Alcohol refractometer Catania ATC 0 - 80 %
Alcohol Refractometer Catania ATC (0–80%) – Precise Measurement for Home Distillates
Take your bee product processing a step further. The Catania ATC refractometer will be appreciated by beekeepers and home producers who prepare distillates from honey and fruit such as mead spirits (honey brandy), plum brandy, or other fruit brandies. Within seconds, it provides clear and reliable determination of alcohol content directly in the sample.

Why it's worth having in your beekeeping workshop and distillery
When diluting distillate to the desired alcohol strength, details matter – and these can easily escape without precise measurement. Unlike classic alcoholometers, which are fragile and require a larger volume of liquid, the refractometer measures optically according to light refraction. Just 2–3 drops of distillate are enough, so you don't waste the most valuable thing – the finished product.
A practical advantage is ATC (Automatic Temperature Compensation). Measured values don't need to be complexly recalculated according to temperature – the device automatically adapts to common fluctuations. You'll appreciate this when working in the cellar, workshop, or operation where conditions are not laboratory-constant.
Range of use and measurement accuracy
The refractometer is designed for measurement in the range of 0 to 80% vol. alcohol (Vol.). It's suitable for unsweetened spirits (e.g., fruit and honey distillates, vodka, whisky). Warning: it's not suitable for liqueurs with sweeteners or wine – sugar affects light refraction and distorts results.
In the most commonly used range (0–50% alcohol), it measures with a deviation of only ± 1%. At higher concentrations (50–80%), the accuracy is ± 2.5%.

Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Measurement range | 0 – 80% Vol. (alcohol by volume) |
| Accuracy (0–50%) | ± 1% |
| Accuracy (50–80%) | ± 2.5% |
| ATC function | Yes (10°C to 30°C) |
| Measurement principle | Optical (light refraction) |
| Application | Mead spirits, plum brandy, whisky, vodka (unsweetened distillates) |
| Calibration | Manual (using distilled water) |
Tip: For long life of the optical prism, gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth after measurement and rinse with distilled water. This prevents deposits and maintains constant accuracy.
Important maintenance notice
The refractometer is a precise optical instrument, so it deserves gentle handling. After each measurement, rinse the prism with lukewarm water, gently wipe and dry with a soft cloth. Do not rinse the instrument under running water and do not immerse it – water could get into the optical part. The refractometer is usually calibrated from the factory. Calibration liquid is not included in the package, but you typically don't need it right from the start for normal use.
HANDHELD REFRACTOMETER
Operating Instructions
METHOD OF USE
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Preparation: Point the front end of the refractometer toward bright light and turn 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. Drop 1–2 drops of the measured solution. Close the cover plate and press it lightly, 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 damp gauze and carefully store the instrument.
WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE
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Settings for zero liquid and sample should be performed at the same temperature. If temperature changes significantly, the zero point should be set 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 precise 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 molding and fogging. Avoid strong impacts during transport.
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If consumers use the instrument according to the stated method of use, the optical performance should not change.
TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
The reference temperature is 20°C. During operation, 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





































































































































































































