HI96832 Digital Refractometer – Professional Propylene Glycol Analysis
Ensure optimal performance of glycol chillers and dispensing systems with the HI96832 Digital Refractometer. This rugged, portable instrument delivers precise measurements of propylene glycol concentration (0-100% volume) and freezing point (0 to -51°C) with automatic temperature compensation, making it essential for food and beverage applications including beer, wine, and glycol chiller maintenance.
Why Choose HI96832 Digital Refractometer?
-
Dual measurement capability – Displays both percent volume (0-100%) and freezing point (0 to -51°C) for complete glycol analysis
-
High accuracy – ±0.3% volume and ±0.5°C freezing point precision for reliable system monitoring
-
Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) – Built-in sensor and algorithms ensure accurate readings from 10-40°C
-
Fast 1.5-second response – Quick, temperature-compensated results for efficient testing
-
Minimal sample size – Requires only 2 drops (100 µL) for complete analysis
-
IP65 water resistance – Rugged ABS plastic casing designed for laboratory and field conditions
-
Dual-level LCD – Displays measurement and temperature readings simultaneously
-
Easy maintenance – Sealed stainless steel well with flint glass prism wipes clean with soft cloth
-
Simple calibration – One-point calibration with distilled or deionized water
-
Long battery life – 9V battery provides approximately 5,000 readings
Why Monitor Propylene Glycol Concentration?
Propylene glycol is used in glycol chillers and dispensing systems for food applications such as beer and wine cooling. Maintaining the appropriate glycol percentage is critical:
Too low: System could freeze and rupture, causing costly equipment damage and downtime
Too high: Reduces system efficiency and wastes expensive glycol
The HI96832 provides precise monitoring to maintain optimal glycol concentration, protecting your investment and ensuring consistent performance.
How It Works
The HI96832 measures refractive index—how light behaves as it passes through the sample. Using an LED light source, flint glass prism, lens, and linear image sensor, the instrument assesses the sample's refractive index and converts it to percent volume or freezing point based on internationally recognized references (CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 87th Edition).
Simple testing procedure:
- Place 2 drops (100 µL) of propylene glycol solution on the stainless steel sample well
- Close the cover to spread sample evenly across the prism
- Press the READ button
- Results display in 1.5 seconds with automatic temperature compensation
- Wipe clean with soft cloth for next sample
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Model |
HI96832 |
| Propylene Glycol Range |
0 to 100% volume |
| Propylene Glycol Resolution |
0.1% |
| Propylene Glycol Accuracy |
±0.3% |
| Freezing Point Range |
0 to -51°C (32 to -59.8°F) |
| Freezing Point Resolution |
0.1°C (0.1°F) |
| Freezing Point Accuracy |
±0.5°C (±1.0°F) |
| Temperature Range |
0.0 to 80.0°C (32.0 to 176.0°F) |
| Temperature Accuracy |
±0.3°C (±0.5°F) |
| Temperature Compensation |
Automatic, 10 to 40°C (50 to 104°F) |
| Minimum Sample Volume |
100 µL (2 drops) |
| Measurement Time |
Approximately 1.5 seconds |
| Light Source |
Yellow LED |
| Sample Cell |
Stainless steel ring and flint glass prism |
| Calibration |
One-point with distilled/deionized water |
| Battery Type / Life |
9V / approximately 5,000 readings |
| Auto Shut-Off |
After 3 minutes of non-use |
| Enclosure Rating |
IP65 water resistant |
| Dimensions |
192 x 102 x 67 mm (7.6" x 4.0" x 2.6") |
| Weight |
420 g (14.8 oz) |
| Warranty |
2 years |
| Origin |
Manufactured in Romania by Hanna Instruments |
Applications
Essential for glycol chiller maintenance in breweries, wineries, beverage dispensing systems, food processing facilities, HVAC systems using propylene glycol, laboratory propylene glycol analysis, and any application requiring precise monitoring of food-grade glycol concentration and freezing point protection.
Features at a Glance
-
One-point calibration – Simple calibration with distilled or deionized water
-
Small sample size – Only 2 drops (100 µL) required
-
Quick, accurate results – 1.5-second response time with ATC
-
Dual-level LCD – Simultaneous display of measurement and temperature
-
Stainless steel sample well – Easy to clean and corrosion-resistant
-
Battery indicators – Battery percent level at startup and low battery warning
-
Automatic shut-off – Conserves battery after 3 minutes of non-use
-
IP65 protection – Water-resistant design for field and lab use
What's Included
HI96832 Digital Refractometer, 9V battery, and instruction manual.
Making Standard Solutions
To verify accuracy or create calibration standards, prepare propylene glycol solutions as follows:
10% V/V Solution: Add 10.00 mL propylene glycol to 100 mL volumetric flask, fill to mark with distilled water (Expected freezing point: -3.4°C)
40% V/V Solution: Add 40.00 mL propylene glycol to 100 mL volumetric flask, fill to mark with distilled water (Expected freezing point: -21.3°C)
