Principle Operation of a "Critical Angle" Inline Refractometer
The LSC Process Refractometer utilizes the "critical angle" technique - an interface measurement of refractive index. The critical angle is defined as; that specific angle of incidence where a light ray traveling through the sensing window either breaks through the interface (wetted surface) or reflects from that surface like it were a mirror. This is a function of the optical density of the sensing window (Prism) and the optical density (refractive index) of the process fluid being measured.
Our design employs the "I.R. Detection System" that provides Infinite Resolution while eliminating drift. In simple terms: At the prism face, light is reflected and refracted off the process, at different angles, depending on the refractive index level (optical density) of the process fluid. This technique measures the total amount of "dissolved solids" of the process stream.
Process conditions such as entrained air, viscosity, suspended particles or crystals, color (whether opaque or transparent), will not interfere with the accuracy of the concentration measurement.
LSC refractometer sensors provide accuracy, reliability and simplicity
Inline Process refractomete, density measurement sensor head
Eliminating downtime and maintenance is our major objective for the customer and LSC.
One way we accomplish this by is using only the highest grade industrial sapphire for our prism, also known as the sensing window. The prisms we use ensure a long life, which results in very reliable and accurate concentration measurements for years to come.
The Model 326 In-Line Sensing Head is used in a wide range of applications thanks to its versatile mounting capability. Four 1/4"-20 bolts mount it on several different flow apparatus' which are customizable to meet any requirement including;
* Any pipe over 2" diameter * Flow-Thru-Blocks 1/8" to 3" * Valve
Available in a number of materials.
* Duplex 2205 Stainless Steel which is extremely corrosion resistant & is our standard material for pulp and paper customers, as well as many other industrial applications
* 316L Stainless Steel is our standard material for food / dairy / sugar applications
* A20 * Hastalloy-C * Kynar * Monel * Tantilum * are a few of the exoctic material available for harsh and corrosive applications in the chemical & semiconductor industries
LSC REFRACTOMETER SENSORS CAN BE USED IN BUT NOT LIMITED TO THESE TYPICAL APPLICATIONS.
PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY
- Heavy black liquor solids
- Weak black liquor solids
- Red liquor solids
- Green liquor solids
- Brown stock wash water
- Caustic dilution
SEMICONDUCTOR & CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
- Acids; phosphoric, sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, etc.
- Isopropyl alcohol
- NMP, DMAC, DMSO
- Urea, urea formaldehyde
- Caustic, caustic soda
- DMA/DMF water blend
- Styrene - ethylbenzene
- Acrylic, acrylamide
- MEK, toluene
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRY
- Glycerine, glycol
- Salt, brine, vinegar
- Latex, cooked starch
- Lubricating oil
Chemical industry, acid, isopropyl alcohol, caustic soda, styrene
Pulp and paper liquor measurement
FOOD INDUSTRY
- Various tomato products
- Applesauce, fruit syrups
- Various jams and jellies
- Various candy products
- Gelatin
DAIRY INDUSTRY
- Various milk products
- Various cheese products
- Yogurt, yogurt with fruit
BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
- Various drink products
- Citrus drink products
- Orange juice
- Orange concentrate
- Coffee, coffee products
- Wort concentration, malt
SUGAR INDUSTRY
- Syrups, sucrose, corn, etc.
- Crystallization (Vacuum Pan)
- Molasses