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Glycol Refractometers
for Automobile Coolants and Battery Acids
Zebra Glycol Refractometers have a temperature scale to read the protection rating of a ethylene and propylene glycol mixture as well as battery acids.
These units are pre-calibrated at the factory. To verify that it is calibrated you can put a few drops of straight water onto the lens, then close the lid. You should notice that the line reads just below the 30°F mark. This is the indication that it is reading correctly.
Once you have your glycol mixture ready place a few drops of it onto the lens. The line will indicate at what temperature your mixture will protect your equipment.
Focusing the Scale
Hold the instrument up to the light and look through the eyepiece. Rotate the eyepiece to focus the scale.
 Cleaning the Prism
Thoroughly clean the prism and flap immediately after use with water or other suitable solvent and dry with clean tissue. The prism surface could be damaged by strong alkalis or acids if left in contact for long periods of time. Clean samples from the prism as soon as practical. Wiping the prism surface occasionally with alcohol will remove any build-up of oils left from the samples.
Applying Sample to the Refractometer
Lift the flap, drip sample onto the prism then close the flap, or, use the dribble feature; drip sample into the top of the closed flap.
 Optical glass is relatively soft and care should be take not to scratch the prism surface. Do not use metal spatulas or glass rods to apply samples. Instead use softer materials such as plastic.
Fitting a New Flap
If the flap should become damaged, a replacement can be clipped on easily. Contact us for ordering information.
Brix Refractometers Measure Concentration
Coolant's primary purpose is to lubricate and cool the work surface and tooling.
Each coolant works best for a given application at a recommended concentration of it to water.
 Monitor the initial coolant charge, then each day, as evaporation increases concentration at the sump level. Maintaining the recommended concentration is essential to prevent problems.
- Well-lit Scale (Specialist Only)
- Integrated drip feed(Specialist Only)
- Anti-roll support (Specialist Only)
- Comfortable eyepiece
- Easy to read, bright scale
- Adjustable focus for easy reading
- Textured sleeve for easy gripping
- Includes carrying case
- Locknut for calibration
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Specialist |
Basic |
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| P/N: |
OPT15 |
OPT30 |
OPT10 |
OPT32 |
| Brix Range: |
0-15 |
0-30 |
0-10 |
0-32 |
| Accuracy: |
± 0.1% |
± 0.2% |
± 0.1% |
± 0.2% |
*Check your coolant's technical data sheet to determine where your coolant will read on the Brix Scale. Some have a "Refractometer Factor" which you multiply the scale reading by to obtain the value in percent.
Select a scale that will read your target value, but also higher values, due to evaporation at the sump level.
Determining Coolant Refill Percentage
Let's say you want to maintain a 5% concentration in your sump. You currently measure 8%, and the 50 gallon sump is only half full. This means you have to add another 25 gallons. But if you add 25 gallons at 5%, your entire sump will then have a concentration of 6.5% - not 5. What do you do? The calculations are shown below. Please feel free to give us or one of our many knowledgeable distributors a call if you have any questions.
- What's the real amount of concentrate in your ideal 5% sump? = 2.5 gallons
- How much refill concentrate do you need? = 0.5 gallons
- What is the concentration for the 25 gallons of refill? = 0.5 gal of concentrate ÷ 25 gallons of fluid required = .02, or 2% concentration.
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Problems Related to Concentration
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Low concentrations can lead to poor lubrication, causing broken or prematurely worn tooling, and poor surface finishes. |
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High concentrations can lead to skin irritation, and leaving residues on your parts. |
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Testimonial - Refractometer
Woody is "pleased with the brightness" of his Basic Refractometer he purchased after visiting Zebra at IMTS 2004. Woody Smith, Founder, Smith's Machine, AL, Nov 2004 |
Refractometers Measure Concentration & Oil Emulsion
Concentration is the position of the horizontal line on the brix scale and is shown in the diagram below.
Oil emulsion is signified by the blurriness of that line and is shown in the diagram above. As tramp oils are beaten into the coolant, the line will become blurrier. When the line is so blurry that an actual line is not visible, it is time to change the coolant. |
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Specifications
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Manual
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