PARTICLE QUANTIFYING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

An apparatus for estimating the quantity of particles collected by a sucti on extractor includes a capturing element handling assembly including a pair of stationary plates disposed in a spaced relationship to define a gap therebetween, the stationary elements being provided with sets of main apertures disposed in alignment with each other to define a corresponding set of channels extendin g through the gap. A movable disk interposed within the gap is provided with a plurality of holders capable of receiving a plurality of filter-type particl e capturing elements. An actuator operatively coupled to the movable disk provides controlled movement thereof relative to the stationary plates. One of the main aperture s on the first stationary plate defines a first inlet in fluid communication with an output fluid carrying line, while one aligned aperture on the second stationary pla te defines a first outlet for fluid communication with the output fluid carryin g line. The apparatus further includes an optical sensing device disposed in alignment with a secondary aperture provided on the first stationary element and extending therethrough to communicate with the gap, for inspecting a selected particle capturing element to generate a measurement signal representative of optical characteristics of the captured particles, and a data processor for analyzin g the measurement signal to generate an estimation of the quantity of particles captured by the selected element. A controller is operatively connected to the actuat or to selectively displace the movable disk from a capturing position to an inspection position in respect of a selected particle capturing element. There is provided a device for cleaning a previously inspected capturing element while the selected capturing element is in the capturing position.