SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR IN-LINE MONITORING OF PARTICLES IN OPAQUE FLOWS AND SELECTIVE OBJECT MANIPULATION IN MULTI-COMPONENT FLOW

摘要

Systems and methods are disclosed for particle monitoring, in particular in-line particle monitoring and selective object manipulation in multi-component flow. An exemplary system can include a detection system for the monitoring of a component, such as a particle in a opaque flow carrier. An exemplary system includes confining a flowable sample which is opaque to at least a first range of wavelengths of light waves; compressing the flowable sample in a first direction while confining the sample in a second direction parallel to a flow direction of the flowable sample and orthogonal to the first direction, while elongating the sample in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. When the sample is compressed in the first direction, the sample becomes transparent to at least one of the wavelengths in the first range of wavelengths enabling optical means for particle detection. The system can also include a device such as a valve or actuator to manipulate the detected component from other components in the flow carrier. A controller or other processor can receive and process detected component data and distinguish a component of interest from the remaining flowable sample. Once the component is recognized, the controller synchronizes the flow manipulation device with the detection system to manipulate the detected component from the flow carrier.