ATAGO MASTER Series - User Manual

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ATAGO instruments are rigorously inspected to ensure each unit meets the highest standards of quality assurance.

PRECAUTIONS

(Be sure to read the following before use.)

Warning!

Caution

When using this instrument to measure

solutions which may be harmful to humans,

please handle all materials carefully, using

the proper gloves and mask. Please be

aware of any special handling instructions for

any harmful solution.

●Carefully read the instruction manual of this instrument to

ensure proper use and operating methods.

●When handling and carrying this instrument, avoid dropping

or subjecting to any strong shock or excessive force.

●If this instrument is used for any application other than its

intended purpose, ATAGO will not be held liable for any

damage caused by the use of or the measurement(s)

obtained by the operator.

●ATAGO is not liable for any loss and damage caused by

the measurement and use of this instrument.

●The prism is considered a consumable item and a charge

will be incurred for the replacement of this part.

●All instruments received for repair are subject to a possible

inspection fee. ATAGO does not warrant the problems

which are caused by user's fault even though the unit is

under warranty.

Thank you for your purchase of a quality ATAGO product.

光… Capture the Light, Measure the Future!

1. Names and functions of main parts

11. Specifications

Brix 0.2%

Brix 0.0 to 53.0% Brix 0.0 to 20.0%

Brix ±0.2% (at 20℃)

Brix ±0.1% (at 20℃)

IP65 Water Resistant (except eyepiece)

3.2×3.4×20.7cm, 110g

3.2×3.4×16.8cm, 90g

Brix 0.1%

Brix ±0.2% (10 to 30℃)

Brix ±0.1%

Measurement range

Minimum scale

Accuracy

Size and weight

International

Protection class

Repeatability

(Automatic Temperature Compensation)

MASTER-53Pα

(Cat.No.2971)

MASTER-20Pα

(Cat.No.2991)

Brix 0.0 to 10.0%

3.2×3.4×20.3cm, 105g

Brix 0.1%

Brix ±0.2% (10 to 30℃)

Brix ±0.1%

MASTER-10Pα

(Cat.No.2981)

（MASTER-53Pα pictured above.）

cThe eyepiece and daylight

plate are user replaceable.

Please contact an ATAGO

distributor to place an order or

for any inquiries.

Eyepiece

Grip

Daylight plate

Prism

Sample Stage

Scale adjustment screw

Access now ⇒

In just

minute

From 1 year to2years　

Free Extended Warranty

It requires only 1 minute! Simply by answering questions, warranty period is extended from 1 year to 2 years.

(The registration page can be accessed from ATAGO website.)

(Water Resistant ＆ Automatic

Temperature Compensation)

MASTER SERIES REFRACTOMETER

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

series

MASTER-20Pα

(Cat.No. 2991, Brix 0.0 to 20.0%)

MASTER-10Pα

(Cat.No. 2981, Brix 0.0 to 10.0%)

MASTER-Pα

(Cat.No. 2391, Brix 0.0 to 33.0%)

MASTER-53Pα

(Cat.No. 2971, Brix 0.0 to 53.0%)

9. When moisture accumulates in the eyepiece

11. Specifications

IP65 Water Resistant (except eyepiece)

International

Protection class

Design Registration No.000379326-0001, 000379326-0002 (EU), ZL 2005 3 0116403.4,5 (China), D111526 (Taiwan), D554, 549 (U.S.A.)

1255763, 1255764, 1255765, 1255766, 1255767 (Japan) Patent Granted in countries around the world.

10. Repair and warranty

Have the serial number of your refractometer available when asking about repair.

7. Quick and Easy sampling

inside of eyepiece

outside of eyepiece

If the view of the scale and boundary line becomes obstructed by moisture

within the eyepiece, follow the instructions below for proper cleaning:

①While holding the eyepiece toward you, turn the eyepiece counter-clockwise

until it can be removed.

②Gently wipe the two areas indicated by the arrows in the figure with a

clean, dry cloth to remove any moisture.

③Replace the eyepiece and secure by turning in a clockwise direction.

※MASTER-Pα series are water-resistant rated (JIS-C0920 5th grade jet proof type,

IEC specification 529, IP65), however the eyepiece section is not water-resistant.

Note:

A brix value expressed as a percentage (％) is equivalent to that value expressed in degrees Brix (°Brix).

Place apporoximately 0.3mL of sample on the front end (Figure ①) or the rear end

(Figure ②) of the sample stage, and tilt the refractometer slightly in the proper

direction to allow the sample to move over the prism. The sample liquid will spread

evenly and the measurement value can then be read more quickly and easily. By

eliminating the steps of lifting and closing the daylight plate when applying a

sample, the operator can save much time when having to measure many samples

daily. (This measuring method requires the sample to be low in viscosity.)

8. Brix Scale

All refractometers are designed to measure the refractive index of a solution. The Brix scale is based on a sucrose

(sugar) and water solution. However, since most samples contain substances other than sugar - such as salts, minerals

and proteins - the Brix percentage represents the total concentration of all soluble solids in the sample. For certain

samples, such as cutting oils and other industrial fluids, a conversion chart from the Brix percentage to the sample's

total concentration may be necessary.

The MASTER-Pα series are warranted for one year after the date of purchase against any manufacturer defect in materials or workmanship.

Prism and sample stage are excluded from the warranty. Any of the following events happening to the unit will void the warranty:

●Disassembled by anyone other than authorized service provider ●Immersed in liquid or dropped

●Misused, abused, or used/stored in improper ambient conditions

Service fees are applicable for repairs after the warranty period expires. Contact an authorized ATAGO Service Center or the

original seller for details.

①

②

1911K Printed in Japan

Headquarters: The Front Tower Shiba Koen

23rd Floor 2-6-3 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku

Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

TEL: 81-3-3431-1943 FAX:81-3-3431-1945

overseas@atago.net http://www.atago.net/

TEL: 1-425-637-2107

customerservice@atago-usa.com

TEL: 91-22-28544915 / 40713232

customerservice@atago-india.com

TEL: 66-21948727-9 ,66-21171549

customerservice@atago-thailand.com

TEL: 55 16 3913-8400

customerservice@atago-brasil.com

TEL: 39 02 36557267

customerservice@atago-italia.com

TEL: 86-20-38108256

info@atago-china.com

TEL: 7-812-777-96-96

info@atago-russia.com

TEL: 234-707-558-1552

atagonigeria@atago.net

TEL: 7-727-257-08-95

info@atago-kazakhstan.com

Brix 0.2%

MASTER-Pα

(Cat.No.2391)

Brix 0.0 to 53.0% Brix 0.0 to 33.0%

Brix ±0.2%

(at 20℃)

Brix ±0.1% (at 20℃)

Brix 0.2%Brix 0.1%

Brix ±0.2%

(10 to 30℃)

Brix ±0.1%

Measurement range

Minimum scale

Accuracy

Repeatability

(Automatic Temperature Compensation)

Size and weight

3.2×3.4×20.3cm, 105g

Brix 0.0 to 20.0%

Brix 0.1%

Brix ±0.2%

(10 to 30℃)

Brix ±0.1%

3.2×3.4×20.7cm, 110g

Brix 0.0 to 10.0%

Brix ±0.2%

(10 to 30℃)

Brix ±0.1%

3.2×3.4×20.3cm, 105g

3.2×3.4×16.8cm, 90g

MASTER-53Pα

(Cat.No.2971

MASTER-10Pα

(Cat.No.2981)

MASTER-20Pα

(Cat.No.2991)

2971-E07

Eyepiece

Daylight plate

RE-2311-12M

RE-2315-61M

RE-2391-67M

Small volume

daylight plate

Part #Name

Need help?

Do you have a question about the ATAGO MASTER Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Repair and Warranty Information

ATAGO Refractometer Specifications

Product Overview and Parts

Names and Functions of Main Parts

Identifies and illustrates the key components of the refractometer for user understanding and operation.

Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)

Calibration and Certification

Verifying Calibration

Check prism cleanliness, measure standard solutions, and verify measurement values against expected results.

Calibration Certification Options

Order Calibration Certificates based on ISO quality system; HACCP or GMP certification is optional.

This document describes the ATAGO MASTER-PX series refractometer, a device designed for measuring the refractive index of solutions, primarily expressed in Brix percentage. The series includes models such as the MASTER-53P α, MASTER-10P α, MASTER-20P α, and MASTER-P α, each with different measurement ranges.

Function Description

The MASTER-PX series refractometers are optical instruments used to determine the concentration of soluble solids in a solution by measuring its refractive index. The Brix scale, based on sucrose and water solutions, indicates the total concentration of soluble solids. For samples like cutting oils or industrial fluids, a conversion chart may be needed to relate Brix percentage to total concentration. The device features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), which automatically adjusts the internal scale to account for changes in ambient temperature, eliminating the need for manual temperature correction charts. This ensures accurate readings even when the ambient temperature fluctuates.

Important Technical Specifications

The MASTER-PX series offers various models with specific measurement ranges and accuracies:

MASTER-53P α (Cat.No. 2971):
- Measurement Range: Brix 0.0 to 53.0%
- Minimum Scale: Brix 0.2%
- Accuracy: Brix ±0.2% (at 20°C)
- Repeatability: Brix ±0.1% (at 20°C)
MASTER-10P α (Cat.No. 2981):
- Measurement Range: Brix 0.0 to 10.0%
- Minimum Scale: Brix 0.1%
- Accuracy: Brix ±0.2% (10 to 30°C)
- Repeatability: Brix ±0.1%
MASTER-20P α (Cat.No. 2991):
- Measurement Range: Brix 0.0 to 20.0%
- Minimum Scale: Brix 0.1%
- Accuracy: Brix ±0.2% (10 to 30°C)
- Repeatability: Brix ±0.1%
MASTER-P α (Cat.No. 2391):
- Measurement Range: Brix 0.0 to 33.0%
- Minimum Scale: Brix 0.1%
- Accuracy: Brix ±0.2% (10 to 30°C)
- Repeatability: Brix ±0.1%

All models feature Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC). The protection class for the main unit (excluding the eyepiece) is IP65 Water Resistant, meaning it is dust-tight and protected against water jets.

Dimensions and Weight:

MASTER-53P α: 3.2 x 3.4 x 16.8cm, 90g
MASTER-10P α: 3.2 x 3.4 x 20.3cm, 105g
MASTER-20P α: 3.2 x 3.4 x 20.7cm, 110g
MASTER-P α: 3.2 x 3.4 x 20.3cm, 105g

The device has received several design registrations and awards, including the Grand Prize of Invention Award (MEXT), JPO Commissioner Encouragement Prize, and Good Design awards in 2007 and 2009.

Usage Features

Quick and Easy Sampling: To use, apply approximately 0.3mL of sample to the front or rear end of the sample stage. Tilt the refractometer slightly to allow the sample to spread evenly over the prism. This method allows for quick readings, especially when measuring many samples, and is suitable for low-viscosity liquids.

Measurement Procedure:

Place one or two drops of sample on the prism, holding the refractometer between your fingers.
Gently close the daylight plate.
Ensure the sample spreads evenly over the prism surface and that air bubbles are eliminated.
View the scale through the eyepiece. To focus, turn the eyepiece until the view is clear. Use the number printed on the side of the eyepiece as a reference for its position when in focus.
Read the measurement value where the boundary line intersects the scale.

Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC): The ATC feature automatically adjusts the internal scale based on ambient temperature, eliminating the need for manual temperature correction. For accurate readings, the refractometer and sample should be at the same ambient temperature. When measuring heated or refrigerated samples, allow them to conform to ambient temperature for 1 to 2 minutes before placing on the prism.

Calibration: Periodic calibration is recommended. To calibrate, place purified water on the prism at an ambient temperature of 20°C. View the scale through the eyepiece and adjust the scale using the scale adjustment screw located on the underside of the device until the reading is correct.

Maintenance Features

Cleaning:

After each measurement, wipe the sample off with a wet tissue or wash the prism with water.
After washing, wipe off any remaining water with a dry, soft tissue.
For oil-based solutions that may leave a film-like residue, clean the prism and daylight plate with alcohol or mild detergent diluted with water.
For high-temperature solutions, clean the prism area with water at ambient temperature (about 20°C); avoid using cold water (below 10°C).

Eyepiece Maintenance: If moisture accumulates within the eyepiece, obstructing the view:

Hold the eyepiece and turn it counter-clockwise to remove.
Gently wipe the two indicated areas with a clean, dry cloth.
Replace the eyepiece by turning it clockwise. The eyepiece and daylight plate are user-replaceable parts.

Storage: Store the unit in its original storage case in a dry, room temperature (0-40°C) environment away from direct sunlight.

Precautions:

Do not submerge the unit underwater for prolonged periods or in hot liquids.
Avoid dropping or subjecting the unit to strong shock or excessive force.
When measuring hot samples, allow them to cool to room temperature to preserve prism integrity.
Keep the unit away from heat sources.
When measuring murky or dark solutions, hold the unit up to stronger light (e.g., direct sunlight or a light source for microscopes) to make out the boundary line.

Warranty and Repair: The MASTER-PX series is warranted for one year from the date of purchase against manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship. The prism and sample stage are excluded from the warranty. The warranty is void if the unit is disassembled by unauthorized personnel, misused, abused, used/stored in improper ambient conditions, immersed in liquid, or dropped. Service fees apply for repairs after the warranty period. The prism is considered a consumable item, and its replacement will incur a charge. All instruments sent for repair are subject to a possible inspection fee.