KERN Optics ORT 1RS User manual

ORT_1RS-BA-e-1510
KERN & Sohn GmbH
Ziegelei 1
D-72336 Balingen, Germany
E-mail: [e-mail]
Tel: +49
-
[0]7433
-
9933
-
0
Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.kern-sohn.com
Operating manual
ABBE refractometer
KERN ORT 1RS Analogue
Brix and nD
Version 1.0
01/2015
GB

ORT_1RS-BA-e-1510 2
GB KERN ORT
Version 1.0 01/2015
Operating instructions
ABBE refractometer
Contents
1 Technical data................................................................................................ 3
2 Description..................................................................................................... 4
3 General information....................................................................................... 5
3.1 Intended use ............................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Warranty.................................................................................................................................... 5
4 Basic safety information............................................................................... 5
4.1 Follow the instructions in the operating manual .................................................................. 5
4.2 Warning ..................................................................................................................................... 6
5 Supplied items ............................................................................................... 6
6 Before the first use........................................................................................ 6
7 Use/measurement.......................................................................................... 7
7.1 Calibration with distilled water ............................................................................................... 7
7.2 Calibration with calibration block........................................................................................... 8
7.3 Measuring procedure for liquids ............................................................................................ 9
7.4 Measuring procedure for solids.............................................................................................. 9
8 Cleaning and maintenance ......................................................................... 10
9 Storage ......................................................................................................... 10
10 Service.......................................................................................................... 10
11 Disposal........................................................................................................ 10
12 Additional information................................................................................. 10
13 Brix to refractive index (nD) conversion table .......................................... 11
14 Refractive index (nD) and dispersion of distilled Water (nF – nC) Subject
to the temperature (°C)............................................................................... 12

3 ORA_1GG-BA-e-1510
Technical data
Model
KERN
Scales Measuring range Accuracy Division
ORT 1RS Brix
Refractive index
0 – 95%
1.3000-1.7000 nD
± 0.1%
± 0.0002 nD
± 0.25 %
± 0.0005 nD
Scale for the ORT 1RS

ORT_1RS-BA-e-1510 4
1 Description
1.Baseplate
2.Housing
3.Adjustment screw
4.Eyepiece
5.Illumination prism
6.Measuring prism
7.Scatter settings
8.Measuring range adjusting
wheel
9. Condenser
10.Thermometer
11.Reflection mirror
12.Protective plate
13.Prism lock
2
4
8
5
7
3
1
10
12
13
11
9
6

5 ORA_1GG-BA-e-1510
2 General information
2.1 Intended use
The refractometer is a measuring instrument for determining the refractive index of
translucent liquids, dispersions and emulsions. It is used to observe the behaviour of
light as it passes from a prism with known properties to the substance being tested.
Using the refractometer for other purposes is contrary to its intended use and may be
hazardous. The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damages caused by im-
proper use.
2.2 Warranty
The warranty is void in the event of:
Failure to observe the instructions in the operating manual
Use for purposes other than those described
Modifications or opening the device housing
Mechanical damage and/or damage resulting from media, liquids, natural wear and
tear
3 Basic safety information
3.1 Follow the instructions in the operating manual
Carefully read through the operating manual even if you have prior ex-
perience with KERN refractometers.
Every language version includes a non-authoritative translation.
The original German document is the definitive version.

ORT_1RS-BA-e-1510 6
3.2 Warning
Do not let acids come into contact with skin or eyes. If acid comes into contact with
skin, flush with copious amounts of water. Shower if larger areas of skin are affected.
If acid comes into contact with eyes, keep the eyelid open and flush the eye with run-
ning lukewarm water from the outer corner to the inner corner. Flush eyes for at least
15 minutes. Then consult a doctor or ophthalmologist immediately.
Thoroughly clean the refractometer after each use.
The refractometer must not be exposed to extreme temperatures, high mechanical
stresses, strong direct sunlight or high humidity.
This refractometer is not a toy. Keep out of reach of children.
Make sure that you will not be hit by anything else while you are using the refracto-
meter, as this could cause serious eye injuries
Do not touch the lenses with your fingers.
4 Supplied items
After unpacking and before using the device for the first time, check that all listed
parts have been supplied. Replace damaged or faulty parts immediately and do not
put them into operation.
Refractometer
Thermometer
Adjustment tool
Cleaning cloth
Calibration Block
Contact liquid (Alpha-Bromonaphtalene)
5 Before the first use
Remove the protective film (if present) from the prism surface [6].

7 ORA_1GG-BA-e-1510
6 Use/measurement
The refractometer can be used to quickly and accurately determine the refractive in-
dex of liquid, solid, and pasty samples. Please make sure your hands are dry before
handling the measuring device. The protective plate [5] must be open during measur-
ing procedure and after having finished must be reclosed.
The measured temperature can be read off with the aid of the thermometer provided.
Both the measuring prism [6] and the illumination prism [5] can be connected to a
water circuit. On the casing [2] and on the illumination prism [5] are connecting stubs
for a water flow and return. Install the water circuit such that the water first passes
through the two parts of the casing and then exits at the thermometer. This allows a
more precise temperature reading. The water supply device is not included as part of
the scope of delivery.
Important!
The ambient/room temperature and the sample temperature influence the refracto-
meter measuring result.
The scales are designed for an ambient temperature of +20 °C!
6.1 Calibration with distilled water
Prior to any kind of measuring procedure a calibration should be effected.
Zero point calibration may be carried out by using distilled water. This is the more
convenient way to calibrate the refractometer, but not as accurate as the calibration
with block, described under 7.2. Open the illumination prism [5], apply some drops of
distilled water to the measuring prism [6]. Close the Illumination prism [5] and lock
with the prism lock [13]. Open the protective plate [12] and close the reflection mirror
[11]. Now look through the eyepiece and using the adjusting wheel [8]
bring the scale to the 0%Value. If the image is not in focus, use the adjusting ring on
the eyepiece [4] to focus it. The crosshairs in the upper display should now be con-
gruent with the light/dark line. If the boundary line is not exactly in the centre of the
crosshairs, it must be adjusted. With the aid of the screwdriver provided, move the
adjusting screw [3]. If the boundary line and the crosshairs are congruent, the
calibration is correct. Now clean the instrument, see
point 8.

ORT_1RS-BA-e-1510 8
6.2 Calibration with calibration block
Prior to any kind of measuring procedure a calibration should be effected.
Zero point calibration has to be carried out using the calibration block which is part of
the standard equipment. Open the illumination prism [5], apply some contact liquid
(Alpha-Bromonaphtalene) to the measuring prism [6] and place the calibration block
with the polished surface downwards on to the measuring prism[6]. There should be
no air bubbles trapped between the calibration block and the prism. Slightly shade
the calibration block and the illumination prism[5], by moving the illumination prism
down as far as possible. Then open the reflection mirror [11] so that light can reach
the measuring prism [6]. Now look through the eyepiece and using the adjusting
wheel [8] bring the scale to the %Value which is written on top of the calibration
block. If the image is not in focus, use the adjusting ring on the eyepiece [4] to focus
it. The crosshairs in the upper display should now be congruent with the light/dark
line. If the boundary line is not exactly in the centre of the crosshairs, it must be
adjusted. With the aid of the screwdriver provided, move the adjusting screw [6]. If
the boundary line and the crosshairs are congruent, the calibration is correct. Now
clean the instrument, see point 8.

9 ORA_1GG-BA-e-1510
6.3 Measuring procedure for liquids
Make sure your hands are dry before handling the refractometer.
Open the illumination prism [5] by turning the locking mechanism [13].
Apply one or two drops of the liquid onto the measuring prism [6], then move the il-
lumination prism [6] down again and secure using the locking [13]
mechanism. Open the protective plate [12] and close the reflection mirror [11].
Focus the image by turning the adjusting wheel [7] right or left while looking through
the eyepiece.
Then move through the measuring range turning the measuring range adjusting
wheel [8] right or left. When the light/dark boundary in the upper window is congruent
with the crosshairs, the value can be read off in the lower window.
6.4 Measuring procedure for solids
Make sure your hands are dry before handling the refractometer.
Open the illumination prism [5] by turning the locking mechanism [13].
Apply a drop of the contact liquid to the measuring prism [6] and place the flat sur-
face of the solid sample on the prism. Press only slightly. No air bubbles should be
trapped between the block and the prism. Shade the object being examined slightly.
Move the illumination prism [5] down until it touches the block. Open the reflection
mirror [11] and forward light directly to the measuring prism [6].
Focus the image by turning the adjusting wheel [7] right or left while looking through
the eyepiece.
Then move through the measuring range turning the measuring range adjusting
wheel [8] right or left. When the light/dark boundary in the upper window is congruent
with the crosshairs, the value can be read off in the lower window.
Important!
After every measurement, use a lint-free, absorbent cloth to remove the fluids from
the prism surface [4]. Then carefully clean the prism and prism cover using a cloth
moistened with water or if necessary alcohol, and dry both parts using a soft, dry and
lint-free cloth. Avoid rubbing the prism [4].

ORT_1RS-BA-e-1510 10
7 Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the refractometer by using a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with water, or if
necessary use pure alcohol. Do not use any aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents.
Never immerse the device in water or hold it under running water. Never handle the
device with wet or damp hands.
Never touch the measuring prism [6] with hard tools made from plastic, wood, rubber,
metal, glass etc. Hard objects can quickly damage the relatively soft prism glass, re-
sulting in measurement errors.
The refractometer is maintenance-free.
The refractometer should be cleaned immediately before and after each use. This
promotes long refractometer life and an accurate measurement result.
8 Storage
Store the refractometer in a dry, non-corrosive environment, preferably between
10 °C and 30 °C.
9 Service
After reading this operating manual, if you have any questions about setting up or
using the refractometer, or if any unexpected problem occurs, please contact your
dealer. The device housing may only be opened by trained service technicians
authorised by KERN.
10 Disposal
The packaging consists of environmentally friendly materials which can be disposed
of via local recycling facilities.
The device and storage box should be disposed of by the operator in accordance
with applicable national or regional regulations at the place of use.
11 Additional information
The product may differ slightly from the illustrations. We reserve the right to make
changes to reflect technical advancements, decorations not included.
Avoid exposing the refractometer to direct sunlight!
Never bring the refractometer into contact with solvents.

11 ORA_1GG-BA-e-1510
12 Brix to refractive index (nD) conversion table
BRIX
Refractive
index BRIX
Refractive
index BRIX
Refractive
index
% nD % nD % nD
0 1.33 99 30 1.38115 60 1.44193
1 1.3344 31 1.38 96 61 1.444 0
1.33586 3 1.38478 6 1.44650
3 1.3373 33 1.38661 63 1.44881
4 1.33879 34 1.38846 64 1.45113
5 1.340 6 35 1.3903 65 1.45348
6 1.34175 36 1.39 0 66 1.45584
7 1.343 5 37 1.39409 67 1.458
8 1.34476 38 1.39600 68 1.46061
9 1.346 9 39 1.3979 69 1.46303
10 1.3478 40 1.39986 70 1.46546
11 1.34937 41 1.40181 71 1.4679
1 1.35093 4 1.40378 7 1.47037
13 1.35 50 43 1.40576 73 1.47 85
14 1.35408 44 1.40776 74 1.47535
15 1.35568 45 1.40978 75 1.47787
16 1.357 9 46 1.41181 76 1.48040
17 1.35891 47 1.41385 77 1.48 95
18 1.36054 48 1.4159 78 1.4855
19 1.36 18 49 1.41799 79 1.4881
0 1.36384 50 1.4 009 80 1.49071
1 1.36551 51 1.4 0 81 1.49333
1.367 0 5 1.4 43 8 1.49597
3 1.36889 53 1.4 647 83 1.4986
4 1.37060 54 1.4 86 84 1.501 9
5 1.37 33 55 1.43080 85 1.50398
6 1.37406 56 1.43 99
7 1.3758 57 1.435 0
8 1.37758 58 1.43743
9 1.37936 59 1.43967
Data from "ICUMSA" International Commission for Uniform Methods
of Sugar Analysis, at 20 °C and 589 nm wavelength.

ORT_1RS-BA-e-1510 12
13 Refractive index (nD) and dispersion of distilled Water (nF – nC)
Subject to the temperature (°C)
°C nD nF - nC °C nD nF - nC
10 1,33369 0,00600 26 1,33240 0,00596
11 1,33364 0,00600 27 1,33229 0,00595
12 1,33358 0,00599 28 1,33217 0,00595
13 1,33352 0,00599 29 1,33206 0,00594
14 1,33346 0,00599 30 1,33194 0,00594
15 1,33339 0,00599 31 1,33182 0,00594
16 1,33331 0,00598 32 1,33170 0,00593
17 1,33324 0,00598 33 1,33157 0,00593
18 1,33316 0,00598 34 1,33144 0,00593
19 1,33307 0,00597 35 1,33131 0,00592
20 1,33299 0,00597 36 1,33117 0,00592
21 1,33290 0,00597 37 1,33104 0,00591
22 1,33280 0,00597 38 1,33090 0,00591
23 1,33271 0,00596 39 1,33075 0,00591
24 1,33261 0,00596 40 1,33061 0,00590
25 1,33250 0,00596