Dynamic image analysis in process environment for dry powders, granules, suspensions and emulsion from 1 µm to 10,000 µm
The powerful and proven system components of QICPIC are also available for process integration. With PICTOS & Co disperser and sensor of QICPIC are integrated into one robust body, developed specifically for dry and wet on-line applications. Process-related particle size and particle shape characterization is realized with integrated image analysis sensors PICTOS, PICTIS & PICCELL covering a size range from 1 µm to 10,000 µm.
PICTOS integrates QICPIC dynamic image analysis and RODOS dry dispersion technology in a robust body, which was specifically developed for on-line applications. PICTIS combines image analysis and gentle gravitational disperser GRADIS, allowing at-line or on-line applications in process environments. And PICCELL with its flow-through cuvette finally transfers wet dispersion to on-line operations of image analysis. Feeding of PICTOS is realised either with dynamic and representative sampling system TWISTER, blending MIXER or static L-probes. Also, automatic or user-operated manual feeding is an option. PICTIS is fed manually or automatically by existing samplers and PICCELL is connected to the process line via a bypass.
An integration into control systems for processes or for automated laboratories is realised with common communication standards such as Modbus®, Profibus® or OPC (Open Platform Communications) with TCP/IP, RS232 or RS485. The system performs the measurement and reports back the measurement results to the control system. The process-specific dynamic image analysers PICTOS & Co. find a wide range of applications from foundry sand to pharmaceutical products, from roughest industrial conditions to GMP environments.
PICTOS & Co. Family
The PICTOS family includes different solutions according to their installation environment:
| Sensor | Versions | Measuring range/ Modules |
|---|---|---|
| on-line | PICTOS & TWISTER | 1.8 µm to 3,500 µm/ 4 |
| on-line | PICCELL | 1 µm to 5,000 µm/ 5 |
| at-line | PICTOS & VIBRI | 1.8 µm to > 3,500 µm*/ 4 |
| at-line | PICTIS & VIBRI | 1.8 µm to 10,000 µm**/ 4 |
| off-line | PICTOS & VIBRI | 1.8 to > 3,500 µm*/ 4 |
| off-line | PICTIS & VIBRI | 1.8 µm to 10,000 µm**/ 4 |
| * for fibres | ||
| ** upper value for compact shapes |
- Particle size, particle shape, fibre characterisation
- Efficient dry dispersion ensuring complete dispersion for fine, even cohesive powders, granules and fibres down to the submicron range with PICTOS
- Gentle dispersion for free-flowing, coarser or even metastable powders, fibres and granules millimetre range with PICTIS
- Highly sensitive analysis of suspensions and emulsions with PICCELL
- Measurement outside the process line under process-related conditions
- Valid method transfer due to comparability to the established off-line image analysers QICPIC with RODOS, GRADIS or LIXELL using the same core components
- Real-time analyses at the process
- GMP design for regulated environments
- Remote control of the measurement procedure via TCP/IP or serial interface
Configurations
Together with the representative sampler TWISTER, the image analysis sensor PICTOS forms a perfectly coordinated and robust on-line process analysis system for fine, even cohesive powders, granules and fibres. PICCELL with its flow-through cuvette finally transfers wet dispersion of suspensions and emulsions to on-line operations of image analysis. PICTOS and PICCELL are operated in a bypass line to the main process stream and supplied with product samples from the product stream via a sampling system.
Configurations
The PICTOS & VIBRI system can also be used as a manually operated laboratory instrument. The process-design of the sensor is ideal for analyses in batch production or in the pilot plant. As standard, the systems are pre-equipped for potential integration at a later date into an at-line laboratory automation system.
