Process Refractometers Used in Industry

Process refractometer
Technician adjusts process refractometer in plant.
(Electron Machine)
Process refractometers provide the analysis to quickly, reliably, and very accurately identify a sample and determine it's concentration and purity levels. They measure the refractive index and temperature of flowing liquids, and apply mathematical functions to determine the concentration of dissolved solids.

Part physics, part material science and part chemistry, refractometry is the process which measures the composition of known substances by means of calculating their respective refractive indexes (RI).  Light bends and changes velocity as it travels from one media into another through the media interface. When light traveling through air enters liquid, the light rays change direction by an amount determined by the liquid's density. RIs are evaluated via a refractometer, a device which measures the curve, or refraction. The
unitless number given by the refractometer, usually between 1.3000 and 1.7000, is the RI. The composition of substances is then determined when the RI is compared to a standard curve specific to the material of the substance. Standard tables are available that correlate RI to a variety of materials. These same tables also correlate RI to varying concentrations of particular liquid media at a particular temperature. Take corn syrup for example. Different refractive indexes are observed for different corn syrup samples of different concentrations. Therefore, by using a process refractometer to observe the RI of a particular corn syrup sample, a determination of the concentration of that particular sample can be made. By referring to the table or scale that correlates the RI to concentration at a particular fixed temperature, liquid concentration can be determined.

Common industrial refractometer applications are:

Process refractometer
Process refractometer with flanged spool adapter.
(Electron Machine)
  • Calculating amount of sugar dissolved in juices and beverages.
  • In commercial food applications such as juice production or tomato processing, refractometers are used to measure degrees Brix (the Brix scale relates refractive index to sugar concentration, and is a key way to maintain consistency).
  • In the pharmaceutical industry, process refractometers are used to monitor and control concentration levels during supersaturation, a critical process in crystallization.
  • In pulp and paper production, process refractometers for measuring dissolved solids in black and green liquor during the chemical recovery process.

Equipment manufacturers have developed numerous refractometer configurations tailored to specific each use and application. Each has a set of features making it the advantageous choice for its intended application. Product specialists are invaluable sources of information and assistance to potential refractometer users seeking to match the best equipment to their application or process.

For more information on industrial refractometers, contact Alliance Technical Sales by visiting https://alliancets.com or by calling 630-321-9646.

Cloth Heating Jackets for Pipes, Tees, Valves, Fittings, and other Process Equipment

Cloth heating jacket
Cloth heating jacket (Briskheat)
Industrial heating applications are numerous and varied. Heating requirements can range from freeze protection to precise maintenance of process temperature in piping, equipment, or vessels. Two commonly employed heating sources are electric resistance heaters and plant steam. While each has certain advantages, steam may not always be available or practical. Electric heat offers a number of positive attributes.
  • Ease of design and installation
  • Precise control
  • Uniform heating across surfaces
  • Low maintenance requirement
  • Portability
  • Economical to purchase and install
  • Wide array of shapes, sizes, and configurations
  • Standard and custom products for every application
Cloth heating jackets are one of many electric heater variants. Formed to fit specific valves, fittings, or other items, these reusable heaters are comprised of an exterior of rugged fabric, a layer of thermal insulation, a heating blanket, and an electrical connection point or fitting. Hook and loop fasteners facilitate the unwrapping or opening of the jacket to allow for installation and removal. The surface remains cool to the touch for most applications. Control can be provided by any type of temperature controller, with prewired options available for inclusion with the heating jacket.

Construction of cloth heating jacket
Construction of cloth heating jacket (click for larger view).

Liner and Facing Material (Inside and Outside cloth material)
  • PTFE - Standard facing material. Exposure temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). Up to Class 10 environments. 
  • BriskClean - For cleanroom class 10. Exposure temperatures up to 600°F (315°C). 
  • Silicone Cloth Adds a degree of moisture and chemical resistance. Exposure temperatures up to 500°F (260°C).
  • Samox® -High temperature cloth. Exposure temperatures up to 1100°F (593°C). Up to Class 100 environments.
  • Aluminum- Facing material option. Exposure temperatures up to 450°F (232°C).
  • Fiberglass cloth - Liner material option. Exposure temperatures up to 900°F (482°C). Up to Class 100 environments.
Closure Options
  • Hook and loop fastener
  • Hook and lace
  • Grommets
Insulation (placed in between liner and facing)
  • Fits your application based upon process temperatures. BriskHeat's industry leading engineers will design your system with the correct amount of insulation. Insulation will make your system energy efficient and touch-safe.
Voltage Options
  • 120 - 600VAC
  • Single phase
  • 3 Phase (Wye)
  • 3 Phase (Delta)
  • 60 Hz.
  • 50 Hz.
  • DC
Power Plug / Connector Options
  • Mate-N-Lock
  • Twist lock
  • CPC connector
  • Bare wire
  • Other electrical connections available
Built-in Controlling / High-limit Safety Thermostat Options
  • 180°F (82°C)
  • 248°F (120°C)
  • 302°F (150°C)
  • 347°F (175°C)
  • 392°F (200°C)
  • 500°F (260°C)
  • Other temperatures available
Built-in Temperature Sensor Options
  • Platinum RTD
  • Type J thermocouple
  • Type K thermocouple
  • Thermistor
  • Other temperature sensors available
Built-in Low-Limit Alarm Thermostat Options
  • 180°F (82°C) with 30°F (17°C) differential
  • 248°F (120°C) with 50°F (28°C) differential
  • Other temperatures available

Happy Fourth of July from Alliance Technical Sales

"Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit." 

Ronald Reagan