Technical Specifications

Improved Model AA-10R with RS232 Output

A new version of the very popular AA-10 Automatic Polarimeter is now available with RS232 Output.

Improved Resolution - now 0.01° Angular or ISS

Optical Activity quality control laboratory - now UKAS accredited

Externally, the AA-10R is similar in appearance to the AA-10; internally the electronics have been modernized to provide a direct RS232 output as standard on all AA-10R's for connection to a standard printer or computer. Also the LED display digits are larger and easier to read, and their brightness can be adjusted to suit personal preference and operating conditions. The reduced power consumption means the AA-10R polarimeter runs cooler; the sample compartment is only a few degrees above ambient temperature. However, for the most accurate polarimetry, we still recommend the use of jacketed sample tubes; the AA-10R has a slotted sample compartment cover fitted as standard which allows thermostatting pipes in and out.

The AA-10R retains all the excellent features, which have made the AA-10 polarimeter such a successful instrument over the years:

• Robust, reliable construction - all metal case, with cast aluminum base frame and solid aluminum panels
    
  

• Small, compact size - about three-quarters the size of the average briefcase, important when laboratory bench space is limited - but still accepts standard size polarimeter tubes up to 200mm pathlength

• Ease of use - the AA-10 polarimeter only had 2 controls, an on/off switch and a zero button - the AA-10R has the same controls plus a single "print" key to send the results to a printer (with suitable software, available from Optical Activity Ltd. the reading can be requested by a computer).
   
  
• Proven accuracy - for all samples including colored and dark samples. Any sample up to OD1.5 (i.e. a sample, which absorbs less than 95% of the incident light beam) can be measured accurately. Biased readings due to colored samples are avoided because the AA-10 and AA-10R use a halogen lamp in conjunction with a very narrow band interference filter to select the measuring wavelength, normally 589.44nm. (The AA-10R is also available as a dual wavelength model, switchable between 589.44nm and 546.23nm.)
   
  
• A warning is given if the OD1.5 absorption tolerance is exceeded - more accurate results can generally be obtained with highly absorbing or colored samples if the tube length is reduced, rather than accepting an erroneous reading beyond the OD tolerance for accurate polarimeter readings. (For full details of the different sizes and types of sample tube available, see our Accessories page.
   
  

• Available either as an ANGULAR scale model with the reading directly displayed in angular degrees, absolute accuracy +/-0.01°, OR as a SUGAR SCALE model with the result displayed in °Z (International Sugar Scale 1988, ISS), absolute accuracy +/-0.02° Z. Full circle polarimeter, capable of measuring any optical rotation.

The RS232 data output transmits the AA-10R reading, and, for dual wavelength models, the wavelength selected. For identification of samples, a free-standing keyboard is available as an optional extra which automatically adds time and date to your printed results and can be used to add alphanumeric identifiers or messages to each reading. Alternatively, a bar code reader can be used to label samples.

The Optical Activity Quality Control Department is a UKAS* accredited laboratory for the calibration of polarimeters and quartz control plates. Any Optical Activity polarimeter is available with a UKAS certificate of calibration if required.

To use the AA-10R, simply press the set zero button once at the start of work; pour your solution into a sample tube, place in the instrument and in a few seconds, the result is shown in the digital display. Versatility comes from choosing different tubes for different applications, for example, up to 4 samples per minute can be measured using a flow cell and either a funnel or an auto-sampler. The unique operating principle of the AA-10R, patented by Optical Activity Ltd. in the 1970's, allows measurement of flowing samples and tolerates some turbulence, small bubbles or suspended solids which would completely upset other polarimeters.

This very versatile polarimeter has so many applications that it is not possible to list them all here; a few examples are , from the pharmaceutical industry, products from antibiotics to cough mixture and dextrose in intravenous fluid. It is used to determine lactose in milk, starch in animal feed and in quality control of essential oils where the dual wavelength model is useful for the colored oils. Throughout the world sugar industry, the sugar scale version of the AA-10 is used in both beet and cane sugar factories, tare houses and laboratories.

*UKAS (The United Kingdom Accreditation Service responsible for providing national accreditation.)

AA-10 Angular AA-10 Sugar Scales: Degrees ISS Range: ± 90° ± 130° Z Accuracy: ± 0.01% ± 0.02%Z Wavelength: 589.44nm 589.44nm Light Source: Halogen filament lamp, Approx. life 2000 hrs. Halogen filament lamp, Approx. life 2000 hrs. Outputs: Digital LED display, plus RS232 25-way output socket Digital LED display, plus RS232 25-way output socket Readout Time: Approx. 8 seconds (for all models, response time to small changes is one or two seconds) Approx. 10 seconds (for all models, response time to small changes is one or two seconds) Sample Compartment: Accepts standard polarimeter tubes with 30mm circular ends. Maximum path length 200mm, bores 8mm down to 1.5mm Accepts standard polarimeter tubes with 30mm circular ends. Maximum path length 200mm, bores 8mm down to 1.5mm Controls: Power ON/OFF SET ZERO button, PRINT key. Power ON/OFF SET ZERO button, PRINT key. Special Features: Warning if the sample transmittance is less than the 3% (i.e. OD 15) required for accurate measurement. Warning if the sample transmittance is less than the 3% (i.e. OD 15) required for accurate measurement. Power Requirements: AC line voltage 230v ± 20% or 115v ± 20%, 45 to 65Hz, 10 watts (please state voltage when ordering) AC line voltage 230v ± 20% or 115v ± 20%, 45 to 65Hz, 10 watts (please state voltage when ordering) EMC and Low Voltage Directive: CE marked complies with the following regulations 89/336/EEC as amended by 91/263/EEC and 92/31/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) and 93/68/EEC Low Voltage Directive. CE marked complies with the following regulations 89/336/EEC as amended by 91/263/EEC and 92/31/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) and 93/68/EEC Low Voltage Directive. Dimensions (w x d x h): 460 x 220 x 90mm 460 x 220 x 90mm Weight: 8.5kg 8.5kg Packed Weight: 12-18kg 12-18kg

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3305 Commerce Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34741