LimsPulse
Physical testing

Refractometer

Measures the refractive index of a liquid or melted solid, usually at 20 °C and 589 nm. It is a quick identity and purity test for oils, solvents and syrups.

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Food & beverage
  • Flavours & fragrances
  • Chemicals
  • Petrochemicals
Photo of a Refractometer
Photo: Roco190, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
CALIBRATION

Refractometer calibration procedures

Refractive index with reference liquid

Measures purified water and a certified refractive index reference liquid and compares each reading with its known value at 20 °C.

Open procedure
QUALIFICATION

Instrument qualification (DQ · IQ · OQ · PQ)

  1. 01

    DQ — Design qualification

    Defines the range, resolution, temperature control, sample types (liquids, melts, syrups) and data integrity needs.

  2. 02

    IQ — Installation qualification

    Confirms installation, serial number, software version, accessories and environment.

  3. 03

    OQ — Operational qualification

    Verifies refractive index accuracy with water and certified reference liquids, and the prism temperature accuracy.

  4. 04

    PQ — Performance qualification

    Shows consistent results in routine use through daily water checks and periodic reference liquid checks.

In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every Refractometer in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how