| overall view of image analysis system: |
 |
An integral pump is used to pull a sample through a flow cell with high-grade optical windows, the sample can then be returned, or discarded. A stabilised visible light source illuminates the flow cell via the optical windows and the particle shadow is determined using an objective lens coupled to a high resolution video camera. The camera uses a Firewire connection to a PC and an image analysis program capable of recording many thousands of particles (or images) and processing the data to give size distribution, particle uniformities, and many of the conventional statistics used in image analysis. The region of interest can be tuned to any range within 20 to 1000 micrometeres, with a resolution of better than 5 micrometres. Please click on the image (or here) for a wmv file (483 kB) illustrating the system. |
view of flow cell; optics; camera and screen: |
 |
The illuminated flow cell at the left of the picture has particles passing through, which have an image captured by the high-resoluion objective lens and video camera. The images are digitised in our computer program, where a variety of analytical functions may be performed.
The objective lens and camera are mounted on a very precise optical platform to assist in precise focussing. The objective lens, flow cell and focussing are specific to the particle size of maximum interest to a client and are factory set. We are happy to discuss your requirements and to adjust the optics to your system as well as provide tailor made analysis of the results in our computer program. |
view of flow cell and light source: |
 |
Above the flow cell is the built-in integral pump used to suck the sample from the process vessel and through the flow cell. The stabilised light supply provides a very clean light signal which is passed through optics before the flow cell.
The light source is powered by 3 Volts and the high-resolution camera and pump require low voltages. Thus, all electrical connections within the image analysis system are low (or very low) voltages. All trasformers and power suplies are suplied and kept external from the system. |
view of screen showing digitised image being assessed: |
Please click on the image (or here) for a wmv file (1.1 MB) illustrating the digitised particles on the computer screen. The video shows the images and how they are digitised with removal of overlying particles, out-of-focus objects and particles below the user set threshold size and too close to the edge of the field of vision. |
 |
The image captured by the camera is digitised within the software and either the raw, or the digital, image can be displayed on the screen in real time. The kernel of the image processing software is the industry leading image recognition and analysis program. Within the custom built addition to this kernel the user has full access to a variety of statistical information on the particle size and distribution.
Data files can be imported into Microsoft Excel, or any other package capable of reading text files and there is an option to have continual data up-dating and plotting within Excel using a dynamic link.
|
integral pump used to pull sample through the flow cell: |
 |
The low maintenance pump is mounted externally and has a convenient switch to reverse the flow to assist in line cleaning and maintenance.
The pump motor is controlled by a low-voltage DC power supply and is adjustable. The power supply is provided. Options are available for alternative requirements for controlling the flow through the optical flow cell. We are happy to discuss your requirements. |
cost (November 2007 pricing): |
| The basic system, designed to cover a range of over 400 micrometres, costs £9800 plus shipping and tax. When dealing with very dense (or light) particles a specially designed flow cell is required, which will naturally add to the cost. Likewise, agressive solvents and chemicals may also add to the cost. We are happy to discuss these specialised requirements and we normally can find suitable materials and solutions for them. If an expanded range of particle size is required, then a system with multiple flow cells is available. |
