From Sap to Syrup; New Digital Refractometer Keeps Maple Measurements from Getting Sticky

MISCO Puts Laboratory Bench-Top Precision in the Palm of Your Hand

MISCO introduces the new eMaple line of handheld digital refractometers engineered specifically for maple syrup production. The low-cost eMaple Maple Syrup Refractometer provides an instant digital field determination of the sugar content, or Brix level, of maple sap or maple syrup.

The eMaple Digital Maple Syrup Refractometer can be used at the tree tap or sap collection tank to measure the sugar content of maple sap, for pre-process monitoring of reverse osmosis systems used to concentrate maple sap, in the sugar-shack to determine when to draw maple syrup from the boiler, or during maple syrup bottling
and testing.

With a range from 0 to 85 Brix, the eMaple Maple Syrup Refractometer spans a range that would require two separate traditional analog refractometers. Plus, a digital refractometer removes the subjectivity associated with analog refractometers that require users to interpret where a boundary line crosses tiny scale divisions.

“Thanks to a 1,024 element detector array,” boasts Michael Caminer, MISCO Director of Marketing, “measurements are made with a precision comparable to mid-range bench-top laboratory refractometers costing
thousands of dollars more, yet it still fits in the palm of your hand!.”

A separate scale for hot and cool maple syrup eliminates the reading drift that plagues other handheld digital refractometers. Protection against inaccurate readings due to temperature differences, a major concern with refractometer measurement, is assured with nonlinear temperature compensation specific to Maple Syrup. Temperature compensation is automatic for fluids read between 0 and 75 °C (+32 to 167 °F).

The eMaple’s stainless-steel sample well requires only a couple of drops of fluid to take measurements and the sapphire measuring surface, the next hardest substance to diamond, will withstand years or wear and tear. A simple, user-friendly interface consists of two buttons: one to take readings and the other to step through various menu options. The large 24-character LCD display is easily read, even in dim light, and an evaporation cover helps prevent evaporation and keeps out stray light. Calibration of the eMaple is automatic and does not require special calibration solutions or tools; they automatically calibrate themselves to water.

The following standard instruments and scales are available:

• eMaple-F – Temperature Prompts in °F

• eMaple-C – Temperature Prompts in °C

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A world leader in the refractometer field, MISCO is headquartered in Cleveland, OH, home to the company for more than 55 years. MISCO designs, manufacturers and sells a variety of refractometers, including: digital bench-top laboratory refractometers, inline process control refractometers, digital handheld refractometers, and traditional handheld instruments. For more information, please call (216) 831-1000, or access MISCO’s web site at www.misco.com.

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