Inline Process Refractometer in Large Scale Juice Concentrate Production

Fruit juice concentration enables companies to transport their goods more efficiently and extend their shelf life. Concentration manufacturing begins with a dilute feedstock juice and concentrates it by removing water. Water removal occurs using special equipment created specifically for the concentration process. Almost every fruit that is commercially harvested can be juiced or concentrated. 

While extracting fruit juice varies according to the form, size, and nature of the fruit, the steps are the same; juice extraction, filtering, and storage in main holding tanks before being supplied to an evaporator. When juice enters the evaporator, its concentration varies due to various natural variables. The objective of the concentration process is to eliminate this fluctuation and produce a uniform, consistent juice concentrate. Throughout the concentration process of fruit juice, solid components of the original fluid remain and get measured as a percentage of the liquid volume. 

Refractometers are precision instruments that determines the refractive index, or how much a light beam is "bent" when it travels through fruit juice. The angle of light bending is proportional to the concentration of solids. Sugars account for the majority of the soluble solids in fruit juice, along with other soluble components such as organic and amino acids, soluble pectins, and so on. 

On a larger scale, soluble solids concentration (SSC percent, degrees Brix) in juice production facilities is determined by strategically placing inline process refractometers throughout the process to monitor solids concentration and evaluate equipment performance and product quality. The output signals from the refractometers are used as inputs to the evaporators' command and control system, allowing feed rate to be closely matched to evaporation rate and maximizing the efficiency of the energy-consuming equipment. 

To learn more about the function of inline process refractometers in the manufacture of fruit and vegetable juice concentrates, contact Electron Machine Corporation at 352-669-3101 or visit their website at https://electronmachine.com.

The Inline Refractometer's Role in Juice Concentration

Fruit juice concentrate provides producers easier transport of product and longer storage life. Fruit juice concentrate production starts with a dilute feed stock juice and processes it into a uniform and consistent concentrated form through the removal of water. Water is removed through an evaporative process that involves specialized equipment designed uniquely for the concentration process. Almost every commercially harvested fruit can be juiced and concentrated.

Fruit juice extraction is unique to the shape, size, and nature of the fruit, but once the juice is extracted it is purified and stored in primary holding tanks prior to being delivered to an evaporator. Upon entering the evaporator, the juice concentration varies depending on a number of natural factors. The goal of the concentration process is to remove this variability and output a uniform and consistent juice concentrate.  Throughout the fruit juice concentration process, solid components of the original juice remain and can be quantified as a percent of juice volume.

Inline process refractometer.

Refractometers are instruments that measure the refractive index, which very simply put, indicates how much a light beam is "bent" as the light passes through the fruit juice.  The light bending is proportional to the solids concentrate. Sugars are the major soluble solids in fruit juice, along with other soluble materials including organic and amino acids, soluble pectins, etc.

In larger scale juice production facilities, soluble solids concentration (SSC%, degrees Brix) are determined by using in-line process refractometers at strategic points in the process to measure solids concentration, as well as to evaluate equipment performance and product quality. Output signals from the refractometers serve as inputs to the command and control system for the evaporators, allowing feed rate to closely match evaporation rate and make most efficient use of the energy consuming equipment.

For more information about inline process refractometers role in fruit and vegetable juice production, contact Electron Machine Corporation by calling 352-669-3101 of visit their web site at https://electronmachine.com.

Inline Process Refractometers for Fruit Juice Concentrate Production

Just about every fruit harvested is processed to a concentrate. Fruit juice concentrate provides for easier transportation and longer storage life for both producers and consumers. Production technology for the juice concentration has become quite advanced, resulting in improved quality and consistency. Sweetness, color and solid components from the feedstock fruit juice carefully monitored and controlled.

Fruit juice concentrate production starts with dilute juice feedstock, the application of carefully controlled heat to evaporate off water, ultimately resulting in a uniform and consistent concentrated juice. The fruit juice stock is extracted from various fruits in a number of ways that are specifically adapted for the shape, size, and nature of the fruit. It is then purified and stored in primary holding tanks. Juice concentration will vary at this initial stage due to a number of natural factors and needs to be processed to desired quality standards.

One objective of the concentration process is to remove excess water in a consistent and uniform manner. Excess water removal is done through the use of specialized multi-stage evaporators that extract water without damaging the juice by applying improper amounts of heat. A closed-loop control system monitors a variety of process variables such as temperature, flow, and pressure from multiple process sensors. The readings from these sensors drive proportional outputs that modulate final control elements such as control valves.

Process refractometers are sensors used at strategic points to measure dissolved solids (sugar) concentration.  By monitoring and controlling percent solids and Brix, plant operators gain tighter control of product quality and more efficient use of equipment (possible energy savings).

For more information on the application of process refractometers in juice and juice concentrate, contact Electron Machine Corporation by visiting https://electronmachine.com or calling 352-669-3101.