KERN & Sohn GmbH

Ziegelei 1 Tel: +49-[0]7433-9933-0

D-72336 Balingen, Germany Fax: +49 (0)7433-9933-149
E-mail: info@kern-sohn.com Internet: www.kern-sohn.com

Operating manual
Digital refractometer
KERN ORD 45BM, 92BM, 85BM, 92HM,
1SM, 3SM, 2WM, 1PM,
2UM, 5UM, 6 US, 1RS,
Version 1.0
01/2015
GB

ORD-BA-e-1510
 KERN ORD
GB Version 1.0 01/2015
Operating instructions
Digital refractometer

Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 3
2 Specifications ................................................................................................ 3
2.1 Models ....................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Description ..................................................................................................... 5
4 General information ....................................................................................... 6
4.1 Intended use ............................................................................................................................. 6
4.2 Warranty .................................................................................................................................... 6
5 Basic safety information ............................................................................... 7
5.1 Follow the instructions in the operating manual .................................................................. 7
5.2 Warning ..................................................................................................................................... 7
6 Supplied items ............................................................................................... 8
7 Automatic temperature compensation ........................................................ 8
8 Calibration/zero point calibration ................................................................. 9
9 Measuring ....................................................................................................... 9
10 Battery replacement .................................................................................... 10
11 Switching the temperature .......................................................................... 10
12 Switching the measuring scale .................................................................. 10
13 Troubleshooting........................................................................................... 11
13.1 Error messages ...................................................................................................................... 12
14 Cleaning and maintenance ......................................................................... 14
15 Storage ......................................................................................................... 14
16 Service .......................................................................................................... 14
17 Disposal ........................................................................................................ 14
18 Additional information................................................................................. 14
19 Brix to refractive index (nD) conversion table .......................................... 14

ORA-BA-e-1510 2
1 Introduction

This refractometer is an easy-to-use measuring instrument.

Please read the operating instructions before use to achieve an optimal
measurement result.

The refractometer is designed for fast and precise determination of concentrations in

liquids. Automatic temperature compensation is also included. The measuring in-
strument will work reliably for many years if handled correctly. These instructions ap-
ply to all digital refractometers listed under point 3.

2 Specifications

1. Temperature range 0 °C–40 °C (32 F–104 F)

Temperature measuring
2. +/- 0.5 °C (1 F)
accuracy
3. Automatic temperature compensation 10 °C–30 °C
4. Minimum volume of sample Approx. 3 drops
5. Measurement period ≤ 3 seconds
6. Power supply 2 x AAA batteries
7. Battery life ≥ 10,000 measurements
8. Dimensions 135 x 65 x 40 mm
9. Weight 180 g
10. Language Englisch

3 ORD-BA-e-1510
2.1 Models

Calibration
Model Scales Measuring range Accuracy Division
solution
KERN

ORD 45BM Brix 0 – 45 % ± 0.2% 0.1 % 0% (distilled

Refractive index 1.3330 – 1.4098 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.0001 nD water)

ORD 92BM Brix 58 – 92% ± 0.2% 0.1 % 60% solution

Refractive index 1.4370 – 1.5233 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.0001 nD

ORD 85BM Brix 0 – 85 % ± 0.2% 0.1 % 0% (distilled

Refractive index 1.3330 – 1.5100 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.0001 nD water)

ORD 92HM Brix 58 – 92% ± 0.2% 0.1 % 60% solution

Baume 38 – 43 °Be ± 0.1 °Be 0.1 °Be
Water content 13 – 25 % ± 0.1 % 0.1 %
Refractive index 1.4370 – 1.5233 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.0001 nD

ORD 1SM Salt (NaCl) 0 – 28 % ± 0.2% 0.1 % 0% (distilled

Refractive index 1.3330-1.3900 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.0001 nD water)

ORD 3SM Brix 0 – 35 % ± 0.2% 0.1 % 0% (distilled

Salt (NaCl) 0 – 28 % ± 0.2% 0.1 % water)
Refractive index 1.3330 – 1.3900 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.0001 nD

ORD 2WM Mass SW 0 – 35 % ± 0.2% 0.1 % 0% (distilled

Vol. AP 0 – 22 % ± 0.1 % 0.1 % water)
Oechsle 30 – 150 °Oe ± 1 °Oe 1 °Oe
KMW (Babo) 0 – 25 °KMW ± 0.1 °KMW 0.1 °KMW

ORD 1PM Serum protein 0 – 12 g/dl ± 0.1 g/dl 0.1 g/dl 0% (distilled
Urine (spec. 1.000 – 1.050 sgU ± 0.001 sgU 0.001 sgU water)
weight) 1.3330 – 1.3990 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.001 nD
Refractive index
ORD 2UM EG -50 – 0 °C ± 0.5 °C 0.1 °C 0% (distilled
PG -50 – 0 °C ± 0.5 °C 0.1 °C water)
BF 1.00 – 1.50 kg/l ± 0.01 kg/l 0.01 kg/l
CW -40 – 0 °C ± 0.5 °C 0.1 °C

ORD 5UM EG -50 – 0 °C ± 0.5 °C 0.1 °C 0% (distilled

PG -50 – 0 °C ± 0.5 °C 0.1 °C water)
Urea 0 – 40 % ± 0.2% 0.1 %
CW -40 – 0 °C ± 0.5 °C 0.1 °C

ORD 6US Urea 0 – 40 % ± 0.2% 0.1 % 0% (distilled

water)

ORD 1RS Refractive index 1.3330 – 1.5400 nD ± 0.0003 nD 0.0001 nD 0% (distilled

water)

ORA-BA-e-1510 4
3 Description

1 2
3

4
Similar to illustrati-
5 6 7

1. LCD
2. Prism
3. Prism window
4. On/Off
5. Temperature display and switchover (°C/°F)
6. Calibrate
7. Measure

Battery compartment and battery compartment cover

at the rear

5 ORD-BA-e-1510
4 General information

4.1 Intended use

The refractometer is a measuring instrument for determining the refractive index of

transparent substances in liquid or in some cases also in the solid state. It is used to
observe the behaviour of light as it passes from a prism with known properties to the
substance being tested.
Use of the refractometer for other purposes is contrary to its intended use and may
be hazardous. The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damages caused by im-
proper use.

4.2 Warranty

The warranty shall be void in the event of:

Failure to observe the instructions in the operating manual

Use for purposes other than those described

Modifications or opening the device housing

Mechanical damage and/or damage resulting from media, liquids, natural wear
and tear

ORA-BA-e-1510 6
5 Basic safety information

5.1 Follow the instructions in the operating manual

Carefully read through the operating manual even if you have prior
experience with KERN refractometers.
Every language version includes a non-authoritative translation.
The original German document is the definitive version.

5.2 Warning

Do not let acids come into contact with skin or eyes. If acid comes into contact
with skin, flush with copious amounts of water. Shower if larger areas of skin
are affected.

If acid comes into contact with eyes, keep the eyelid open and flush the eye
with running lukewarm water from the outer corner to the inner corner. Flush
eyes for at least 15 minutes. Then consult a doctor or ophthalmologist imme-
diately.

Thoroughly clean the refractometer after each use.

The refractometer must not be exposed to extreme temperatures, high me-

chanical stresses, strong direct sunlight or high humidity.

This refractometer is not a toy. Keep out of reach of children.

Make sure that you will not be hit by anything else while you are using the
refractometer, as this could cause serious eye injuries

7 ORD-BA-e-1510
6 Supplied items

After unpacking and before using the device for the first time, check that all listed
parts have been supplied. Replace damaged or faulty parts immediately and do not
put them into operation.
Refractometer
Storage box
Pipette
Adjustment tool
Cleaning cloth
Calibration liquid

7 Automatic temperature compensation

The refractive coefficient is temperature-dependent. Materials expand when they are

heated (their density decreases) and contract when they cool (their density increas-
es). The speed of light through a liquid increases with the temperature and the refrac-
tive coefficient therefore decreases.
In solid substances this thermal effect has only a minor impact. In liquid substances,
however, the change in density is considerable. Automatic temperature compensa-
tion ensures accurate measurement results for water-based solutions in relation to
the temperature of the sample.

The refractometer is temperature-compensated for water-based, sugary solutions.

Temperature differences in a range 10 °C–30 °C
(50 °F–86 °F) can be compensated. However, the temperature of the sample has
only a minor influence on the accuracy of the measurement. The volume of the sam-
ple compared to the mass of the refractometer is so small that in moat cases the
sample is almost immediately at the temperature of the refractometer and assumes
the ambient temperature, and is therefore in equilibrium with the temperature range
of the measuring instrument. The temperature coefficient of the majority of water-
based solutions is generally very close to the coefficient of the cane sugar/water so-
lution. However, the temperature coefficient of oils, hydrocarbons and other, non-
water-based solutions is generally greater. In order to achieve as accurate a result as
possible, non-water based samples should be measured at an ambient temperature
as close to 20 °C (68 °F) as possible.

ORA-BA-e-1510 8
8 Calibration/zero point calibration

The refractometer's zero position must be inspected prior to initial use and periodical-
ly thereafter. A zero point calibration should be performed at least once daily and pri-
or to any measurement where the highest possible accuracy is required, or when
moving to a different environment with a different ambient temperature. For the ma-
jority of models all you need for calibration/zero point calibration is distilled and de-
ionised water. Ideally, the ambient and calibration liquid temperature should be be-
tween 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F–86 °F) during calibration.
Calibration liquid with 60% sugar is required for a variety of models.
You should be aware of the adjustment condition when using a measuring instru-
ment.

1. Inspect the prism to ensure that the surface is clean and dry.

2. Apply a few drops of the calibration liquid onto the prism window.

3. Press the CAL button [6] for five seconds; the measuring instrument begins
the zero point calibration process.

4. The measuring instrument is performing the calibration process when 'CAL3',

'CAL2', 'CAL1', 'CAL0' appear in the display.

5. When the calibration process is complete this is shown in the display

6. Calibration liquids vary, depending on the measuring range of the instrument.

9 Measuring

1. Inspect the prism window [3] to ensure it is clean and dry.

9 ORD-BA-e-1510
 2. Apply a few drops of the liquid being examined onto the prism window.

3. Press the 'Meas' button; the instrument begins to measure.

4. You may press the 'Meas' button again and then release it; a second meas-
urement is then performed. Remember to clean and dry the prism after
measuring.

10 Battery replacement

When the batteries are fully charged the ' ' symbol appears at the top left of the
display.
If the batteries are too weak or almost drained the
' ' symbol appears at the top right. The batteries should then be replaced. Open
the battery cover on the rear and replace the batteries. Always replace both batteries!

11 Switching the temperature

The measuring instrument works with either degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit.
To switch, simply press the 'Temp' button [5].

12 Switching the measuring scale

The measuring instrument is multifunctional. A variety of measuring scales can be

used.

1. Ensure that the refractometer is in temperature

ORA-BA-e-1510 10
 mode:

2. Simultaneously press the 'Cal' [6] and the 'Meas' [7] buttons. The
measuring instrument will change the measuring scale:

3. When the required measuring scale appears release the buttons again.
Adjustment is complete

13 Troubleshooting

If you suspect that the measuring instrument is not working correctly or displays in-
correct results, perform a zero point calibration. Then perform a measurement using
water to check the zero point. If the measured data still appear untrustworthy, please
replace the batteries and perform the above calibration once again. If the measuring
instrument jams or no longer reacts, separate the measuring instrument from the
power supply by removing the batteries and replacing them. If no data appears in the
display when it is switched on, examine the position and polarity of the batteries. If
the instrument still does not work, please examine the battery charge status and/or
replace the batteries. If the batteries are good and the measuring instrument still
does not display, please call your dealer's technical customer service.

11 ORD-BA-e-1510
13.1 Error messages

Adjustment outside of measuring range (zero point).

Battery discharged.

Temperature too low for measuring instrument (0 °C)

Temperature too high for measuring instrument (40 °C)

Temperature too low for measuring instrument (32 °F)

Temperature too high for measuring instrument (104 °F)

Measurement outside of measuring range

at bottom of scale.

ORA-BA-e-1510 12
 Measurement outside of measuring range
at top of scale.

Measurement outside of measuring range

at bottom of scale.

Measurement outside of measuring range

at top of scale.

Calibration liquid outside of measuring range

13 ORD-BA-e-1510
14 Cleaning and maintenance

Clean the refractometer using a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with water, or if neces-
sary alcohol. Do not use any aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents. Never immerse
the device in water or hold it under running water. Never handle the device with wet
or damp hands.

Never touch the measuring prism [2] with hard tools made from plastic, wood, rubber,
metal, glass etc. Hard objects can quickly damage the relatively soft prism glass, re-
sulting in measurement errors.

The refractometer is maintenance-free.

Cleaning should be carried out immediately before and after each use of the
refractometer to maximise its life and optimise measurement results.

15 Storage

Store the refractometer in a dry, non-corrosive environment, preferably between

10 °C and 30 °C.

16 Service

After reading this operating manual, if you have any questions about setting up or
using the refractometer, or if any unexpected problem occurs, please contact your
dealer. The device housing may only be opened by trained service technicians au-
thorised by KERN.

17 Disposal

The packaging consists of environmentally friendly materials which can be disposed

of via local recycling facilities.
The device and storage box should be disposed of by the operator in accordance
with applicable national or regional regulations at the place of use.

18 Additional information

The product may differ slightly from the illustrations. The

exposing the refractometer to direct sunlight!
Never bring the refractometer into contact with solvents.

19 Brix to refractive index (nD) conversion table

BRIX Refractive BRIX Refractive BRIX Refractive

ORA-BA-e-1510 14
 index index index

% nD % nD % nD
0 1.33299 30 1.38115 60 1.44193
1 1.33442 31 1.38296 61 1.44420
2 1.33586 32 1.38478 62 1.44650
3 1.33732 33 1.38661 63 1.44881
4 1.33879 34 1.38846 64 1.45113
5 1.34026 35 1.39032 65 1.45348
6 1.34175 36 1.39220 66 1.45584
7 1.34325 37 1.39409 67 1.45822
8 1.34476 38 1.39600 68 1.46061
9 1.34629 39 1.39792 69 1.46303
10 1.34782 40 1.39986 70 1.46546
11 1.34937 41 1.40181 71 1.46792
12 1.35093 42 1.40378 72 1.47037
13 1.35250 43 1.40576 73 1.47285
14 1.35408 44 1.40776 74 1.47535
15 1.35568 45 1.40978 75 1.47787
16 1.35729 46 1.41181 76 1.48040
17 1.35891 47 1.41385 77 1.48295
18 1.36054 48 1.41592 78 1.48552
19 1.36218 49 1.41799 79 1.4881
20 1.36384 50 1.42009 80 1.49071
21 1.36551 51 1.42220 81 1.49333
22 1.36720 52 1.42432 82 1.49597
23 1.36889 53 1.42647 83 1.49862
24 1.37060 54 1.42862 84 1.50129
25 1.37233 55 1.43080 85 1.50398
26 1.37406 56 1.43299
27 1.37582 57 1.43520
28 1.37758 58 1.43743
29 1.37936 59 1.43967

Data from "ICUMSA" International Commission for Uniform Methods

of Sugar Analysis, at 20 °C and 589 nm wavelength.

15 ORD-BA-e-1510