System and method for monitoring birefringent particles in a fluid
US9151943B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/0627
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.