09,18,2026 10 views
The Vaisala Polaris series online refractometer has a wide range of applications in processes that require measuring liquid concentration. You can use the Vaisala Polaris instrument with the Vaisala Indigo80 handheld display head to gain a range of additional advantages in industrial processes. This blog explores some typical use cases where these advantages can come into play.
The compact Indigo80 handheld display head is a portable measuring device that can be used for on-site sampling and calibration, data analysis, and diagnosis. When used in conjunction with Vaisala Indigo compatible instruments, it can stably and accurately measure parameters such as humidity, temperature, dew point, carbon dioxide, hydrogen peroxide vapor, moisture in oil, refractive index, and liquid concentration even in rapidly changing environments. Indigo80 has a large battery capacity, high-resolution display screen, and memory that can accommodate up to 5.5 million data points, making it easy to visualize measurement values over the long term and check the readings of installed probes to determine if they need calibration. It can also be used for data recording, spot checks, and troubleshooting, and provides visualization of installed equipment data through a display screen. The use of an online refractometer can display optical images and other information of the instrument, in order to obtain accurate diagnostic views on site.
Indigo80 is compatible with the Vaisala Polaris series of online refractometers, which are widely used in process industrial applications such as crystallization, dilution, distillation, mixing, and quality control. In these applications, liquid concentration measurement is key to ensuring good process conditions, product quality, process safety, and regulatory compliance.
Vaisala Polaris uses the basic concept of refractive index reading to measure liquid concentration, helps maintain safe operations in the pulp industry by measuring the total solid content of black liquor, ensures the quality of food and beverages by measuring sugar content, and achieves accurate concentration measurement in chemical production processes, among many other uses.
Let's take a look at some use cases to illustrate the advantages of using Indigo80 in conjunction with Polaris online refractometer.
1. Partial configuration and calibration - probes can be configured without shutting down
The Polaris online refractometer was pre configured upon delivery and the concentration coefficient was set according to the expected application. With Indigo80, you can quickly and easily adjust parameters without having to remove the probe from the process to reconfigure it through a laptop. Indigo80 can also be used to change signal damping parameters without affecting the process. Having a dedicated handheld device means there is no need to bring laptops or other devices into the processing area, otherwise it may cause safety issues or hinder cleanroom setup. For verification purposes, Indigo80 provides you with a simple method to confirm the readings of the automated system during the calibration process.
2. Data recording - discovering problems in the process
Many on-site devices do not store historical data, but instead take snapshot readings for process control or generate alerts when process parameters exceed set limits. If an unexpected situation occurs and the operator is unsure of the cause, diagnostic tools need to be used. At this point, the combination of Vaisala Polaris and Indigo80 can provide assistance - because Indigo80 is battery powered, it can be connected to field devices overnight or for longer periods of time. Indigo80 can compare data with system data to determine changes over time, which can help make diagnoses.
3. Maintenance - Determine when sensors need to be cleaned
Although Polaris online refractometers require minimal maintenance due to their sturdy structure and lack of consumables and moving parts, maintenance may be necessary if the optical prism is covered with residue that causes image quality coefficient drift. The image quality coefficient is a numerical parameter that indicates the cleanliness of the prism. If drift occurs, the equipment needs to be dismantled and cleaned - Indigo80 can help determine maintenance requirements by recording the image quality coefficient over a period of time. If the image quality coefficient decreases or shows significant changes, it may indicate the need for cleaning. Indigo80 can also be used as a display screen for Vaisala Polaris and other smart probes that do not come with a built-in display screen, and can choose between two views: graphical representation of current measurement values or probe history readings.
Indigo80 and Vaisala Polaris online refractometers are powerful tools for collecting valuable process insights and improving process and final product quality in various applications. When used in conjunction, the advantages are amplified. Vaisala Polaris can collect accurate concentration data, while Indigo80 provides a convenient way to record, access, and visualize this data without the risk of process downtime.
The updated firmware will be available at the end of March 2025. Existing customers can also obtain new features by updating the firmware of Polaris online refractometers and Indigo80 handheld devices.
