Specialist instrument gives readings in industry-standard degrees Baume, eliminating the need to perform the calculations that are required when using a conventional refractometer measuring in Brix%
Labcell is launching the Atago Pal-84S pocket digital wine refractometer for measuring the concentration of grape must, this being the latest in the popular Atago Pal range of portable digital refractometers.
Easy and quick to use, the specialist instrument gives readings in industry-standard degrees Baume, thereby eliminating the need to perform the calculations that are required when using a conventional refractometer measuring in Brix%.
Unlike traditional handheld optical instruments, there is no need for the user to interpret the results, as the display gives an unambiguous digital readout.
The Pal-84S is ideal for wine growers who need to determine the ideal time to harvest grapes and wineries purchasing grape must.
The Pal-84S is able to analyse samples as small as 0.3ml placed on the prism surface.
To take a measurement the user simply presses the Start key and the grape must concentration - expressed as degrees Baume - is displayed in around three seconds.
Measuring 55x31x109mm and weighing 100g, the battery-powered, handheld instrument is small enough to put in a pocket and take to any location indoors or outdoors where instant readings are required.
Calibration is performed by pressing the Zero button with a sample of clean water, and cleaning requires nothing more than a wipe with a moistened tissue.
Measurement accuracy is +/-0.2deg Baume and the resolution is 0.1deg Baume, says Labcell.
Sample temperatures can range from 10 to 40C and the instrument incorporates automatic temperature compensation.
The Pal-84S uses the same proven technology as the other models in the successful Pal series of pocket refractometers from Atago, of which the Pal-1 won a Good Design Award in 2003 in the category for product design - construction tools, industrial machinery, transportation devices and facilities.
The G-Mark awards have been presented annually in Japan for almost 50 years by Jidpo (the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organisation); they are highly prized by winners and widely recognised by consumers.
