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Thread: Accuracy of refractometer?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Saratoga, NY
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    426

    Default Accuracy of refractometer?

    I've had a brix refractometer for a few years now, I only use it occasionally but it always seems that we have high sugar % compared to the average. Not complaining but wondering about the accuracy of such a device...I bought a relatively inexpensive one off Amazon.

    Our average yield (mostly from hard maples) is often 2.5 and even in the 4s and 5s when I test from the tank. Is there a way to test for accuracy or to "zero" the device?
    --
    2015: 8 bucket taps (7 red, 1 sugar) on DIY barrel evaporator
    2016: 13 taps (bucket and tube) on block arch and hotel pans
    2017: SAME
    2018: 25 taps on 2x3 flat pan and resurrected barrel arch
    2019: 25 taps...same setup plus DIY 3x150gpd RO filter
    2020: 50 taps, all buckets..."new" oil tank arch setup
    2021: 100 taps (50/50 buckets/3-16 tubing) on 2x4 divided pan
    2022: 150 taps (50/100 b/t) on 2x4 pan with sap warmer pan
    2023: SAME
    2024: 150 taps, added single-post 4x40 RO system

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Hopkinton, MA
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    1,778

    Default

    You can zero it out with distilled water.
    Woodville Maples
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    Around 300 taps on tubing, 25+ on buckets if I put them out
    Mix of natural and mechanical vac, S3 Controller from Mountain Maple
    2x6 W.F. Mason with Phaneuf pans
    Deer Run 250 RO
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    6+ hives of bees (if they make it through the winters)
    Keeping the day job until I can start living the dream.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Lake County Ohio
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    Default

    I have a Misco refractometer which can be zeroed out with a glycerin product available from Misco.
    I use distilled water.
    Did you receive a manual or instructions?
    They need to be calibrated every now and then.
    John Allin

    14x18 Hemlock Timber Frame Sugar House 2009
    Leader 2x6 w/Patriot Raised Flue Pan 2009
    Leader Steam Hood 2014 - Clear Filter Press 2015
    Leader Revolution Pan and SS Pre-Heater 2016
    CDL Hobby RO & Air Tech L25 Hi Vac Pump 2019
    06' Gator HPX to collect wood & sap
    14' Ski-Doo Tundra for winter work in the woods
    Great Family 3 grown kids+spouses and 7 grand kids who like the woods
    7th Gen Born in Canada - Raised in Chardon Ohio - Maple Capital of the World..<grin>.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
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    Rock Creek, NC
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    5,807

    Default

    There should be an adjustment screw that's probably hidden under a small cap. Use distilled water for calibration fluid and adjust it to zero. You'll need a small Allen wrench or screwdriver to make the adjustment. Most refractometers are automatically temperature compensating (ATC).

    When you use the refractometer you need to clean it very well between uses to get an honest reading. I find my refractometer to be very accurate.
    Russ

    "Red Roof Maples" Where the term "boiling soda" was first introduced to the maple world!

    1930 Ford Model AA Doodlebug tractor
    A couple of Honda 4 wheelers
    Four chainsaws and no chickens!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Center, Underhill Ctr, VT
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    The other key thing in refractometer measurements is that the solution being measured and the instrument be isothermal (the same temperature). If you put a cold drop of sap on a warm refractometer (or vice versa), you'll end up with an erroneous reading, even with an instrument with automatic temperature compensation (ATC). Give it a minute or so to stabilize before taking the reading.

    Some good info at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/...nce-S1-1-4.htm
    Dr. Tim Perkins
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
    http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
    https://mapleresearch.org
    Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu

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