The HI96803 is a rugged, portable digital refractometer for food products designed to report the content of aqueous solutions containing sugar as % glucose by weight (% w/w). The HI96803 report the results with an accuracy of ±0.2%. The operation of the meter is simplified with only two buttons: one button is to calibrate with distilled or deionized water and the other to take a measurement. All readings are automatically compensated for temperature variations according to the ICUMSA Methods Book standard and displayed within a 1.5 second response time. The sealed flint glass prism and stainless steel well are easy to clean. Just wipe with a soft cloth in preparation for the next sample.
- Sample size as small as 2 metric drops (100 μl)
- Sealed stainless steel well with high-grade optical prism made of flint glass
- Fast 1.5 second response time for temperature compensated readings
The HI96803 portable refractometer converts the refractive index of a food sample to % glucose by weight. This conversion is based on the tables found in the ICUMSA Methods Book (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis) that documents the changes in refractive index with temperature for a percent by weight glucose solution. The HI96803 is ideal for the analysis of fruits, energy drinks, puddings, soy milk, juices, jam, marmalade, honey, soups, jelly, tofu and condiments. The HI96803 is an easy to use tool for measuring sugar in food samples in the field or in the lab.
- Designed for food sugar analysis
- Temperature Compensation algorithms based on glucose solution
- 0 to 85% glucose by weight range with an accuracy of ± 0.2%
Making a % Standard Glucose Solution
To make a glucose Solution, follow the procedure below:
- Place container (such as a glass vial or dropper bottle that has a cover) on an analytical balance.
- Tare the balance.
- Weigh out X grams of high purity glucose (CAS #: 50-99-7) directly into a beaker
- Add distilled or deionized water to the beaker so the total weight of the solution is 100g.
- Note: Solutions above 60% may need to be vigorously stirred or shaken and heated in a water bath to roughly 40°C (104°F). Remove solution when fructose has dissolved and allow to cool before use.
| Glucose % (g/100g) | Glucose (g) | Water (g) | Total (g) |
| 25 | 25.000 | 75.000 | 100.000 |
Refractive Index
The HI96803 takes measurements based on a sample’s refractive index. Refractive index is a measurement of how light behaves as it passes through the sample. Depending on the sample’s composition, light will refract and reflect differently. By measuring this activity with a linear image sensor, the sample’s refractive index can be assessed and used to determine its physical properties such as concentration and density. In addition to the linear image sensor, the HI96803 uses an LED light, prism and lens to make measurement possible.
Variations in temperature will affect the density of a solution based on the compound that is present. In digital refractometry the use of temperature compensation is necessary for accurate results. The HI96803 contains a built-in temperature sensor and is programmed with temperature compensation algorithms in accordance with the ICUMSA Methods Book for a percent by weight sucrose solution.
Features at-a-glance:
One-point calibration
- Calibrate with distilled or deionized water
Small sample size
- Sample size can be as small as 2 metric drops (100 μl)
Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
- Samples automatically compensated for temperature variations
Quick, accurate results
- Readings are displayed in approximately 1.5 seconds
Dual-level LCD
- The dual-level LCD displays measurement and temperature readings simultaneously
Stainless steel sample well
- Easy to clean and corrosion-resistant
Battery indicators
- Battery percent level remaining at startup and low battery indicator
Automatic shut-off
- To conserve battery life the meter shuts off automatically after three minutes of non-use
Stainless steel sample well
- Easy to clean and corrosion-resistant
IP65 water resistant protection
- Water resistant ABS plastic casing designed to perform under laboratory and field conditions.
| SKU | HI96803 |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Digital Refractometer for % Glucose by Weight Analysis - HI96803 |
| Quote Required | Yes |
| Sugar Content Range | 0 to 85% mass (% w/w glucose) |
| Sugar Content Resolution | 0.1% mass |
| Sugar Content Accuracy | ±0.2% mass |
| Temperature Range | 0 to 80°C (32 to 176°F) |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C (0.1°F) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.3 °C (±0.5 °F) |
| Temperature Compensation | automatic between 10 and 40°C (50 to 104°F) |
| Automatic Shut-Off | after three minutes of inactivity |
| Battery Type/Life | 9V / approximately 5000 readings |
| Dimensions | 192 x 102 x 67 mm (7.6 x 4.01 x 2.6”) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.8 oz.) |
| Refractometer Light Source | yellow LED |
| Minimum Sample Volume | 100 μL (to cover prism totally) |
| Sample Cell | stainless steel ring and flint glass prism |
| Measurement Time | approximately 1.5 seconds |
| Ordering Information | HI96803 is supplied with battery and instruction manual |
| Notes | Enclosure Rating |
US 16604 
GB 12825 
CA 10168 
AU 5993 
IE 2236 
NZ 1849 
BR 1572 
IN 1299 
