How To Use Honey Refractometer
A q tip or finger can be used to spread the sample over the glass.
How to use honey refractometer. Moisture 12 27 baume 38 43 and brix 58 90. Use a thin film of honey on the instrument. Bees cap honey when sufficient moisture has been removed but beekeepers often harvest frames with many uncapped cells or store extracted honey in excessively humid rooms. Hold the instrument towards a bright light for easier reading of the result. Open light plate and place 2 3 drops of distilled water on main prism like the measurement of honey the water must spreads across the prism.
In today s video we take a look at the water content in the honey recently extracted from our beehive at the allotment apiary. For honey with too water inside you can use an electric dehumidifier. Honey refractometer use and calibration a refractometer measures the degree that light passing through a solution is bent. Inspect a frame of honey for open cells. Two things are critical for accurate measurement of water content of honey.
All that you have to do is take a sample of the honey you want to test and cover the prism or well of your refractometer. For more information on honey refractometers search for honey or navigate to the digital handheld category and use the filters to view the selection of honey refractometers. If it doesn t work rusty idea is a good way. The automatic temperatures compensation that. Wait 2 3 or 4 days and use your refractometer for control.
The moisture content of honey should be 17 8 or less. Hold the open cells of the frame so the open cells are facing away from you. Without bad smells. The honey refractometer is designed for checking the water content and nutrient grade of honey. Air bubbles or obstructions will interfere with the readings so apply your honey as smoothly and seamlessly as you can.
Calibration of the refractometer. In a little clean room 20 25 c place your opened honey tank covered by clean cloth and the dehumidifier. Hold both sides side bars of the frame. Knowing how to use a honey refractometer is a basic beekeeper s skill. Make sure that both your refractometer and honey are room temperature for best results.