Category
Refractometers for the Chemical Industry
Real-time concentration measurement in chemical and industrial processes with KxS inline refractometers.
An inline refractometer for the chemical industry measures acid, caustic or solution concentration continuously in the pipe, without sampling. The KxS DCM-20, with industrial process connections, is unaffected by bubbles, colour or flow rate and mounts in vertical or horizontal lines for heavy-duty process control.
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Selection guide
Refractometers for the Chemical Industry Guide
What an inline refractometer is used for in chemical plants
In chemical plants, concentration is often the key quality and safety variable: acid and caustic strength, product concentration after mixing or reaction, and solution strength before crystallisation. An inline refractometer reads it continuously in the pipe, so drift is caught immediately instead of at the next lab sample.
How to choose a refractometer for chemical processes
- Connection: the DCM-20 for chemical and industrial use has process connections built for heavy-duty service, not just hygienic lines.
- Reading stability: it's unaffected by bubbles, colour or flow rate, which matters in reactive or gassy chemical streams.
- Mounting: it mounts in vertical or horizontal pipes without affecting accuracy.
- Calibration: it can be calibrated for many acids and caustics; tell us the chemical and range and we'll confirm the setup.
- Typical duty: acid and caustic concentration, dilution and blending control, evaporation and crystallisation, and polymer or resin solutions.
For hazardous areas, see our ATEX inline process refractometers.
FAQ
Common questions
Can a refractometer measure acid concentration?
Yes. Refractive index changes with concentration, so the DCM-20 can be calibrated for many acids and caustics. Tell us the chemical and the concentration range and we'll confirm the calibration.
Is sampling needed to check chemical concentration?
No. The DCM-20 measures directly in the pipe, in real time, so you get a continuous reading instead of waiting for a lab sample to come back.
Does flow rate or colour affect the chemical concentration reading?
No. The DCM-20 is unaffected by bubbles, colour or flow rate, which matters in chemical streams where these vary during mixing, reaction or dilution, so the reading stays reliable through changing process conditions.
What chemical processes use an inline refractometer?
Acid and caustic concentration control, dilution and blending, evaporation and crystallisation, and polymer or resin solution strength. Wherever refractive index tracks concentration reliably, the DCM-20 replaces manual sampling with a continuous in-pipe reading.
Is an ATEX version available for chemical plants?
Yes, see our ATEX inline process refractometers. Confirm the zone classification and the chemical you're measuring with us so we can match the right ATEX-rated DCM-20 configuration for your plant.
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