in-tek Brix Infrared (IR) Sensor

In-tek Brix

in-tek Brix

Contact B+S for further information on this productLiterature Downloads

• Real Brix measurement
• MilliBrix for diet & hybrids
• Not influenced by acids

Common Features:
• On-line, real-time results
• Sapphire prism
• ATR technology
• 2-decimal place accuracy
• Solid State, low maintenance
• Varinline® product interface
• Sanitary 3-A compliant
• Up to 120°C operation*
• CIP/SIP compatible
• Standard Ethernet connectivity
• Profibus, Modbus, 4-20mA options
• High-visibility Remote Display option

in-tek refractometer and control box

Special Applications
in-tek Sensors & Systems currently discussed in this site specifically relate to use within the food and beverage industry. However, alternative uses of on-line infrared spectroscopy may also be available, especially where IR measurement already plays a role in the laboratory. 

Additionally, the in-tek IR Series may be configured to work in EXP-rated environments, be fitted with cooling coils for high temperature use or even have the measurement prism flange extended for use in deeply submerged installations.

Weights & Dimensions:
The cost of transporting new or repaired instrumentation should always be considered at the purchase stage! The in-tek IR Series is extremely small when compared to traditional by-pass systems and therefore transit costs are likely to be significantly less!

Sensor:
Dimension: 50 (w) x 60 (d) mm
70mm (DN 65 flange diameter)
Nett Weight: 0.7 kg
 
Sensor Control Unit:
Dimension: 223 (w) x 290 (h) x
140 (d) mm
Nett Weight: 2 kg
 
Gross Weight (Shipping) Sensor and Control Unit:
Dimension: 300 (w) x 430 (h) x
520 (d) mm
Gross Weight: 9 kg

The in-tek IR Series of on-line instrumentation comprise a single state-of-the-art sensor module and a self contained, water tight Sensor Control Module. Unlike traditional infrared spectrophotometers that use transmitted light, the adopted technique of Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) requires source penetration of just a few microns to obtain accurate absorption results, allowing consolidation of all optical components in to a single stainless steel sanitary 3-A housing for direct mounting to the product line using industry standard Varinline® valve body assemblies. 

On-line mounting eliminates difficult to clean bypass lines and negates the need for high maintenance pumps commonly associated with this type of measurement. Pre-determined narrow band-pass interference filters are critical to differentiate the sensor type within the series by matching the energy source to the absorption model of the chemical or product under test. The Sensor Control Module provides a simple user interface as well as connectivity to plant controllers or computers via Ethernet connection, with other industrial interface types such as multiple analogue 4-20mA current loops, EtherNet and Profibus available as optional extras.

Typically, °Brix is the term used throughout the food and beverage industry to express the amount of dissolved sugars in a product. From high concentration products such as jams & confectionery to lower concentration ready-to-drink beverages, controlling the °Brix of a product is the key measurement that ensures correct product quality and provides essential yield control.  The in-tek IR Brix offers real-time control of product blend ratios in the food industry up to temperatures of 120°C when fitted with a water-cooling coil. For beverage applications, the in-tek Brix is suited to blending applications or may be fitted prior to the filler as an interface detector and end point quality control device. One advantage of using Infrared analysis over traditional Refractive Index or density methods to measure Brix is that IR reading is not influenced by non-sugar dissolved solids such as a citric acid in orange juice, providing a true Brix reading that does not require correction.

Installation, Commissioning and After Sales Service
Close co-operation between the customer and supplier is the key to ensuring trouble free installation and use. Right from the initial interest stage, B+S Process Instruments works closely with the client to identify the correct instrumentation for the job and provides ongoing installation and commissioning advice. This side-by-side approach continues throughout the working life of the equipment.

Being solid-state devices installed directly to the line, in-tek IR Sensors require little or no routine maintenance. However, in order to provide total peace of mind, B+S Process Instruments offer a number of after sales support packages either directly or through its network of authorised distributors. Service packages include extended warranty up to 5-years, 48 & 72-hour component replacement, on-site preventative maintenance, on-site performance verification and a 24-hour diagnostic and software support facility by way of GoToMeeting All service packages are subject to additional charges and may not be available in all geographical locations.

Parameter °Brix
Range 1 0-20 °Brix (std)
2 0-100  °Brix/Plato
3 0-2000 milliBrix
Resolution 1 0.01 °Brix/Plato
2 0.1 milliBrix
Accuracy 1 ±0.01 °Brix/Plato
2 ±1 milliBrix
Repeatability 1 0.08 (8-hr) °Brix/Plato
2 8 (8-hr) milliBrix
Reading Time (seconds)  0.5 to 30  (selectable)


Temperature
Operating Temperature -5 to 85°C (extended version to 120 °C - optional)
Ambient Temperature Range -5 to 85°C
Temperature Range 20°C.  Can be expanded with degraded specs.
Cleaning Maximum Temperature 85 °C (CIP) / 120°C (SIP  - optional)


Physical
Material Stainless Steel 316L
Prism Material Artificial Sapphire
Light Source Infrared solid-state source (life 100,000+ hours MTTF)
Gasket Materials EPDM (line/sensor) / PEEK (prism)
Ingress Protection / Hygiene IP68 (NEMA 4) / Sanitary 3-A
Line Interface Varilne® 1” to 4” (DN65 flange diameter)
Pressure 10 BAR Max.
Flow Rate (Of no significant importance to measurement ability)
Interface Options

Ethernet (standard)
Analogue 4-20mA, EtherNet, Profibus (optional)

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