Research Refractometer

The Rudolph Research Analytical J357 is a research grade instrument

Automated refractometer for research labs

Try Before You Buy
The J357 is available for a short term trial.

Simple Automatic Refractometer Operation

Operating the J357 Automatic refractometer is as simple as placing a sample on the artificial sapphire prism, closing the presser and reading the answer on the display. There are no shadow lines to match and there is no eyepiece requiring any kind of operator determination or manual adjustment. When the “measure when stable mode” is selected, the J357 Refractometer automatically waits until the sample has been heated or cooled to a predefined temperature before initiating a measurement.

Interface Solutions

Rudolph allows the lab manager to select from different interface options because we understand laboratories and manufacturing floors have different needs when it comes to the information required for monitoring a process. The instrument’s interface can be customised to meet the information your application and environment demand whether you choose our full featured interface or our Load-and-Go interface. The J357 offers laboratory flexibility with industrial strength and simplicity making this model series at home on the laboratory bench or on the factory floor.

Trend Analysis Display

Trend Analysis – On-Board Data Collection and Specification Range Monitoring

In a modern factory the most precious commodity is time. When a process starts to move outside its limits people want to know fast. They want to correct the problem, preferably while it’s still small and before a product goes out of specification. The J357 live reading and trend analysis feature allows users to easily and quickly see how a process is going and catch minor deviations before they become major ones.

Even in the most tightly controlled manufacturing environments things do occasionally go out of specification. When out of specification conditions happen, material has to be quickly identified. Decisions have to be made as to what to do with the product. Long term data collection is a part of any good process. Knowing when and where the out of specification condition happened is equally as important. The trend analysis software quickly shows a supervisor the process history and where the problem occurred.

Dual Electronic Temperature Control to 100°C

Unlike other temperature controlled refractometers, the J357 has temperature control from both above and below the sample. The sample cover is controlled to the same temperature as the prism. When lowered, is designed to provide a temperature controlled micro environment. It provides unrivaled temperature stability, fast measurement time and minimal evaporation. With the auto measure option, the sample cover can also be used to initiate measurement.

Optional Sample Presser

The Rudolph J357 is available with an optional Temperature Controlled Sample Presser that touches the sample. Compared with the standard temperature controlled cover, the optional presser reduces the empty volume of the measurement area. Therefore decreasing evaporation and at the same time helping to evenly spread semi solid materials over the measurement prism. This feature offers improved performance on many samples.

Sample Cover Options

CP Refractometer Sample Cover

The (CP) contact presser spreads the sample evenly over the measurement area. Therefore, it is ideal for highly viscous samples like heavy syrups and resins that need a thin layer for the best measurement results.

Calibration

The J357 offers 1 point, 2 point or a full multi-point calibration. Calibration can be done at 20°C, 25°C or any user selectable temperature within the available range. However, regardless of how many times the refractometer has been calibrated, it can always be restored to the initial factory calibration.

On-Board Custom Scales

The J357 Refractometer is available with 100 possible programmable scales. Custom scales can be set up in a few minutes. Simply enter 2, 6 or 10 data points of concentration and corresponding RI (refractive index) value, press Compute and the instrument creates a new custom scale.

High Durability Sapphire Prism

All Rudolph J series refractometers offer a sapphire prism for high mechanical and chemical durability. The sample well is acid resistant 316 stainless steel with a Techtron sealing ring. There is no lamp to change, the LED light source is guaranteed for 1,000,000 measurements.

An Automatic Refractometer that is Easy to Clean

No matter how good an automatic refractometer is, accurate results will only be obtained if the instrument is clean. The Rudolph J Series refractometers offer a flat, easy to clean prism that makes this process simple even with sticky samples like sugars, syrups, and petrochemicals.

Ultra-flat prism and sample dish

User Interface

A large 7.5cm x 10cm cold cathode florescent back lit graphics, digital LCD allows the scale, sample temperature, set temperature, air temperature, time, date and temperature correction status to be easily viewed. All functions are activated through a touchscreen panel. The touchscreen will not wear out or be misplaced like traditional or detachable keypads. The digital touchscreen is resistant to fingernails, sharp objects, chemicals, and acids.

No Water Bath Needed

Having Rudolph’s J357 fully automatic electronic temperature control means:

• A significant savings of bench space is gained because the water bath is eliminated
• Integrated temperature control, the instrument knows when to measure and records both the Refractive Index measurement and the temperature
• Hot liquid from a bath can present a significant danger in the laboratory. In the event of a split hose, the J357 doesn’t use liquid and thereby eliminates this risk
• Eliminating the water bath removes the most maintenance intensive part of a Refractometer. Water baths need to be regularly filled, dosed with algaecide and cleaned

Traceability & 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance

• All measurements are made automatically, which eliminates the need for operator judgment
• Calibration with fluids traceable to NIST and calibration data securely stored and available for review
• Temperature can be calibrated against a traceable thermometer
• Operator Traceability, full 21 CFR Part 11 compliant password system
• Verification step with electronic signature

Networking, Data Recording, and Data Management

The J357 offers several options for data storage. Data may be stored internally by means of an 8 MB Internal Compact Flash Memory, to a network via RS232, Cat 5 Network port, or via 3 rear and 1 side USB Ports. Storage options include writing and storing to a network, sharing to a LIMS system, and Storage to a removable USB drive.

Also available the J47, J57, J157, J257, and J457

Measurement Scales: Refractive Index (RI) BRIX (% sucrose) 100 User Programmable Scales
Measurement Range: RI 1.26 – 1.72 , BRIX 0 – 100%, Urine SG 1.0000-1.0400
Resolution: RI 0.00001 BRIX 0.001
Reproducibility: RI ±0.00002, BRIX ±0.015
Accuracy: RI ±0.00002, BRIX ±0.015
Optical Wavelength: 589.3nm
Prism: Synthetic Sapphire
Light Source: Light Emitting Diode (est. life: >100,000 hrs.)
Response Time: User configurable, can be less than 2 seconds
Communication Interface: 3 USB RS232 ports Cat5 Network (Ethernet)
Analogue Control: 0-10 volts, 4-20 mA
Temperature Control Range (Within 10C of Ambient): 10ºC – 100ºC *other temperature control options are available – 5ºC – 110ºC available with temperature boost option.
Temperature Sensor Accuracy: ±0.05ºC
Ambient Temperature Limit: 5ºC – 40ºC
Temperature Correction Range: 4ºC – 95ºC (for pure sucrose solutions)
Temperature Measurement and Control: Prism surface and presser
Calibration: Using water or NIST traceable standards
Power Requirements: 100-240 volts, 50 Hz – 60 Hz
Operating Dimensions: L: 44cm W: 30.5 cm H: 33 cm
Weight: 10.4 kg