VEE GEE C10 User manual

Catalog No. C10
Brix 0-95%
1.3000-1.7000 nD
Operation Manual
Model C10
Abbe Refractometer

2
VEE GEE Model C10 Operation Manual
1.3000-1.7000 Refractive Index & 0-95% Brix Abbe Refractometer
Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................... 3
Safety Precautions............................................................................................. 3
Maintenance...................................................................................................... 3
Inspection.......................................................................................................... 3
Refractometer Components..................................................................... 4-5
Calibration
Liquid Calibration......................................................................................... 6
Solids Calibration......................................................................................... 6
Connecting A Circulator..................................................................................... 6
Measuring Liquids............................................................................................. 7
Measuring Transparent Solids........................................................................... 7
Measuring Translucent Solids........................................................................... 7
Specications.................................................................................................... 7
For information about parts, accessories, or service -
contact your VEE GEE dealer or contact VEE GEE Scientic at
1-800-423-8842 | www.veegee.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this operation manual is believed to be accurate and
reliable at the time of printing. However, no responsibility shall be assumed by VEE GEE Scientic
for its use. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notication.
This product is designed and intended for use only as a refractometer system. Modifying the
product in any manner for use not originally intended shall automatically void the manufacturer’s
warranty. In no event shall VEE GEE Scientic LLC be held liable for any incidental or indirect
damage arising from the use of modied or altered product.
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
without the prior written consent of VEE GEE Scientic LLC.
©2020 VEE GEE Scientic LLC
Warranty information and a registration card
can be found at the following web address:
www.veegee.com/service_support

3
Introduction
Safety Precautions
Maintenance
Thank you for purchasing this VEE GEE Refractometer. With the user in mind, VEE GEE Refractometers are built
from modern designs and, with proper care, this instrument should provide many years of reliable performance.
It’s recommended this manual is read entirely before using the refractometer for the rst time.
VEE GEE Model C10 Abbe Refractometer is designed to measure the refractive index (nD) values of transparent and
translucent solids and liquids. A constant temperature circulator can be attached to this instrument to stabilize
refractive index readings and add to the instrument’s accuracy and reproducibility. The temperature range should
be kept between 0°C and 70°C.
Measuring nD values is useful for many types of applications. Since every transparent and translucent liquid and
solid has a specic refractive index, the instrument can be used for identication, to check purity, etc. The Brix scale
can be used for measuring the concentration of water soluble solutions such as salt, sucrose, urine, oils, sugar, etc.
Abbe Refractometers are often used as the standard for checking handheld refractometers and results from other
types of instruments because of its consistent and reliable results.
This refractometer is an optical instrument. Do not shake or jolt the instrument. The impact may damage or
cause the optical components to shift which will result in inaccurate readings.
The prism is made of optical glass and is susceptible to scratches -- do not apply any rough or abrasive
material and take care when cleaning the prism.
After each use, clean the primary and secondary prism surfaces with a soft cloth or tissue dampened in
water and wipe off with a dry cloth or tissue.
Do not hold the refractometer under a stream of water from a faucet. Do not splash it with or dip it in water.
If the surface of the prism becomes coated with an oily solution or similar, it will repel test samples and affect
readings. If this occurs, the prism should be cleaned with a mild detergent or similar solvent.
Keep the instrument in a dry, well-ventilated room.
Inspection
Upon receiving your VEE GEE Model C10 Abbe Refractometer, check to see that all parts are functioning and
focusing properly and that the following items are supplied with your instrument:
1. Digital Thermometer w/ LR44 Batteries (1 set)
2. 1.5160nD Glass Standard (1 ea.)
3. Calibration Screwdriver (1 ea.)
4. Operation Manual (1 ea.)
1. The refractometer body can be cleaned using water and mild detergent with a soft cloth or tissue. Do not use
harsh chemicals as this may damage the painted surfaces. Do not immerse or allow large amounts of water to
splash onto the instrument.
2. After each use, clean the prisms and any over-spill using water and mild detergent then wipe dry with a soft
cloth or tissue and allow to air dry.
3. Use only specially formulated lens cleaning uids and tissues to clean the optical components of the instrument. Failure
to do so may result in scratched lens surfaces.

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Refractometer Components
Dispersion
Correction
Knob
Dispersion
Correction
Vernier
Secondary Prism
Secondary Prism
Circulator
Ports
Prism Lock Knob
Thermometer
Circulator Port
Prism
Reflector
Primary
Prism
Thermocoupler
Light Cover
Primary Prism
Circulator
Port
Scale Adjustment
Knob

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Eyepiece
Light
Collector
Digital
Thermometer
Calibration
Screw
Thermometer
Mount
Refractometer Components

6
It is considered good laboratory practice to calibrate this refractometer using the liquids calibration procedure
on a daily basis. Listed below also is a solids calibration procedure that can be performed occasionally if desired
or as a part of your organization’s SOP.
Liquid Calibration
1. Unlock and open the secondary prism.
2. Place 2-3 drops of distilled water on the primary prism.
3. Close and lock the secondary prism. Be sure the liquid covers the prism surface completely, without any gaps
or bubbles.
4. Rotate the light collector toward a bright ambient light to provide the best illumination for the display.
5. Open the light cover.
6. Close the prism reector.
7. While looking through the eyepiece rotate it in either direction to focus on the crosshair inside.
8. Turn the scale adjustment knob to nd the position of the halftone boundary line.
9. Turn the dispersion adjustment knob to remove color from (and sharpen the image of) the boundary line.
10. Turn the scale adjustment knob until the boundary line intersects with the crosshair.
11. Distilled water should read 1.3330 nD or Brix 0.0%. If it does not, use the included screwdriver to adjust the
calibration screw to move the line to the correct position.
Calibration
The temperature of the prism assembly can be regulated with the use of a constant temperature circulator. This
will improve the accuracy of the refractometer. Using a circulator is not absolutely necessary though.
1. Connect the circulator to the four circulator ports using rubber hose for both the primary and secondary prisms.
A thermometer is provided the read the temperature of the prism assembly.
2. To connect the thermometer, insert and thread the thermocoupler into the thermometer port until fully sealed.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
3. Open the battery door on the back of the thermometer body and insert both LR44 button cell batteries. The
diagram on the battery door indicates the correct polarity. Replace the battery door.
3. Place the thermometer onto the thermometer mount. The thermometer will be held in place by magnets within
the thermometer body.
Connecting A Circulator
Solids Calibration
1. Unlock and open the secondary prism.
2. Place one drop of contact liquid (1-bromonaphthalene or similar with higher RI than the glass standard) on
the primary prism. The contact liquid is sold separately, contact our customer service department or your VEE
GEE dealer for more information.
3. Place the glass standard on the primary prism, polished side down.
4. Rotate the light collector toward a bright ambient light to provide the best illumination for the display.
5. Close the prism reector.
6. While looking through the eyepiece rotate it in either direction to focus on the crosshair inside.
7. While looking at the internal scale turn the scale adjustment knob to the nD value etched on the glass standard.
8. Turn the dispersion adjustment knob to remove color from (and sharpen the image of) the boundary line.
9. The boundary line should lie in the center of the crosshair. If it does not, use the included screwdriver to adjust
the calibration screw to bring the line into the correct position.

7
To nd the refractive index or Brix value of any transparent or translucent liquid, the steps are similar to the
calibration procedure.
1. Place 2-3 drops of the sample liquid on the surface of the primary prism.
2. Close and lock the secondary prism. Be sure the liquid covers the prism surface completely, without any gaps
or bubbles.
3. Adjust the scale illuminator to provide the best illumination for the display.
4. Open the light cover.
5. Close the prism reector.
6. Focus the eyepiece on the crosshairs.
7. Turn the adjustment knob to nd the position of the halftone boundary line.
8. Turn the dispersion adjustment knob to remove color from (and sharpen the image of) the boundary line.
9. Turn the scale adjustment knob until the boundary line intersects with the crosshairs.
10. The refractive index and Brix values can be read from the scale beneath the crosshairs.
Measuring Liquids
1. The sample must have a smooth, polished surface. Place one drop of contact liquid (1-bromonaphthalene or
similar with higher RI than solid sample) on the smooth surface and place it on the primary prism (smooth side down).
2. Adjust the scale illuminator to provide the best illumination for the display.
3. CLOSE the prism reector.
4. Focus the eyepiece.
5. Turn the dispersion adjustment knob to remove color from (and sharpen the image of) the boundary line.
6. Turn the scale adjustment knob until the boundary line intersects with the crosshair.
7. The refractive index and Brix values can be read from the scale beneath the crosshair.
Measuring Transparent Solids
1. The sample must have a smooth, polished surface. Place one drop of contact liquid (1-bromonaphthalene or
similar with higher RI than solid sample) on the smooth surface and place it on the primary prism (smooth side down).
2. Adjust the scale illuminator to provide the best illumination for the display.
3. OPEN the prism reector.
4. Focus the eyepiece.
5. Turn the dispersion adjustment knob to remove color from (and sharpen the image of) the boundary line.
6. Turn the scale adjustment knob until the boundary line intersects with the crosshair.
7. The refractive index or Brix value can be read from the scale beneath the crosshair.
Measuring Translucent Solids
Range: 1.3000-1.7000 nD
0.0-95.0% Brix
Resolution: 0.0005 nD
0.25% Brix
Accuracy: ±0.0003 nD
±0.15% Brix
Specifications
Thermometer Range: -50 to +110° C
Thermometer Accuracy: ±1.0° C
Dimensions: 140 x 100 x 235mm (5.5 x 3.9 x 9.3”)
Weight: 4.5kg (9.9 lbs.)

Printed in China No. VGMNL042320-C10