Ultimate process control

 

The Eyetech Laser Probe and the Eyetech Video Probe together unlock the complete morphological composition of particle systems for ultimate process control.

Ankersmid offers particle size and shape analysis solutions for the monitoring of grinding, crystalization, polymerization and homogenizing processes; in-line,

in-situ, in pilot plants, in reactors, in bio-reactors and in the laboratory.

 

 

Measurement Benefits

 

-In-situ drop and particle size measurement, and migration in dispersed-phase systems, monitoring of undiluted particles in their actual process state

-24h online measurement and trend monitoring with alarm relay

-Probe design prevents the destruction of the product from shear stress

 

 

 

 

EyeTech Laser Probe

 

 

Accurate particle size information of a particle system is collected by in-situ measurements under process conditions, thus eliminating sampling and dilution errors. The EyeTech Laser Probenulls 3D ORM Fingerprint Sensor Technology was developed for insitu use. The unique advantage of the 30 Optical back-Reflection Measurement Technology lies in the large dynamic range of the instrument that is obtained by a patented dynamic focus which travels horizontally and radially through the sample.

 

As the laser focal point travels and rotates through the process it interacts with the particles in its path. The back-reflection pulses that are generated through this interaction are collected by a photo detector in the instrument and evaluated by the software. Particles and droplets which are outside of the focus, are excluded from the statistical collector through the patented optics, ruling out coincidence errors in samples with a dispersed-phase concentration of up to 40 vol.%.

 

The innovative EyeTech Laser Probe attains a technical measuring isolation of densely packed particles In high concentrations, wlthout spatially removing them from each other (through dilution or ultrasound-dispersing).

 

 

 

Installation Examples

 

 

 

 

Measurement principle

 

 

 

The Eyetech Laser Probe containing the laser and detector is inserted at a 45 degree angle into the process flow in direct contact with the sample. The laser beam leaves the optical fiber (shown as a sollid line in the diagram) and passes through the coupling lens and the focusing lens. The beam rejoins at the focal point where it scans the sample in an elliptical orbit. When the light of the laser beam hits a particle or droplet in the focal point, the particle will start to backscatter until the focused beam has reached the particles opposite edge.

 

The time period of backscatter is precisely registered. When the time period (T) is multiplied by the scan speed (V=Velocity), the distance of the scattering (D) is given. The distance corresponds with the particles chord length (D = VT). The Eyetech Laser Probe typically measures thousands of chords a second, resulting in an accurate number-by-chord-length distribution. The backscatter is sent back to the optical fiber following the exact same path as the laser beam. Particles outside the laser beams focal point (particle A and B in the diagram), reflect the light in paths that miss the optical fiber (shown as the dotted line in Diagram 1), and therefor escape detection. The mechanism ensures the accuracy of the proticle data collected.

 

As a static focus point limits the particle size range that can be measured, the EYetech Laser Probe operates with a dynamic focus that travels back and forth through the medium at a speed of 2 m/s. The focal point trajectory is divided in 1024 digetal units, all with a know corresponding particle size, enabling the analysis of particles as fine as 500 nanometer at the start of the trajectory, up to particles of 3000 microns at the end of the trajectory where the focal point has widened toits maximum

 

 

 

EyeTech Laser Probe Features

 

Only particles in the focal point are detected and measured.

Analysis of single partides ensures high resolution and accuracy.

The traveling focal point technology enables the accurate measurement of particle systems wlth a wide dynamic range. When traveling in the medium the focus optically widens and can therefore selectively detect particles from 500 nano up to 3000 micron.

The single fiber optics have an extremely small opening angle, ensuring that all signals resulting from multiple counts will deflect the sensor optics. Only particls which have generated an in-focus signal will be added to the distribution database.

Selective Multi Focus: the laser energy is adapted automatically to the concentration situation of the measured dispersion.

The EyeTech Laser Probe is fully adjusted in the factory, no adjustments are needed by the operator.

Sensor windows are electrochemically polished to prevent caking.

The probes are designed for an easy refitting with on-line modules and flange versions for customer specific applic;ations.

Measurement data is presented in number and volume distribution, in Fingerprint , and graphs can be exported to Excel

 

The advantage of the patented 3D ORM principle lies in the large dynamic measuring range, reached through a dynamic focus. That constantly travels through the process

(patent US 5,900,933 - UK 2 325 9738)

 

 

 

Data presentation

Particle size data is evaluated in real-time by the EyeTech software. Measurement results can be presented In number dlstrlbution, volume distribution, and trend graphs. The Fingerprint graph provides a complete evaluation of the samplenulls size characterlstlcs, and a Fingerprint overlay of different measurement results makes batch data comparison effortless. All data can be exported to Excel for further evaluation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Analysis of Particles and Droplets

 

Conventlonal partlcle size technologies are based on the assumptlon that particles are close to spherical in shape. Both the scientic community and the industry have long recognized the fact that two-dimensional shape information is essential for the true characterization of non-spherical particles and aggregates. With the rapid advances in computer technology over the last decade, many have now been able to make the step to online particle shape monitoring by using the EyeTech Vldeo Probe. Online shape monltorlng enables the accurate sizing of fibers and cylinders, and gives greater insight in flowability and crystalization processes.

 

The Eyetech Video Probe provides the following additional data about a process:

                    elongation relationship

                    relationship between concavity and sphericity

                    proportion of crystallity

                    angularity or abrasion of the crystalline structure

                    evaluation of satellite structures, notches, grooves, holes etc.

                    evaluation of broken particles and pellets

 

 

Measurement principle

 

The Eyetech Video Probes in-situ sensor captures optimal particle images from the provess. The sensor consists of a CCD camera and a light source that provides illumination. As particles flow through the measurement plane of the camera grey-level images are captured. The images are analyzed by pre-processing software which rehects particle data that does not meet a pre-defined grey-level threshold. This ensures that out of focus particles are not included in the distribution results. The Eyetech Video Probe can be fitted with back or front illumination. In most applications front illuination provides the clearest images. But for imaging highly concentrated or transparant samples, back illumination is often more suitable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image analysis software

 

The Eyetech software offers complete particle size and shape information with over 40 dedicated parameters that were engineered tob e significant, robust and linked to physical properties of the particle systems. The following shape parameters are among those provided: Width, height, equivalent diameter, roundness, roughness, elongation, convexity, reactivity, crystallinity, hole detection, volume, area, perimeter, shape factor and specific surface. Measurement result print-outs are available with a click, and raw data is exportable for further analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less waste through real control

 

Measurement times are quick and at short intervals, enabling a real-time overview of crystallization and other processes. This allows the user to quickly respond to changes in the process, or fine tune operating procedures.

 

 

Eyetech Video Probe Features

 

                   real time size and shape analysis results enable real time adjustments to the process

                   analysis of single particles ensures high resolution and accuracy

                   continuous in-situ monitoring of crystallization processes.

                   User defined analysis intervals

                   Results are analyzed according to ISO 99166 standard.

                   Results can be presented in accordance with industry recognized sieving standards for weighing fractions such as DIN, ISO, BS and ASTM sieving standards

 

 

Eyetech

 

For the particle size and shape analysis in liquid, solids in liquid, and solids in gas: Inline, in-situ, in pilot plants, reactors, in bio-reactors and in the laboratory.

 

Applications

 

                   Petrochemicals

                   Specialty chemicals

                   Pigments

                   Soaps / cleaners

                   Pharmaceuticals

                   Photographic chemicals

                   Plastics

                   Explosives

                   Lubricants

                   Adhesives

                   Nuclear waste

                   Food

                   Cement

 

 

Processes

 

                   polymerization

                   separation

                   dispersion

                   agglomeration

                   reduction

                   dissolution

                   crystallization

                   homogenization

                   contamination

                   flocculation

                   emulsification

                   encapsulation

 

 

Eyetech laser probe

 

Measured parameters particle size

Particle size range 500 nano 3000 micron

Concentration up to 40 vol. %

Reproducibility 2% (based on reading of the d50/number distribution)

Range of wavelength 680nm

 

Eyetech video probe

 

Measured parameters particle size and shape

Particle size range depending on configuration

2-300 micron

5-600 micron

10-1500 micron

Concentration 1-15 vol. %

Reproducibility 2% (based on reading of the d50/number distribution)

 

Process Conditions

 

Operation scope in-line, on-line, off-line

Particle presentation phases suspensions, dispersed-phase systems

Process pressure Lab: up to 6 bar

Process: up to 16 bar

Process temperature Lab: up to 85 C

Process: up to 165 C

Sensor material SS 316

Sight glass material Sapphire

Analysis condition probes available for sterile, toxic and corrosive enviroments

Sterilization CIP / fully autoclavable

 

Communication

 

Supply voltage 110V/4A or 220 V/2A +/- 3%

Interfaces RS 432

Analogue outputs 4 times 4 to 20 mA

Alarm relays can be taken from the output

Ambient temperature electronic 45 C

Sensor electrically 65 C on the sensor head

ATEX sensor C

Enclosure/protection lab housing IP 44, process housing IP 54 optional IP 69

Optional hazardous area ATEX

Cable length 3, 5, 10 or 50 meter

References PVC sample for validation

Sensor spec lab sensor 65 C medium temp + max pressure 6 bar

Sensor spec process sensor 165 C medium temp + max pressure 16 bar

Software Windows XP operating system, automatic reporting, FDA 21CFR Part 11 compliant

ISO Compliancy Shape parameters according to ISO 99166 standard