ATAGO Releases New High-Accuracy In-Line Process Refractometer

Bellevue, WA (PRWEB) October 02, 2013

ATAGO, a worldwide leader in refractometer technology since 1940, released their first in-line process refractometer in early 1970’s. Over the last 40 years, it has developed and refined the designs of its initial in-line units to offer units of the highest caliber to end-users across myriad industries. Currently, the compact and versatile CM series contains their best-selling process units. The CM-800α, released this month – is a high-accuracy variant of this popular platform.
 

In-line Process refractometers are used to continuously monitor the concentrations of liquids used in the food and beverage, chemical, energy, and metalworking industries, among others. They can report the readings to a variety of outputs, and even automate processes upstream and downstream via a PLC. This not only saves on labor costs, but streamlines the manufacturing process and gives them ability to detect inconsistencies in a product before a bad batch is found too late.
 

Most process refractometers typically consist of two separate pieces – the sensor, which affixes to a pipe and conducts the measurements, is connected via wire to a display module which houses the controls, power supply and output connectors. These instruments are made to be very precise and are often specialized for use across extreme applications and demanding environments. However, they frequently come standard with a host of complex features, capabilities, and options that far exceed a given customer’s needs or wants. Thus, they can end up being prohibitively expensive for some. On the other end of the spectrum, budget-oriented process models tend to offer small size and a low price tag, but their “bouncing needle” analog displays are notoriously imprecise and can create as many problems as they aim to fix.
 

ATAGO’s CM line was designed to create a “sweet spot” between these two extremes. For plant managers looking for a reliable digital process refractometer who need to check their concentration without bells and whistles, the CM-780N has been a very popular choice with its small, one-piece design, digital display, and simple and conventional 4-20mA output.
 

The newest addition, the CM-800α, is a higher accuracy version of this well-received design. The CM-800α offers improved accuracy of +/-0.1% Brix across a slightly wider measuring range, now up to 80 percent Brix. A first for the CMs, the new model can read to the second decimal place for Brix values under 10 percent — this is crucial for clients whose samples may be extremely dilute and only read a few tenths of a percent.
 

In addition, ATAGO has added some very important customizability to the CM-800α (and the industry workhorse CM-780N as well). CM units can now be ordered with an SUS316L sample stage for even better corrosion resistance. Customers with rigorous automation in mind can now use the CM series with the popular PROFIBUS protocol, and the units can be ordered with Varivent ® fittings for more stringent hygiene and modularity requirements, including compliance to EHEDG and 3-A Sanitary Standards.
 

ATAGO has been manufacturing professional grade refractometers for laboratories, farms and factories worldwide since 1940. Please contact us for more information on our products and how they may enhance your operations.