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VariRef² Full-range Refractometer
The VariRef² combines proven SCHMIDT + HAENSCH technology with the modularity of the VariFamily.
Product Overview
The VariRef2is the successor to the popular VariRef refractometer and is part of the VariFamily. All are connectable to web browsers, on several devices such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. A pharma-ready module is available with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and this includes documents, options, and methods.
The VariFamily includes the VariDens Density meter and the VariPol Polarimeter.
Features & Benefits
Precision Calibration: Reliable Accuracy Across Applications
Temperature Control: Stable Readings Every Time
Modular Design: Customisable for Evolving Needs
LED Technology: Energy-Efficient and Maintenance-Free
Key applications
Flexible Sample Adapters: Supports both liquid and solid samples for a wider range of applications.
Multi-Point Calibration: Enables calibration across the full measurement range for greater flexibility and accuracy.
Rapid Temperature Control: Provides fast temperature stabilisation for quicker, more consistent results.
Maintenance-Free Operation: Designed to minimise routine maintenance and reduce instrument downtime.
21 CFR Part 11 Conformity: Supports regulated pharmaceutical and laboratory environments requiring compliant data handling.
589 nm LED Light Source: Uses an LED with an interference filter to provide stable and reliable refractive index measurements.
RI and Brix Measurement: Measures Refractive Index (RI) and Sucrose (Brix), with standard scales included and up to 1,000 freely definable scales.
Automatic Temperature Compensation: Provides standard Brix compensation according to ICUMSA, with temperature compensation available for additional measuring scales.
Low Sample Volume: Requires only 600 µL as standard, with a micro-volume insert allowing sample volumes below 10 µL.
International Standards Compliance: Supports recognised standards including International Pharmacopoeia, ASTM, AOAC, DIN, FDA and ICUMSA.
VariRef² Full-range Refractometer Product Video

About theVariRef² Full-range Refractometer
The VariRef² is the latest refractometer from SCHMIDT + HAENSCH. Once of the improvements is a new double isolated peltier systems which fast temperature control and thus reduces the influence of environment temperature. This means that the user can obtain rapid and precise measurements.
The sample chamber has a flat shape and so is easy to keep clean. Several sample chamber covers are available for liquids and solid samples so that the device can be adapted to different applications.
A special covered version is also available for dealing with hard-to-clean or hazardous materials and this ensures a long and reliable product life.
SCHMIDT + HAENSCH refractometers can be used for characterisation of substances or purity investigations, sample recognition and the determination of substance composition. Additionally they can be used for dilution control or composition.
With different sample chamber compartment doors it is also possible to measure solid samples which makes it also suitable for other applications, such as quality control of optical films, glass or fibres.
Refractometers can also be used in food, oil, fuel, and other industries to measure and monitor the concentration of components throughout the production process.
The VariRef² series comprises the following modules: VariRef² 301, VariRef² 401, VariRef² 501, and VariRef² 601
Specifications | VariRef 301 | VariRef 401 | VariRef 501 | VariRef 601 |
Measuring range | 1.3200 – 1.5800 RI | 1.30000 – 1.66000 RI | 1.27000 – 1.71000 RI | 1.27000 – 1.72000 RI |
Accuracy | ± 0.0001 RI | ± 0.00003 RI | ± 0.00002 RI | ± 0.00002 RI |
Reproducibility (Precision) | ± 0.0001 RI | ± 0.00001 RI | ± 0.000005 RI | ± 0.000005 RI |
Resolution | 0.0001 RI 0.05 Brix | 0.00001 RI 0.01 Brix | 0.000001 RI 0.001 Brix | 0.000001 RI 0.001 Brix |
Temperature control range | 5 °C to 80 °C | 5 °C to 80 °C | 5 °C to 100 °C | 5 °C to 100 °C |
Sample Compartment Lid and Inserts
Sample chamber cover lids are optional accessories for the VariRef Refractometers. If a cover lid is selected, a specific insert needs to be selected together with the sample lid. Inserts vary in shape according to the application.
- Single measurement compartment door
- Flow-through measurement
- Micro volume sample
- Solid samples
- Funnel
The VariRef2 is controlled using the Aquisys3 software. This is either via the 7” user interface from SCHMIDT + HAENSCH or can be accessed remotely on a smartphone, tablet or personal computer.
This flexibility is control and access means the VariRef2 can be used by different users simultaneously, which allows lab managers to handle and sign data, while lab technicians are still measuring.
Product Accessories
Aquisys Software
Centralised software for controlling VariFamily instruments, managing measurements and accessing data. It supports remote access, multi-user operation and optional 21 CFR Part 11 functionality.
Certified reference material for refractometers
High-precision reference liquids for checking and calibrating refractometers. Available across a range of refractive index values to support accurate, traceable measurements.
Certified Reference Material – Sugar
Certified sucrose and glucose reference solutions for verifying refractometer performance across different sugar concentrations and supporting accurate Brix measurements.
VariTouch
A dedicated touchscreen interface for VariFamily instruments, providing flexible control, measurement monitoring and access to data through the Aquisys platform.
VariRef – Flow through pump
A peristaltic pump for automated sample delivery to the VariRef, with adjustable flow and tubing options for a wide range of liquid samples.
VariRef – Sample Room Covers
Optional covers and inserts for adapting the VariRef to different applications, including flow-through, micro-volume, solid-sample and funnel measurements.
“The VariRef² Series delivers high-precision refractive index and
Brix measurement with flexible sample handling
and 21 CFR Part 11-ready options.”
Product FAQ's
The SCHMIDT + HAENSCH VariRef² is a full-range laboratory refractometer designed for precise refractive index and Brix measurements. It is part of the VariFamily and can be accessed through a web browser using a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Yes. The VariRef² can be configured with different sample compartment covers and inserts for liquid, micro-volume, flow-through and solid samples. This allows it to support applications including optical films, glass and fibres.
Yes, the VariRef features advanced temperature control that stabilises readings in changing environments.
A pharma-ready version of the VariRef² is available with 21 CFR Part 11 functionality. The Aquisys3 Premium Pharma software includes features such as audit trails, electronic signatures, user management and additional compliance-related functionality.
The VariRef² range includes the VariRef² 301, VariRef² 401, VariRef² 501 and VariRef² 601. The models provide different measuring ranges, accuracy, resolution and temperature-control capabilities depending on the application requirements.
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