Dynamic Image Analysis is a direct measurement technique that has become more and more common as a Quality Control tool for raw materials in numerous industries. For many years, particle size analysis has used indirect measurement techniques where certain aspects of particles are measured, but not size. Laser Diffraction, for example, is an indirect measurement technique where the angle of diffracted light from a particle population is measured. This, and other indirect measurement techniques render size assuming that particles are round or spherical. Of course, as many people have come to realize, not all industrial particles are round.
Dynamic Image Analysis is a direct measurement technique that gives not only particle size information but also many shape parameters about every particle. The ability of understanding Shape, not just Size, has enabled industry to better understand and control practical manufacturing aspects such as……….
Circulariy & Smoothness –
- To better understand the separation and compaction of a mixed sample.
- To monitor the crystallization growth process or the dissolution process and rates.
Opacity –
- To better differentiate population differences in a sample.
- Ability to differentiate, identify and possibly remove air, water droplets or oil droplets.
With more than 30 shape parameters, a combination of different shape measures can be used to make determinations about raw materials in a way that other size-only systems cannot.
To learn more about how Dynamic Image Analysis works, please click here
Historical Analytical Limitations:
Historically, all analytical instrumentation was centrally located in a Quality Control laboratory. This was always done due to the complexity of the equipment and the inability to have such high quality / sensative analylitical instrumentation in remote locations due to transportation and environmental issues.
This limitation results in the need to collect samples in the field or the plant, transport them to the main lab where they must sit until analyzed. Once completed, the results are reviewed and decisions can be made regarding the process that is being analyzed. As one can imagine, the delay can be many hours to many days. For some samples, this delay can change the formulation of the sample or condition making the analysis not representative of what is happening in the field real-time.
Cyrystalization and dissolution, for example, are proccesses that need monotiring in real-time. In addition, the inability to make fast decisions on raw material processes causes down-time and can result in scrap of materials being produced while waiting for sample results.
Having a means of taking measurements at-line in real-time and being able to easily make decisions on raw material processes would be ideal, but not commoly seen….Unti Now……
Portable Particle Insight…….the Transportable Analytical Solution:
Full featured particle size and shape analysis that can be used in a laboratory environment and when transported in a ruggedized case. Suitcase style with wheels for carry-on capability enables taking a high resolution particle analyzer anywhere. Having a portable system allows for at-site analysis with remote capabilities.
Portable system and Accessories
Portability for field based use. Can also be used for in-lab use. System case is roggedized and fits in overhead storage of airplanes.
Accessories for numerous applications
Depending on use, the portable accessories stored in a compartemtalized back-pack style case contains supplies for sample collection and storage.
Remote connectivity
System can be configired for remote operation using WeFi or 4G wireless communication.
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How does it Work…
The Portable Particle Insight is designed to operate as a fully functioning Particle Size and Shape Analyzer. It can be used at-lab where high quality data and ease-of-use is a requrement.
It can also be be closed and taken for remote use.
As seen in this video, the Portable Particle Insight is operated using a Microsoft Sufrace Pro 4 computer. This is a high-resolution, touchscreen interface that can show particle analysis results in real-time at high speed. Being a touchscreen computer interface, the system is able to connect to any internal WiFi network enabling the transfer of data results to other users who may be making decisions based on size and shape of their raw materials.
The system is enclosed in a ruggedized travel case and is carry-on size which is AirPlane friendly. The system also incorporates flexible fluidic options. The system has an internal pump that is controlled by the software. End users can adapt many different sample collection
devices to the Luer fitting input and output. The system can be set up as a single-pass analysis system or recirculating for statistical assurance. The Accessory Kit brings a number of different sample collection devices all capable of adapting directly into the Particle Insight. For lab-based
operation, the user can adapt any external suspension device to the Particle Insight. Users can even adapt the Particle Insight on-line to any process.
Accessory Kit…
As a portable system, the Portable Particle Insight includes an accessory kit that is housed in a back-pack style case. The many compartments are designed to carry specimen sample collection devices along with other safety items such as gloves, etc.
Samples can be stored here for further analysis at-lab or can be analyzed in the field.
For Oil Contamination Monitoring, the accessory kit will include numerous Syringes of various sizes, vacuum collection devices commonly used for Oil Contamination Monitoring, tubing and even gloves and wipes to clean up.
For other applicatons, relevant accessory items can be selected.
Connectivity & Battery Operation…..
Ability to communicate with a local network is sometimes a requirement. As an at-line instrument, the Portable Particle Insight is able to connect to any local area network using WiFi.
This enables the storgage of data on network drives, transfering of information from the Particle Insight to any other use and even allows for remote access to operate and monitor the Particle Insight.
Go where there is no WiFi Connecton or power? Not a problem……………
In the lab, there is constant use and need for network printing and data transfer for network storate or to just transfer data from the Particle Insight system to your desktop computer for research and report generation in a more comfortable setting. Having an on-board computer system, the Particle Insight is able to connect to any network or the internet using a standard WiFi connection.
Need to take the Particle Insight to the field.On-the-go? Not a problem. Just close the case, unplug the power cord and go……
The Particle Insight can be purchased with an opptional mobile connection (currently 4G, will be 5G when available) that can allow internet access to your network form remote places that do not have WiFi connections. This allows the user to still send information to their lab on the
status of their remote analysis.
The Particle Insight is also configired with a on-board UPS that allows for hours of operation. This is a requirement when working in remote and harsh locations