ATAGO CM-Isα-Ethanol (V/V) Intrinsically Safe Online Refractometer
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | CM-Isα-Ethanol (V/V) |
| Product Type | Online Refractometer |
| Digital Display | Yes |
| Measurement Range | Refractive Index: 1.32000–1.49100 |
| Ethanol Concentration (v/v) | 0.0–53.0% |
| Accuracy | Refractive Index ±0.0002, Ethanol ±1.0% |
| Explosion Protection Rating | Ex ia IIB T3 Ga TA |
Overview
The ATAGO CM-Isα-Ethanol (V/V) is an intrinsically safe, process-integrated online refractometer engineered for continuous, real-time measurement of ethanol concentration in aqueous solutions based on the principle of critical-angle refractometry. It operates by directing a collimated light beam through a sapphire prism in direct contact with the process stream; the resulting angle of total internal reflection is precisely measured and converted into refractive index (nD), which is then correlated to ethanol volume concentration (v/v %) via a calibrated polynomial algorithm traceable to NIST-traceable reference standards. Designed for permanent installation in pipework or tanks, the sensor head features a robust 316L stainless steel body and sapphire optical window rated for pressures up to 10 bar and temperatures from 0 °C to 80 °C. Its intrinsic safety certification (Ex ia IIB T3 Ga TA) enables deployment in Zone 0/1 hazardous areas per IEC 60079-0 and IEC 60079-11, making it suitable for pharmaceutical ethanol recovery, biofuel production, distillery fermentation monitoring, and solvent recycling systems where ignition risk must be eliminated.
Key Features
- Intrinsically safe design certified to Ex ia IIB T3 Ga TA — compliant with ATEX, IECEx, and NEC 500/505 requirements for Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D environments
- High-stability sapphire prism interface with chemical resistance to ethanol, water, organic solvents, and cleaning agents (e.g., NaOH, HNO₃)
- Real-time digital output via 4–20 mA analog signal and optional Modbus RTU (RS-485) for integration into DCS, PLC, or SCADA systems
- Temperature-compensated measurement using integrated Pt100 RTD (±0.1 °C accuracy) to minimize thermal drift across operating range
- Zero-point and span calibration accessible via local keypad or remote configuration software — supports two-point calibration with certified ethanol standards
- IP67-rated electronics housing with optional explosion-proof junction box for field mounting
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CM-Isα-Ethanol (V/V) is optimized for homogeneous, non-particulate, low-turbidity ethanol–water mixtures typical in industrial fermentation, rectification, and purification processes. It is not intended for slurries, emulsions, or highly viscous solutions (>100 mPa·s) due to potential prism fouling and signal attenuation. The instrument complies with ISO 21501-4 for optical particle-free liquid measurement validation protocols and meets relevant sections of USP for refractometric assay verification. Its design supports GLP/GMP data integrity requirements when paired with compliant data acquisition systems, including audit trail capability for calibration events and parameter changes per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines.
Software & Data Management
Configuration, diagnostics, and trend logging are managed via ATAGO’s proprietary PC-based software, RefraWin Pro, which runs on Windows OS and supports CSV export, alarm threshold setting, and historical data overlay. The software stores calibration history, sensor diagnostics (e.g., prism contamination index, signal-to-noise ratio), and temperature-compensation coefficients. When interfaced with a validated LIMS or MES platform, measurement records—including timestamp, operator ID, and environmental conditions—can be archived with electronic signatures and immutable audit trails. Firmware updates are delivered via secure USB or Ethernet and include version-controlled release notes aligned with IEC 62304 medical device software lifecycle standards.
Applications
- Continuous monitoring of ethanol concentration during beer, wine, or spirit distillation to optimize cut points and energy efficiency
- In-line control of ethanol recovery in pharmaceutical solvent recycling loops (e.g., API crystallization wash streams)
- Real-time feedback for fed-batch fermentation control in bioethanol bioreactors
- Quality assurance during blending of fuel-grade ethanol (E10, E85) in petroleum terminals
- Concentration verification in clean-in-place (CIP) rinse cycles using ethanol-based sanitants
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable process pressure and temperature for the CM-Isα-Ethanol sensor head?
The sensor is rated for continuous operation at up to 10 bar (145 psi) and 0–80 °C; transient excursions to 90 °C are permitted for ≤30 minutes.
Can this refractometer measure methanol or isopropanol concentrations?
No — the CM-Isα-Ethanol is factory-calibrated exclusively for ethanol–water systems; separate models (e.g., CM-Isα-MeOH) are required for other alcohols.
How often does the instrument require recalibration?
Under stable process conditions, annual calibration verification is recommended; however, quarterly checks are advised in high-precision applications or after maintenance events.
Is third-party validation support available for GMP compliance?
Yes — ATAGO provides IQ/OQ documentation templates and on-site qualification support through certified partners accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
Does the device support automatic temperature compensation?
Yes — built-in Pt100 RTD measures prism surface temperature with ±0.1 °C accuracy and applies dynamic compensation using a multi-coefficient algorithm embedded in firmware.
