Refractometer RFM300plus Man en

RFM300+
Refractometer
User Guide
RFM300+ User Guide (Eng)
Code 22-160
Issue 02
Revision D
Date November 2008
Bellingham and Stanley Ltd. has been manufacturing high quality optical instruments in the
UK since 1914 and is a leading manufacturer of refractometers and polarimeters. The current
range of products includes optical and digital hand refractometers as well as a full range of
laboratory refractometers and polarimeters available through a network of trained distributors
throughout the world. Process refractometers are also available through specialist outlets.
Our main website gives full details about Bellingham and Stanley Ltd. and our products.
Foreign language brochures in PDF format may be downloaded from this section of the site
by clicking the flag. We apologise if the foreign language brochure of your choice is not
available.
Contact Sales at Bellingham and Stanley Ltd. to discuss a particular application or to receive
details of your local distributor.
Website: www.bellinghamandstanley.com
Bellingham + Stanley Ltd. recognise all trademarks
© Copyright Bellingham + Stanley Ltd. 2009
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of the manual. However,
Bellingham + Stanley Ltd. can assume no responsibility for errors contained in the manual or their
consequences.
Printed in UK
Bellingham + Stanley Ltd. Bellingham + Stanley Inc.

Longfield Road, 1000 Hurricane Shoals Road,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3EY Building D, Suite 300,
United Kingdom Lawrenceville, USA GA30043
Tel: +44 (0) 1892 500400 Tel: 770 822 6898
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 543115 Fax: 770 822 9165
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC 17050-1 & 2 : 2004
Manufacturer's Name Bellingham & Stanley Limited
Manufacturer's Address Longfield Road,

Tunbridge Wells,
Kent TN2 3EY
United Kingdom
declares that the product
Product Name RFM300+ Refractometer
Model Number All
Is designed to conform to the following Product Specifications:
Safety BS EN 60950-1:2002
EMC Emissions
• BS EN 55022:2006 Radiated Emissions Class A
• BS EN 55022:2006 Conducted Emissions Class A
Immunity
• BS EN 61000-3-2:2006 Harmonics
• BS EN 61000-3-11:2001 Flicker
• BS EN 61000-4-2:1995 ESD 8kV contact
• BS EN 61000-4-3:2006 EMS 3V/m
• BS EN 61000-4-5:2006 Surges 0.5kV (line to line)
1.0kV (line to earth)
• BS EN 61000-4-11:2004 Power outages 1 cycle/100%
Supplementary The product herewith is designed to comply with the requirements

of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the Low Voltage Directive
2006/95/EC.
This symbol is an internationally agreed indicator that the product bearing it

should not be disposed of as general waste or garbage which might end up in
landfill sites, but should instead be sent for special processing and/or recycling in
those countries where appropriate legislation and facilities are in place.
This symbol indicates a caution or warning, please refer to the manual.
contents
Installing the instrument ............................................. 1
Instrument description................................................ 2
Instrument overview ............................................ 2-1
Basic operation ................................................... 2-4
Display screen information .................................. 2-9
The instrument logs............................................. 2-14
Measurement settings ......................................... 2-15
Measurement settings in detail............................ 2-16
Remote operation................................................ 2-18
Sampling techniques ........................................... 2-19
Use of temperature compensation ...................... 2-20
Air filter replacement ........................................... 2-21
Setting up the system ................................................ 3
Menu flow chart................................................... 3-1
Shortcut keys ...................................................... 3-3
Calibration ........................................................... 3-5
Measurement settings ......................................... 3-8
Methods .............................................................. 3-9
User accessibility ................................................ 3-15
System settings................................................... 3-16
Customising the instrument................................. 3-20
Measurement traceability .................................... 3-22
Adding extra scales............................................. 3-24
Application Corrections ....................................... 3-26
Setting the default values .................................... 3-28
Displaying the software / hardware details .......... 3-28
Specification............................................................... 4
Spares and accessories............................................. 5
Contents 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009

section 1
Installing the instrument
Unpacking the instrument.................................... 1-1
Contents list ........................................................ 1-1
Part numbers....................................................... 1-1
Positioning the system ........................................ 1-2
Mains connection ................................................ 1-2
Power requirements ............................................ 1-2
Power supply adapter ......................................... 1-2
Installing the instrument 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Section 1

Unpacking the instrument
Carefully remove all of the packing material. It is recommended that the box
and other packing materials are retained so that, should the need arise, the
instrument can be safely returned to the manufacturer.
Check that all parts listed below are present and that no transit damage has
occurred. If any are damaged or missing, contact the supplier immediately.
Contents list
1 RFM300+ Refractometer module,
see table below for part number
1 Power supply, 55-105
1 Mains lead, see below for part number
1 Operating Instructions, 22-160
1 Instruction manual CD-ROM, 55-300
1 Interconnecting lead (PC serial), 54-07
4 Spare Air Vent filter
Part numbers
RFM300+ refractometer part numbers
Installation
Complete refractometer Refractometer module

Model
including power supply only
RFM330+ 22-30 22-330
RFM340+ 22-40 22-340
Mains lead part numbers (for use with Power supply 55-105)
Mains cord wire colours

Code
Moulded plug type for Voltage
Line Neutral Earth no.
(Phase) (Return) (Ground)
Switzerland 230V - - - 61-181

Denmark 230V - - - 61-182
India / South Africa 230V - - - 61-188
Australia 230V - - - 61-189
Green /
No plug – open lead - Brown Blue 61-190
Yellow
UK 13 Amp square pin
230V - - - 61-191
to BS1363/A
United States (3 pin) 110V - - - 61-192
Europe (Schuko) 230V - - - 61-193
Installing the instrument 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 1-1

Positioning the system
Place the instrument on a flat and stable bench that is:
• dry and indoors

• away from draughty or hot equipment like fans or heaters
• out of direct sunlight or strong ambient light
• away from potential sources of interference, such as RFI generating
equipment
• within reach of a power point
• not using a power circuit that also has large motors or noise generating
equipment connected to it
Mains connection
The power supply adapter is supplied with a moulded mains cord and plug,
to suit one of several socket types. For UK lead, replace fuse only with the
type indicated on the plug.
Power requirements
Voltage 110 to 230 V~ ±10%
Frequency 50 to 60 Hz
Installation
Maximum current 2A
Power supply adapter 55-105

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK:
• For electrical safety information, read the label on the power supply
• For indoor use only
• Must be kept dry
• Disconnect the equipment from the mains supply before unplugging the
mains lead from the power supply unit
• Do not open the power supply adapter - no user serviceable parts inside
WARNING:
• Do not cover, designed to operate with free air convection
• No cleaning required
Note: A waterproof power supply adaptor, code no. 55-250, which can be
used in damp environments, is available as an optional extra
Page 1-2 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Installing the instrument

section 2
Instrument description
Instrument overview................................................... 2-1
The refractometer................................................ 2-1
The services panel .............................................. 2-2
The display panel ................................................ 2-3
Basic operation .......................................................... 2-4
Switching on........................................................ 2-4
Switching off........................................................ 2-4
Switching on for the first time .............................. 2-4
Initial operation after switching on ....................... 2-5
Manoeuvring through the menus......................... 2-6
Keying in letters, numbers and other characters . 2-7
Keying in numerical values.................................. 2-8
Display screen information......................................... 2-9
Screen title .......................................................... 2-9
Current time ........................................................ 2-9
Softkey functions................................................. 2-9
Temperature control status ................................. 2-10
Taking a reading ................................................. 2-11
Measurement display description........................ 2-12
Reading quality ................................................... 2-12
Printing the readings ........................................... 2-13
24 column print format ........................................ 2-13
Printer options ..................................................... 2-13
The instrument logs ................................................... 2-14
The System log ................................................... 2-14
The Reading log.................................................. 2-14
PC Data Acquisition Program.............................. 2-14
Measurement settings................................................ 2-15
Mode menu ......................................................... 2-15
Measurement settings in detail .................................. 2-16
Scale ................................................................... 2-16
Temp. Comp. (temperature compensation)......... 2-16
Setting the temperature control setpoint ............. 2-17
Stability................................................................ 2-17
Limits................................................................... 2-17
Remote operation ...................................................... 2-18
RS232 serial port ................................................ 2-18
Sampling techniques.................................................. 2-19
Cleaning .............................................................. 2-19
Sample application.............................................. 2-19
Sample presser ................................................... 2-19
Temperature stability........................................... 2-19
Use of temperature compensation ............................. 2-20
‘Sugar’ temperature compensation ..................... 2-20
‘AG Fluid’ temperature compensation ................. 2-20
Alternative temperature compensations .............. 2-20
Air filter replacement .................................................. 2-21
Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Section 2

Instrument overview
The refractometer
Presser:
Minimises heat loss/gain.
Excludes strong ambient light from prism.
Minimises sample evaporation.
An alternative presser insert is available depending on
application (page 5-2 and 5-4).
Measuring prism:
Artificial sapphire.
Drip dish:
PEEK plastic —
excellent
chemical
resistance and
provides
thermal
isolation.
Prism plate: 316

Stainless steel with
a silicone rubber and
resin prism seal
providing excellent
chemical resistance.
This surface can
become extremely
Cooling air inlet hot.
vent:
Air passes
through ducting
within the
instrument and
is expelled
through vents at
the rear. This
ensures the Display panel:
inside of the see page 2-3.
instrument is
sealed from the
environment.
Housing:
These vents Low density expanded
must not be polyurethane foam. Lightweight
covered. yet good mechanical strength.
Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 2-1

The services panel
Cooling air outlet vents:

Air is drawn in through the side vents and passes through ducting within
the instrument before being expelled through these vents. This ensures
the inside of the instrument is sealed from the environment.
These vents must not be covered.
Code number: Parallel port:

B&S code number For printing.
for the instrument
module.
RS232 Serial port 1:
For remote
communication or
printing.
Warning symbol:
See similarly
RS232 Serial port 2:
marked warnings in
For connection to
this manual.
barcode reader.
Disposal symbol:
See ‘Declaration of
Conformity’ page in
this manual
CE mark:
Specifies the Serial number:
instrument conforms Always specify this
Power connector:
to relevant EU number in any
24V dc from
safety and EMI communication with
power supply.
regulations. B&S Ltd.
Page 2-2 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Instrument description

The display panel
Temperature
Control
Operation status bar status
Shows the details of the indicators:
current operation.
Current time
Power key: Soft key functions

Press to switch ON.
Press for 2 seconds to Soft keys
switch to STANDBY. Functions change
with display.
Power indicator
STANDBY — Red.
ON — Green.
Arrow keys Alpha-numeric keys

Forward/Back keys ‘Telephone style’ keys for
for negotiating entering letters and
through menus etc.. numbers

Basic operation
Switching on
Plug in the power supply and switch on the mains supply. The instrument
will display configuration data and then switch to standby mode with the
power indicator showing red.
To switch on, press the Power Key – the Power Indicator will show green, and
the following will be displayed.
Basic operation
Switching off
To switch to standby, press the Power Key and hold down until a
confirmation screen shows (approximately 2 seconds). Press Yes to switch
to standby – the Power Indicator will show red, or press No to continue
operating.
Note: It is preferable for the instrument to be left on continuously even if a

reading is to be taken only once per day.
Switching on for the first time

When the instrument is switched on for the first time after delivery, a ‘Setup
Wizard’ will step you through a number of questions so that the system can
be configured for your particular application.
Initially, it is a requirement to select the language.
Step 1 Setup the standard measurement conditions. These are the

settings which measurements are to be taken, the reading scale and
temperature compensation that should be used. When the correct
conditions are selected, press Quit.
Step 2 Set the clock. Adjust the instrument clock to local time.
Step 3 Set the printer options. Select whether readings are to be

printed, stored in memory or both. When the correct conditions are
selected, press Quit.
The Setup Wizard can be run at any time by selecting the Tools menu.

Initial operation after switching on
When the instrument is switched on, the temperature control system will be
turned on and the fans will blow air out through the Cooling Air Outlet Vents.
The control system aim temperature will initially be set to 20ºC. The screen
shown below will be displayed.
Basic operation
Depending upon the ambient temperature it might take up to 10 minutes to

reach 20°C.
Once the temperature has

stabilised, a message will be
displayed informing the user
that an Auto Calibration is
required, and to login.
Press OK and the instrument will request that the supervisor PIN is entered.
By default the supervisor PIN is 135, see page 3-15 for more information
about PINs. Logging in is only necessary if PINs are active.
With the PIN entered, the

instrument will request that
the prism is cleaned and that
the presser is lowered.
It is vital that the complete

prism face is scrupulously clean
and dry. Press OK.
A Zero point calibration must then be carried out. The Zero sample value
must be entered. This will initially be 0.00º Brix (distilled water). Press Enter.
Place a small amount of distilled water onto the Measuring Prism. The
complete prism surface must be covered by the water; generally 1ml is
sufficient to achieve this.
Lower the presser.
Press OK.
There will then be a delay while the temperature is stabilising.
When the calibration has been set, the Measurement Display will be
shown.
The refractometer is now ready for use.
It is recommended that the Zero calibration should be repeated daily, see

page 3-5.

Manoeuvring through the menus
Menu items can be found and selected by either:
pressing the Up/Down softkeys and then pressing Select

or
pressing the item number key i.e. press 3 for Setup
Basic operation
If the menu item contains a list of options to choose from then either:
select the menu item and then choose the option from the displayed list
or
press the Forward/Back arrow keys to step through the options
Menu items that can be modified by using the arrow keys are identified by
arrows being displayed next to the menu items value (highlighted below).
Return to the Measurement display by repeatedly pressing Quit to step back

through the menus.

Keying in letters, numbers and other characters
When it is necessary to enter in text, such as a method name, the alpha-
numeric entry screen will be displayed. This will allow entry of numbers,
letters and a range of punctuation characters including “ ! ? / ( ; etc. by
multiple presses of keys.
Basic operation
E.g. To enter the name cola(74) press:
the d key 3 times c

the h key 3 times o
the g key 3 times l
the d key 1 time a
the c key 11 times (
the i key 5 times 7
the f key 4 times 4
the c key 12 times )
Once a key is pressed, the available characters that can be selected using
that key are shown at the top right of the screen (see the table below).
If a key is not re-pressed within one second, the displayed character will be
accepted.
Key Available characters

1 - ? ! , . : ; “ ‘ ( ) 1
2 a b c 2
3 d e f 3
4 g h i 4
5 j k l 5
6 m n o 6
7 p q r s 7
8 t u v 8
9 w x y z 9
0 + $ % / # < = > _ 0

Keying in numerical values
Numerical values, such as a refractive index 1.33299 or a polynomial
constant 0.0123456, can entered in either fixed decimal point format or in
scientific notation. E.g.:
Fixed decimal point Scientific

1.2345 1.2345E0
or
-123.45 -1.2345E2
0.00012345 1.2345E-4
One of the softkeys (second from left) gives access to the minus (-), decimal
point (.) and exponent (E) symbols that will be required to enter both
numerical formats. As the user enters the number, the instrument responds
to the key strokes by changing the soft-key function.
Basic operation
If an error is made while entering the number, press the CLEAR softkey to
erase the entry.
The ENTER soft-key is available throughout the process and may be pressed
at any time to accept the entry.
Note that if the number being entered is negative, then press the minus soft-
key before entering the number. Otherwise, if the number is less than 1,
press 0 first to show the decimal point soft-key.

Display screen information
The pictures below describe standard user interface elements.
Screen title
Basic operation
The screen title will describe what is being displayed on the screen.
Current time
The time is displayed in the 24 hour clock. To adjust the time / date see
page 3-16.
Softkey functions
The softkey functions change depending upon what inputs are required at
that time. If a softkey appears grey then that button is disabled.

Temperature control status
Basic operation
Thermometer symbol —
indicates temperature
Aim temperature as
control system is
defined in the
enabled
measurement settings
The temperature of the sample
r The temperature control system has yet to stabilise for the

first time after either switching on or a change to the aim
temperature.
a The temperature control loop is stable.
↑ The temperature control system is making an increase

correction.
↓ The temperature control system is making a decrease

correction.
≀ The temperature control loop is stablising.

Taking a reading
Raise the presser to access the prism. The screen will display a message
asking for the presser to be lowered. With the presser raised, the
temperature control is limited, therefore it is beneficial to limit the time the
presser is raised.
Clean the prism thoroughly using a suitable solvent, e.g. water or methyl
alcohol depending on the sample type being measured.
Basic operation
Place a small amount of water or sample on the prism (the circular glass-like
area in the middle of the prism plate). The complete prism surface must be
covered by the sample; generally 1ml is sufficient to achieve this.
Lower the presser, the message to lower the presser will clear.
Press the Read softkey. The instrument will display a progress bar whilst
data is collected and the measurement calculated.
The reading will be displayed using the scale and temperature compensation
set in the ‘Mode’ menu as described on page 2-16.
The following page describes what each parameter on the measurement display
is.

Measurement display description
The measurement value is shown
in large figures for easy readability.
It is calculated using the
measurement settings shown
below.
The measurement settings include

the measurement scale and
temperature compensation used
(see page 2-15).
Basic operation
The temperature measured when

the reading was taken is displayed
in degrees Celsius.
The quality measured when the

reading was taken. See below for
details on the quality value.
Reading quality
Quality is an arbitrary figure used to describe the worth of a reading. The
quality value is derived from the optical pattern caused by placing a sample
on the prism. A high quality value indicates a well defined optical pattern
which in turn makes the signal easier to resolve; a low value indicates a less
well defined pattern and hence a less reliable reading.
The quality value for the sample used to set ZERO (normally distilled water)
is automatically set to 100, which can then be used as a reference with which
to compare other measured samples.

Printing the readings
If the fourth (right hand) softkey is set to ‘Print’ or ‘Prt+Save’, the last
displayed reading can be sent to a printer via the selected port. The print
layout can be either with the reading data listed sequentially, suitable for
narrow printers with 24 columns, or with the data in CSV (comma separated
values) suitable for connection to a LIMS. (See ‘Set the print mode’ and
‘Available print formats’ in Section 3)
24 column print format

Basic operation
At the start of the printout is a header. This contains general information

about the instrument, such as when the last span was carried out, and
measurement settings.
Each measurement has a number of parameters. On the left is the
parameter name, and on the right is the parameters value.
Use interconnecting cable 54-03 to connect the instrument to a parallel

printer. (These cables are available from Bellingham + Stanley. Some devices
may require alternatives.)
Printer options
Optionally the reading can be sent to the RS232 serial port for connection to
either a printer or computer terminal program.

The instrument logs
This instrument has two separate logs for storing data. This data will be held
in the instrument whether the power is on or off and can be downloaded to
a computer using the PC Data Acquisition Program (see below).
The System log

The System log maintains a record of all changes and adjustments made to
the instrument by the operators. This will include each zero and span
calibration, changes to the setup, configuration and methods.
The Reading log

Instrument Logs
If the fourth (right hand) softkey is set to ‘Save’ or ‘Prt+Save’ then pressing it
will save the last displayed reading into the Reading log. Up to 712 readings
can be stored in the log. When the log is full no further results will be able
to be stored, a warning message will be displayed on the screen. The
current status of the Reading log can be viewed by selecting the ‘Saved
results’ menu option with in the Tools Menu.
The reading log and current status can be

viewed by selecting the ‘Saved results’
menu option within the Tools Menu.
Press the ‘Review’ softkey to display the
contents of the log. When displayed,
pressing the arrow keys will show
additional reading parameters.
PC Data Acquisition Program

The PC Data Acquisition Program (B+S code no. 26-303) enables the data
from both of the above logs to be transferred to a PC at which time the logs
will be deleted in the instrument. The data can then be sorted, easily
viewed and also saved in csv format files, which can then be opened in a
spreadsheet. This program can be downloaded free from the Bellingham +
Stanley website…
www.bellinghamandstanley.com

Measurement Settings
The measurement settings are accessed in the Mode menu, which is
available from the Measurement Display.
Mode menu
The mode menu will be familiar to users of other Bellingham + Stanley
instruments.
The measurement settings are changed from the Mode menu, which is
accessed from the Measurement Display.
Reading Mode
Press Quit to return back to the Measurement Display.
The following pages describe each of the measurement settings.

Measurement settings in detail
This instrument has a number of measurement settings…
Scale (the scale units that the readings are displayed in)
Temp. Comp. (whether temperature compensation is used)
Set Temp. (temperature the instrument will control the prism to)
Stability (can be set so that a measurement will only be taken if the
sample has stabilised)
Limits (tests to check if the reading parameters are within set
limits)
Scale
The instrument has a number of scales that measurement can be displayed
in. By default the available scales are…
Scale Name Scale ID
Refractive Index ri
Reading Mode
Brix bx
Additional scales can be added, see page 3-24 for details.
Temp. Comp. (temperature compensation)

The instrument has a number of temperature compensation modes
available. By default the available temperature compensation modes are…
TC Name TC ID
none no
sugar su
ag fluid ag
Additional temperature compensation modes can be added, see page 3-25

for details.

Setting the temperature control setpoint
The temperature control system in the instrument can be set over a wide
range of temperatures. For most applications, it is likely that all samples will
be measured at the same temperature; e.g. 20°C for a bottling plant or 70°C
for a preserves factory. However, some major food manufacturers who
produce a range of different products at one facility may need to measure
different ranges of samples at more than one temperature, e.g. soft drinks at
20°C and a range of edible oil products at 60°C. To cater for this
requirement, the temperature control setpoint is available as one of the
method parameters.
However, this must be used with care. It is not practical to continually adjust
the temperature setpoint for every sample. After a change to the setpoint,
the instrument will inhibit reading display until the system has stabilised and a
‘zero’ calibration routine has been carried out. Changing the setpoint will
only be practical if, say, all samples to be measured at 20°C were carried out
in a morning session and then those at 60°C in the afternoon.
Reading Mode
The temperature of the stainless steel prism plate will be similar to the
temperature control setpoint and so could become extremely hot. Direct
contact with skin should be avoided when applying sample or cleaning the
prism plate at temperatures above 50°C.
Stability
The instrument can automatically detect if the sample has stabilised. There
are number of stability modes from a simple time delay (wait 10 seconds
before taking the measurement) to more sophisticated modes.
This feature is explained in detail from page 3-13.
Limits
The instrument is able to have limits set on a number of parameters. If the
measured sample fails to meet these limits a line will be drawn through the
result.
This feature is explained in more detail on page 3-12.

Remote operation
Operation of the instrument can be controlled remotely from a computer.
The 54-07 interconnecting cable that is supplied will connect to the COM
port of a typical PC and the instrument’s RS232 Serial Port 1. Use a
proprietary terminal program or custom software to send commands and
receive data.
The instrument default RS232 configuration is:

Remote operation
9600 Baud, 8 bit, no parity
Contact Bellingham + Stanley Ltd for a list of serial commands.
When the instrument receives a serial

command, the display will show:
When the action has been completed and the data sent, the instrument will
revert to the normal reading display.
RS232 serial port

The RS232 serial ports can be accessed via the 9 pin “D type” connectors on
the rear of the instrument. The interconnecting cable socket can be secured
with the 2 screws but these must be finger-tightened only – DO NOT OVER-
TIGHTEN..
9 Pin “D type” plug connections
Pin No. Function Data direction

2 Received data in
3 Transmitted data out
4 DTR In
5 Signal Ground
6 DSR Out

Sampling techniques
In order to achieve the maximum performance from the refractometer, it is
essential that extreme care is taken when cleaning the instrument and
applying sample to the prism. Sample concentration may vary considerably
Sampling techniques from the surface to the centre of a mass whether in a beaker or on a spoon
or spatula. Evaporation can cause remarkably rapid drifting unless care is
taken.
Cleaning
Always clean both the prism surface (and the presser if it contacts the
sample) immediately after taking readings. Sample that has remained on the
prism for long periods can be difficult to remove and small particles of dried
matter can subsequently dissolve into later samples.
Use clean tissue with water to remove old sample then dry with fresh clean
tissue. Some samples, particularly oils and other chemicals, will require the
use of a solvent, such as methyl alcohol, for removal and cleaning. NEVER
use acetone, white spirit, 'Genklene', 'Arklone' or any abrasive cleansers on
any painted surface or, particularly, the membrane keypad panel.
Sample application
Always take sample from the centre of a container not from the surface
where higher concentration skin layers will be present. Keep the time taken
to transport the sample from the container to the prism to an absolute
minimum to limit evaporation. With low viscosity liquids, use a disposable
pipette once only. With high viscosity samples, scoop out sufficient with a
clean, dry spatula. Never pour a sample directly from a container onto the
prism.
The temperature of the stainless steel prism plate could become extremely
hot. Direct contact with skin should be avoided when applying sample or
cleaning the prism plate at temperatures above 50°C.
Sample presser
The sample presser will improve measurement accuracy and repeatability
by:-
1. Providing an 'enclosed' environment for the sample so minimising
contact with the air and limiting evaporation.
2. Minimising the effect of ambient air temperature on the controlled
sample.
3. Preventing strong ambient light from affecting the reading quality.
Temperature stability
The refractive index of liquids changes significantly with temperature. It is
important that the temperature of a sample is constant throughout its mass
before an accurate reading can be taken.

Use of temperature compensation
Selecting the temperature compensation mode corrects readings from the

refractometer to a reference temperature, e.g. 20°C. That is, it allows the
refractometer to run at the temperature of the product under test but
produces readings as if the system was running at the reference
Reading techniques
temperature.
However, temperature compensation should not be considered as just an

alternative to temperature control. If the sample temperature is changing
(e.g. after a warm sample is applied to a cool prism) then there is inevitably a
delay between the actual temperature of the sample in contact with the
prism face and the temperature detected by the temperature probe; (the
probe cannot have instant response). Therefore, there is bound to be some
degree of inaccuracy from the compensation calculations.
Temperature compensation will only be valid if the detected sample

temperature is stable, so there is a great advantage in controlling the prism
temperature to rapidly achieve stability. Using temperature compensation
together with the temperature control system in the instrument could be an
advantage in certain applications. Typically, a hot sample could be taken from
a production line and placed on an instrument controlled at 60°C but with
compensation to display the equivalent reading at 20°C.
‘Sugar’ temperature compensation

‘sugar’ temperature compensation will correct readings of water and sucrose
solutions to 20°C. It conforms to the published ICUMSA 1978 correction
tables which covers the ranges 10 to 40°C and 0 to 80° Brix and has been
extended to cover 5 to 70°C by using additional data. Although the
correction is specifically applicable to pure sucrose solutions, it is also valid
for many sugar based food products. However, it must be stressed that the
correction values may be unsuitable for other, non-sugar based, products
and great care should be exercised if ‘sugar’ temperature compensation is
used with these samples.
‘AG Fluid’ temperature compensation

‘ag fluid’ temperature compensation will correct readings of AG Fluids to
20°C, it covers the range 10 to 40°C.
AG Fluids are a part of a range of Calibration Materials available from

Bellingham + Stanley which can be used for verifying and setting the
instrument calibration. The reading variation with temperature of AG Fluids
is different from that of sugar and so ‘ag fluid’ temperature compensation is
useful when calibrating the instrument at temperatures other than 20°C.
Alternative temperature compensations

Alternative temperature compensations can be added for the correction of
sugar solutions to reference temperatures other than 20°C or for other
product types. For instructions on how to add custom temperature
compensation modes see page 3-25.

Air filter replacement
This instrument is fitted with replaceable filters on the cooling air inlet vents.
Air filter replacement The filters will prevent airborne dust or grease entering the ducting and
clogging the fans.
They should be removed and replaced at regular intervals.
The replacement interval could be weekly for environments with high levels
of atmospheric contaminants or up to three monthly for clean room
applications.
Initially, check the filters often to determine how quickly they become
choked.
To replace the filter, pull the filter

cover away from the instrument.
Four spare filters are supplied with

the instrument.
Additional filters are available from

Bellingham+Stanley in packs of 20
(B+S code no. 26-292).
To replace an enhanced
protection filter, unscrew the filter
holder from the instrument body
by turning it in an anti clockwise
direction. Pulling the filter holders
slightly away from the body can
aid their removal.
Once the filter is replaced, simply

screw back on.
Four spare filters are supplied with

the instrument.
Additional filters are available from Bellingham+Stanley in packs of 20

(B+S code no. 22-088).

section 3
Setting up the system
Menu flow chart.......................................................... 3-1
Shortcut keys ............................................................. 3-3
Calibration.................................................................. 3-5
Calibration standard values................................. 3-5
Zero calibration ................................................... 3-5
Span calibration .................................................. 3-6
Cancel the last calibration ................................... 3-7
Calibration report................................................. 3-7
Measurement settings................................................ 3-8
Which to use, the Mode menu or Methods?........ 3-8
To enable the use of Methods............................. 3-8
To disable the use of Methods (if using the Mode
menu) ................................................................. 3-8
Methods ..................................................................... 3-9
Adding a new method ......................................... 3-9
Editing an existing method .................................. 3-10
Hiding the preset methods .................................. 3-10
Method selection type ......................................... 3-11
Print a list of methods.......................................... 3-11
Reading limits...................................................... 3-12
Adding a limit test condition................................. 3-12
Editing or deleting a limit test condition ............... 3-12
Reading stability.................................................. 3-13
Adding a stability delay condition ........................ 3-13
Adding a stability repeatability condition ............. 3-14
Using smart stability detection............................. 3-14
User accessibility ....................................................... 3-15
Entering PINs ...................................................... 3-15
Changing PINs .................................................... 3-15
System settings.......................................................... 3-16
Setting the date format ........................................ 3-16
Adjust clock for summer (daylight saving) time ... 3-16
Set the clock time................................................ 3-16
Set the print mode............................................... 3-17
Available print formats......................................... 3-17
Select use of ports (serial 1 and parallel) ............ 3-17
Using statistic print mode .................................... 3-18
Automatic printing/saving .................................... 3-19
Set the serial port configuration........................... 3-19
Customising the instrument........................................ 3-20
Change the display layout ................................... 3-20
Change the reading recurrence........................... 3-20
Change the reading resolution ............................ 3-20
Adjust the display backlight and polarity ............. 3-21
Disabling the presser .......................................... 3-21
Section 3 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Setting up the system

Measurement traceability ........................................... 3-22
Batch codes ........................................................ 3-22
Using barcodes as batch codes .......................... 3-23
User codes .......................................................... 3-23
Adding extra scales.................................................... 3-24
Adding a standard scale...................................... 3-24
Adding a custom designed scale......................... 3-24
Adding a custom designed temperature
compensation...................................................... 3-25
Application Corrections .............................................. 3-26
Offset Correction ................................................. 3-26
Citric Acid Correction .......................................... 3-27
Setting the default values........................................... 3-28
Displaying the software / hardware details................. 3-28
Section 3 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Setting up the system

Menu flow chart
1. Zero
Menu 2. Span (Top 1. Saved Results
Calibration) 2. Setup Wizard…
3. Undo
4. Report
1. Calibration
2. Tools
3. Setup
4. Information
1. Use Methods
5. Help
If Methods are 1. Use Methods 2. Hide Preset
not enabled 3. Selection Type
4. Print List…
1. normal
2. zero
If Methods are 3. span
enabled 4. Add new…
5. Settings…
1. Methods 1. Operator PIN .... 123
2. Passwords 2. Supervisor PIN . 135
3. Display
Default settings shown
4. Reading
5. System
1. Header
1. no
2. Temperature
2. yes
3. Quality
4. Configuration
1. single
2. continuous
3. auto single
1. Recurrance
2. Resolution 1. low
3. Appl. Correction 2. medium
4. Scales
5. Temp. Comps
1. none
2. acid
3. offset
1. english
2. french
3. spanish 1. Add new…
4. german
1. dd.mm.yy
2. mm.dd.yy
1. Date Format
2. Summer Time 1. no
3. Set Clock… 2. yes
1. none 5. statistics
2. printer 6. multi + prt
3. save
4. prt + save
1. Language 1. Mode
2. Time / Date 2. Serial 1 1. none
1. Printer
3. Communications 3. Parallel 2. 24 column
2. Serial Ports
4. Traceability 4. Record After Read 3. csv (lims)
5. Temp. Control
1. no
2. yes
1. 4800
1. Baud Rate 2. 9600
2. Word Length 3. 19200
4. 38400
1. off 1. 7 bit EP
2. number 2. 8 bit NP
3. text
4. dateinc
1. Batch Codes 5. barcode 1. off
2. Auto Increment 2. number
3. Log Users 3. text
1. Mode 1. off
2. Disable presser 2. on
Setting up the system 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Section 3-1

Page 3-2 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Setting up the system
Shortcut keys
Shortcut key functions can be activated when the Measurement Display is

shown. Press and hold down the key until the next screen is displayed.
Press and hold to:

Shortcut Keys
switch to
standby
Press and hold to:

adjust the backlight and
display polarity.

Calibration
Calibration is essential to ensure accurate readings over the required
measuring range and should be performed at the low end (Zero) and the
high end (Span) of this range with samples of known values.
Zero This can be considered as an offset to the displayed values.

Although the ideal sample for setting Zero is distilled water,
any known sample at the low end of the measurement
range can be used.
Span The Span can be considered as a scaling, or multiplying,

factor. Span should be checked with a known sample at the
upper end of the measurement range.
Bellingham + Stanley supply a range of Calibration Materials suitable for

verifying and setting the instrument calibration. See the B+S website,
www.bellinghamandstanley.co.uk .
Calibration standard values

The Zero and Span aim values must be entered in the scale units selected in
the measurement settings.
Calibration
If the instrument’s measurement settings are being set using Methods, then
either the Zero or Span method will automatically be selected when a Zero
or Span is being carried out.
If the calibration is to be carried out at 20°C, then the specified value of the
sample at 20°C should be entered.
Alternatively, if the calibration is to be carried out at a temperature other
than 20°C and if:
a. the sample is distilled water or a sucrose solution, then ‘sugar’
temperature compensation could be selected and the specified value of
the sample at 20°C can be entered.
b. the sample is an AG Fluid, then ‘ag fluid’ temperature compensation
could be selected and the specified value of the sample at 20°C can be
entered.
c. the sample is not sucrose or an AG Fluid, then the specified value of the
sample at the calibration temperature must be entered.
Zero calibration
press the Menu softkey
select 1. Calibration
select 1. Zero
A message will be displayed asking for the prism to be thoroughly cleaned

and the presser to be lowered. If a zero has been carried out within the last
30 minutes, the option to skip this part of the calibration is given (this allows
a re-zero to be carried out without removing the sample).
If the clean prism calibration is carried out, it is vital that the complete prism
face is scrupulously clean and dry. Press OK.

The Zero sample value must then be entered. If distilled water is to used and
the instrument set to 20.0°C then the value will be 0.00 ºBrix or 1.33299
Refractive Index; see ‘Calibration Standard Values’ above.
The current measurement settings are displayed in the bottom left of the
aim point screen, so that the aim point units can be checked. Press ‘Enter’.
Place a small amount of distilled water onto the Measuring Prism. The
complete prism surface must be covered by the water; generally 1ml is
sufficient to achieve this.
Lower the presser.
Press OK.
There will then be a delay while instrument waits for the sample to
stabilise.
When the calibration has been set the instrument will show ‘Calibration
Complete.’.
Span calibration
select 2. Span (Top Calibration)
When requested, enter the Span sample value aim value. See ‘Calibration
Standard Values’ above.
Calibration
The current measurement settings are displayed in the bottom left of the
aim point screen, so that the aim point units can be checked. Press ‘Enter’.
As with the zero calibration, place the span sample onto the prism and lower
the presser. Press ‘’Ok’ to start the calibration.
Continuous readings will be taken until stable and then the calibration will be
corrected to the new value.
During both Zero and Span calibrations, the spread of the last 5 reading
values is shown in refractive index (irrespective of the scale used for
calibration). This value must be less than 0.00001 for the value to be
accepted.

Cancel the last calibration
If the Zero or Span calibration was carried out in error, e.g. an incorrect
sample was applied or the wrong value was entered, it can be cancelled.

select 3. Undo
press Yes
Calibration report
Display a report of the last Zero & Span calibrations.

select 4. Report
Calibration
press Print to optionally send the report to a printer which can be

authorised and retained by the operator.

Measurement settings
The instrument has the following measurement settings that will affect a
reading.
Scale (the scale units that the readings are displayed in)
Stability (check that the sample has stabilised)
Limits (check if the reading parameters are within set limits)
The measurement settings can be set in one of two ways.

Mode Menu A Mode menu is accessible from the Measurement
display. The mode menu allows the operator to
select the measurement settings which will be used
for all subsequent readings.
Methods Preconfigured Methods, which define the
measurement settings, are selected from the
Measurement Display.
Measurement
Which to use, the Mode menu or Methods?

If the complete range of product types that is to be measured on the
instrument requires the same measurement settings, then ‘Mode Menu’
option would be most suitable. The mode menu is discussed further on
page 2-15.
However, if a number of products with differing settings are to be read, then
a method can be added for each of them. E.g. a range of soft drinks could be
regularly measured in the sugar scale and the display should show whether
each product reading value is within its set tolerance. The methods can be
given names that are easily identifiable by the operators such as:
Method name Low limit High limit
cola 10.9 11.3
lemon 9.8 10.5
orange 11.0 11.4
To enable the use of Methods

select 3. Setup
select 1. Methods
select 1. Use Methods
select 2. Yes
To disable the use of Methods (use the Mode Menu)

select 3. Setup
select 1. Methods
select 4. Settings (Note: the selection number will change as
methods are added)
select 1. Use Methods
select 1. No

Methods
A ‘Method’ contains all the settings necessary for the instrument to take and
check a sample reading. The settings available are:
Scale (the scale units that the readings is displayed in)
Stability (check that the sample has stabilised)
Limits (check if the reading parameters are within set limits)
Initially, there are three methods set in the instrument:

normal for measuring samples
zero the conditions used for a ‘zero’ calibration
span the conditions used for a ‘span’ calibration
The zero and span method only contain Scale and Temp. Comp. settings.
The zero or span calibration procedure will be carried out at the
temperature of the last selected method, i.e. the temperature of the last
measurement reading.
If the complete range of product types that is to be measured on the

refractometer requires the same measurement settings then the ‘normal’
method can be selected and used for all samples. However, if a number of
products with differing settings is to be checked, then a method can be
added for each of them. E.g. a range of soft drinks could be regularly
measured in the Brix scale and the display should show whether each
product reading value is within its set tolerance. The methods can be given
names that are easily identifiable by the operators such as:
Method name Low limit High limit

Methods
cola 10.9 11.3

lemon 9.8 10.5
orange 11.0 11.4
Adding a new method

select 3. Setup
select 1. Methods
select 4. Add new… (Note: the selection number will change as
methods are added)
Enter the method name. This could be a common name such as cola or
lemonade, a trade name or a product reference code (but not a batch code,
it must identify a generic product type). The name can be a combination of
lower case letters, numbers and other characters.
Set each of the following parameters for the method:

Scale see page 2-16
Temp. Comp. see page 2-16
Set Temp. see page 2-17
Stability see page 3-13
Limits see page 3-12
then Quit back to the Measurement Display.

Editing an existing method
select 3. Setup
select 1. Methods
select the method to be edited
To delete a method select option 6, Delete Method.
Hiding the preset methods

The instrument has 3 preset methods; ‘normal’, ‘zero’ and ‘span’. If the
refractometer will always be used with the preset methods, i.e. one set of
conditions for all samples, and no other methods have been added, then the
Methods function can be disabled and the second softkey in the
Measurement display will be blank.
Alternatively, if a number of methods are created for a standard range of

products, e.g. cola, orange, lemonade, and the preset methods will never be
required, then it could be advantageous to hide ‘normal’, ‘zero’ and ‘span’
from the Methods list. This will make it easier to select the method of
interest.
To achieve either of these,

select 3. Setup
select 1. Methods
methods are added)
Methods
select 2. Hide Preset

select 2. Yes

Method selection type
Before reading a sample, the relevant method should be selected by pressing
the Method softkey in the Measurement Display. This will show a list of all
available methods and the appropriate one can be selected.
However, if a large number of methods have been created, e.g. greater than
20, then it could be easier to select the required method by its index
number rather than scrolling through the list. To change the method
selection method,

select 3. Setup
select 1. Methods
methods are added)
select 3. Selection Method
select list or number
List selection type Number selection type
Print a list of methods

Methods
To print a list of all available methods with their index numbers,

select 3. Setup
select 1. Methods
methods are added)
select 4. Print List…

Reading limits
Reading Limits allows up to three test conditions to be set. If any of the
reading parameters values fall outside the limits then the reading is identified
as ‘fail’.
The three test conditions can be set to check any, or all, of the available
parameters. These are :
Reading value
Temperature
Quality
Adding a limits test condition

Add a new method or Edit an existing method as detailed above, then
select 5. Limits
limits tests are added)
select the parameter 1. reading, 2. temp, 3. quality
enter the Lower Limit
enter the Upper Limit
Example: A method has been configured with the scale set to Brix and two
limits tests of:
Reading value; lower limit = 10.5 upper limit = 11.5
Quality; lower limit = 105 upper limit = 110
If the Reading value is lower than 10.5 or higher than 11.5

or
Methods
the Quality is less than 105 or higher than 110
then the reading will be recorded as ‘fail’ and displayed with a line
through it:
Editing or deleting a limits test condition

Select an existing method as detailed above, then
select 5. Limits
select the Limits test to be edited
change the parameter or limits as required
or
select 4. Delete

Reading stability
Reading Stability is a condition that must be met before a sample reading can
be displayed. The Stability condition can be set to
none
a simple fixed delay
a number of consecutive readings with a repeatable parameter value.
smart detection, using both reading and temperature measurements to
determine sample stability
A Reading Stability condition will only be functional while Reading

Recurrence is set to Single (see page 3-20).
Adding a stability delay condition

A reading Stability delay condition causes a wait period after the Read
softkey has been pressed before the Read function is actually commenced.
This delay provides a fixed time for the sample to stabilise on the prism and
to achieve thermal equilibrium throughout the sample mass.
The valid delay range is 1 to 9999 seconds.
From the measurement settings

select 4. Stability
select 2. delay
Enter a delay time in seconds
Methods

Adding a stability repeatability condition
A reading Stability repeatability condition will disable reading values being
displayed until the condition is met.
After the Read softkey has been pressed, the instrument will take readings
until the spread of a number of consecutive parameter values do not exceed
the tolerance set.
The parameter could be the
reading value or reading temperature or quality
Examples: Three different repeatability conditions are shown below. The
values displayed would be after the 3rd, 5th or 6th reading depending on which
condition had been set.
reading temp quality

14.70 24.84 101 2 quality values within 2
14.79 24.94 104 Reading 3 will be displayed
14.81 24.98 104
14.83 25.02 104 3 reading values within 0.2
14.82 25.00 103 Reading 5 will be displayed
14.83 24.99 104
4 temp values within 0.05
From the measurement settings… Reading 6 will be displayed
select 4. Stability
select 3. repeatability
select the parameter 1. reading, 2. temp, 3. quality
enter the tolerance that the spread of values must be within
enter the number of readings that must be within tolerance.
Methods
Note: The tolerance value entered must be in the units of the selected scale for
the method; e.g. If the scale is Brix then the tolerance could be, say, 0.1 or
if the scale is refractive index then the tolerance could be 0.00015.
The number of readings value must not be greater than 10.
Using smart stability detection

The smart stability option takes the repeatability feature described above
one stage further by testing both the reading and the temperature of the
sample. The combination of both stable reading and temperature will give a
good indication that the sample has stabilised. Measurements are required
to be ±0.05 °C of the aim control temperature.
From the measurement settings…

select 4. Stability
select 3. smart
enter the tolerance that the spread of values must be within
enter the number of readings that must be within tolerance
Note: The tolerance value entered must be in the units of the selected scale for
the method; e.g. If the scale is Brix then the tolerance could be, say, 0.1
or if the scale is refractive index then the tolerance could be 0.00015.
The number of readings value must not be greater than 10.

User accessibility
There are 2 PINs in this refractometer; the "operator" PIN and the
"supervisor" PIN. The "operator" PIN allows access to the Mode menu (or
Method selection if enabled) only and the "supervisor" which provides
unrestricted operation of the Mode menu and Setup menu. Each PIN is a 3
digit number in the range 001 to 255 and is initially set as follows:-
"Operator" 123
"Supervisor" 135
Entering PINs
After pressing SETUP the user is prompted to enter the PIN and press
Enter.
Accessibility
If the PIN is incorrect the instrument will return to the Measurement

Display.
Changing PINs
The "operator" and "supervisor" passwords can be changed to any three digit
numbers in the range 001 to 255.

select 3. Setup
select 5. Passwords
select 1. Operator PIN or 2. Supervisor PIN
Setting the "operator" password to 000 will give unrestricted access to the
Mode menu (or Method selection if enabled) and PIN screen will not be
displayed after pressing Mode.
Setting the "supervisor" password to 000 will give unrestricted access to

both the Mode & Setup menus and the PIN screen will not be displayed after
pressing Mode or Setup.
CAUTION! Access to the MODE & SETUP functions is only possible by

entering the passwords. DO NOT FORGET THEM!
In the event of the PIN being forgotten, contact Bellingham & Stanley Service
Department for assistance.

System settings
Setting the date format
The instrument can display the date in two formats, ‘dd.mm.yy’ (typically
UK) and ‘mm.dd.yy’ (typically US).
select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 2. Time / Date
select 1. Date Format
Select the required date format from the list.
Adjust clock for summer (daylight saving) time

The instruments clock can easily be adjusted for daylight saving time (adding
one hour to the clock).
select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 2. Summer Time
Select yes to advance the clock one hour, or no to turn back the clock one
hour.
Set the clock time

select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 3. Set Clock…
Settings
Enter the time and date digits as shown. The clock will be updated when the
last digit is keyed.

Set the print mode
The fourth (right hand) softkey function in the Measurement Display can be
set to:
Mode Function Softkey
caption
none None; softkey disabled blank
print Print the last displayed reading to the selected Print
printer port
save Save the last displayed reading to the reading log Save
prt+save Print the last displayed reading to the selected Print
printer port and save it to the reading log
statistics Allows a group of up to 10 measurements to be Print
recorded and printed with a statistical analysis of the
data (see page 3-18)
multi + prt Allows a group of between 2 and 10 consecutive Print
measurements to be read and printed automatically.
To select the required mode:

select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 3. Communications
select 1. Printer
select 1. Mode
Available print formats

This instrument can output data using either the serial port 1 and / or parallel
port. There are 2 formats available.
Format Description
24 column Optimised for use with a 24 column printer.
Settings
csv (lims) Designed for easy integration with a LIM system. Each value
is separated using commas.
If a printer is connected to the Parallel port then csv data can also be output
via the Serial 1 port.
Select use of ports (serial 1 and parallel)

If the print mode above is set to ‘printer’ then the instrument can be
programmed to output data via the serial 1 and parallel port.
select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 1. Printer
select 2. Serial1 or 3. Parallel
select the desired print format
When configuring the ports it is advisable to first set ‘Serial 1’ and ‘Parallel’ to
‘none’, and then configure the ports.

Using statistic print mode
The instrument has an optional statistical printout mode (see page 3-17).
This allows a group of up to 10 results to be temporarily logged together and
a statistical analysis carried out upon the results.
When Print is pressed and no previous results have been logged, the
instrument will request the traceability data (batch and operator details) if
selected. This information will be used to identify all of the measurements in
the group.
The diagram below explains the operation of the statistical printout.
Optional
Settings
Clears the statistics

Automatic printing/saving
The instrument can be configured to automatically record a measurement
following a measurement by enabling the ‘Record After Read’ option. This
will, depending upon the Mode setting, print or save the result immediately
after a reading.
select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 1. Printer
select 4. Record After Read
Traceability options, such as batch and operator codes will be requested as if
‘Print’ or ‘Save’ had been pressed.
This feature will only operate in single recurrence mode (see page 3-20).
Set the serial port configuration

The serial port baud rate and word length can be set to suit the receiving
device:
select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 2. Serial ports
Settings

Customising the instrument
The instrument can be customised to suit individual operating requirements
both in visual aspects, the layout of the screen & the amount of data
displayed, and operational settings.
Change the display layout

select 3. Setup
select 3. Display
The Header, Temperature, Quality, and Configuration can be individually

selected to be displayed. If all four options are de-selected then the screen
will show only the reading and the softkey functions.
Change the reading recurrence

Customisation
select 3. Setup
select 4. Reading
select 1. Recurrence
With Single selected, the instrument will only take a reading when the Read
key is pressed and leave it on the display until Read is pressed again.
Continuous mode will disable the Read key and readings will be repeatedly
taken and updated on the screen. A small progress bar will be displayed
about the Read key, to indicate that measurements are being taken.
If a Reading Stability condition has been set (see page 3-13), then this will be
disabled while Reading Recurrence is set to Continuous.
With the ‘auto single’ mode selected, the instrument will automatically take a
single measurement if a sample is detected after lowering the presser.
Change the reading resolution

select 3. Setup
select 4. Reading
select 2. Resolution
Medium is the normal resolution for the instrument.
Low is one digit lower resolution

Adjust the display backlight and polarity
If the display is difficult to read, especially in either uncommonly bright or
dim ambient lighting conditions, it can be improved by adjusting the backlight
intensity or the display polarity. The instrument must be in the
Measurement Display screen.
Press and hold down the ‘Methods’ or ‘Mode’ softkey for approximately
three seconds. The Configure Display screen will show.
Customisation
Press 1, 2 or 3 for different levels of backlight intensity.

Press 0 to set the display polarity (invert the display).
Press ‘OK’ to use the new settings or ‘Quit’ to revert to the previous
condition.
Disabling the presser

Under certain operating conditions it might be necessary to disable the
presser orientation sensor.
To disable the presser

select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 5. Temp. Control
select 2. Disable Presser
If the presser has been disabled the ‘auto single’ reading recurrance mode
will not function.
It is advised not to disable the presser unless strictly necessary. Ambient

light not shielded by the presser could cause measurement errors, and the
presser insulates the measurement face from ambient temperature.

Measurement traceability
All ‘Printed’ readings are recorded together with the measurement settings
selected and the time & date of the measurement. In addition, an optional
product batch code and a user code can be entered.
Batch codes
If a batch code is required, it can be either a number (in which case the keys
will only enter 0 – 9) or as text (the keys then having full alpha-numeric
capability).
Setting Description
off The instrument will not request a batch code.
number Number from 0 to 32000.
text 14 character alpha-numeric string.
dateinc auto increasing number from 0 to 9999, in the format of
yymmddnnnn
Example
0603117775 (11th March 2006, number 7775)
barcode first 14 characters read from a barcode (see the following
page)
Traceability
If number is selected, an Auto Increment option is available which will then

offer a batch code which is one greater than the previous used batch code.

select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 4. Traceability
select 1. Batch codes
If the Auto Increment option is required then

select 2. Auto Increment only available if Batch Codes is set to
‘number’

Using barcodes as batch codes
If a barcode reader is to be used (55-80 or 55-81) it has be to plugged in to
the instrument’s serial 2 port. With the instrument showing the
Measurement Display, scan in the barcode.
The display will briefly show ‘Result Printed.’ or ‘Result Saved.’ depending
upon printer type configuration.
If the printer type is set to ‘printer’ then the measurement will be printed,
showing the scanned barcode number.
Traceability
User codes
When the user code option is selected, the user can be recorded in a
number of formats.

select 3. Setup
select 5. System
select 4. Traceability
select 3. Log users
Setting Description
off The instrument will not request a user code.
number Number from 0 to 99.
text 30 character alpha-numeric string.

Adding extra scales
As supplied, the instrument can display readings in refractive index or Brix
scales. Up to 100 other scales can be added to convert the readings to
standard recognised units, such as ºBaumé, or company specific units
pertaining to a particular product.
Adding a standard scale

The following standard scales are held in a library in memory.
1. zeiss 6. 90% fructose fructose vol % fsii
2. oechsle (de) 7. baumé invert sugar
3. butyro 8. sodium chloride probable alcohol
4. 42% fructose 9. oechsle (ch) urine solids
5. 55% fructose 0. glucose kmw (babo)
select 3. Setup
select 4. Reading
select 4. Scales
select 1. Add new…
select 1. From Library
Select the scale required from the list.
The scale will then be available when adding or editing methods.
Extra scales
Adding a custom designed scale

The readings can be converted to custom units using the following formula:
No. Equation
1 reading = A + Bx + Cx2 + Dx3 + Ex4 + Fx5
2 available later
where: x = refractive index + Offset

A,B,C,D,E,F are polynomial constants

select 3. Setup
select 4. Reading
select 4. Scales
scales are added)
select 2. From Data
Enter the new scale name, (16 characters) e.g. coffee solids
Enter the scale ID, (2 characters) e.g. cs
Enter the 6 constants A to F. Any constants not required, (e.g. E & F with a
4 term polynomial), should be set to 0.
Enter Offset (this can generally be 0 though greater accuracy can be
achieved when calculating a polynomial for a range starting at water by using
an Offset of –1.33)
Enter the Equation no. (e.g. 1, see table above)
Select the Number Format required for displaying and printing the reading.
The scale will then be added to the Scales List and can subsequently be
Altered, Deleted or Copied.
The scale will now be available when adding or editing methods.

Adding a custom designed temperature compensation
The readings can be temperature compensated by special temperature
coefficients using the following formula:
No. Equation
1 Reading Correction = A + Bx + Cx2 + Dx3 + Ex4 + Fx5
2 available later
where: x = sample temperature in °C

A,B,C,D,E,F are polynomial constants
The Reading Correction is added to the reading as refractive index, before

the reading is converted to Brix or another scale. Therefore, the Reading
Correction must also be calculated in refractive index.
Corrected reading RI = Uncorrected reading RI + Reading Correction

select 3. Setup
select 4. Reading
select 5. Temp. comps
Extra scales
temp. comps are added)
Enter the new temp. comp name, (16 characters) e.g. coffee solids
Enter the temp. comp ID, (2 characters) e.g. cs
Enter the 6 constants A to F. Any constants not required, (e.g. E & F with a
4 term polynomial), should be set to 0.
Enter the Equation no. (e.g. 1, see table above)
The temp. comp will then be added to the Temp. comps List and can
subsequently be Altered, Deleted or Copied.
The temp. comp will now be available when adding or editing methods.
Up to 16 temperature compensation modes may be added.

Application Corrections
This instrument has two special corrections that have been designed for use
in specific applications, offset and acid correction.
The application corrections are selected by…

select 3. Setup
select 4. Reading
select 3. Appl. Correction
Select the application correction required from the list.
Appl. Corrections
Offset Correction
When selected as the application correction (see above) the offset
correction allows the user to easily change the reading value by adding a
simple offset and scaling factor to the measurement. This can be used when
it is required to adjust a refractometer to read that of a density meter.
y = (x + O) × S
Where y = corrected reading in user units

x = reading in user units
O = offset
S = scaler (scaling factor)
The offset and scaling factor are part of the instrument’s measurement
settings, so if Methods are used each method can have its own parameters
and if Methods are not used then they are set globally from the Mode menu.

Citric Acid Correction
When selected as the application correction (see page 3-26) the acid
correction allows automatic correction of the effects of citric acid on the
measurement. The correction conforms to BS EN 12143:1996.
The percent acid value (total acid expressed as anhydrous citric acid) is part
of the instrument’s measurement settings, so if Methods are used each
method can have its own default acid value, and if Methods are not used
then they are set globally from the Mode menu.
Appl. Corrections
The acid correction is only active when the Brix scale is selected.
Also be aware that the acid correction is used when calibrating the
instrument, so please ensure that the percent acid value is set to 0 when
calibrating. If Methods are used the zero and span methods automatically set
the acid value to 0.
When a measurement is printed or saved the operator is given the

oportunity to change the percent acid value.

Setting the default values
If the instrument fails to start up correctly after switching on, or it is
functioning unexpectedly, it could be advisable to reset certain settings to
the original factory set (or default) values.
Unplug the instrument. Press, and hold down, the far left soft key (power)
and plug the instrument back in. Do not release the key until LED lights and
then goes out. When the key is released the screen will show…
Default values
Initially the two options will be set to ‘no’ and ‘none’. Select the settings that
you want to return to default values by setting them to show ‘yes’. The
‘Setup…’ option has further options within it. When set correctly press
‘Quit’ at the ‘Default Menu’.
The instrument will ask the user to confirm their choice. Selecting ‘Yes’ will
carry out the default.
Displaying the software / hardware details

If contacting B+S, or a local distributor regarding your instrument it is
advised to have the software and hardware details to hand. This information
can be viewed from the Information Menu.

select 4. Information
select 1. Software or 2. Hardware
Example software details Example hardware details

section 4
Specification
Performance........................................................ 4-1
Temperature........................................................ 4-1
Temperature compensation ................................ 4-1
Prism ................................................................... 4-1
Prism plate .......................................................... 4-1
RS232 configuration............................................ 4-1
Physical............................................................... 4-2
Power requirements ............................................ 4-2
Specification 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Section 4

Specification
Performance
Model RFM330+ RFM340+
Refractive index
Range minimum 1.32
Range maximum 1.58
0.0001 /
Display resolution 0.0001
0.00001
Accuracy (±) 0.0001 0.00004
Brix
Range minimum 0
Range maximum 100
Display resolution 0.1 0.1 / 0.01
Accuracy (±) 0.1 0.03
Temperature
Specification
Ambient operating range 5 to 45°C

Measuring low limit 0 or 10 ºC below ambient (whichever greater)
Measuring upper limit 70°C
Stability ±0.05°C
Sensor Accuracy ±0.03°C
Storage -5 to 60°C
Temperature compensation
Sugar (ICUMSA) 10 to 40°C
Sugar (extended) 5 to 10 and 40 to 70°C
AG fluid 10 to 40°C
Prism
Material Artificial sapphire
ND 1.7681
Sample surface diameter 12 mm
Prism plate
Material 316 stainless steel
Dish diameter 59 mm
Prism seal Silicone rubber and resin
Spill barrier material PEEK
RS232 configuration
Baud rate 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400
Word length 7 bit even parity or 8 bit no parity
Default settings underlined.
Specification 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 4-1

Physical
Length (refractometer module only) 335 mm
Width (refractometer module only) 210 mm
Height (refractometer module only) 160 mm
Weight (including power supply) 5.5 Kg
Power requirements
Voltage 110 to 230 V~ ±10%
Frequency 50 to 60 Hz
Maximum current 2A
The RFM 390+ model is a RFM300+ instrument designed to a customers specific

requirements. Therefore the instruments specification may differ from those
shown above. For further information please contact Bellingham + Stanley.
Specification

section 5
Spares and accessories
Calibration AG Fluids .......................................... 5-1
Calibration Oils.................................................... 5-1
Printers................................................................ 5-1
Barcode readers.................................................. 5-1
Interconnecting cables ........................................ 5-1
Instruction manuals ............................................. 5-2
Power supplies.................................................... 5-2
Spares................................................................. 5-2
Enhanced Protection Pack .................................. 5-3
Sample contact presser insert............................. 5-4
Switch membrane anti-splash cover ................... 5-4
Waterproof Power Supply ................................... 5-4
Spares and accessories 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Section 5

Spares and accessories
Calibration AG Fluids
AG Fluids are an organic solution calibrated in °Brix and RI, and have a long
shelf life. They have no special storage or transit requirements and are
therefore easy to ship and store.
AG Fluids are manufactured on a %weight/weight basis in a UKAS

laboratory using only the highest quality chemicals and Analar® distilled
water. Manufactured in large batches, the resultant samples are checked
using a controlled refractometer that has been carefully calibrated with NIST
and PTB primary standards, providing further traceability.
Type Specification Code

Refractive °Brix** Single 5ml Multi-pack of Multi-pack of 20
Index* Bottle 5 x 5ml Bottle x 5ml Bottles
AG2.5 1.33659 2.50 90-401 90-501 90-601
AG5 1.34026 5.00 90-402 90-502 90-602
AG7.5 1.34401 7.50 90-403 90-503 90-603
AG10 1.34782 10.00 90-404 90-504 90-604
AG11.2 1.34968 11.20 90-405 90-505 90-605
AG12 1.35093 12.00 90-406 90-506 90-606
AG12.5 1.35171 12.50 90-407 90-507 90-607
AG15 1.35568 15.00 90-408 90-508 90-608
AG40 1.39986 40.00 90-418 90-518 90-618
* Refractive index @ 589.3nm & 20.0°C

Accessories
** Equivalent °Brix value
Calibration Oils
Calibration Oils are one of the most commonly used materials for calibrating
refractometers as they have good traceability, particularly to NIST.
Description Specification Code

Refractive Index* °Brix** Multi-pack of 5 x 5ml Bottles
Calibration Oil 1.46737 70.78 90-525
Calibration Oil 1.51822 90.17 90-530
* Typical Refractive Index @ 589.3nm & 20.0°C

**Equivalent °Brix value @ 589.3nm & 20.0°C.
Printers Code
Dot matrix impact printer parallel: Euro version 230V 55-11
Dot matrix impact printer parallel: UK version 230V 55-12
Dot matrix impact printer parallel: US version 110V 55-13
Dot matrix impact printer serial: Euro version 230V 55-14
Dot matrix impact printer serial: UK version 230V 55-15
Dot matrix impact printer serial: US version 110V 55-16
See Spares below for printer spare parts
Barcode readers Code

230V version 55-80
110V version 55-81
Interconnecting cables Code

Printer serial (25way D type) 54-02
Printer parallel (25way D type to Centronics) 54-03
Computer (9way D type) 54-07
Accessories 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 5-1

Instruction manuals Code
English Printed copy & PDF format file 22-160
French PDF format file 22-161
Spanish PDF format file 22-162
German PDF format file 22-163
Power supplies Code

Power supply (unsealed) 110-230V 55-105
Mains lead for 55-105 with plug suitable for:
United Kingdom 61-191
Euro (Schuko) 61-193
United States 61-192
Switzerland 61-181
Denmark 61-182
India / South Africa 61-188
Australia 61-189
No plug – open lead 61-190
Power supply (waterproof): 110-230V without mains plug 55-250
Spares Code
Sample contact presser insert 22-017
Air filter pack (standard filter) Quantity: 20 26-292
(enhanced protection filter) Quantity: 20 22-088
Paper for dot matrix impact printers Quantity: 20 55-91
Accessories
Printer ribbon for dot matrix impact printers 55-93

Switch membrane anti-splash cover 26-155
Enhanced protection pack 22-80
Validation documentation (IQ OQ PQ) 22-451
Page 5-2 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Accessories

Enhanced Protection Pack - Code 22-80
The Enhanced Protection Pack comprises improved air filter holders, filters
and an outlet vent cover. The pack is designed to improve protection of the
instruments internal thermoelectrical temperature control components.
In certain harsh environments the standard air filters and cooling air outlet
vents could become covered with sample, and over time this could block the
airflow, which would affect the temperature control abilities of the
instrument.
The Enhanced Protection Pack air filters have a greater filtering ability and
are more tolerant to airbourne contaminants, which will result in longer
periods between airfilter changes. The outlet vent cover stops the outlet
vents from becoming blocked, if sample should run down the back of the
instrument.
To fit the Enhanced Protection Pack simply remove the standard side air
filter holders (as if changing the filter). Replace the standard filter holders
with the EPP air filter holders. Fit the outlet vent cover by pressing the
cover into the outlet vent cover flange.
Accessories
Please note that as the EPP is attached to the instrument by using

push fittings, the instrument cannot be carried by any part of the
EPP.
See page 2-21 for details on changing the EPP air filter.
Accessories 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 5-3

Sample contact presser insert - Code 22-017
If the instrument is to be used with samples that are very viscose or solid the
standard (non-contact) presser can be replaced with a sample contact
presser insert. This insert causes a sample to be pressed against the prism
when the presser is lowered.
As the presser comes into contact with sample, it must be

thoroughly cleaned between sample applications to stop cross
contamination of samples.
To fit, unscrew the four screws on the

top of the presser arm. The presser
insert and arm can now be separated.
Fit the new presser insert, and replace

the four screws to hold the insert in
place.
Switch membrane anti-splash cover – Code 26-155

Splash Covers may be fitted over
Accessories
instrument switch panels to prevent

contamination by operators when
using the equipment.
The covers help prevent moisture

ingress and provide extra protection
where sample or solvent may react
with the switch membrane.
The splash covers fix to the front of the instrument by adhesive strips and
are made from Polyether Polyurethane.
Waterproof Power Supply - Code 55-250

A Waterproof Power Supply can be used in place of the standard
Bellingham+Stanley Ltd. non-sealed unit if it is to be operated in a wet or
humid environment.
It is supplied with an “open-ended cable” allowing the fitment of a suitably

waterproof plug – in accordance with local regulation and should be installed
by a qualified person.
Specification
Ambient Temperature 5 to 40°C

Physical L x W x H 25 x 8 x 6 cm
Rating IP 66
Voltage 100 - 240v~ ±10%
Frequency 50 - 60 Hz
Page 5-4 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Accessories

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declares that the product

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Contents 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009

Installing the instrument 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Section 1

Complete refractometer Refractometer module

RFM340+ 22-40 22-340

Mains cord wire colours

Switzerland 230V - - - 61-181

Installing the instrument 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 1-1

• dry and indoors

Power supply adapter 55-105

Page 1-2 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Installing the instrument

Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Section 2

Prism plate: 316

Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 2-1

Cooling air outlet vents:

Code number: Parallel port:

Page 2-2 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Instrument description

Power key: Soft key functions

Arrow keys Alpha-numeric keys

Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 2-3

Note: It is preferable for the instrument to be left on continuously even if a

Switching on for the first time

Initially, it is a requirement to select the language.

Step 1 Setup the standard measurement conditions. These are the

Step 3 Set the printer options. Select whether readings are to be

Page 2-4 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Instrument description

Depending upon the ambient temperature it might take up to 10 minutes to

Once the temperature has

With the PIN entered, the

It is vital that the complete

The refractometer is now ready for use.

It is recommended that the Zero calibration should be repeated daily, see

Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 2-5

pressing the Up/Down softkeys and then pressing Select

Return to the Measurement display by repeatedly pressing Quit to step back

Page 2-6 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Instrument description

E.g. To enter the name cola(74) press:

the d key 3 times c

Key Available characters

Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 2-7

Fixed decimal point Scientific

Page 2-8 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Instrument description

Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 2-9

The temperature of the sample

r The temperature control system has yet to stabilise for the

a The temperature control loop is stable.

↑ The temperature control system is making an increase

↓ The temperature control system is making a decrease

≀ The temperature control loop is stablising.

Page 2-10 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Instrument description

Instrument description 22-160’02 Rev. D July 2009 Page 2-11

The measurement settings include