How to Measure Honey Moisture Using the Atago IC-PAL-22S Refractometer

The determination of moisture content within honey is key to assessing the quality of this product. The moisture present within the determines its stability. Honey that is high in moisture is prone to fermentation and granulation. The Atago IC-PAL-22s Honey Moisture Refractometer will determine the moisture content of honey at the touch of a button.

Figure 1 Watch a video on how to measure honey using the Atago IC-PAL-22S Honey Refractometer here. 

How to measure moisture content in honey using the IC-PAL-22s Honey Refractometer

You will need:

• Water (distilled, deionised or tap)
• A pipette
• IC-PAL-22S
• Tissues

Preliminary Step: Before taking a measurement perform a zero calibration

At the beginning of each day, before taking a measurement or after changing the Atago’s batteries, you must perform a zero-set calibration. Here’s how;

1. Turn the device on, take approximately 0.3mL of water and place it on the device’s prism, ensuring the prism is completely covered.
2. Press the ‘START’ button and wait a moment. ‘HHH’ will appear on the screen.
3. While ‘HHH’ is displayed on the screen, press the ‘ZERO’ button.
4. The zero setting is complete when ‘000’ blinks on the screen a couple of times and then stops.
5. Wipe the water from the prism using a clean tissue.

Taking a Honey Measurement

1. Fill the sample stage (approximately 0.3mL) with the sample of honey you wish to measure.
2. Press ‘START’ to take a measurement.
3. The resulting honey moisture content will display on the screen within seconds. Record the result and repeat if necessary.

Note: When testing is complete, wipe away the sample and clean the prism using a mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with water. Dry and store away for your next honey moisture measurement.

CONCLUSION

Taking honey moisture measurements using the Atago IC-PAL-22s is a simple task allowing you to obtain accurate moisture measurements anywhere on the line of production, from honey collection to random sample selections.

Additional Links

• View the Atago IC-PAL-22s Product page, specifications, and more here.
• Want more information on Refractometers and how they work? Learn more here.
• Watch the video ‘How to Measure Honey Using the IC-PAL-22s’ again.
• Watch a video of an Instrument Choice Scientist Unboxing the IC-PAL-22s.
• Want the data history from your Atago pocket meter sent straight to your phone? See a video on How to use the Data Transmission Function on Atago Pocket Refractometers here.