Vaisala K Patents Refractometers - Refractive Index Measurement

Vaisala K-PATENTS Process Refractometers provide in-line solids and density measurement  for liquids for process control and industrial automation. 

Vaisala K-PATENTS Process Refractometers are commonly used to determine the liquid concentration or density. This measurement has been an essential element in the processing industries for over a century in all sectors, including refining, paper production, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemical manufacturing. , 

The measurement principle is critical angle measurement. The refractometer has three main components: a light source, a prism, and an image detector.  

The light source sends light rays to the prism and process interface at different angles. Rays with a steep angle are partly reflected in the image detector and partially refracted to the process. The angle from which the total reflection starts is called the critical angle. A CCD camera detects a bright field and a dark field corresponding to partly reflected light and totally reflected light. The borderline position between the bright and the dark area correlates with the critical angle which is a function of the refractive index and therefore correlates with the concentration of the solution.

For more information in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, West Virginia and Western Maryland contact Miller Energy. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.

Selecting Variable Area Flow Meters for Process Flow Measurement

Many industrial processes involve the movement of fluid product components, either liquid or gaseous, through pipes. Because processing is about control, an input to the facility's management, measurement, or data logging centers will answer the query, "How much is going through that pipe?" 

In the industrial process measurement and control industry, there are several ways for quantifying flow, each with unique characteristics that may be useful under certain operating situations. All flow measuring methods are indirect because the actual measurement is of a character influenced predictably by a change in the media flow. Flow measurement is a critical component that, when paired with other fluid properties, is used to calculate the total mass of a fluid passing through the measurement site. 

The variable area meter, commonly known as a rotameter and VA meter, is a tried and true flow measuring device that operates by creating an equilibrium between an upward force created by fluid motion and a downward force, gravity. A tapering glass or metal tube encases a specifically shaped float, also known as a shaped weight, in the device. VA meters must be positioned vertically, with the media flowing upward from the bottom, so that the gravity force required for functioning is correctly aligned with the flow direction. As fluid flows upward via the precisely tapered tube, drag is created on the float enclosed within the tube, pulling it upward. As the float rises, the open space between the float and the tube wall expands, causing the fluid velocity and drag force to decrease. The flow velocity within the tube will cause the weight to climb for any given flow volume until the drag force generated by the flow reaches equilibrium with the countervailing power of gravity on the float. The tube and float are well designed, allowing for an immediate indication of flow volume.

Variable area flowmeters have the following operating characteristics: 

• There is no need for external power or fuel for functioning. 
• Vertical installation is required, with flow arriving at the bottom. 
• Meters are calibrated to a given chemical and temperature. 
• The operation is stable and has a modest pressure drop. 
• For operation, constant gravity is required. 
• Flow rate can be read locally using a meter or a scale inscribed on the tube. 
• The visibility of the float through the medium is required for unit flow readings using glass tubes. 
• For industrial flow metering equipment, accuracy is relatively low. 
• Inexpensive upkeep, simple construction, and low comparative cost.

Brooks Instrument, a world-renowned maker of flow, pressure, and level measurement equipment, created a brief paper highlighting the parameters to consider when specifying a VA meter and how each aspect influences the unit's performance. The description is realistic and straightforward to grasp. It is suggested reading for all process stakeholders who want to improve their flow measuring skills.

For more information about variable area flow meters contact Miller Energy. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.

Process Refractometers for Water Treatment Chemical Concentration Monitoring

INTRODUCTION

Pure water treatment removes undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from raw water. Water purification aims to produce water for a specific purpose, such as human consumption and medical or industrial use.

Polyaluminium coagulants are increasing use in potable water treatment plants, particularly for soft, colored surface waters. Polyaluminium chloride (PACl) is gradually replacing Alum (aluminum sulfate), a commonly used coagulant in water treatment plants. Alum coagulates at a limited pH range (between 5.5 and 6.5) and often requires alkali to the raw water to achieve the optimum coagulation pH. Furthermore, the alum floc produced is particularly fragile, which is vital if a coagulant is required to maximize color removal in a microfiltration-based water treatment process.

APPLICATION

Water treatment by chemical precipitation is a complex process. It starts with adding flocculants, specifically, Polyaluminium Chloride (PACl) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). PACl is a synthetic polymer dissolved in water. It precipitates in big volumetric flocs, which absorb suspended pollutants in the raw water. The turbidity of the raw water defines Polyaluminium Chloride quantity. PACl concentration must be higher than 10 % To keep the flocculation process smooth. Polyaluminium Chloride is stable in the storage tank; however, it tends to crystallize after some time. Vaisala K-PATENTS® refractometer monitors the concentration of PACl to inform about the need for tank or pipe cleaning, thus preventing blockage caused by the PACl crystals.

NaOH regulates pH level, increases alkalinity, and neutralizes acids in the water. In alkaline water, the coagulation and flocculation processes work more effectively. Moreover, sufficient alkalinity prevents dissolving the lead from pipes and pipe fittings and reduces the corrosive effect of the water to iron pipes.

Further, particles suspended in water start to precipitate and agglomerate to form larger particles, known as flocs. The flocs are then settled at the bottom, forming sludge, and then removed from the process. After separating most of the floc, the remaining suspended particles and unsettled floc get filtered to remove water.

In the filtration phase, the water goes through the layers of anthracite, sand, and gravel. As a result, organic compounds contributing to taste and odor get removed. Other remaining particles get trapped by adhering to the sand and gravel particles.

After harmful micro-organisms get removed through filtering, it is necessary to add disinfecting chemicals to the water to inactivate any remaining pathogens and potentially harmful micro-organisms. One of the disinfecting chemicals used is Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl). When dissolved in water, this chemical releases chlorine, which is an efficient and safe disinfectant if added in a sufficient amount. Apart from sodium hypochlorite, liquid chlorine and chlorine dioxide are also choices as disinfectants.

Fluoride may also be added to the water to reduce tooth decay and prevent chronic diseases. However, fluoride in the water must not exceed recommended levels. Excessive levels of fluoride can be toxic or cause undesirable cosmetic effects such as staining of teeth.

Sodium Hypochlorite is unstable and quickly decomposes. The stability of NaOCl solution is dependent on the following factors:

• Hypochlorite concentration
• The temperature of the solution
• PH value of the solution
• The concentration of the impurities during catalyzing decomposition
• Exposure to light

With the process refractometer, it is possible to monitor NaOCl concentration and control the disinfection conditions.

The water purification disinfection stage happens in the disinfectant basin. Then, corrosion control assures the high quality of the purified water. Finally, the pure water gets stored for further consumption.

INSTRUMENTATION AND INSTALLATION

Vaisala K-PATENTS® Teflon Body Refractometer PR-23-M provides in-line measurements of Polyaluminium Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide at the initial stage of purification, ensuring the efficient flocculation of undesired particles. In addition, through the measurement of Sodium Hypochlorite and Fluoride at the water disinfection stage, high-quality purified water at the outlet is assured.

Refractometer installations happen in three different points in a by-pass loop between each chemical tank pump outlet and the treatment point. The refractometer allows monitoring the chemicals concentration at the exit from the storage tank to the pipe treatment point.

Typical measurement ranges are:

• PACl is ca. 10-11 %
• NaOH is ca. 40-45 %
• NaOCl is ca. 8-12 %

Miller Energy, Inc.
https://millerenergy.com
800-631-5454

Industrial Valve Automation from Miller Energy, Inc.

Miller Energy's valve automation philosophy is to design, build, and install automated valve packages that improve process efficiency and reliability. We deliver customized actuation products and services that suit your criteria and specifications. Our automated valve packages can be designed to perform basic service, or for specific unique applications where challenging or severe application criteria exist. Miller Energy has relationships with the most highly regarded brands of industrial valves, actuators and controls. Beyond that, Miller's team of valve experts have years of experience and can help you find solutions to fit your specific requirement. From specification, to start-up, through preventive maintenance, Miller Energy is there with you throughout the lifetime of your automated valve.

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For more information, contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call them at 800-631-5454 of visit their website at https://millerenergy.com.