Most Sanitary OEM Refractometers are mounted in a pipe. The recommended flow velocity is between 1 and 3 m/s (3 … 10 ft/s). If the flow velocity exceeds 6 m/s (20 ft/s), there is a risk of cavitation. Cavitation may damage the sensor and the piping. Too slow a flow velocity may cause erroneous measurement readings due to coating of stratification (layering) of the sample on the prism.
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- Upper pipe bend
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- Cable downwards
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- High velocity (>1.5 m/s [5 ft/s])
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- High temperature
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- High pressure
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- Easy access
The diameter and form of the pipe and the process temperature all affect the measurement and need to be taken into account.
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- IP: 169.254.23.33
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- Ethernet
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- Computer with Ethernet and browser
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- 4 … 20 mA
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- 24 VDC
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- PLC
- If the process pipe diameter varies, select the position with the smallest diameter (and accordingly highest velocity) to ensure the prism stays clean better.
- If the refractometer is used in a feedback control loop, make the time lag short. For example, when a dilution valve is controlled, mount the refractometer close to the dilution point. However, make sure complete mixing has occurred at mounting location.
- If the temperature varies along the process pipe, select the position with the highest process temperature. That minimizes the risk of coating, because higher temperature means higher solubility and also lower viscosity.
- Often the position with the highest process pressure (= after pump + before valve) has favorable flow conditions without sedimentation or air trapping risks.
- Position the refractometer so it is conveniently accessible for service.