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Thread: Need help using the refractometer

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Cromwell, MN
    Posts
    36

    Default Need help using the refractometer

    I bought a refractometer off amazon last year to help me judge when the syrup is done. One issue I have so far is that the blue/white line seems to climb the longer you leave it up to your eye. I'm thinking that I might be putting too much liquid onto the prism and that it is flowing down the slope as I hold it up to my eye and maybe that is shifting the refraction a bit. Occasionally I get a sharp blue/white line but more often its a litte blurry and shows a gradient. Do any of you have tips or tricks for using this tool?
    2017 - 45 taps on buckets 260gal sap 6gal syrup
    2018 - 92 taps on bags

    All boiled on a homemade 2x5 fuel oil evaporator using 6 steam pans

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Center, Underhill Ctr, VT
    Posts
    6,390

    Default

    I assume your refractometer has automatic temperature compensation? If not, it's only good at the temperature it is calibrated for.

    In any case, the reading will keep changing until the syrup and the refractometer become isothermal (reach the same stable temperature). Put a drop of syrup on the glass, put the cover down, then wait for a minute before taking a reading.
    Dr. Tim Perkins
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
    http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
    https://mapleresearch.org
    Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Cromwell, MN
    Posts
    36

    Default

    Thats a good possible explination that I will test. Thanks!
    2017 - 45 taps on buckets 260gal sap 6gal syrup
    2018 - 92 taps on bags

    All boiled on a homemade 2x5 fuel oil evaporator using 6 steam pans

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