Measuring Brix with Inline Process Refractometers and High-Quality Sugar Mill Production

Sugar production is an around-the-clock process, from milling to refining; raw materials are time-sensitive for processing to ensure a high-quality product. Consistent, accurate measurement of Brix liquid concentration throughout the process, particularly in the crystallization phase, can significantly support the production of consistent and even-quality sugar crystals, avoiding undesirable fines and conglomerates requiring remelting. Thus, it creates resource efficiencies from energy and water and increases production yield. 

BRIX: Continuous Monitoring of Liquid Concentration

The Vaisala K-Patents and Polaris inline Process Refractometers are the answer to the continuous and consistent measurement of Brix in aqueous solutions. These instruments are installed in-line in the production process and directly mounted in pipes and vessels in both compact and probe styles. 

Automatic washing with hot water or steam ensures the prism is kept clean for maximum measurement accuracy. 

Colour, Bubbles, Particles, Flow and Temperature. 

Vaisala K-PATENTS® and Polaris Inline Process Refractometers are unaffected by colour, bubbles, and solid particles in the media. Every refractometer is fitted with a temperature sensor to compensate for process temperature, making it ideally suited for measuring Brix in Magma, Mother Liquor, Massecuite, and Molasses. 

How does a refractometer work? 

The Vaisala K-PATENTS® and Polaris Inline Process Refractometer consist of three modules: a light source, a prism, and a digital image processor. All three are encased within a stainless-steel body and are in direct contact with the process media. 

To produce a measurement, light is directed through the prism, which, depending on the concentration of the liquid, will refract into the liquid and reflect all remaining light into the digital image processor to measure the liquid's Refractive Index. This measurement principle, called "The Critical Angle of Measurement, " provides a highly accurate and repeatable liquid concentration measurement. Both analogue and digital outputs are available to interface with control systems for continuous measurement.  

How does a refractometer fit into my application? 

Various stages of the sugar manufacturing process may introduce different-sized pipes or vessels. For this purpose, the Vaisala K-Patents and Polaris Inline Process Refractometer sensors can be supplied in probe style for flange mounting in vessels and pans or compact style for in-line pipe mounting. 

Would you like to know more? 

Sugar production is a refined blend of art and science. The Vaisala K-Patents and Polaris range are tools that deliver repeatable, quality sugar products. The Vaisala range creates efficiency for resource management and fundamentally saves time and money to maximise profits for your sugar mill and refinery operations.

If you have any questions about how the K-Patents and Polaris range can support your sugar mill and refinery's production process, the ADM Systems team are here to help! With over 35+ years of experience, the ADM Systems team focuses on providing customers with helpful advice and innovative solutions integrated into customers' production systems.

Call 1300 236 467 or contact the ADM Sense Team today!