Automated Brix analysis provides higher sample throughput and better working practice 

In today’s busy laboratory, wherever possible, manufacturers look towards sample handling and measurement automation to expedite analysis in an attempt to improve workflow and make the whole production process more efficient and profitable.

Generally speaking, refractometers are used in ‘single shot mode’ as reading times are typically less than one minute but in some circumstances, automation can give rise to higher productivity by reducing the need for an operator to be present as well as eliminating the cleaning cycle and hence the waste it produces to do this manually.

Although full automation in some applications is practical, especially if other measurements are involved such as density, optical rotation and colour; in some instances where, say, only °Brix measurement is required, semi-automatic instruments using simple funnel flow cells can prove beneficial.  For example, use of a funnel flow cell in sugar Tare Houses is commonplace as analysis time or more importantly, waiting time has to be minimal in order for the product not to spoil in the harsh sunlight and also to allow harvest to continue with minimal interruption.  Additionally other ‘low-viscosity’ applications such as beverage production and brewing benefit from the use of funnel flow cells as not only does the reading time become more efficient, cleaning waste is also reduced providing for a cleaner workspace and better practise all round!

Latest Xylem brand Bellingham + Stanley RFM-Flow refractometers fitted with XyCone cells cleverly use vortex technology to sweep away the previous sample without leaving entrapped air so that only minimal flushing is required to achieve results as accurate as ±0.01 °Brix.  There are two types of RFM-Flow refractometer, the RFM300-Flow with Peltier temperature control and RFM700-Flow Series that uses temperature compensation; the latter being one of the most viable factory or field instruments on the market. 

For further details and to obtain a report on measurement and flushing performance, contact the Technology Team at Bellingham + Stanley, a Xylem brand.