What is a Refractometer?

John G. Merritt

Hey Guys I'm serious!
Anybody know what a Refractometer is and what it does exactly? What does it look like, and where would you buy such a thing?

John

Bill_14

Definition & Source

Check here: http://www.misco.com/sitemap.html

Alan R. Mercurio

Refractometer shows battery, antifreeze levels

For example Kernco Instruments Co Inc's makes the Model 1016 battery/antifreeze tester is a hand-held refractometer designed to indicate specific gravity, freezing point temperature, and battery charging levels.The test takes only a few seconds. To do it, place a drop or two of the sample on the prism surface, hold it up to a light, and read propylene glycol (-60° to 32°F), ethylene glycol (-84° to 32°F), or battery fluid (1.100 to 1.400 specific gravity), depending upon sample selected. The battery fluid scale also shows condition, such as “recharge,” “fair,” and “good.” This tester has a blue filter system that gives sharp, clear readings.The Model 1016 weighs 7 ounces and is 6" long. It comes with an adjustable knob for easy calibration and has a rubber eyepiece guard that shields out extraneous light. For additional information, contact Kernco, 420 Kenazo Ave, El Paso TX 79928-7339.

Your friend in the industry,

Alan R. Mercurio

Oil Tech Talk

Mason

refractometer

A refractometer is a device used to measure percent composition of viscous fluids. What would it mean to one of us... It would be used to determine the amount of "anti-freeze" in a system(or for those of us who work on both sides, it could be used to test refrigeration oils). This instrument is an optical device that I would not let ride around in my truck any more than necessary. They usually sell for between $200 and $500. and are usually "job" specific

Robert_3

Refractometer

I use a refractometer in my job as a machinist. Ours resembles a telescope, we use it to measure the level of concentrate to water ratio in the coolant. A small amount of coolant is applied to the far end & then you look through the eye viewer & the % level is shown.

John G. Merritt

Now I know-Refractometers

Thanks Bill,Allan,Mason for your input on Refractometers.
Now I know whjat it is,what it does and where to buy one!
Nobody I know (other techs) knew anything about it.
I need one to test Radiant systems.

Thanks again,

John

John G. Merritt

Refractometers

And thank you Bob!

John

hr

Testing the waters

Here are the testers I keep on my truck. The Misco is available online for around $149. www.misco.com. The ph and hardness are from Graingers also available online. These will give you a good start on testing water, and glycol solutions. More involved testing I send out to a lab or glycol manufacture.

This sample sent to Dow shows more info.

hot rod

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Joe at krahezfoo@aol.com

Refractometers

Basically a refractometer is a prism that splits light. You place a drop of the liquid that you want to test on the glass plate, close the cover, look into it like you would a telescope; and you will see a line on a graduated scale. This number will give you the specific gravity of the substance you are checking. Refractometers are used to tell you how much glycol is in the system; and being a former employee of Pepsi, it will tell you if there is enough syrup mixed with your carbonated water; you can tell if Arbys is gyping you when you buy a soft drink; or if they are making money hand over fist. Hope it helps, Joe.