The Art and Science Behind Electron Machine Corporation's Refractometers

Electron Machine Corporation is known for high-quality industrial-grade process refractometers. Here's a general explanation of the principles, technologies, and construction behind their refractometers.

Principle of Refractometry:

A refractometer operates on the principle of refraction. When light passes from one medium to another, it changes direction, called refraction. A refractometer measures the degree to which the light changes direction, i.e., the angle of refraction.

A process refractometer uses this principle to measure a process fluid's refractive index (RI). The refractive index measures how much the speed of light reduces within the fluid. It's a characteristic property of each substance and is influenced by temperature and concentration. For solutions, the refractive index can be used to determine the concentration of solutes in the solution, and this is how process refractometers find application in industries.

Technology Behind Electron Machine Corp. Refractometers:

Here's an overview of how these refractometers may function:

1. Light Source: A light source emits light into the prism assembly. This light source is usually a long-life LED.
2. Prism Assembly: This is where the process fluid comes in contact with the refractometer. The prism assembly usually contains a high-refractive-index glass prism that comes into contact with the process fluid. The light from the source enters the prism and is refracted (or bent) when it exits the prism into the process fluid.
3. Detector: After the process fluid refracts the light, it hits a linear photodiode array, the detector. Depending on the refractive index of the process fluid, the angle of the light will change, causing the light to hit the detector at different positions.
4. Signal Processing: The refractometer's electronics convert this positional information into a digital signal converted to a refractive index measurement. The device uses the known refractive index of the prism and the angle of refraction to calculate the refractive index of the process fluid.
5. Temperature Compensation: Since the refractive index is temperature-dependent, high-quality refractometers will also include a temperature sensor to measure the process fluid's temperature. The device will then apply temperature compensation to correct the refractive index measurement.
6. Output: The refractive index or the converted measurement related to the process (like Brix in the food and beverage industry, concentration in the chemical industry, etc.) can be communicated to a central system using standard industrial communication protocols.

Rugged Design and Construction of Electron Machine Refractometers

The refractometers manufactured by Electron Machine Corporation are rugged. They are designed for industrial use in harsh conditions with high temperatures, significant vibrations, and heavily contaminated settings. The refractometer withstands extreme conditions that damage conventional equipment, including considerable temperature fluctuations, high vibration levels, humidity, dust, and potential physical shocks or impacts. They have robust electronics and casings and are built to resist wear and tear, thereby ensuring reliable operation in challenging environments.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

Optimizing Quality and Efficiency in Tomato-Based Products with Inline Process Refractometers

Introduction

The food processing industry constantly seeks innovative ways to enhance quality control, improve efficiency, and reduce waste. One such innovation that has significantly impacted is the inline process refractometer. This instrument is beneficial in producing tomato-based products, where consistent quality is paramount. This article explores the importance of refractometers in tomato processing, highlighting their benefits and applications in the industry.

Understanding Inline Process Refractometers

An inline process refractometer measures the refractive index of a liquid, which is directly related to its concentration. In the food processing industry, this measurement can provide crucial information about the concentration of ingredients such as sugar, acids, and soluble solids. Inline refractometers integrate directly into the processing line, allowing for real-time, continuous product monitoring.

Applications in Tomato-Based Products

Tomato-based products, including ketchup, tomato sauce, paste, and juice, require precise control over their concentration and consistency to ensure product quality, taste, and shelf life. Inline process refractometers are crucial in achieving these goals, providing real-time data on critical parameters. Some key applications include:

1. Brix measurement: Brix measures soluble solids, primarily sugars, in a liquid. Brix is an essential quality parameter in tomato-based products, impacting taste and consistency. Inline refractometers help maintain the desired Brix level by continuously monitoring the concentration of soluble solids throughout the production process.
2. pH monitoring: The pH level of tomato-based products is critical to their taste, texture, and preservation. Inline refractometers can be used with pH meters to ensure the product's acidity remains within the desired range.
3. Concentration control: The concentration management of tomato-based products must maintain product quality and reduce waste. Inline refractometers enable manufacturers to monitor and control the concentration of tomato solids, ensuring that the final product meets customer expectations.
4. Evaporation and dehydration: Reducing tomato-based products' water content is essential for taste and preservation. Inline refractometers provide real-time data on product concentration, allowing manufacturers to optimize the evaporation and dehydration processes to achieve the final product.

Benefits of Inline Process Refractometers in Tomato Processing

The use of inline process refractometers in the food processing industry, particularly in tomato-based products, offers numerous advantages:

1. Enhanced quality control: Continuous monitoring of critical parameters such as Brix, pH, and concentration ensures consistent product quality and compliance with industry standards.
2. Reduced waste: Real-time data on product concentration enables manufacturers to adjust quickly, reducing waste and minimizing losses.
3. Improved efficiency: Inline refractometers streamline the production process by eliminating the need for manual sampling and testing. This results in reduced downtime and increased throughput.
4. Cost savings: Inline refractometers can significantly reduce production costs in the long run by optimizing processes and minimizing waste.

Conclusion

Inline process refractometers have become indispensable in the food processing industry, particularly in tomato-based products. These instruments help manufacturers maintain high-quality standards while optimizing efficiency and reducing waste by providing real-time, continuous data on critical quality parameters. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, adopting inline process refractometers is expected to grow, further enhancing the quality and consistency of the tomato-based products we know and love.

The Crucial Role of Inline Process Refractometers in Manufacturing Industries

Industrial refractometers are an indispensable component of process automation because they contribute to maintaining product quality and uniformity, reducing waste, and enhancing output. A substance's refractive index can be determined using a refractometer, which assesses the degree to which a sample causes light to bend as it travels through the process media. This measurement provides helpful information regarding the composition and concentration of a solution, both of which are essential in a wide variety of industrial processes. 

Industries That Commonly Use Inline Process Refractometers:

• Inline process refractometers are used in pulp and paper manufacturing to determine the percent of dissolved solids present during various stages of the production process. These phases include the pulping process, the bleaching process, and the paper coating process. 
• Inline process refractometers are commonly used in the food and beverage sector to determine the percentage of sugar occurring in various goods like juices, jams, and other condiments. This measurement contributes to ensuring that the products have a consistent flavor and texture across the line and meet all regulatory criteria. 
• In the pharmaceutical sector, process refractometers measure the concentration of active pharmaceutical substances, an essential step in ensuring the product is effective and safe. 
• In the production of semiconductors, inline process refractometers measure the concentration of chemical solutions utilized in various production processes. These processes include cleaning, etching, and chemical mechanical planarization. 
• Process refractometers assist in producing industrial chemicals to measure the concentration of dissolved solids such as salts, acids, and other compounds at various points throughout the production process. 

Industrial refractometers offer real-time, precise, and dependable measurements by automating the process of measuring refractive index, thus eliminating the need for manual testing. This automation minimizes errors, enhances process efficiency, and reduces labor costs that result from manual testing. Additionally, automated refractometers supply data to distributed control systems and PLCs, enabling continuous monitoring and regulation of essential process parameters.

In general, industrial refractometers play an essential part in the automation of processes. They contribute to the maintenance of product quality and consistency, as well as to the enhancement of efficiency and productivity, as well as to the reduction of waste and expenses. As automation technology progresses, refractometers and other process monitoring devices may take on an even more significant role in industrial settings.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

Process Refractometers for Brewing Beer

Inline process refractometers are used in breweries to measure the sugar content, or degree of fermentation, of beer during the brewing process. This information is used to control and optimize the fermentation process, which directly impacts the final quality of the beer.

The inline process refractometer is installed directly into the process flow, typically on the beer wort line, before or after the fermentation tank. As the beer wort or beer flows through the refractometer, a small amount is extracted and directed through the instrument's measurement cell. Inside the cell, a beam of light is passed through the liquid and the refraction of the light is measured.

The refraction of light is directly proportional to the sugar content of the liquid. The refractometer then calculates the sugar content and displays the results in Brix, Plato, or specific gravity units. The reading is then used to monitor the fermentation process, and make adjustments as needed.

By using an inline process refractometer, breweries can ensure consistent sugar content and fermentation, which leads to consistent beer quality. This can help to reduce the number of off-flavor batches, improve overall efficiency, and increase profitability.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

Qualitative Analysis of Black Liquor in the Kraft Process

Black liquor is a byproduct of the Kraft process of paper production. The Kraft process, also known as the sulfate process, is a method of pulping wood chips to produce wood pulp, which is then used to make paper. In the Kraft process, wood chips are cooked in a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium sulfide (Na2S) at high temperatures and pressure. This chemical cooking process breaks down the lignin and cellulose in the wood chips, separating the fibers that can be used to make paper.

During the cooking process, a black, viscous liquid known as black liquor is produced. Black liquor contains lignin, hemicellulose, and other organic compounds that are dissolved or suspended in the cooking liquor. It also contains inorganic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, as well as dissolved minerals from the wood chips.

Black liquor is separated from the wood pulp during the pulp washing and recovery process. It is then burned in a recovery boiler to generate steam and electricity for the mill. The heat from the burning black liquor drives a steam turbine, which generates electricity that can be used to power the mill and any excess can be sold back to the grid. The inorganic chemicals in the black liquor are also recovered and recycled back into the Kraft process.

Process refractometers are used in paper mills to analyze black liquor in order to determine its concentration and solids content. The concentration of black liquor can have a significant impact on the efficiency of the pulping process, so it is important to accurately measure it.

To use a process refractometer to analyze black liquor, a sample of the liquor is typically collected and placed in a sample cell. The refractometer then measures the refractive index of the sample, which is a measure of the way that light is bent as it passes through the sample. The refractive index of the sample is then used to calculate the concentration of the black liquor.

Process refractometers are widely used in paper mills because they are fast, accurate, and easy to use. They can also be used to measure the concentration of other process fluids, such as process water and spent cooking liquor.

For more information on the use of inline process refractometers for black liquor analysis, contact Electron Machine at +1 352-669-3101 or visit http://electronmachine.com.

Process Refractometers for Fruit Juice Production Quality & Consistency

A process refractometer is a device that measures the refractive index of a liquid, which is a measure of how much the light passing through the liquid is bent. The refractive index of a liquid is influenced by the concentration of dissolved solids in the liquid, such as sugars, proteins, and other compounds.

In the context of fruit juice production, inline process refractometers are used in the production of fruit juices to measure the concentration of soluble solids in the juice as it is being processed. The concentration of soluble solids is an important quality parameter in fruit juice production because it determines the sweetness and flavor of the juice. Feedback from the refractometer adjusts the concentration of the juice by adding or removing water or other ingredients to achieve a desired level of sweetness or other desired characteristic.

To use an inline process refractometer in the production of fruit juices, a small sample of the juice is analyzed directly in the production line through the refractometer's measurement prism. The refractometer then measures the refractive index of the juice sample as light passes through the sample. The refractive index is directly related to the concentration of soluble solids in the juice, so the refractometer can calculate the total dissolved solids (TDS) of the juice by using a pre-determined conversion factor. 

By accurately measuring the concentration of dissolved solids in the juice, a process refractometer can help to ensure that the juice meets quality standards and has a consistent flavor profile. It can also be used to optimize the juice production process by helping to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies and allowing for adjustments to be made to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Inline process refractometers are typically used in conjunction with other process control instruments, such as pH meters and temperature sensors, to ensure that the juice is being produced to the desired specifications. They are also commonly used in the production of other beverages, such as beer and wine, as well as in a variety of other industrial processes.

Overall, the use of a process refractometer can help to improve the quality of fruit juices by ensuring that they meet desired standards for sweetness, flavor, and other characteristics, and by helping to optimize the production process.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

Inline Refractometers for Quality Control and Monitoring in the Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage, and Chemical Industries

The Inline Process Refractometer is a measurement device used to determine concentration levels in the process media. The combined hardware and software continuously monitor the process in real-time and provide output signals that assist in monitoring and controlling the process.

Inline Process Refractometers accurately measure solids concentration, density, and purity levels. Industries such as sugar, food & beverage, chemical, paper, and pharmaceuticals commonly apply refractometers to their manufacturing processes.

Refractometers measure the amount of light that passes through a sample and then measure its refractive index to determine its concentration or composition. Their primary uses are quality control, product development, process optimization, and research. 

Pharmaceutical Industry

The process refractometer is used in pharmaceutical industries to measure the concentration of solids in a solution for quality control, such as checking the purity of water or other liquids. They are used to measure the makeup of solutions containing active ingredients to ensure that they meet predetermined specifications.

Food and Beverage Industry

Industrial refractometers provide a variety of benefits in the food industry. Since the primary function of an Inline Process Refractometer is to measure the concentration of dissolved solids in a liquid, in food processing, they measure sugar content, alcohol content, or water concentration by calibration to measure some specific solute or solutes. These solutes can be either sugars or salts, depending on the application.   Companies use Inline process refractometers to produce fruit juices, tomato products, dairy products, sweeteners, jams, and jellies, to determine the sugar content.

Chemical Industry

The chemical industry uses Inline Process Refractometers for the chemical analysis of liquids. They determine the magnitude of dissolved solids in a liquid solution by measuring the angle at which light passes through, assisting in deciding concentrations, and identifying chemical compounds.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

In-line Process Refractometer Applications

Food and Beverage 

Sanitary refractometers from Electron Machine provide precise in-line Brix, total solids, density, Plato,  and concentration readings in applications involving processing liquid foods and beverages in filling lines and waste stream management. 

Chemical Manufacturing

Even in the most demanding, hazardous conditions, Electron Machine's Process Refractometers deliver precise and dependable liquid concentration and density readings of any chemicals or compounds in the central processing lines, by-pass lines, or containers. 

Sweeteners, Jams, Jellies, Sugar Alternatives, Sugar 

Process refractometers from Electron Machine provide precise and trustworthy Brix readings. Supersaturation concentration control, total fructose, and glucose concentration during separation, and Brix 

Paper & Pulp Processing

Electron Machine's process refractometers provide black and green liquor solids content and density readings in the kraft chemical (sulfate) and chemical-mechanical pulp manufacturing processes. Refractometers assist the brown stock washing procedure in the fiber line optimization by using measurements of fiber suspensions' dissolved solids content (TDS).

Refining of Oil, Gas, and Petrochemicals 

Electron Machine process refractometers offer precise in-line measurements of refractive index, concentration, and density to improve processes such as alkylation, gas treatment, dehydration, and oil production.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

Inline Process Refractometers for Industry

Refractometry is the ideal method for efficiently, reliably, and accurately determining substance concentration, identification, or purity. Inline process refractometers are especially helpful as they supplement laboratory research and contribute to product improvement. These process analyzers deliver results within fractions of a second, allowing real-time monitoring and automatic control of processes.

Process refractometers offer the end-user a tool that can be relied upon consistently. They provide a consistent final product, which is essential for various reasons that vary depending on the business that utilizes this equipment. In the pulp and paper industry, managing the process to their desired level enables them to enhance and simplify the whole Kraft process, allowing them to operate at optimum energy efficiency, which is essential given the competitive global market. 

The same applies to chemical, food, dairy, and sugar-producing businesses. However, quality control is very crucial. Creating and sustaining brand loyalty is vital, and quality control guarantees quality. Product uniformity each time your client's purchase will help you earn and maintain market share. Not to mention saving money via waste reduction.

The benefits of using inline refractometers are apparent. Manual sampling and laboratory analysis are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making them less efficient and reproducible. The inline process refractometer is the more efficient and dependable option. These instruments provide real-time, inline continuous concentration monitoring and cross-contamination prevention. Furthermore, operators may utilize their time to do other vital tasks, allowing for further time savings and quality improvements.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

Inline Process Refractometers in Sugar Cane Processing

Sugar refining is a high-energy-intensive process that involves many processing stages to eliminate impurities from raw juice. The correct process management tools assist in increased output while lowering production costs. Additionally, sugar production, in general, uses a lot of water. Using advanced technological equipment, such as Electron Machine's Process Refractometer, water, and energy consumption during production may substantially decrease, increasing the mill's efficiency and sustainability.

For the optimum product quantity and quality, consumable sugar manufacturers need tight process control and fast, precise Brix measurements of raw and in-process liquids. The ultimate aim of crystal sugar production is to generate as many uniformly high-quality crystals as possible while avoiding fines and conglomerates. Only the best liquid and crystal sugars are acceptable.

Sugar cane processing needs to happen within a specific time frame after harvesting to minimize sugar loss due to glucose and fructose conversion. Milling and processing, the conventional two-stage process, may be merged in a single modernized manufacturing plant. In both procedures, process refractometers make optical measurements of a solution's refractive index, used to calculate the concentration of dissolved solids. 

Refractometers are used in the cane sugar refining and milling operations to offer precise inline Brix and other readings to obtain high-quality liquid and crystal sugars while reducing production costs.

Inline process refractometers applications in sugar cane processing:

• Product flow is adapted to evaporator capacity to save energy. 
• Extraction process optimization, reducing the amount of water at the evaporator. 
• Feed juice control in the separation column to modify concentration to meet capacity. 
• Check for quality assurance on liquid bulk sugar and molasses. 
• Automatic and precise seeding in a vacuum pan. 
• Supersaturation monitoring during the whole strike of crystallization.

For more information contact:

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

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 MPR E-Scan™

The MPR E-Scan™ is a rugged, industrialized, in-line process refractometer. It directly measures the refractive index of process fluids and then displays the reading in any number of customer-desired units (Brix, Percent Solids, Dissolved Solids, SGU, R.I., etc.). This reading may be used as an error indicator or part of a complete process control system. A high-resolution color display and a 4-20mA output is standard. HART® protocol, RS-232, and RS-422 outputs are available. Each sensing head is custom tailored and calibrated specifically for the desired process application to ensure the most accurate and useful reading. A simple 0-10Vdc signal is used to transmit the reading from the sensing head to the electronics console, ensuring a robust reading that has a minimal chance of being effected by interference. The entire package is NEMA 4X rated and designed and manufactured with the best materials for each application to provide years of trouble-free service with a minimum amount of maintenance.

Learn more at https://electronmachine.com or call 352-669-3101.

Inline, Realtime Analysis of Degrees Brix (°Bx) in Beverage Production

The beverage sector creates widely consumed goods while adhering to stringent quality standards. Producers of beverages are responsible for ensuring adequate quality and meet rising customer demands for innovative and consistent flavor. Reliable process control tools are required to make production viable and sustainable and maintain the highest levels of product quality. In this age of sophisticated technologies, it's essential for best practice manufacturing standards. 

The degree of Brix (°Bx) indicates the amount of sugar in an aqueous solution. One degree Brix equals one gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution and suggests the solution's strength as a percentage of mass. Brix monitoring and measurement are critical for various beverages, whether dairy, brewery, wine, soft drinks, or fruit juices.

In the beverage and juice industry, syrups and concentrates are blended with water, or fermented, according to specific recipes, stored in stacking tanks, and finally filled into product-specific bottles or containers. A standard method for Brix testing is a manual process done in a remote lab with samples taken from the process. If a primary component, such as a juice concentrate, does not precisely meet the specifications, or if the blending process itself is incorrect due to incorrect flow control, the entire production run may be flawed. Cross-contamination is another concern. If a wrong product is mixed and bottled due to a poorly controlled phase transition, rejection of the whole batch is the outcome.  

The inline refractometer (a robust process control instrument) provides a highly reliable and precise measure of Brix in beverage production. Inline process refractometers are installed in the process piping and continuously measure the Brix value, constantly measuring the definition and differentiation of each product, component, juice, or beverage. 

The advantages are clear for choosing inline refractometers. The time-consuming and labor-intensive manual sampling and laboratory analysis are less efficient and less repeatable. The more efficient and reliable solution is the inline process refractometer. These devices offer real-time, inline continuous concentration measurement and cross-contamination protection. Additionally, operators can use their time to perform other critical activities, enabling other time-savings quality improvements.

Electron Machine Corporation
https://electronmachine.com
+1 352-669-3101

MPR E-Scan™ - The World's Most Rugged In-line Process Refractometer

The Electron Machine MPR E-Scan™ inline process refractometer monitors and controls the concentration of dissolved solids in your process lines. The MPR E-Scan™ refractometer accurately measures your process's refractive index, providing temperature compensated readings that easily correlate to a, Brix, Percent Solids, Dissolved Solids, SGU, or R.I. scale.

Each sensing head is custom-tailored and calibrated precisely for the desired process application to ensure the most accurate and valuable reading. A simple 0-10Vdc signal transmits the reading from the sensing head to the electronics console, providing a reliable reading with little chance of interference. 

The entire package is NEMA 4X rated and built with the best materials for each application to provide years of trouble-free service with minimal maintenance. 

MPR E-Scan™ inline process refractometers from Electron Machine are industrialized, rugged, and hardened instruments that allow you to monitor and control dissolved solids' concentration continuously. Compared to manual sampling, Electron Machine inline process refractometers save time and money while improving accuracy and efficiency. Inline process refractometers directly connect to a PLC, HMI, or other data acquisition systems for easy plant integration.

Electron Machine

352-669-3101

https://electronmachine.com

Inline Process Refractometers for Brewers

Beer brewing and branding are all about consistency. Process monitoring is thus vital. With Electron Machine inline refractometers, you'll have less waste, use less energy, spend less money, and achieve better beer. 

While some breweries still use manual sampling and lab analysis, the trend is adapting inline monitoring and automation.  Laboratory analysis is part of R&D. It reveals how different substances or methods affect qualities like flavor and fragrance. Laboratory analysis is vital in research as it provides an understanding of chemistry. However, the utility of sampling and analysis can be limited in manufacturing due to costs and delays when the lab findings indicate the issue. Slow sample timing results in possible lost production and waste. Similarly, because the sample is a snapshot of the process, it cannot provide feedback control, timely alarms, or indicate trends. 

The angle of refraction of light in the process medium determines the refractive index (RI), which the inline refractometer computes important process variables continually. Electron Machine inline process refractometers will calibrate to Brix, Gravity, Density, or Plato and withstand CIP/SIP cleaning and rinsing operations. 

Process refractometers have a quick response time which provides critical information in all stages of beer production. Examples of applications for inline refractometers that arise throughout the brewing process:

• Grain mashing - Refractometers measure mash concentration in the output pipe water.
• Lautering - While the spray water rinses the grains, it completes the sugar extraction process and produces clear wort. The refractometer continuously measures this concentration to determine the rinsing breakpoint, saving water and electricity.
• Wort boiling - Refractometer installed directly on the wort boiler continuously measures wort strength / specific gravity, allowing the brewer to determine the required concentration.
• Rousing or Swirling - Solid particles are removed from the bitter wort in a vortex. The vortex causes the leftover particles to thicken and form sludge. The solids removal uses refractometers placed before or after the vortex for a clear bitter wort for the next phase.
• Cooldown - A heat exchanger cools the wort, recovering some of the energy needed to boil it. Refractometers are affixed to the cooler's outflow to ensure the bitter wort has the proper level of dissolved solids.
• Fermentation - Yeast ferments wort to produce CO2 and alcohol. The specific gravity (or relative density) of the fermented liquor is determined using refractometers. The alcohol concentration directly correlates between the initial wort density and current density, so the refractometer can closely monitor fermentation. It gives brewers real-time information into the process, allowing them to predict fermentation completion.
• Filtration and Aging - The beer is rested after fermentation to settle the used yeast. But several filtration procedures are used to refine the beer as the last chance to impact beer quality. Refractometers assist in measuring bitterness, flavor, fragrance, foam stability, clarity, alcohol, and gas percentage.
• Filling and CIP (Clean-in-Place) - With the refractometer, you can quickly swap between items or batches and easily detect production from cleaning products. 

In summary, refractometers assist brewers in optimizing processes, decreasing waste, saving energy, and maintaining consistency, and making great beer.

Electron Machine

352-669-3101

https://electronmachine.com