Optical fiber turbidimeter for full range measurement in wine industrial processes

This paper presents a new type of nephelometric turbidimeter capable of really functioning on-line. In addition, it takes advantage of the possibility of light conduction via optical fibres to avoid the electrical parts coming into contact with or close proximity to the liquid; the use of optical fibres also avoids interference, improving the Signal-to-Noise ratio and offering remote measuring. This type of turbidimeter is for general application in the literal sense but, the application is presented for measuring turbidity in the wine industry during wine-making processes, which presents added problems such as colour interference and the high interval of recordable values, which can reach levels of almost nil to over 4000 NTUs.