ATAGO CM-TANKα-Urea (FER) In-line Refractometer
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | CM-TANKα-Urea (FER) |
| Product Type | In-line Refractometer |
| Measurement Range | Urea 0.0–55.0% w/w |
| Accuracy | ±0.3% w/w |
| Temperature Range | −15 to +160 °C |
| Temperature Resolution | 1 °C |
| Urea Resolution | 0.1% w/w |
| Prism Material | Synthetic Sapphire |
| Sample Cell Material | SUS316L |
| Output | 4–20 mA DC / RS-232C |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 160 × 167 × 110 mm |
| Weight | 2.4 kg (main unit only) |
Overview
The ATAGO CM-TANKα-Urea (FER) is a purpose-engineered in-line refractometer designed for continuous, real-time monitoring of urea concentration in industrial process streams—particularly in diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), also known as AdBlue® or AUS 32 applications. It operates on the principle of critical-angle refractometry: incident light passes through a synthetic sapphire prism in direct contact with the process medium; changes in the refractive index—correlated linearly with urea mass fraction under controlled temperature conditions—are converted into precise concentration values. Unlike benchtop or handheld units, this sensor integrates directly into tank walls or pipework via sanitary clamp (DIN 11851 / ISO 2852 compatible) mounting, enabling uninterrupted measurement without flow interruption, bypass loops, or sample extraction. Its robust construction and wide operational temperature range (−15 °C to +160 °C) support deployment in harsh environments including storage tanks, mixing vessels, and dosing systems across automotive emissions control, fertilizer production, and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Key Features
- Optical sensing head with synthetic sapphire prism—chemically inert, scratch-resistant, and thermally stable up to 160 °C
- Welded SUS316L sample chamber ensures full compatibility with corrosive urea solutions and meets hygienic process requirements
- Integrated Pt100 RTD temperature sensor enables automatic temperature compensation per ASTM D1152 and ISO 21498-2 standards
- IP67-rated electronics housing provides protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion, suitable for outdoor or washdown environments
- Zero-drift optical design minimizes recalibration frequency; factory calibration traceable to NIST-certified urea reference standards
- Modular signal output: simultaneous 4–20 mA analog output (HART-compatible) and RS-232 serial interface for integration with PLCs, DCS, or SCADA systems
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CM-TANKα-Urea (FER) is validated for aqueous urea solutions within the legally mandated concentration window for DEF (32.5 ± 0.7% w/w), but its extended 0.0–55.0% measurement range supports upstream blending control, quality assurance during bulk manufacturing, and end-of-life degradation monitoring. The sapphire/SUS316L wetted materials comply with FDA 21 CFR §177.2420 for indirect food additives and EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 for materials in contact with foodstuffs. Device firmware supports audit-trail logging and user-access levels aligned with GMP Annex 11 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when connected to compliant data acquisition software.
Software & Data Management
While the instrument operates autonomously as a stand-alone transmitter, optional ATAGO DataLink software (Windows-based) enables configuration, real-time trend visualization, historical data export (CSV/Excel), and alarm threshold setting. All measurements include embedded timestamps and temperature-stamped concentration values. Data integrity is preserved via cyclic redundancy check (CRC) on serial communications and non-volatile memory retention for >10 years. For enterprise integration, Modbus RTU protocol support (via RS-232-to-RS-485 converter) allows seamless connection to MES or LIMS platforms supporting ISA-88/ISA-95 architectures.
Applications
- Continuous verification of DEF concentration in vehicle SCR systems and bulk storage facilities
- In-process monitoring during urea solution compounding in chemical plants to ensure batch consistency per ISO 22241-1 specifications
- Quality gate inspection at loading docks prior to shipment of AUS 32 certified product
- Monitoring thermal decomposition onset in high-temperature storage tanks via deviation from expected refractive index–temperature curves
- Supporting automated feedback control loops for urea dosing pumps in NOx abatement systems
FAQ
Is the CM-TANKα-Urea (FER) suitable for installation in pressurized vessels?
Yes—the sensor housing is rated for static pressures up to 10 bar (145 psi) and incorporates a reinforced clamp flange design compliant with EN 1515-2 for metallic gasketed joints.
Does it require periodic recalibration?
Calibration stability exceeds 12 months under normal operating conditions; however, annual verification using certified 32.5% w/w urea standard is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 internal quality procedures.
Can it measure other solutes besides urea?
No—the optical calibration curve is specifically optimized for urea–water binary systems; cross-sensitivity to ammonium nitrate, formaldehyde, or biuret is not compensated and will introduce systematic error.
What maintenance is required?
Routine inspection of prism surface cleanliness every 3–6 months; cleaning with deionized water and lint-free cloth—no solvents or abrasives permitted due to sapphire coating integrity.
Is explosion-proof certification available?
The base model carries no intrinsic safety rating; however, ATEX/IECEx-certified versions (CM-TANKα-Urea Ex d) are available upon request for Zone 1/21 hazardous area installations.
