Digital ºBrix HI-96801 Refractometer

The HI 96801 digital refractometer measures %Brix quickly and accurately, ideal for lab or field. Rugged, portable, and ICUMSA-compliant.

The Hanna Instruments HI-96801 digital Brix refractometer provides fast, precise, and standardized sugar content measurements with ATC, 1.5-second readings, and a durable IP65 waterproof design. Ideal for both laboratory and field use, it requires only 2 drops of sample and ensures reliable results according to ICUMSA tables.

The HI-96801 digital Brix refractometer is a robust, portable, and waterproof instrument, perfect for measuring sugar content in the lab or in the field.

This portable refractometer converts a sample's refractive index into %Brix, providing accurate sucrose concentration analysis. Its method, based on optical refractive index measurement, is quick and simple. Simply calibrate with distilled or deionized water, and you’ll have a reading in seconds.

Why Choose This Hanna Instruments Refractometer?

  • Reliable and accurate measurements thanks to Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC).
  • Easy one-point calibration using pure water.
  • Results in less than 1.5 seconds, with a dual-level LCD displaying %Brix and temperature simultaneously.
  • Durable design with stainless steel cover and IP65 waterproof housing, ideal for field and laboratory use.
  • Minimum sample required: only 2 metric drops (100 μL).
  • Auto-off function to preserve battery life.

Additionally, the HI-96801 uses internationally recognized ICUMSA tables to convert refractive index to %Brix, ensuring your analyses meet global standards.

Common Applications of the HI-96801 Digital Brix Refractometer

This portable refractometer is perfect for measuring sugar in:

  • Fruits and juices.
  • Energy drinks.
  • Jams and honey.
  • Puddings and soy milk.
  • Any semi-aqueous or sugar-containing food products.

Main Technical Features

  • Sugar content range: 0 a 85º Brix.
  • Resolution: 0.1º Brix.
  • Accuracy: ±0.2º Brix (at 25°C / 77°F).
  • Temperature range: 0 to 80 °C (32 to 176 °F).
  • Temperature resolution: 0.1 ºC (0.1 ºF).
  • Temperature accuracy: ±0.3 ºC (±0.5 ºF).
  • Measurement time: 1.5 seconds
  • Minimum sample volume: 100 μL.
  • Light source: Yellow LED.
  • Protection: IP65.
  • Battery: 9V (approx. 5,000 readings).
  • Dimensions and weight: 192 x 102 x 67 mm / 420 g.

Other Hanna Instruments Portable Refractometer Models

HI96812 Refractometer: °Baumé Measurement for Wine and Must

  • Converts %Brix to °Baumé, ideal for winemakers.
  • Based on AOAC International tables.
  • Range: 0 to 28 °Baumé with ±0.1 accuracy.
  • Similar features to the HI-96801 regarding temperature compensation and design.

HI96816 Refractometer: Digital Alcohol Potential Meter

  • Calculates alcohol potential based on sugar content.
  • Alcohol range: 4.9 to 56.8 % V/V with ±0.2% accuracy.
  • Programmed according to ICUMSA and OIV standards.
  • Allows switching between temperature-compensated and non-compensated Brix readings.

How to Prepare a Standard Sucrose Solution?

To calibrate and validate the HI96816 digital Brix refractometer, follow these steps to prepare a standard sucrose solution:

  1. Place a clean container (such as a glass vial or dropper bottle with a cap) on an analytical balance and tare (zero) the weight.
  2. Accurately weigh the desired amount of pure sucrose (high purity, CAS #: 57-50-1).
  3. Add distilled or deionized water to the container until the total weight reaches 100 g of solution.
  4. If preparing solutions with more than 65% sucrose, you may need to stir vigorously or gently heat the mixture in a water bath at around 40 °C to fully dissolve the sucrose.
  5. Allow the solution to cool before using it to calibrate the refractometer.

Example for a 25% solution: 25 g sucrose + 75 g water = 100 g solution.

Advantages of Hanna Instruments Refractometers

  • Portable for field or laboratory use.
  • Accurate and fast results.
  • Easy operation with only 2 buttons.
  • High durability thanks to robust materials and IP65 design.
  • Simple support and calibration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the HI-96801 refractometer work?
It uses an optical sensor to measure the refractive index. The device automatically converts this value and applies Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) to deliver a stable and accurate result in under 1.5 seconds.

How is the refractometer calibrated?
Simply apply distilled or deionized water, press the calibration button, and wait for confirmation on the display. It is a single-point calibration.

What applications is it ideal for?
Perfect for measuring sugar in:

  • Fruits and juices.
  • Energy drinks.
  • Honey, jams, syrups.
  • Puddings and soy milk.
  • Semi-liquid foods with sugar content.

What is the difference between the HI-96801 and HI96812?

  • HI-96801: measures %Brix, ideal for general food and beverages.
  • HI96812: converts %Brix to °Baumé, designed for enology (wine and must).
    Both share fast measurement, ATC, and a durable design.

What’s included when purchasing the HI-96801?

  • HI-96801 digital refractometer.
  • 9V battery.
  • User manual.
  • Integrated stainless steel cover.

Can it be used in the field without a power outlet?
Yes, it operates on a 9V battery and provides approximately 5,000 readings.