Extech RF20 Portable Salinity Refractometer with ATC
Extech RF20 Portable Salinity Refractometer with ATCKey Features At A Glance Handheld optical refractometers for measuring concentration of sugar, salt, lubricants, antifreeze, cut ting fluids, and battery acid Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) available on select models (RF11, RF12, RF15, RF20, RF40, RF41) operating across 10 to 30°C Requires only 2 or 3 drops of solution per measurement Prism and lens with simple focus adjustment for repeatable results Complete kit ships with case, calibration screwdriver, and calibration solution Multiple measurement scales available: Brix (sucrose 0–10%, 0–18%, 0–32%, 0–90% triple range), salinity (0–100ppt), refractive index (1.000–1.070), and propylene/ethylene glycol freeze point Compact handheld form factor — typical weight 6.3 to 8 oz across the series RF30 triple-range model covers 0–90% Brix across three scale segments for general service applications The Extech RF-Series is a family of handheld portable refractometers used to measure the concentration of liquids by observing how light bends as it passes through a sample. The datasheet positions these instruments as easy-to-operate tools that provide accurate and repeatable measurements on easy-to-read scales, requiring only 2 or 3 drops of solution per measurement.Applications listed on the datasheet include measuring the concentration of sugar (sucrose), salt, lubricants, antifreeze, and cutting fluids. Specific scale variants address sucrose concentration (Brix), salinity in parts per thousand, refractive index, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol freeze points for coolant testing, and specific gravity of battery acid. Each model in the series is optimized for one of these measurement domains.ValueTronics International stocks the Extech RF-Series refractometer family alongside thousands of other test and measurement instruments at our 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois. Equipment is inspected and verified by our technicians on-site before it ships — not drop-shipped from a third party. This in-house handling means accurate condition reporting, faster fulfillment, and direct accountability when you have a question about your order.Brand HeritageExtech Instruments was acquired by FLIR Systems and operates under the FLIR corporate umbrella; the datasheet itself carries the FLIR Systems copyright. FLIR Systems in turn became part of Teledyne Technologies following Teledyne's 2021 acquisition of FLIR.Compare Other Models in This SeriesThe Extech RF-Series covers ten distinct refractometer models, each optimized for a specific measurement domain — sucrose Brix at three concentration ranges, lubricants and cutting fluids, salinity, coolant freeze points, battery acid specific gravity, and a triple-range general service model. The family is differentiated along two axes: the measurement scale itself and whether the model includes Automatic Temperature Compensation.Selecting the correct model depends primarily on the substance being measured and the concentration range of interest. The Brix models split into low-concentration (RF11/RF16, 0–10%), mid-concentration (RF12/RF18 for lubricants, 0–18%), standard (RF10/RF15, 0–32%), and triple-range general service (RF30, 0–90%). The RF20 handles salinity exclusively. The RF40/RF41 pair addresses automotive coolant and battery service applications.Each new model in the Extech RF-Series listed below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the specific model that matches your measurement requirement and concentration range.The key differences across the family are measurement scale, concentration range, resolution, and ATC inclusion. Resolution tightens for narrower ranges — the 0–10% Brix models (RF11/RF16) achieve 0.1 resolution with ±0.1% accuracy, while wider-range models step to 0.2 resolution with ±0.2% accuracy. The RF20 salinity unit achieves the finest resolution at 0.001 across its 0–100ppt range. Coolant models offer 2°F or 1°C freeze point resolution with ±2% accuracy.ATC versus non-ATC is the second major differentiator. ATC models are paired with non-ATC equivalents at the same Brix range — RF11 (ATC) and RF16 (non-ATC) both cover 0–10% Brix; RF12 (ATC) and RF18 (non-ATC) both cover 0–18% Brix; RF15 (ATC) and RF10 (non-ATC) both cover 0–32% Brix. The RF20, RF40, and RF41 are ATC-only. The RF30 triple-range general service model is non-ATC. Model Type Range Resolution RF20 Salt (ATC) 0 to 100ppt (10 to 30°C); 1.000 to 1.070 Refractive Index 0.001 RF16 Sucrose 0 to 10% Brix 0.1 RF11 Sucrose (ATC) 0 to 10% (10 to 30°C) 0.1 RF18 Lubricants/Cutting fluids 0 to 18% Brix 0.2 Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.Accessories Supplied Case Calibration screwdriver Calibration solution Product Core & Specifications Specification Details Product Type Portable Refractometer Sample Volume 2 or 3 drops of solution Optics Prism and lens with simple focus adjustment Temperature Compensation Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) available on select models (RF11, RF12, RF15, RF20, RF40, RF41) Supplied Accessories Case, calibration screwdriver, and calibration solution Important: ATC models (RF11, RF12, RF15, RF20, RF40, RF41) provide automatic temperature compensation across 10 to 30°C. Operation outside this temperature window is not covered by the ATC specification.Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.