For optimal performance the concentration of the cutting fluid must be kept at the recommended level. If the concentration is too high it will produce more mess, increase the risk of skin problems and increase the cutting fluid consumption. Insufficient concentration will result in microbial contamination, corrosion and poor lubrication, reducing the useful life of the tools and the fluid.
Concentration of the oil-water cutting fluid mixture can be monitored my measuring its refractive index.
The refractometer value is multiplied by the formulation specific factor, or, where this is not available, an in-house calibration curve may be re-created.