In liquid media, the density and thus the refractive index vary with changing concentration (proportion of dissolved particles in the liquid). The Refractometer technology used by Anderson-Negele sensors uses this optical principle to determine in high precision the concentration of solids such as sugar or salt in liquid media. This enables the determination of the alcohol content, the blending ratio of juices, mixed drinks and soft drinks, or the dry matter in milk products.

Typical applications are:

• Brewery: measurement of mash concentration and wort, determination of alcohol content after fermenter
• Juice / mixed drink production: concentrate measurement and end product dosage control for consistent quality, blending quality control, product transition control
• Dairy: Determination of dry matter in milk and whey
• Wine production / distilleries: continuous determination of the sugar or alcohol content during the ongoing process

Measuring principle of the Refractive Index Meter IRM:

An LED light source directs light into the process media. The density of the liquid will directly impact the speed of light changing the index of refraction. A receiver array which senses the index of refraction communicates a temperature compensated value in the scale of the customer’s choosing. The units are communicated in BRIX, Plato, refractive index, or other units depending on scale selection.