Relco instrumentation have developed a system for testing grapes upon receival into the winery, that quickly and easily gives sugar and pH readings without requiring any transfer of must into the laboratory. The unit is housed entirely on a movable crane which is simply lowered into the bin of grapes where a sample is taken, tested, and then returned to the bin. This not only speeds up the process, but also eliminates the loss of juice from the load and the build-up of samples in the lab.

An automatic washing system inside the sampling unit ensures that there is no mixing of samples, and also eliminates the possibility of contamination of the must. The system can also be set-up to your specific needs through digital displays and printers, allowing you to immediately see the results of a test, as well as produce hard-copies suitable for both your records and those of your suppliers.

The system is made up of two main components, these being the hydraulic arm for taking the physical samples from the bin, and the actual testing unit. The picture below shows both of these components, and further details on specific items are also outlined.

	The Service Keyboard and Operations LCD, which provides the controls for manual control, as well as for the automatic measuring cycle.
	A Printer that is customisable for most cards, allowing you to print out your readings quickly and easily. It is capable of printing up to 4 copies.
	The Central Unit, which is housed in a stainless steel enclosure (IP 64 watertight), includes - A program for automatic or manual operation - The electronic measuring unit - A keyboard used for calibration - A display showing current settings as well as any errors in the system. * In automatic mode, the various steps from loading the juice through to testing and washing with water are performed according to a completely automatic pre-programmed cycle.
	LCD Display Unit for the display of the sugar content: As a standard unit this has a character height of 50mm, however by request these can be supplied as electro-magnetic units 150mm high. An additional LCD display unit is also included with the pH meter (25mm character height) .
	The Analysis Unit, in which the juice is tested by means of refractometry. This unit also has a must stirring system and an in-built cleaning system with solenoid valves for the control of air and water.
	The Electropneumatic Unit.

Technical Data:

Sugar Analysis: SVM2
Digital Refractometer, capable of producing values in Babo, Baume, Oechle or Brix.
Range: 0-20 Baume, 0-30 Brix, 0-120 for Oechle.
Resolution: 0.10 for all units except Oechle (1.0)
Precision: ± 0.5%
Temperature compensation: 5-40°C.
Compensation for turbidity and colour of must.
Output: RS232

pH Analysis: pHMAT2
Performed by electrode and gel electrolyte within same housing as sugar reading. This test is performed simultaneously with the sugar test
Calibration: Automatic using two solutions at a pH of 4 and 7.
Range: 2-14 pH
Resolution: 0.01
Precision: ± 0.5%
Auto temperature compensation: 5-40°C.
Output: RS232

There are many other products in the Relco range of instruments, such as titration units for Total Acid, and in-line units for continual real-time measurements. Please feel free to contact us should you require information on the above units, or any other unit in their range.