Refractometer
Refractometer is a device that measures the refractive index of light passing through a liquid or solid, helping to determine the concentration of dissolved substances. As a result, it is widely used to test the purity and composition of various solutions in the food and beverage industry.
There are four main types of refractometers: mechanical refractometers, which use optical lenses; digital refractometers, which are equipped with electronic sensors; Abbe refractometers, invented by physicist Ernst Abbe in the late 19th century; and inline refractometers, which are designed for real-time monitoring and quality control of solutions during production.
In the coffee industry, refractometers are mainly used to measure TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), which helps to evaluate the extraction level of brewed coffee. This measurement directly affects the flavor and texture of coffee, helping baristas and manufacturers maintain consistent product quality.