Inline Refractometers: Applications & Benefits

Inline process refractometers and sensors can perform industrial measurements continuously, and in real time. This technology is also known as PAT (Process Analytical Technology), and here at Fullbrook Systems, we provide Schmidt & Haensch’s leading range of inline refractometers that allow you to monitor and control your processes without product loss or process divergence.

With Schmidt & Haensch’s process refractometers, quality control and the determination of liquid concentration and mixing ratios becomes simple. Measurements are always reliable and independent of turbidity, colour, absorption, and viscosity. This ensures the highest precision and improved process control.
How does Process Analytical Technology work?

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is a manufacturing methodology for high value chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Critical Process Parameters (CPPs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the process are comprehended, well-defined and continually monitored to ensure that the pre-defined Critical Quality Attributes (CQA) of the final product are consistently achieved.

PAT measures key quality and performance indicators in both raw and in-process materials in real-time. A well-designed PAT-based process is stable, ensuring that the critical parameters and indicators remain within pre-described limits to safeguard product quality and process safety.

What instruments does the range include and what are their benefits?

The current range of Schmidt & Haensch inline refractometers include:

• iPR-EX – this provides permanent inline real-time measurement of the concentration of dissolved solids and is suitable for all applications in explosion-proof areas.
• SENSO REF Compact Refractometer – this high precision, compact instrument opens a new field of miniaturization for process refractometers. With a new optical design, the actual sensor is the size of a golf ball.
• iPR Compact² Refractometer – a precise, fast, and reliable refractometer offering permanent, real-time concentration measurement of dissolved solids in solutions or liquids in process.
• iPR-B³ – this automatically operating process refractometer measures the refractive index continuously and thus, the concentration of a binary or quasi-binary liquid mixture. The measurement is independent of light intensity from the light emitting diode (LED) and is free from signal drift, providing high precision, and thus better process control. The newly developed process refractometer iPR B³ replaces the well-established iPR Basic².
• iPR-FR² - this flagship refractometer is outwardly indistinguishable from the iPR-H2, although the integrated optics and electronics are designed to provide a very wide measuring range from 1.3200 – 1.5300 RI (0-100 Brix). With a resolution of 0.01 Brix, and an accuracy  of +/- 0.05 Brix. Due to its integrated water-cooling system, measurements at process temperatures of up to 150 °C are easily achievable.
• iPR-HR² - offering the highest resolution and precision, this refractometer can be applied to very low solid concentrations.

Look at our inline refractometer comparison chart to quickly compare the differences between each instrument, and see which one will suit you best:
​

Which industries can these refractometers be applied to?

The refractometers from Schmidt & Haensch can be used in the following industries:

• Food and beverages – for the quality control of chocolate, coffee, yoghurt, honey, and other food additives, as well as the dilution or evaporation process control in the juice and jam industries.
• Chemical, petrochemical, and chemical fibres – this includes the concentration measurement of solvents in chemical fibre production, such as sulphuric acid and caustic soda.
• Sugar, starch, and sweeteners – carry out the Brix measurement of cane sugar, beet sugar, starch and molasses, monitor crystallisation processes or impurity detection in condensate.
• Biofuels – monitor your bio-extraction and fermentation processes, and measure the concentration of gelatine, glue, citric acid, and lysine.
• Pharmaceuticals – monitor chemical reactions and use for the quality control of final products in accordance with Pharmacopoeia requirements.
• Pulp and paper – measure the concentration of modified starch for sizing paper production and monitor the recovery process of black liquor.
• Tobacco – monitor your washing baths, flavours, and fragrances control, and measure the concentration of active ingredients during extraction.
• Semiconductors and electronics – monitor the purity of solvents and other chemicals used for etching or cleaning in LCD displays and chip manufacturing.
• Mechanical processing and the mining industry – measure the concentration of coolants and the dosing of cutting oils and lubricants.

To find out more about how our inline refractometers can help you, please call us on: 01442 876777 or email us at: [email protected] where we will also be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.