VIP2™ | Industrial Inline Process Refractometer – 2″ Tri-Clamp Fitting

Smart-Sensors are Just…Smarter!

Previously, like almost all other conventional inline process refractometers, the original VIP consisted of a dumb-sensor cabled to a proprietary control box. The sensor, in that case, was dependent on the control box for processing readings and communicating with the outside world. Sure, the control box had a display on it, but that display was a relative antique, a throw-back to the time people would manually read the display and write down the readings. Today, sensors are networked to PLCs and data acquisition systems, so there is no longer a need for a display in most circumstances.

The new SMART-sensor paradigm eliminates the need for a control box since the VIP₂ sensor operates independently. Not only does the sensor do all the processing and communicating itself, but it also does so in a smaller size package, with greater concentration, temperature, and pressure ranges and, it is nearly five-times more accurate than its predecessor.

Built to Take it:

Fabricated from the highest quality 316L stainless steel and passivated to provide the best possible corrosion resistance, the VIP₂ inline process refractometer is constructed for years of service in the harshest environments (1). A precision ground sapphire optic, the next hardest substance to diamond, provides a virtually scratch-proof window into your fluid’s physical properties. An ultra-high-resolution detector array can detect even the smallest changes in concentration, ensuring the best possible level of precision and accuracy.

How Does it Do it?

The higher precision and accuracy of the VIP₂ inline process refractometer is due to MISCO’s innovative IRIS™ technology. IRIS, short for Intelligent Refractive Index Sensor, puts the “SMARTS” in SMART-sensor and is at the heart of every VIP₂ refractometer. Thanks to IRIS, the VIP₂ can instantly and accurately measure refractive index, temperature correct the reading, convert a refractive index into a more user-friendly unit of measure, and then transmit the results to your data capture system.

We designed the VIP₂ sensor for installation into a process stream or tank with a 2” tri-clamp fitting(2). The tri-clamp design is a standard for sanitary and food industry applications. It has also been adopted worldwide as a means to mount and dismount sensors without the need for tools quickly. If your system does not have a tri-clamp fitting, there may be an adapter available, or you can weld an off-the-shelf tri-clamp adapter to your piping.

How Does the VIP₂ Inline Refractometer Work?

The VIP₂ inline refractometer will measure the physical properties of a nearly endless number of fluids. You are not limited to just Brix and refractive index measurements. Select from among thousands of different scales in the MISCO scale library, so that your sensor can output the exact physical property of interest, whether that is percent concentration, freeze-point, boil-point, specific gravity, density, etc. Each sensor can be programmed to read up to five different scales of your choosing. To change scales, you only need to connect the sensor to a personal computer and change the scale in the configuration software.

Output options include 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10-volt analog output or RS232 ASCII digital output. The choice is yours. All VIP₂ sensors can be connected to the USB port on a Windows® computer, through MISCO Inline Connect™ software, where they can be easily configured and calibrated.

How to Use the VIP₂ Inline Refractometer (3)

1. 1. Load MISCO Inline Connect software into your Windows® compatible PC.
   2. Connect the VIP₂ sensor to the USB port on the computer using the cable provided.
   3. Using the software, zero-set the sensor to water and configure the settings for your process.
   4. Disconnect the USB cable and mount the sensor in the process stream using a 2” tri-clamp gasket and clamp.
   5. Run the power/communication cable from the sensor to power and your communications equipment.

Please complete the Inline Refractometer Application Questionnaire, and then follow the instructions on the form to send it to MISCO customer service for a no-obligation assessment of your process.

Footnotes:

1. The sensor is rated to IP68. The standard connector is rated to IP68 unless using a custom connector/cable, available from MISCO, which provides an IP67 rating.
2. The pipe OD determines the fitting size for sanitary stainless steel pipe.
3. This quick guide is not a replacement for the instruction manual. Please read the instruction manual thoroughly before installing or operating the sensor.

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