for some sample type)
Note
If the same tool is continuously used, the residual sample may remain and
cause measurement error due to mixed sample in test.
Note
Never use a hard tool like glass, metallic or ceramic made to avoid substantial
damage on prism.

3. Preparation for Measurement
18
3-4. Set Up Conditions (Temperature, Contents)
Most of measure conditions can be selected direct on main window.
Contents button
Temp. button
Set the temperature
1
Press “Temp.” button on main window
2
Enter numerals on numeric pad
To confirm, press Enter key.
Note
When set temp. is changed, an instruction of <Calibrate.> will appear. Conduct
a calibration, accordingly. For details, refer to [4-4. Calibration].
Contents to select
1
Press “Contents” button on main window
2
Press Contents button to select
Selection from registered concentration like refractive index (nD),
Brix, etc. Up to 2 items can be chosen. To register concentration, go
to “Menu” » ”Entry”» ”Conc Conversion”.
3
Press selection button
When selected, mark
appears. When pressed again, it
disappears.
Up to 2 lines can be displayed.
For other measuring condition setup, go to “Menu” » “Method”.
For details, refer to the separate Function Description.