Ultimate Process Control
The EyeTech Probe unlocks the complete morphological composition of particle systems for ultimate process control. The EyeTech Probe offers particle size and shape analysis solutions for the monitoring of particles, cells, droplets, and bubbles ranging from 1µm to 4000µm, in grinding, crystallization, polymerization, and homogenizing processes; in-line, in-situ, in pilot plants, in reaction vats, in bio-reactors, and in the laboratory.
Measurement benefits
- 24h online process measurement and trend monitoring with alarm relay
- Instantly detect size and shape changes, agglomeration, and breakage to enable real time adjustments to the process
- Flexible, portable system, with on-line modules and flange versions for customer specific applications
- No sampling required: eliminate sampling errors, blockage and flushing requirements
- Capture microscope quality images with no sample extraction, dilution, or preparation required even at high solids concentration
- Easy re-fitting with on-line modules and flange versions
EyeTech Probe Features
- Analysis of individual particles ensures high resolution and accuracy
- Wide dynamic particle size range
- Direct view of the sample
- User defined analysis intervals
- Measurement data is presented in number and volume distribution graphs, and can be exported to Excel
- Sapphire sensor windows and probe body are electrochemically polished to prevent caking
Particle Size Analysis
Particle size distribution data provides insight in the process, and is typically derived from the parameters Equivalent Diameter and Average Feret Diameter. The EyeTech Probe provides high resolution number and volume distribution results in a Gaussian distribution curve.
Particle Shape Analysis
Conventional particle size technologies are based on the assumption that particles are close to spherical in shape. Both the scientific community and 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 Probe. Online shape monitoring enables the accurate sizing of fibers and cylinders, and gives greater insight in flowability and crystallization processes.
The EyeTech 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 Probe’s in-situ sensor captures optimal particle images from the process. The sensor consists of a high speed 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 that performs image enhancement and which rejects 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 standard EyeTech Probe is fitted with back-illumination. Back-illumination is ideal for imaging highly concentrated or transparent samples. On request the EyeTech Probe can also be fitted with front-illumination, a set-up that provides the clearest images in low concentration applications.
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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.
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Image Analysis Software
The EyeTech software offers complete particle size and shape information with over 40 dedicated parameters that were engineered to be significant, robust and linked to physical properties of the particle systems. The following shape parameters are among those provided: Sieve-Size, Width, Height, Equivalent Diameter, Roundness, Roughness, Elongation, Convexity, Reactivity, Crystallinity, Hole Detection, Volume, Area, Perimeter, Shape Factor, and Specific Surface. User defined shape filters allow for grouping of particles based on size or shape, this is useful for monitoring changes in different categories of particles within the matrix. Measurement result print-outs are available with a click, and raw data is exportable for further analysis. The real-time, uncompressed video can be stored for later analysis.
Data presentation
Particle size and shape data is evaluated in real-time by the EyeTech software and can be monitored on the PC. Measurement results can be presented in number distribution, volume distribution, and trend graphs. All data can be exported to Excel for further evaluation.
EyeTech Particle Probe XL
In the standard EyeTech Particle Probe, the camera is placed outside the process and the optics are guided through the probe into the process. This model offers a wide range of different camera modules, with maximum flexibility of detection range, field of view and resolution, but at a fixed probe length. This model is recommended for most applications, including laboratory, pipelines or reaction vessel bypass installations.
The EyeTech Particle Probe XL (extra length) is designed for applications where a longer probe length is required. The XL model is equipped with a standard 0.5 Megapixel camera that is located inside the process. This model is recommended for installations in large vessels or in pipes with a large diameter, and is fully customizable.
Flexible portable design
The EyeTech Particle Probe was designed to be a flexible and portable tool. Due to its dimensions and light weight it is suitable for small scale laboratory vessels and standard glassware, while the durable materials used ensure the same probe can be fitted directly into the process for online analysis as well.
Select the EyeTech for applications where:
High resolution number distribution results are required to identify minor fractions within the sample
Samples are made of different particle matter
Particle shape matters
Shape filtering is useful
Laboratory Analyzer
The EyeTech is also available in a laboratory version for a wide range of applications that require offline analysis.
Applications
In all sorts of processes, liquids, concentrations or materials, that flow in a pipeline or reactor
- for solids in liquid systems
- for liquids in liquid systems
- for oil in liquids systems