Precision of beet analyses in Germany explained for polarization

Using the quantitative measures of precision, repeatability and reproducibility, the study reviewes the obtainable precision of the polarimetric determination of sugar content of beet. The same measures are used to estimate the influence of homogeneity of beet material on the analytical result or on the representativity of sampling respectively. It is concluded, that the analysis of untopped beet can principly not be recommended, because of the significant loss of precision.

Based on the good agreement of precision data within individual companies as well as in comparisons between different companies, it can be concluded, that – in spite of minor differences – the process of beet analysis in the German sugar industry is so well defined and fixed that comparable results are generally achieved. Systematic differences between the results of different beet laboratories are not to be found.