Refractometers

February 01, 2015

Eriez HydroFlow Refractometers are simple yet rugged instruments that give users the ability to quickly determine the concentration of metalworking coolants and cleaners, heat-treating fluids, water-based hydraulic fluids and plating baths. Maintaining proper concentration control is essential to increase fluid performance and longevity.

"The best run fluid management programs always measure fluid condition so that corrective actions can be taken before problems develop," says John Mackowski, Metalworking Product Manager. "If fluid is run too lean, tool life and fluid life can drop dramatically. If fluid is run too rich, money is wasted."

Eriez HydroFlow offers a number of different Refractometer styles. The Eriez team works with customers to match the right device to their unique application needs. Portable Refractometers require no batteries. They feature a large, easy-to-read scale that is available in two ranges: 0-10° Brix and 0-32° Brix.

Automatic Temperature Compensating Refractometers provide an ideal solution for situations in which the temperature of certain fluids can affect the refractive index reading of the mix. They have a large, easy-to-read scale available in two ranges: 0-20° Brix and 0-30° Brix.

Extremely accurate, hand-held Digital Refractometers are also available. They feature an easy-to-read LCD readout with a 0-52° Brix range.

Related Glossary Terms

  • heat-treating

    heat-treating

    Process that combines controlled heating and cooling of metals or alloys in their solid state to derive desired properties. Heat-treatment can be applied to a variety of commercially used metals, including iron, steel, aluminum and copper.

  • metalworking

    metalworking

    Any manufacturing process in which metal is processed or machined such that the workpiece is given a new shape. Broadly defined, the term includes processes such as design and layout, heat-treating, material handling and inspection.

  • refractometer

    refractometer

    Optical instrument that measures the refractive index of a liquid, such as a water-diluted metalworking fluid mix. The refractive index can by used to determine the concentration of a fresh metalworking fluid mix.