Brix refractometers are effective at measuring coolant concentration. Coolant’s primary purpose is to lubricate and cool the work surface and tooling. Each coolant works best for a given application at a recommended concentration of it to water. Monitor the initial coolant charge, then each day, as evaporation increases concentration at the sump level. Maintaining the recommended concentration is essential to prevent problems.
Check your coolant’s technical data sheet to determine where your coolant will read on the Brix Scale. Some have a “Refractometer Factor” which you multiply the scale reading by to obtain the value in percent.
Select a scale that will read your target value, but also higher values, due to evaporation at the sump level.
wdt_ID
Part Number
Brix Scale*
Graduation
Dimensions
1
OPT10
0-10
Tenths
1.5” dia., 8” long
2
OPT32
0-32
Fifths
1.5” dia., 7” long
3
OPTX10
Replacement prism cover with pin for OPT10, OPT32
OPTD50 metalworking digital refractometer – 0 to 50 BRIX coolant refractometer
Tired of fumbling with hand held brix refractometers?
Let the Industry 4.0 Dazzle 2 fully automate sump concentration and level management for you just like it is for other forward thinking shops! Find out more HERE
Digital Inline Process Refractometers
Zebra has a full line of DIGITAL INLINE, PROCESS REFRACTOMETERS for a wide range of applications with various calibrations (machine shop coolant concentration is measured in BRIX) and fluid turbidity.
DIGITAL PROCESS REFRACTOMETERS can be connected to PLC’S or other control devices to automate processes in a variety of Industries and applications: metalworking, apiary, glycol, HVAC, etc.
Zebra developed and patented sump fluid concentration automation and uses the technology to automatically control both sump concentration and level in the Dazzle2.
Contact us at 888.249.4855 to learn how our automation engineers can assist your team integrate an inline refractometer into your process.
Glycol Refractometers for Automobile Coolants and Battery Acids
Zebra Glycol Refractometers have a temperature scale to read the protection rating of an ethylene and propylene glycol mixture as well as battery acids.
These units are pre-calibrated at the factory. To verify that it is calibrated you can put a few drops of water onto the lens, then close the lid. You should notice that the line reads just below the 30°F mark. This is the indication that it is reading correctly.
Once you have your glycol mixture ready place a few drops of it onto the lens. The line will indicate at what temperature your mixture will protect your equipment.
Woody is “pleased with the brightness” of his Basic Refractometer he purchased after visiting Zebra at IMTS 2004. Woody Smith, Founder, Smith’s Machine, AL, Nov 2004Glycol Refractometers for Automobile Coolants and Battery Acids
