Alcohol refractometer Catania ATC 0 - 80 %
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Refractometer for measuring alcohol Catania ATC with measurement range 0 to 80% Vol. it is especially suitable for drinks with a higher alcohol content, e.g. spirits, schnapps, whiskey and others.
Alcohol Refractometer Catania ATC (0–80%) – Precise Measurement for Home-Made Spirits
Take the processing of bee products one step further. The Catania ATC refractometer is appreciated by beekeepers and home producers who prepare spirits such as honey brandy (mead distillate), plum brandy (slivovitz), or other fruit brandies from honey and fruit. Within seconds, it provides a clear and reliable determination of the alcohol content directly in the sample.
Why it pays to have one in your beekeeping workshop and distillery
When diluting a distillate to the desired alcohol strength, the details matter – and without precise measurement, they can easily slip away. Compared to traditional hydrometers, which tend to be fragile and require a larger volume of liquid, a refractometer measures optically based on the refraction of light. Just 2–3 drops of distillate are enough, so you don't needlessly waste the most precious thing – the finished product.
A practical advantage is the ATC (Automatic Temperature Compensation). There is no need to laboriously recalculate the measured values according to temperature – the instrument adjusts automatically to normal fluctuations. This is appreciated when working in a cellar, workshop, or production facility where conditions are not laboratory-constant.
Range of use and measurement accuracy
The refractometer is designed for measurement in the range of 0 to 80% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). It is suitable for unsweetened spirits (e.g. fruit and honey distillates, vodka, whisky). Note: it is not suitable for liqueurs with sweeteners or for wine – sugar affects the refraction of light and distorts the results.
In the most commonly used range (0–50% alcohol), it measures with a deviation of only ± 1%. At higher concentrations (50–80%), the accuracy is ± 2.5%.
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Measurement range | 0 – 80% Vol. (alcohol by volume) |
| Accuracy (0–50%) | ± 1% |
| Accuracy (50–80%) | ± 2.5% |
| ATC function | Yes (10°C to 30°C) |
| Measurement principle | Optical (light refraction) |
| Intended use | Honey brandy, plum brandy (slivovitz), whisky, vodka (unsweetened distillates) |
| Calibration | Manual (using distilled water) |
Tip: For long life of the optical prism, gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth after measurement and rinse with distilled water. This prevents residue build-up and maintains consistent accuracy.
Important Maintenance Notice
The refractometer is a precision optical instrument and therefore deserves careful handling. After each measurement, rinse the prism with lukewarm water, gently wipe and dry with a soft cloth. Do not rinse the instrument under running water and do not submerge it – water could enter the optical section. The refractometer is usually factory-calibrated. Calibration fluid is not included in the package; however, for regular use, you typically do not need it right from the start.
HANDHELD REFRACTOMETER
Operating Instructions
METHOD OF USE
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Preparation: Point the front end of the refractometer towards a bright light source and rotate the eyepiece focusing ring until the scale is clearly visible.
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Measurement: Open the cover plate and clean the measuring surface with a piece of soft cotton flannel. Apply 1–2 drops of the solution to be measured. Close the cover plate and press it down lightly, then read the boundary between light and shadow on the corresponding scale. The reading is the numerical value of the measured liquid.
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After measurement: Clean the measuring surface and the cover plate with a damp gauze and store the instrument carefully.
WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE
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The setting for the zero liquid and the sample should be carried out at the same temperature. If the temperature changes significantly, the zero point should be reset once every 30 minutes.
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After use, do not wash the instrument with water to prevent water from getting inside the instrument.
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This is a precision optical instrument. Handle it gently and take good care of it. Do not touch or scratch the optical surface. Store it in a dry, clean, and non-corrosive environment to prevent the surface from becoming mouldy or foggy. Avoid strong impacts during transport.
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If consumers use the instrument in accordance with the stated method of use, the optical performance should not change.
TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
The reference temperature is 20°C. During operation, the temperature should be adjusted according to the correction table.
Models marked ATC are equipped with automatic temperature compensation. They have an additional function that allows the user to focus on the measurement without worrying about the temperature. The compensation range is 0~30°C.
ACCESSORIES
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Cleaning cloth
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Pipette
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Screwdriver
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Operating instructions
