Chemical curve - PR-33 - PR-33-S

PR-33-S User Guide
Document code
IM-EN-PR33S
Revision
B
Language
English
Product
PR-33
PR-33-S
Document type
User guide

The chemical curve is the theoretical concentration curve based on nD and TEMP. It is defined by a set of 16 parameters.

Table 1. Chemical curve parameters
C00 C01 C02 C03
C10 C11 C12 C13
C20 C21 C22 C23
C30 C31 C32 C33

A chemical curve is specific to the given process medium, for example, sucrose or sodium hydroxide. The set of parameters is given by Vaisala and should not be altered, except in case of changing to another process medium.

Vaisala provides a field calibration service that adapts the calibration to the factory laboratory determinations based on the data supplied. The field calibration procedure should be made under normal process conditions using standard laboratory determinations of sample concentration.

Record the calibrating data on the Refractometer field calibration form, also available by emailing a request to helpdesk@vaisala.com. Email the completed field calibration form either to helpdesk@vaisala.com or your local representative. A computer analysis of the data is made at Vaisala and optimal calibration parameters is sent to be entered in the system.

For a complete report, 10 to 15 valid data points are needed. A data point is of use for calibration only when the diagnostic message is Normal operation. Each data point consists of:

  • LAB%: Sample concentration determined by the user
  • CALC: Calculated concentration value
  • T: Process temperature measurement in Centigrade
  • nD: Actual refractive index nD
  • CONC: Measurement in concentration units, the large size number

In addition to the calibration data, write down the refractometer serial number.

Accurate calibration is only achieved if the sample is taken correctly. Pay special attention to following details:

  • The sampling valve and the refractometer should be installed close to each other in the process.
    WARNING Wear protective clothing appropriate to your process when operating the sampling valve and handling the sample.
  • Run the sample before starting to collect data points to avoid sampling old process liquid that has remained in the sampling valve.
  • Read the values CALC, T(emp), nD and CONC at exactly the same time with sampling.
  • Use a tight container for the sample to avoid evaporation.
CAUTION

Offline calibration using process liquid very seldom gives reliable results, as problems are caused by:

  • Low flow which makes sample to form an unrepresentative film on the prism.
  • Sample evaporation at high temperature or undissolved solids at low temperature giving deviations from laboratory determinations.
  • An ageing sample which is not representative.
  • Outside light reaching the prism.

Always make calibration using the process liquid in‑line.