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  • PORTABLE REFRACTOMETER – J27
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Refractometer J257

Versatile Refractometer – J257 with Extended Measurement Range

A highly versatile Refractometer, the Rudolph Research J257 was developed by working together with laboratory refractometer users from the polymer, petroleum,  petrochemical, pharmaceutical and essential oil industries. The J257 is a fully Automatic, Digital Refractometer, featuring electronic cooling and heating. In addition it has an extended Refractive Index (RI) measurement range. The J257 is part of the Rudolph Research Rudolph Research Refractometer Product Line.

Watch a Video featuring the Rudolph Research J257 Wide Range Refractometer


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Versatile Refractometer for a Wide Range of Applications

Rudolph Research’s J257 is designed as a multipurpose versatile refractometer for a broad range of (RI) refractive index measurement applications.  Many laboratories need the versatility of a wide range refractometer as they measure many varied samples. The J257 measures the widest possible range of Refractive Index from 1.26 to 1.72 RI. This means that this instrument can measure many materials that a refractometer with only a food refractive index range of 1.33-1.53 cannot.

Automatic Refractometer Operation

Operating the Rudolph J257 is as simple as placing a sample on the prism, closing the cover and reading the results on the digital screen — all in just a few seconds. Being fully automatic there there are no shadow lines to match and there is no eyepiece requiring any kind of operator determination or manual adjustment. When the “measure when stable” mode is selected, the J257 automatically waits until the sample has been heated or cooled to a predefined temperature before initiating a measurement.

Versatile Refractometer With An Easy To Read LCD Interface

A large 7.5cm x 10cm cold cathode fluorescent back lit, digital LCD allows the scale, sample temperature, set temperature, air temperature, time, date, and temperature correction status to be easily viewed. All functions are activated through a touch screen panel that will not wear out or get misplaced like traditional or detachable keyboards. The durable touch screen is resistant to fingernails, sharp objects, chemicals, and acids.

Versatile Refractometer Data Storage Options

The J257 Refractometer offers various data storage options to meet the needs of any lab and any compliance requirement. With 32mb of on-board memory the J257 can work on a stand-alone basis or memory sticks can be utilized to expand memory or make data easily transportable to a PC. The J257 is easily connected to your network or may be linked with a PC. For all data storage options see: Refractometer Data Storage

A Versatile Refractometer with Dual Temperature Control System

Unlike other temperature controlled refractometers, the J257 digital refractometer has temperature control from both above and below the sample. The sample cover is controlled to the same temperature as the prism and, when lowered, is designed to provide a temperature controlled micro-environment that provides unrivaled temperature stability, fast measurement time, and minimal evaporation. Depending on options, the sample cover can also be used to initiate measurement. This means that the operator never even needs to touch the refractometer screen on a day-to-day basis, simply lower the cover and measurement starts automatically.
Versatile Refractometer - Wide Range Sample Cover

Optional Sample Presser

The J257 is available with an optional Temperature Controlled Sample Presser that touches the sample. This make the J257 one of the most versatile refractometers for a very wide range of uses. Compared with the standard temperature controlled Cover, the optional Presser reduces the empty volume of the measurement area thereby decreasing evaporation and at the same time helping to evenly spread semi-solid materials over the refractometer’s measurement prism. This feature offers improved refractive index (RI) readings on a wide range of often hard to measure samples.
Versatile Refractometer with Sample Well Cover

More about Rudolph Refractometer Sample Cover Options

J257 Versatile Refractometer offers full and Traceable Calibration

Rudolph Standards Lab

The Rudolph J257 Versatile Refractometer offers 1 pt, 2 pt, or a full multi-point calibration. Calibration can be done at 20°C, 25°C or any user selectable temperature within the available range. Regardless of how many times the refractometer has been calibrated, it can always be restored to the initial factory calibration if required.

User Configurable

Versatile refractometers in the lab have the advantage of being able to display a lot of information, however this versatility can also lead to confusion, with extra buttons and by forcing the operator to interpret extra information that may have no relevance to their application. The J Series customizable digital refractometer, display allows the instrument to be configured to exactly what is required for each application. The customizable keypad can be “locked out” or just a few keys can be operable, i.e. the measure key, print key, zero key, customer specified sample keys or any combination thereof. The lockout function, calibration and other functions are all password protected.

Versatile Refractometer Sample CoverVersatile Refractometer Sample Well East To Clean

Very Durable – Rugged

The Rudolph J Series refractometers are rugged, laboratory instruments offering a sapphire prism for high mechanical and chemical durability. The sample well is made of acid resistant ,316 stainless steel with a Techtron sealing ring. There is no lamp to change, the LED light source is guaranteed for 1,000,000 measurements.

Refractometer Options and Accessories

  • NIST traceable calibration liquids
  • IQ/OQ/PQ package
  • Acid resistant sample well and plate
  • Printer
  • Pre-programmed custom scale
  • Data capture software
  • Small volume, easy to clean sample well
  • Different measurement wavelengths
  • Barcode reader

Return to view the entire Rudolph Research Refractometer Product Line

Adding Automation can Increase Throughput:

  • Testing Urine SG
  • Quality Control Automation System
  • Automated QC System
  • Maple Syrup Testing
  • Automated Color Measurement

20yearbanner

All Rudolph Instruments carry our exclusive 20 Commitment to service your instrument.

Rudolph Research Analytical offers a comprehensive range of Preventive Maintenance and Service Programs. Rudolph has demonstrated a commitment to its customers by keeping installed instruments operational, not only for 20 years, but in some cases for over 40 years. This long-term commitment to keeping our instruments running makes the cost of ownership, over the life of a Rudolph Instrument, one of the lowest in the laboratory market segment. At the date this document was published, there is no other laboratory instrument manufacturer guaranteeing service and technical support for 20 years. View the entire 20 Service Guarantee.

Adding automation to this instrument will allow you to make multiple measurements at the same time, making this a robust Quality Control Automation System.
You only need one or more instruments to add either a carousel or drawer configuration to your Automated QC System

J257 Digital Refractometer Specifications
Measurement Scales Refractive Index (RI) BRIX (% sucrose) Temperature Corrected BRIX Temperature Corrected RI 100 User Programmable Scales
Measurement Range 1.26 - 1.72 RI, 0 - 100 BRIX
Resolution Refractive index 0.0001(Standard), 0.00001 (Optional) BRIX 0.1(Standard), 0.01 (Optional)
Repeatability ±0.0001 RI, ±0.05 BRIX
Accuracy ±0.0001 RI, ±0.05 BRIX
Optical Wavelength 589.3nm (other wavelengths available)
Prism Industrial Sapphire
Light Source Light Emitting Diode (est. life: >100,000 hrs.)
Response Time Continuous readout or user programmable delay (i.e. a 25ºC sample can be cooled to 20ºC and measured in 20 seconds)
Communication Interface 3 USB RS232 ports Cat5 Network (Ethernet)
Analog Control 0-10 volts, 4-20 mA
Temp. Control Range (within 10C of ambient) 10ºC - 100ºC *other temperature control options are available - 5ºC – 110ºC available with temperature boost option.
Temp. Sensor Accuracy ±0.05ºC
Ambient Temp. Limit 5ºC - 40ºC
Temp. Correction Range 4ºC - 95ºC (for pure sucrose solutions)
Temp. Control Prism surface and presser
Calibration 1, 2 or full multi-point calibration
Operating Dimensions L: 15.25" W: 10" H: 4.5" / 23 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions L: 26" W: 21" H: 16" / 30 lbs.
Power Requirements 100-240 volts, 50 Hz - 60 Hz

Refractometer Info

  • Refractometer J47
  • Refractometer J57-VT
  • Refractometer J157 PLUS
  • Refractometer J257
  • Refractometer J357
  • Refractometer J457
  • TB947 Refractometer Selection Guide
  • Register Your Handheld Instrument
  • Refractometry – Measuring Refractive Index
  • Refractometers White Papers
  • Refractometer Information Request
  • Refractometer Selection Guide
  • Refractometers Flavor Fragrance Cosmetic
  • Refractometers for Chemical Industry
  • Refractometers for Sugar Milling, Refining, Processing
  • Refractometers Petroleum
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