The HI96821 portable refractometer converts the refractive index of a food sample to g/100 g, g/100 mL, specific gravity and °Baume. These conversions are based on internationally recognized references for unit conversion. The HI96821 is ideal for the analysis of salad dressings, cheeses, condiments, canned and jarred foods, soups, brines and whey. The HI96821 is an easy to use tool for measuring sodium chloride in foods, whether on the production line or in the lab.

• Designed for sodium chloride analysis in foods
• Automatic Temperature Compensation
• High accuracy measurements in g/100 g, g/100 mL, specific gravity and °Baume

Making a Standard NaCl Solution (g/100 g)

To make an NaCl 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 dried Sodium Chloride (CAS #: 7647-14-5: MW 58.44) directly into a beaker
• Add distilled or deionized water to the beaker so the total weight of the solution is 100g.

Example 10g/100 g NaCl:

Refractive Index

The HI96821 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 HI96821 uses an LED light, prism and lens to make measurement possible.

Variations in temperature will affect the accuracy of refractometry readings, so the use of temperature compensation is highly recommended for reliable results. The HI96821 contains a built-in temperature sensor and is programmed with temperature compensation algorithms in accordance with internationally recognized references which vary based on the parameter being measured.

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

IP65 water resistant protection

• Water resistant ABS plastic casing designed to perform under laboratory and field conditions.