Honey refractometer Catania plus
In stock
The Catania - D Refractometer is suitable for determining the water content of honey. Measures icucernity. Honey must be clear and liquid for measurement.
Catania Plus - D Refractometer: Reliable Honey Ripeness Control
Is this year's honey really thick, or is it just deceiving and contains more water than it should? With the Catania Plus - D refractometer, you no longer have to guess. Within a few seconds, you can verify whether the honey is sufficiently ripened for extracting and subsequent storage without unnecessary risk of fermentation.
This refractometer is supplied by the renowned German specialist in beekeeping supplies, Mellarius. The "Plus" designation is not just for show – it refers to a more refined version with higher-quality optics and a more durable body than standard basic models.
Why You Should Have a Refractometer on Hand During Extracting
One of the main indicators of ripeness is low moisture content. If you extract honey with higher moisture (often above 18–20% depending on the type of honey and conditions), it may begin to ferment in the containers. A refractometer is therefore a practical tool for beekeepers that protects the quality of your honey, your work, and your good reputation.
What this instrument offers you:
- Quick measurement: Just a drop of honey, hold it up to your eye, and read the value.
- ATC – Automatic Temperature Compensation: The instrument automatically adjusts the result within a range of 10–30 °C, so you don't need to calculate deviations based on ambient temperature.
- Two scales: You can clearly see both the moisture content and the sugar content (Brix).
- Solid build quality: A more robust construction and clear readout are appreciated during regular use in beekeeping practice.
°Bx-BRIX - % Mas Sacch - sugar meter - this scale allows you to read the weight percentage of sugar concentration in water. It measures sugar and water in %. Brix/ATC scale range 58 - 92 %. Water scale 12 - 26 % (1 division = 0.5°). Measurement accuracy is 0.1 %
Step-by-Step Measurement
The procedure is simple even for beginner beekeepers. Apply a small amount of liquid honey (ideally around 20 °C) onto the clean glass prism and close the cover plate so that the sample spreads evenly without bubbles. Then point the refractometer towards a light source, and in the eyepiece you will immediately see the boundary between the blue and white areas, which indicates the measured value.
Tip for a more accurate result: Always stir the honey before taking a sample. A thinner layer may form near the surface of the container, which could distort the measurement.
Technical Specifications
| Instrument type | Optical refractometer (Catania Plus - D) |
| Supplier | Mellarius |
| Scale – moisture in honey | Range 12 – 26 % (0.5 % divisions) |
| Scale – sugar content (Brix) | Range 58 – 92 % (Brix) |
| Measurement accuracy | ± 0.1 % |
| ATC function | YES (Automatic Temperature Compensation) |
| Package contents | Refractometer, pipette, screwdriver for calibration, cleaning cloth, carrying case, instruction manual |
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 it, and dry it with a soft cloth. Do not rinse the instrument under running water and do not submerge it – water could get into the optical components. The refractometer is typically factory-calibrated. Calibration fluid is not included in the package; however, for regular use, you generally do not need it right from the start.
HANDHELD REFRACTOMETER
Operating Instructions
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Preparation: Point the front end of the refractometer towards a bright light 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 gently, then read the light-shadow boundary 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 cover plate with a damp piece of gauze and carefully store the instrument.
CAUTIONS 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 directions for 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 measurement without worrying about 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
