FOCUSED BEAM REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENT (FBRM) AND PARTICLE
VISION AND MEASUREMENT (PVM)
A particle size analyzer is an analytical instrument that provides key insight into
particle size, shape, and count. This requires technology that measures,
visualizes, and reports a particle size distribution for a given particle or droplet
population. Particle size analyzers play an important role during process
development and quality control of particle systems to develop efficient
processes and achieve high final product quality.
There are two types of particle size analyzers – inline and offline. In QC Labs,
offline particle size analyzers are used to check the specification of particles at
the end of a process to identify deviations from the required particle properties.
However, common sampling challenges, increasing pressure to expedite process
development, and a higher demand for “right-first-time" processes require the
use of inline particle size analyzers, like EasyViewer with( PVM
technology) and ParticleTrack (with FBRM, Focus Beam Reflectance
Measurement technology). The ability to continuously measure particles as
they naturally exist in a process has dramatically improved the ability to
understand, optimize, and control particle and droplet systems, in real-time.
How it work?
The Particle Size Distribution (PSD) and shape (quantified by the aspect ratio -
ratio of particle width to length) of the particles in a suspension can be
monitored in situ using data from suitable instruments. The FBRM sensor
measures a chord length distribution (CLD) which depends on the PSD and
aspect ratio of suspended particles. The PSD and aspect ratio of the
particles can subsequently be estimated from the CLD data by solving an
inverse problem . The PVM sensor captures images of particles in a
suspension from which the PSD and aspect ratio of the particles can be
estimated using a suitable image processing algorithm .
DETAILS.
An imaging method in combination with an optical fiber and camera device can
be employed to monitor particle size changes in real time. The imaging method
measures particle size using a charge coupled device camera and an optical fiber
for illumination. Focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) is a non-
destructive way to characterize particle size using scattered light , laser beam
intersects the particle . FBRM technology employs a probe-based instrument
that is inserted directly into a container being used for a process to identify
changes in particle size and count, particle structure and droplets in real time at
full process concentrations. As shown in (Figure) , the probe angle is controlled
to ensure particles can flow easily across the probe window, where the
measurement takes place. A laser beam is launched down the probe tube
through a set of optics and is tightly focused onto a beam spot in the sapphire
window. The optics rotate at a fixed speed, allowing the beam spot to rapidly
scan particles as they flow past the window. As the focused beam scans across
the particle system, individual particles or particle structures backscatter the
laser light to the detector. These distinct pulses of backscattered light are
detected and counted and the duration of each pulse is multiplied by the scan
speed to calculate the distance across each particle. This distance is defined as
the chord length, a fundamental measurement of a particle that is related to the
particle size. Typically, thousands of particles are counted and measured per
second, allowing the precise and highly sensitive chord length distribution to be
reported in real time. The chord length distribution (CLD) tracks how particle
size and count change from the beginning to the end of a process. Trends in
statistics for each chord length distribution, such as those regarding counts in
fine and coarse size classes, can be observed over time. These particle size
measurement methods have been introduced to determine the endpoint of
granulation in real time, the backscattered pulse from the laser probe is
measured in the focus plane from one edge of the particle to an opposing edge.
In the first approximation, the chord length of a scanned particle CL can be
accounted for by CL = Vb∙ΔtS. Here ΔtS is the time of flight for a pulse. The
proportionality constant in this equation is V b, the velocity of the scanning focal
point. While PVM (Particle Vision and Measurement) Captures real-time
images of particles, uses a high-speed camera and image analysis software to
measure particle size, shape, and count that provides visual confirmation of
particle characteristics.
In the market there are FBRM AND PVM equipment is available.
In my opinion ,we first have to try which is available and after the
benchmarking to have made it for the large .
CONCLUSION
Both Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) and Particle Vision and
Measurement (PVM) technologies can be used for real-time measurement of the
size or fineness of output raw materials, such as coke breeze and Flux. These
technologies can help in monitoring the particle size distribution and alerting
the operator if the size surpasses the specified range.
FBRM, with its ability to measure particle sizes in real time, can be used to
continuously monitor the size of coke breeze and Flux particles. If the size of
particles exceeds the specified range, the FBRM system can alert the operator,
allowing for immediate corrective actions.
Similarly, PVM technology, which captures images of particles in a suspension,
can be used to monitor the size and shape of coke breeze and Flux particles. By
analyzing these images, the PVM system can determine if the particle size
exceeds the specified range and alert the operator accordingly.