ATAGO PAL-3 Digital Pocket Refractometer – Wide Range High Accuracy Brix Measurement Solution
The ATAGO PAL-3 Wide Range Digital Refractometer is a premium-quality hand-held pocket refractometer engineered for rapid, highly accurate Brix measurement across an exceptionally wide concentration range of 0.0 to 93.0% Brix. Designed and manufactured in Japan, this advanced digital refractometer is widely used in food processing, beverage production, pharmaceutical industries, laboratories, sugar analysis, jam manufacturing, syrup concentration testing, fruit juice analysis, and industrial quality control applications.
Built with ATAGO’s renowned optical precision technology, the PAL-3 offers industry-leading measurement accuracy of ±0.1% Brix, making it one of the most accurate models in the standard PAL series. The compact ergonomic palm-fitting design enables comfortable single-handed operation, while the durable IP65-rated waterproof and dust-tight construction allows the entire unit to be safely washed under running water for hygienic laboratory and production use.
The PAL-3 Digital Pocket Refractometer incorporates advanced Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), enabling stable and repeatable Brix measurements across varying sample temperatures up to 100°C. Its innovative External Light Interference (ELI) feature minimizes the effect of intense ambient light, ensuring dependable outdoor measurements and consistent analytical performance even under challenging working conditions.
Measurement operation is fast and extremely user-friendly. Simply place 2 to 3 drops of sample on the stainless-steel prism surface and press the START button. The refractive index-based Brix value and prism temperature are displayed on the LCD screen within approximately 3 seconds, making the instrument highly suitable for high-throughput testing environments.
Complying with HACCP, GMP, and GLP system standards, the ATAGO PAL-3 is an ideal portable refractometer for laboratories and production facilities requiring reliable sugar concentration measurement, hygienic design, operational durability, and high analytical accuracy.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Digital Hand Held Pocket Refractometer |
| Model | PAL-3 |
| Catalogue Number | 3830 |
| Brand | ATAGO |
| Measurement Range (Brix) | 0.0 to 93.0% Brix |
| Brix Resolution | 0.1% |
| Brix Accuracy | ±0.1% Brix |
| Measurement Time | Approximately 3 Seconds |
| Sample Volume | 2 to 3 Drops (Approx. 0.3 ml) |
| Temperature Compensation | Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) |
| Temperature Range | 10°C to 100°C |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±1°C |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 10°C to 40°C |
| Protection Class | IP65 Water Resistant / Dust Tight |
| Display | Digital LCD Display |
| Power Supply | 2 × AAA Batteries |
| Battery Life | Approx. 11,000 Measurements |
| Dimensions | 55 × 31 × 109 mm |
| Weight | 100 g (Main Unit Only) |
| Compliance Standards | HACCP, GMP, and GLP Compliant |
| Origin | Designed and Manufactured in Japan |
| Applications | Juices, Syrups, Jam, Food Processing, Beverage Industry, Pharmaceutical Labs, Sugar Analysis, Quality Control |
Core Features & User Benefits
The ATAGO PAL-3 Wide Range Refractometer is engineered to deliver high-speed Brix testing, exceptional portability, and reliable analytical accuracy for demanding laboratory and industrial environments.
- Ultra-Wide 0–93% Brix Measurement Range Accurately measures low concentration beverages as well as highly concentrated syrups, honey, sauces, and jams using a single portable instrument.
- Exceptional ±0.1% Brix Accuracy Provides highly reliable and repeatable sugar concentration analysis for laboratory research, food production quality control, and industrial process monitoring.
- Fast 3-Second Measurement Speed Enables rapid sample testing and improved workflow efficiency in busy laboratories and manufacturing environments.
- Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) Maintains stable and accurate readings across varying sample temperatures up to 100°C without manual correction calculations.
- Advanced ELI Technology External Light Interference protection improves measurement reliability when operating outdoors or under intense ambient lighting conditions.
- IP65 Waterproof & Dust-Tight Construction The rugged hygienic design allows complete washing under running water while improving durability in industrial environments.
- Compact Ergonomic Palm-Fit Design Designed for comfortable one-handed operation with spill-resistant sample handling for improved ease of use.
- HACCP / GMP / GLP Compliance Supports hygienic laboratory procedures and regulated production environments requiring documented quality standards.
- Low Sample Volume Requirement Requires only 2 to 3 drops of sample, minimizing product wastage during routine testing procedures.
- Long Battery Operating Life Provides approximately 11,000 measurements using standard AAA batteries for dependable portable field use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ATAGO PAL-3 refractometer used for?
The ATAGO PAL-3 Digital Pocket Refractometer is used for measuring Brix concentration in liquids such as fruit juice, syrups, jams, sauces, beverages, honey, and pharmaceutical solutions. Its wide 0–93% Brix range makes it suitable for both low and high concentration sample testing.
It is commonly used in food processing plants, beverage industries, laboratories, sugar analysis facilities, and industrial quality control applications requiring fast and accurate concentration measurement.
What makes the PAL-3 different from standard handheld refractometers?
The PAL-3 offers advanced digital measurement technology with ±0.1% Brix accuracy, Automatic Temperature Compensation, and External Light Interference protection. Unlike conventional analog refractometers, it provides faster readings, improved precision, and easier operation with a digital LCD display.
Its IP65 waterproof design and ergonomic single-hand operation also improve durability and usability in industrial and laboratory environments.
Can the ATAGO PAL-3 measure hot samples?
Yes, the PAL-3 is equipped with Automatic Temperature Compensation and supports sample temperatures from 10°C to 100°C. This allows accurate Brix measurement of hot liquids without requiring extensive cooling before testing.
The stainless-steel sample stage helps equalize sample temperature quickly, improving measurement stability and reducing testing time.
Is the ATAGO PAL-3 waterproof?
Yes, the PAL-3 features IP65-rated water resistance and dust protection. The instrument can be safely washed under running water, making it ideal for hygienic food and beverage applications.
The sealed construction improves durability while supporting HACCP-compliant cleaning procedures in laboratories and production facilities.
Which industries commonly use the ATAGO PAL-3 refractometer?
The ATAGO PAL-3 is widely used in food processing, beverage manufacturing, dairy industries, confectionery production, pharmaceutical laboratories, chemical industries, agriculture, and research laboratories.
Its wide Brix range, portable design, and high analytical accuracy make it suitable for routine quality control, product consistency testing, and laboratory research applications.