Process Refractometers Used in Industry

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 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 (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 (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

Accurate, Easy-to-Calibrate Online Turbidity Monitoring Solution with a Low Cost of Ownership

MTOL+ is the next generation of online turbidimeters from HF scientific. The MTOL+ Online Process Turbidimeter has been specifically designed to meet regulations of EPA 180.1 and ISO 7027.

Benefits:

• Fast and Easy Calibration - Primary calibration can be completed in less than 5 minutes.
• Low Volume Sample Chamber - Reduces calibration costs and provides quick response times.
• Long Lasting Light Source - Field replaceable if necessary.
• Low Maintenance Fail Safe Design - Simple modular design. Easy to operate & service. No external controller needed.
• Bubble Rejection System - Eliminates bubbles without delaying response time.
• Value - High quality with many features.

New Features:

• Data logging and storage of 1 year’s measurement and calibration data
• Variable user-selectable logging interval from 1 to 60 minutes
• Download data via USB
• Software updates via USB
• Isolated 4-20mA output standard
• 4-20mA and RS-485 Modbus outputs simultaneously
• Ultrasonic cleaning standard

Alliance Technical Sales
https://alliancets.com
630-321-9646

Thermocouples for Process Measurement

Industrial Thermocouples

A thermocouple is a device which functions as a temperature sensor. Two wires, made of dissimilar metals, are joined together at both ends. The thermocouple is, at this point, a thermoelectric circuit with current flowing in relation to the temperature at each junction.  The temperature of one junction is known and constant, called the cold junction. The other junction is placed in contact with the media or object to be measured. The closed circuit of the thermocouple subsequently gets broken at the center, and the open circuit voltage from the hot junction is a direct function of the junction temperature. Heating or cooling the sensing junction of the two metals produces a voltage directly correlating to the temperature.

There are a number of metal combinations used to produce industrial thermocouples. Each combination has a respective set of performance attributes, operating temperatures, tolerances, and cost that may deliver best performance for a particular use.

Common Thermocouple Types and Composition

• Type J (Iron / Constantan)
• Type K (Chromel / Alumel)
• Type T (Copper / Constantan)
• Type E (Chromel / Constantan)
• Type N (Nicrosil / Nisil)
• Type B (Platinum / Rhodium)
• Type R (Platinum / Rhodium)  

Generally, thermocouple sensor assemblies, often a tube enclosing the thermocouple junction, can be grounded, ungrounded, or exposed. The wires constituting the tip of a grounded probe are attached to the inside of the probe wall, allowing for maximal heat transfer through the probe wall to the junction while maintaining a physical separation between the junction and the measured media or object. The difference between grounded thermocouple probes and ungrounded thermocouple probes is that in ungrounded probes, the junction is not attached to the probe wall. For this reason, ungrounded probes can exhibit slower response time, but do provide electrical isolation of the junction from the housing. An exposed thermocouple will have the junction protruding from the probe tube or perforations in the tube to allow actual contact between the measured material and the junction. While this provides very rapid response, the junction is exposed to damage and wear.

Various Thermocouple Styles

Thermocouples are useful for process measurement due to their size, response, ruggedness, accuracy, cost, and wide range of available form factors. Chemical and petroleum refineries, as well as other fluid processing operations, can use multiple thermocouples to control, limit, test, log, and monitor process-related temperatures. Temperature is one of the most measured parameters in industry. Understanding the temperature range being measured, the accuracy level required, and the related process vibration concerns of each industry will aid in selecting the proper thermocouple for an application. When properly matched to the application requirements, thermocouples are a durable and cost-effective process measurement option.

Download your temperature sensor selection catalog here.

Contact Alliance Technical Sales with your temperature sensing requirement. Their application engineers will help you select the best sensor for the job.

Analytical Measurement Solutions for Optimization of Your Brewing Process

Stages of brewing and areas for process measurement.

The beer market is currently experiencing an intense globalization process, reflected in escalating competitive and cost pressures. In addition to this, there is growing diversification into new, innovative beverages that demand maximum production flexibility. The time to market is becoming ever shorter, and product quality has to be guaranteed at a consistently high level, accompanied by an increase in productivity.

In-line Measurements in the Brew House

Proper process control plays a vital role in determining the flavor, foam stability, and color of the finished beer. The relative measurement sensors are exposed to high temperatures, and solid particles and turbidity constituents, and must be capable of surviving multiple CIP cycles.

Turbidity Sensor

Measurements in the Fermentation and Storage Cellars

At standard fermentation temperatures, propagation of microorganisms is detrimental to the beer. In order to prevent this from occurring, hygienic plant design and use of materials resistant to CIP solutions are important criteria, as they are for in-line sensors.

DO and CO2 Sensors

Measurements in CIP Systems

The economic use of fresh water, as well as the multiple use of cleaning solutions, present a further basis for achieving overall cost reduction in line with the strive for greater efficiency of the brewing process. Here also, in-line systems are of help in monitoring and optimizing the relative sub-processes.

Measurements in Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Fouling of sensors in wastewater leads to uncertainty about the measurement results and can even result in measurement system failure. METTLER TOLEDO provides efficient and practical solutions in the wastewater treatment areas as well.

You can download the full "Analytical Measurement Solutions for Optimization of Your Brewing Process" brochure here, or view it in the embedded document below.

Analytical Measurement Solutions for Optimization of Your Brewing Process from Alliance Technical Sales, Inc.

A Little Shameless Self-Promotion

Comments from Alliance Technical Sales customers and principals.

Established in 2000, Alliance Technical Sales, Inc. is a manufacturers’ representative agency providing numerous process control instrumentation solutions to customers across a wide range of industries.

https://alliancets.com
630-321-9646