Inline process microscopy

Accurate data straight from the process

Whereas in traditional laboratory microscopy the preparing of the sample happens manually and the sample is completely static, in inline microscopy sampling is not needed, since the Pixact system produces imaging straight from the process continuously. This is called insitu microscopy (ISM), and it is the basis of all Pixact measurement systems.

To ensure that the customer gets accurate data in real time, the Pixact system is an interface to customer image analysis.

pixact imaging unit in reactor

Features

Why choose Pixact inline microscope?

Traditional microscope

  • Static and completely planar sample between glass plates
  • Labor intensive
  • Preparation may affect the sample
  • Works only for stable particle samples

Pixact inline microscope

 

 

  • Inline – no sampling needed
  • Continuous measurement in real time
  • Imaging in real, moving process conditions – more accurate results
  • Limited opportunities to optimize imaging conditions

Application areas

 From lab to pilot to production: Pixact technology can be utilized from R&D activities in the laboratory to the manufacturing scale process control, with the same hardware equipment.

Technology

Pixact imaging units can be equipped with wide variety of imaging lenses.

The magnifications vary from 0.25 to 20X depending on the resolution and field-of-view requirements. Example images CHO at 10X and some pulp impurities at 0.5X.

Pixact imaging units utilize two illumination concepts:

Back illumination (bright-field)

  • Imaging carried out in a (narrow) gap
  • High contrast  – optimal for small particles
  • Based on index of refraction differences – works well also for translucent objects
  • Monochromatic illumination preferred => grayscale image

Front illumination (dark-field)

  • Imaging carried out through a single window – no need to penetrate into the suspension, window can be in-flush with the wall
  • Based on reflective light – not that efficient => risk of motion blur
  • Also white light – object color measurement

Installation

Pixact offers two product families for inline installation:

  • Pixscope probe design can be installed on to the top or the side inlet in the reactor
  • Pixcell flow-through design can be installed to a pipeline (inline or bypass)

See more in the solution section

 

Solutions