Important Process Instrumentation Terminology

process control instruments
In describing the characteristics and operation of process control instruments (such as process refractometers), it is very important to understand some common terms used in the industry. The definitions of some of the more common terms are provided below:

Accuracy: The closeness of an indicator or reading of a measurement device to the actual value of the quantity being measured; usually expressed as ± percent of the full scale output or reading.

Drift: The change in output or set point value over long periods of time due to such factors as temperature, voltage, and time.

Hysteresis: The difference in output after a full cycle in which the input value approaches the reference point (conditions) with increasing, then decreasing values or vice versa; it is measured by decreasing the input to one extreme (minimum or maximum value), then to the other extreme, then returning the input to the reference (starting) value.

Linearity: How closely the output of a sensor approximates a straight line when the applied input is linear.

Noise: An unwanted electrical interference on signal wires.

Nonlinearity: The difference between the actual deflection curve of a unit and a straight line drawn between the upper and lower range terminal values of the deflection, expressed as a percentage of full range deflection.

Precision: The degree of agreement between a number of independent observations of the same physical quantity obtained under the same conditions.

Repeatability: The ability of a sensor to reproduce output readings when the same input value is applied to it consecutively under the same conditions.

Resolution: The smallest detectable increment of measurement.

Sensitivity: The minimum change in input signal to which an instrument can respond.

Stability: The ability of an instrument to provide consistent output over an extended
period during which a constant input is applied.

Zero balance: The ability of the transducer to output a value of zero at the electronic null

Process Refractometers Built to Handle the Toughest Conditions

Users agree. Electron Machine builds the most rugged process refractometer available for the pulp and paper,  food and beverage, and chemical industries.

Process Refractometers for Food and Pharmaceutical Processing

Process Refractometer
Process refractometers provide the analysis to quickly, reliably, and very accurately identify a sample and determine it's concentration and purity levels. They measure the refractive index and temperature of flowing liquids, and apply mathematical functions to determine the concentration of dissolved solids.

Process refractometers are particularly useful in the food and pharmaceutical industries where they are used to optimize production processes, control quality, and ensure consistency and purity.

In commercial food applications such as juice production or tomato processing, refractometers are used to measure degrees Brix. The Brix scale relates refractive index to sugar concentration, and is a key way to maintain consistency. For example, process refractometers are used for the concentration process of fruit juices. The concentration process is normally achieved by removing water through evaporation, and by measuring Brix, the evaporation process can be controlled and related to the desired juice concentration.

In the pharmaceutical industry, process refractometers are used to monitor and control concentration levels during supersaturation, a critical process in crystallization.  Crystallization is key to the purification of solids in pharmaceutical production.  A high degree of measurement accuracy and reliability provided by the process refractometer ensures precise monitoring and control and a pure product.

There are many other industrial applications for process refractometers, almost all sharing the need for accurate solids content measurement.

For more information about process refractometers, contact Electron Machine. Visit them at or call 352-669-3101.

Refractometers for Industry

Industrial process refractometers provide safe, reliable, and accurate process measurement for the pulp and paper industry, the food and beverage industry, and the chemical industry. Electron Machine manufactures the world's most rugged refractometers and has thousands of refractometers controlling processes, improving quality, and saving cost in these industries around the world.

In-Line Process Refractometers

In-line Process refractometer
In-line Process refractometer sensor in spool-piece.
In-line Process refractometers are used to continuously monitor the concentrations of liquids used in pulp and paper processing, food processing, the beverage industry, chemical processing, the power industry, and primary metal processing. They monitor, report, and control process variables such as Degrees Brix, Percent Solids, Dissolved Solids, SGU, R.I. and deliver an output to external devices such as controllers, recorders, indicators, and PLC's.

In-line Process refractometers save labor costs, streamline the manufacturing process, and improve quality by detecting inconsistencies in a product early in the production phase.

Process refractometer sensor
Process refractometer sensor.
Process refractometers typically consist of two main components – the sensor, which is inserted to a pipe and is exposed the the product for direct measurement. The sensor is connected by a cable to the second main component, the control module which houses the display, electronics, power supply and output connections. Both the sensor and the control module are designed for high accuracy and precise control. Their housing and cabling are often specialized for use in varying extreme conditions and very demanding environments.

The control module includes programming for a wide variety of commonly required features, capabilities, and options that can be adapted to a customer’s requirements. This microprocessor control also allows for custom programming for specialized needs.
Process refractometer control module
Process refractometer
control module.

The sensor can be supplied with a multitude of mounting and cleaning options. Cleaning options include hand cleaning systems, high pressure cleaning systems, and steam cleaning systems. Mounting adapter options include lined adapters, spool-piece adapters, sanitary connection adapters, and weld-in adapters.

Not to be confused with their distant relatives - the handheld digital or analog laboratory refractometer - today's rugged, industrial in-line process refractometers provides continuous process management for large-scale facilities giving them the ability to increase product yield, maintain consistency, and eliminate waste.

Have Your Old Electron Machine Refractometer Isolation Valve Rebuilt to "Like New"

Send you old Isolation Valve back to Electron Machine to be restored to like new condition!

The Electron Machine Isolation Valve is a valve designed to isolate the sensing head from the process media for safe removal. There are many in service all over the world. Electron Machine recommends that these valves be repaired/refurbished at least once every ten (10) years.

Contact Electron Machine by calling 352-669-3101 or by visiting to set up your return.

To view a longer, more detailed video of the rebuilding process, see

Repairing (Refurbishing) an Electron Machine Isolation Valve

Electron Machine Isolation Valve
EMC Isolation Valve
The Electron Machine Isolation Valve is a custom-manufactured valve designed to force a cup over the sensing head, isolating it from the process media for safe removal. A proximity sensor allows the position of the handle to be monitored to ensure that the sensing head is providing an accurate reading of the process. Originally designed in the 1970s, the Isolation Valve has proven itself in harsh environments and many are installed in tough processes all over the world. Electron Machine recommends that these valves be repaired/refurbished at least once every ten (10) years. The following 8 minute video is a detailed demonstration of all the steps Electron Machine goes through to give new life to an old isolation valve.