A concentration meter measures the amount of a solute present and gives the operator a reading. Such equipment can be used to take a single reading of a solution under evaluation or it can be set up to take continuous measurements as part of a continuous process. For activities such as bench research in a lab, quality control in manufacturing, and testing of components used in food production, accurate concentration data is required. Wine, for example, is evaluated to determine how much sugar it contains, a measurement known as “brix,” which has a significant impact on how the wine is processed.
Depending on the type of data they are supposed to record, concentration measurement systems can work in a variety of ways. A concentration meter can be used to test samples, or it can be lowered into a solution to measure density. Some use tools like light refraction, while others may measure density by passing an electrical current through the solution, which gives them information about concentration.
A variety of measurements can be used; technicians typically choose a mode based on industry standards and conventions that is appropriate for the product they are measuring. People may be able to switch modes depending on what they’re measuring and where they’re measuring it. Calibration is also necessary to ensure that the concentration meter is operating correctly. A technician can calibrate the device by testing it with a solution of known concentration to see if it is read correctly by the machine.
A concentration meter is a useful tool in the manufacturing industry. Fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and battery acid, for example, must be manufactured to extremely precise specifications in order to perform as expected while meeting quality standards. Periodic testing or continuous monitoring is required to keep an eye on the manufacturing process and catch any issues as soon as possible. For example, if the concentration of a solution used to make a medication is insufficient, the drug will lack standard potency and may perform poorly.
A concentration meter is required for both beer and wine production. Other products may necessitate testing; for example, in the candy industry, companies make sugar syrups and want to be able to test them to ensure the solution is of the correct concentration before moving on to the next step. Specialty equipment, such as devices that can be sterilized between batches to prevent contamination, may be available from manufacturers for these applications.