About Process Refractometers
Setting the standard for accuracy and robustness
Setting the standard for accuracy and robustness
Refractometry, which is the technique of measuring how light bends, or refracts, when it passes through a liquid, is one of the longest serving methods for liquid analysis. It has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness as an analytical tool in laboratory settings. The PIOX R process refractometer takes the precision of laboratory measurements and applies it directly to industrial processes. Unlike typical refractometers, the PIOX R employs the transmitted light method to determine refraction.
Refractometers measure how light refracts when it passes through different substances. Various methods exist to measure this bending or refraction in both laboratories and industrial environments.
Emerson's R500 refractometer features a patented design that allows light to pass through the liquid being tested, unlike other refractometers that only measure the refraction at the prism's surface. This method provides a more accurate representation of the liquid.
The design of Emerson's sensor means it stays accurate even if the prism gets dirty, which avoids the need for frequent cleaning.
To make measurements more stable, Emerson uses a bi-prism system that creates two beams of light and measures them separately. This means the R500 can handle changes in temperature, pressure, or movement better than other refractometers.
The primary measurement provided by a refractometer is the refractive index. To provide customers with deeper insights into their processes, we combine the refractive index with temperature measurements to calculate concentration, density, or a value that accounts for temperature changes. This calculation relies on a specific dataset that is pre-loaded into the device.
Emerson has an extensive collection of these datasets, with some examples available for reference. For more specialized requirements, Emerson's laboratory can develop custom solutions. Their team of skilled scientists works with clients to create tailored analytical methods that fulfill particular needs, leveraging the full range of Emerson's analytical capabilities.
The Brix scale is one of the most established and commonly used measurements in refractometry. One degree Brix represents one gram of sucrose dissolved in 100 grams of solution. Its widespread use across various industries is due to its temperature-compensated readings and straightforward scaling. The Brix scale is the go-to standard in the food and beverage industry for assessing the sugar content in solutions, fruit juices, coffee, and more. Additionally, many industrial fluids, such as de-icing solutions, lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids, provide Brix reference tables to ensure proper concentration levels.
Emerson refractometers come with the Brix scale already installed, ready for use.
Emerson provides a range of options for installing the sensor parts of the refractometer that come into contact with the liquid, known as the wetted parts. For pipes with diameters ranging from 3/8 inch to 3 inches, Emerson offers flow chambers. These chambers are designed to fit into the piping system, replacing a segment of the pipe and featuring a dedicated slot for the sensor installation.
Depending on the size of the pipe and specific requirements, the connection between the flow chamber and the pipe can be made using various methods: flanged, welded, or threaded connections are available to ensure a secure and appropriate fit.
For larger pipes exceeding 3 inches in diameter, as well as for installations on tanks, Emerson provides sensors with an extended probe and standard DN/ANSI flanges. These setups are suitable for integration into a T-flange configuration, which facilitates optimal sensor placement within the flow of the pipe, ensuring accurate measurements.
Emerson refractometers are equipped with advanced diagnostics capabilities that allow users to refine their maintenance strategies and gain better insights into their processes. Notably, the R500 series sensors include an integrated PT1000 temperature probe that is submerged in the liquid. This probe delivers highly precise temperature readings, which are essential for accurately calculating concentrations and providing valuable process variable data to the user.
Rapid fluctuations in signal amplitude can indicate contamination in the liquid being measured. Additionally, over time, changes in signal amplitude, signal symmetry, and sensor humidity levels can serve as early warning signs of potential issues such as scaling on the sensor surface, wear and tear of gaskets, or even external interference with the sensor.
These diagnostic features of Emerson refractometers are invaluable for predictive maintenance, as they help to identify problems before they become serious, thereby reducing downtime and maintaining process efficiency.
The R500 sensor effectively handles various glycol applications, including MEG, PEG, and TEG. Emerson offers specific solutions for each of them. Used worldwide, our refractometers check engine coolant and air conditioning fluids for top car brands, test deicing fluids at large airports, and improve glycol-based gas drying processes.
Emerson recognizes the ongoing need for improved products and safety, which brings about new analytical challenges. We're ready to work with you to tackle these issues. Our team of scientists and engineers is available to help with lab measurements, data development, field support, and sensor modifications. We can manage complex problems that require the use of multiple sensors.
Controlling the Brix value of your machinery's cooling and lubricant fluids is essential for maintaining their proper balance. This vigilance ensures your machines operate at full potential, extending their service life and safeguarding the quality of your output. The R500 sensor, designed with high resistance to fouling, is the solution for reliable, continuous monitoring. It does away with expensive cleaning equipment and tedious manual upkeep, providing constant, crucial data that lets you optimize machine performance without pause.
Oleum is essential in the chemical sector, used both as a reactant and a means to transport sulfuric acid. Measuring its concentration accurately during processing is challenging. Refractometers are the preferred method for measurement due to their high precision across Oleum's full concentration spectrum. The R500 sensor, when used with Oleum, which aggressively reacts with polymers, utilizes specialized FFMK gaskets to greatly increase its lifespan.
The R500 C-TF sensor from Emerson is engineered to tackle tough conditions head-on. Built with wetted parts made of carbon-reinforced PTFE, this sensor combines the robustness of carbon fiber with the chemical resilience of PTFE. It's designed to withstand corrosive settings, ideal for managing harsh substances such as hydrofluoric acid (HF), hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3). Trust the R500 C-TF to deliver reliable performance in the most challenging environments.
When creating products intended for human consumption, it is crucial that any components in contact with the product adhere to hygienic design principles. This entails ensuring that all components have rounded edges, gasket seats that can be cleaned effortlessly, and are constructed from materials suitable for sanitary conditions. The R500 MH sensor stands out as the ideal selection for these requirements.
Measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in water can be challenging due to the minimal difference of only one hydrogen ion between the solute and the solvent. Emerson's refractometers provide exceptional accuracy along with sustained measurement stability. For enhanced safety, we provide specialized options including a stainless-steel sensor or our PTFE sensor.
In foundry environments and chemical supply operations where precision and avoiding metal contamination are crucial, the R500 *C-TF sensor from Emerson is a suitable solution. This sensor maintains the high accuracy of Emerson refractometers and uses non-metallic parts for liquid contact. Its carbon-reinforced PTFE housing offers both the strength of carbon fiber and the chemical resistance of PTFE, making it a robust, contamination-free option for challenging applications.
Refractometry offers a simple and direct method for analyzing specialty chemicals and their solvents due to its linear measurement capability. The PIOX R refractometer has been effectively utilized across a variety of applications, including those involving chemicals like N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), Dimethylacetamide (DMA), Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAH), Dimethylformamide (DMF), and Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH).
