The VEE GEE BX-20 is a handheld, portable, water-resistant refractometer with a Brix scale that measures in the 0.0 to 20.0% range, has manual temperature compensation, an optical glass prism, and a durable metal body with a rubber grip. A Brix refractometer measures the refractive index of a solution in a sample, converts it to sugar concentration in units of percent by weight (% Brix, also known as degrees Brix), and displays the results. Handheld refractometers, also known as sugar meters, concentration meters, or Brix meters, are commonly used in the culinary, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, educational, geological, chemical, and ecological industries, and for water-testing applications.

This refractometer is housed in a durable metal body. The VEE GEE BX-20 features manual temperature compensation with an ambient temperature of 10 to 30 degrees C. The unit is factory-calibrated and can be calibrated with distilled water. Calibration can be controlled and adjusted with a tool-free calibration ring and a set screw. The outer shell is rubber coated with dimpled grip for easy gripping and the rubber coating guards against hand heat for accurate measurements. A non-roll stand prevents the unit from rolling when placed on a flat surface such as a table or bench top. The optical glass prism is mounted in an all-metal housing composed of copper alloy with a nickel-chrome coating for quick temperature equilibrium between the sample and the prism. The analog Brix scale features a bright, high-contrast display for clear visibility of the boundary and memory lines intersection. Instantaneous sample readings illuminated by ambient light are viewed through a monocular, focusable, cushioned eyepiece. The unit comes with a zippered vinyl carrying case, a plastic transfer pipet and an instruction manual.

Specifications

H is height, the vertical distance from the lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.

Refractometers are used to determine substance content in a sample, to provide unit readings of substances including Brix, salinity, and alcohol; to detect chemical impurities, or to measure components of samples such as industrial fluid. Refractometers measure the refractive index of a substance, which is its optical characteristic, and the number of dissolved particles in it. The refractive index is the ratio of the speed of light in empty space to the speed of light in a substance; when light passes from one medium to another. Generally, a low concentration sample has a larger angle of refraction than a high concentration sample. For example, a straw placed in a high-concentration substance appears more bent than when placed in a low-concentration substance. Refractometers can work with natural light, or with an external power source such as batteries or electricity. They typically have either a digital or analog reading display, though some units utilize both types. Some analog-display refractometers can be used for both solids and liquids. Digital-display refractometers are used exclusively for liquids. Types of refractometers include handheld, benchtop, and in-process. Handheld refractometers are elongated and telescope-shaped, or shorter and rectangular. Analog handheld refractometer readings are obtained by looking through the monocular eyepiece and viewing where the boundary line intersects with the memory line. Digital handheld models provide a digital readout. Benchtop refractometers typically measure with a higher degree of accuracy than handheld units. In-process refractometers are used for continuous process monitoring and data readouts, and are generally fitted into a piping system for ongoing analysis. Refractometers are used in a wide variety of applications in the culinary, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, educational, geological, chemical, ecological, and automotive industries, and for water-testing applications.

VEE GEE Scientific manufactures laboratory equipment and supplies, and makes the VanGuard brand of products. The company, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Kirkland, WA, offers scientific equipment for educational, research, clinical, and industrial applications.

What’s in the Box?

• BX-20 refractometer
• Vinyl carrying case
• Plastic transfer pipet
• Instructions