A new tool for accurate Brix measurement
Densimeters and hydrometers are very popular instruments for estimating Brix levels in the maple syrup industry. That’s why the ACER Center has developed a standard solution to check their accuracy. Ensuring that production aids are working and used properly is critical for producing quality maple syrup. For Brix measurement, to maximize profitability and ensure the syrup is between 66 and 67 °Brix, you need to have accurate, suitable instruments.
The ACER Center’s standard solution is 66 ± 0.2 °Brix at 20 °C. This means that at a temperature of 20 °C, the value given by a densimeter, or hydrometer immersed in the solution has to be between 65.8 and 66.02 °Brix. If the measurement does not fall within this range, it means the instrument is off. It may be defective and need replacing. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so critical to check densimeters and hydrometers at the start of each season. It’s also recommended to check them whenever there’s even the slightest concern, like if there’s been an impact or the instrument gives an unexpected reading.
Practical tips
Densimeters and hydrometers are fragile. To keep them working longer, it’s best to prevent impacts and always store them vertically. Since these instruments measure density, they absolutely need to be kept clean (free of sugar or mineral deposits) and dry so they can read the syrup properly. Also, when they’re immersed, the instruments need time to stabilize (at least 30 seconds for densimeters and 2 minutes for hydrometers) before a reading can be taken.
Important reminder
Densimeters and hydrometers provide an estimate of the Brix levels of maple syrup, but do not allow for precise measurement. They’re great for quick checks during the production process, but it’s essential to always measure the Brix levels with a refractometer before the syrup is packaged. A well-calibrated refractometer, used properly, is the only instrument that can accurately measure degrees Brix.
For more information and advice on these instruments, we invite you to take the “Utilisation et calibration des instruments de mesure utilisés en acériculture” online course from the ACER Center or the “Êtes-vous sur votre BriX” online course from AGRIcarrières. Note that both courses are only available in French. The solution for checking densimeters and hydrometers, as well as the reference solution for refractometer calibration, is available from your equipment supplier.
