ATAGO CM-BASEα Compact Online Refractometer

Overview

The ATAGO CM-BASEα Compact Online Refractometer is an industrial-grade, real-time process analyzer engineered for continuous, non-invasive measurement of soluble solids concentration—expressed as Brix—in liquid streams. It operates on the principle of critical-angle refractometry: a collimated LED light beam passes through a sapphire prism in direct contact with the process fluid; changes in refractive index—directly correlated to solute concentration—are detected by a high-stability photodiode array. The instrument integrates automatic temperature compensation (ATC) via an embedded Pt100 sensor, ensuring measurement integrity across dynamic process conditions from 10 °C to 50 °C. Designed for permanent in-line installation in sanitary or industrial piping systems (via standard 1/2″ NPT or ISO 2852 sanitary fittings), the CM-BASEα delivers stable, drift-free readings without sample extraction, reagent consumption, or optical recalibration between maintenance intervals. Its monolithic optical architecture and solid-state electronics eliminate moving parts, supporting long-term reliability in continuous operation environments.

Key Features

• Single-cable interface: Simultaneous power delivery (DC 24 V) and digital data transmission via RS-485 Modbus RTU—reducing wiring complexity and installation time.
• Compact form factor (90 × 90 × 58 mm, 820 g): Enables mounting in space-constrained locations—including overhead ducts, skid-mounted systems, and modular bioreactors.
• Sapphire measuring prism (Mohs hardness 9): Chemically inert and abrasion-resistant, compatible with aggressive media including NaOH, H₂O₂, DMF, DMSO, NMP, and acidic or saline solutions.
• IP65-rated aluminum housing: Sealed against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets—suitable for washdown environments in food, pharma, and chemical manufacturing.
• Real-time Brix output: 0.1% resolution with ±0.5% accuracy (traceable to NIST-traceable sucrose standards), validated per ISO 21527-1 for refractometric sugar analysis.
• No flow cell or bypass loop required: Direct insertion into main process line minimizes dead volume and eliminates secondary sampling errors.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CM-BASEα is validated for use with homogeneous, non-particulate, optically transparent liquids exhibiting stable refractive index–concentration relationships. It supports applications across regulated and non-regulated industries, including FDA-regulated food & beverage production (21 CFR Part 11-ready when integrated with compliant SCADA/HMI systems), ISO 9001-certified chemical synthesis lines, and EN 13480-compliant process piping networks. While not intrinsically safe, it meets ATEX Zone 2 / IECEx Zone 2 requirements when installed with appropriate barrier systems. Calibration verification follows ASTM D1074 (Standard Test Method for Refractive Index of Liquid Chemicals) and is compatible with GLP documentation workflows through optional CSV log export.

Software & Data Management

The CM-BASEα outputs linearized Brix values via Modbus RTU (slave ID configurable), enabling seamless integration into DCS, PLC, or MES platforms (e.g., Siemens SIMATIC, Rockwell Allen-Bradley, Yokogawa CENTUM VP). Optional ATAGO ProcessView™ software (Windows-based) provides local configuration, real-time trend visualization, alarm threshold setting (high/low deviation), and audit-trail-enabled calibration logging. All data timestamps are synchronized to host system clock; no internal storage is present—ensuring deterministic behavior and eliminating SD card failure modes. For GxP environments, the device supports electronic signature-capable calibration records when paired with validated LIMS interfaces.

Applications

• Chemical manufacturing: Real-time monitoring of urea solution concentration in NOₓ scrubbers; NaOH titration endpoint detection in caustic cleaning cycles; H₂O₂ stabilization control in disinfection loops.
• Metalworking & machining: Continuous verification of cutting fluid sump concentration (typically 3–12% Brix) to maintain lubricity and corrosion inhibition; dielectric fluid consistency checks in EDM operations.
• Food & beverage processing: In-line control of brine strength in vegetable pickling; soy milk coagulation monitoring via MgCl₂ concentration; citrus juice blending consistency assurance.
• Wastewater & resource recovery: Automated TDS estimation in reverse osmosis feed streams; real-time detection of glycol leakage in HVAC chillers; fermentation broth density trending during ethanol production.

FAQ

Does the CM-BASEα require periodic recalibration?
Yes—recommended at least once per shift in high-precision applications, or daily in variable-temperature environments. Calibration uses certified sucrose standards (e.g., 10.00 ± 0.02% Brix); zero-point verification may be performed with deionized water.
Can it measure viscous or suspended-solids-laden fluids?
No—it is designed exclusively for clear, low-turbidity liquids. Suspended particles >5 µm or viscosity >500 mPa·s will scatter incident light and compromise accuracy.
Is firmware upgrade supported in-field?
Yes—via USB-to-serial adapter and ATAGO’s official Configuration Tool; upgrades preserve all user-defined parameters and Modbus mapping.
What is the maximum allowable process pressure at the prism face?
Rated for continuous operation up to 10 bar (145 psi) at 25 °C; derating applies above 40 °C per manufacturer’s pressure–temperature chart.
How is temperature compensation implemented?
A Pt100 sensor embedded adjacent to the sapphire prism measures local fluid temperature in real time; compensation coefficients are pre-programmed per ISO 21527-1 Annex B for aqueous sucrose, NaCl, and common industrial solutes.