WO2006082446A1 - Particle sampling device with adhesive tape collector - Google Patents

Particle sampling device with adhesive tape collector Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006082446A1
WO2006082446A1 PCT/GB2006/000423 GB2006000423W WO2006082446A1 WO 2006082446 A1 WO2006082446 A1 WO 2006082446A1 GB 2006000423 W GB2006000423 W GB 2006000423W WO 2006082446 A1 WO2006082446 A1 WO 2006082446A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tape
mouth
sampling probe
probe
lips
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/000423
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christopher Wright
Agba Salman
Michael Hounslow
Original Assignee
University Of Sheffield
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by University Of Sheffield filed Critical University Of Sheffield
Publication of WO2006082446A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006082446A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/06—Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/10—Investigating individual particles
    • G01N15/14—Optical investigation techniques, e.g. flow cytometry
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
    • G01N1/2813—Producing thin layers of samples on a substrate, e.g. smearing, spinning-on
    • G01N2001/2833—Collecting samples on a sticky, tacky, adhesive surface

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a sampling device for particles in a fluid-particles flow in solids handling equipment , and particularly for use in a granulation or mixing process .
  • EP-A-0855590 discloses a sampling system in which a tube is fixed in a sample space of a mixer and a blast of air is employed to direct samples in the space along the tube .
  • a tube is fixed in a sample space of a mixer and a blast of air is employed to direct samples in the space along the tube .
  • An adhesive and transparent tape At the end of the tube remote from the sample space is an adhesive and transparent tape . Particles entrained by the air blast stick to the tape when they impinge thereon .
  • a camera views the particles adhered to the tape from the reverse side thereof and supplies image data to a processor for manipulation and output of information about the samples taken .
  • Such a system is effective but relies on the air blast providing a representative sample to the tape .
  • there is significant risk that, particularly in wet systems particles will adhere to the tube, both inside and out, and affect sampling over time . Furthermore, only particles that pass near the entrance to the tube can be sampled .
  • a sampling probe comprising an elongate tubular body having a mouth at one end, which mouth is of substantially rectangular configuration and is closed by a tape around one or more spindles adj acent the mouth, adhesive on the tape facing out of the mouth, a camera viewing the tape at a distance from the mouth and providing image data for subsequent processing to obtain information about particles adhered to the tape, and drive means to drive the tape between the mouth and the camera .
  • a sampling probe in accordance with the present invention is versatile in that it can be deployed anywhere in a mixing process to obtain samples from particular locations .
  • the tape does not need to be transparent, of course, because it is viewed remotely from the sample site . Indeed, the tape can be chosen to provide the best contrast for the particles being sampled . Perhaps more importantly, however, the sample taken by the probe will be more representative of the particles in the sample space, since the particles sampled are not influenced by any preferential tendency to be deflected by air blasts .
  • a single pulley is disposed in the mouth and around which the tape runs .
  • the drive means may be continuous and the camera taking images at a frequency to capture changes in particle characteristics as they occur .
  • the higher the speed of the tape the less is the delay that occurs before the sample taken is analysed by the camera .
  • the drive means may be stepped .
  • a sprocket drive is preferred, whereby drive to the tape is assured .
  • Said tube may be hinged, whereby it is rendered flexible and so that sampling can more easily be achieved in remote, difficult to access locations of a solids handling system.
  • intermediate pulleys may be provided to direct the tape appropriately .
  • An even smaller gap is preferably provided, sufficient only to allow unhindered running of the tape, between the edge of the tape and adj acent lips of the mouth .
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a probe in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a top view with a top cover removed;
  • Figure 3 is an alternative front end arrangement of the probe;
  • Figure 4 is alternative embodiment of the present invention .
  • a probe 10 comprises a tubular housing 12 which may be constructed of metal or plastics material .
  • a mouth 16 At a front end 14 is formed a mouth 16 having side lips 18 and top and bottom lips 20.
  • a roller (a single spindle) 22 , rotatable about a central axis 24.
  • a tape 24 supplied from a feed reel or spool 26, via first guide pulley 28 , and ultimately winding onto a take-up reel or spool 30 via second guide pulley 32.
  • a motor 34 drives the take-up reel via a belt 36, friction in the feed reel 26 keeping the tape 24 taut .
  • the tape is adhesive on one side, being the outside of the roller 22. Indeed, the tape adhering to itself on the spool 26 may provide the friction j ust mentioned to keep the tape taut . Needless to say, the adhesive must permit the tape to be unpeeled from itself without damage, otherwise a release layer may be needed . In this event, a further spool (not shown) can be provided to take up the release layer as the tape unwinds from feed reel 26.
  • this gap 40 should be no larger then the maximum diameter of particle to be sampled . This is arranged to be about 2 mm, as particles larger than about 1.5 mm diameter may not adhere consistently to the tape .
  • top and bottom lips 20 are shaped to follow the edges of the tape 24 , and to be as close as possible thereto without fouling its free movement . Thus the opportunity for particles to get inside the probe 10 and clog its operation is minimised .
  • the probe 10 At a distance from the mouth 16, the probe 10 includes a chamber 42 housing a camera 44 focussed on the tape 24 in front of it .
  • the images captured are transmitted to a computer 50 where they are processed to acquire statistical data about particle size, shape and composition of the particles adhered to the tape 24.
  • the camera includes an illumination device, which may comprise visible light, but also perhaps ultra-violet or infra-red depending on the characteristics to be monitored .
  • FIG 3 shows an arrangement in which the roller 22 has been replaced by two guide posts (a pair of spindles)
  • Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement of the spools 26' , 30' of probe 10 ' in which the pulleys 28 , 30 of Figures 1 and 2 are avoided.
  • the probe 10' is longer and thinner than the probe 10.
  • the probe 10' has an extra feature in being flexible . That is to say, the body 12 ' is in two parts 12a, b, hinged together about pulley 50. Pins 52 , 54 guide the tape 24.
  • the flexible end 12b of the sampler 10' enables samples to be taken from awkward or otherwise difficult- to-reach locations .
  • the sampler is useful to sampling particles in any fluid space and may be suitable even in liquids by appropriate selection of the adhesive employed to stick the particles to the tape .

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

A sampling probe (10), comprises an elongate tubular body (12) having a mouth (16) at one end. The mouth is of substantially rectangular configuration, closed by a tape (24) around a spindle (22) adjacent the mouth. Adhesive on the tape faces out of the mouth. A camera (44) views the tape at a distance from the mouth and provides image data for subsequent processing by a computer (50) . Information about particles adhered to the tape is thereby obtained. Continuous or stepped drive means (34) drive the tape between the mouth and the camera. Spools (26,30) supply new, and store used, sections of the tape (24) .

Description

PARTICLE SAMPLING DEVICE WITH ADHESIVE TAPE COLLECTOR
This invention relates to a sampling device for particles in a fluid-particles flow in solids handling equipment , and particularly for use in a granulation or mixing process .
In the pharmaceutical industry, and in many other industries (although perhaps not to the same critical precision as the pharmaceutical industry) , solid and liquid components are mixed together to form particles or granules of various sizes . It is usually the case that there is consistency between the particles formed as to their composition, size, shape etc . In order to achieve this consistency, it is necessary to monitor the process of mixing .
Research has shown that the early stages of a mixing process are often critical, when particles are at their smallest and before significant agglomeration of particles has taken place . Co-pending UK Patent Application Number 0419914.7 filed 8 September 2004 describes a visual means of monitoring particle size . This system is useful for particle sizes in excess of about 2 mm diameter, but for smaller sizes the visual contrast between particles tends to diminish .
EP-A-0855590 discloses a sampling system in which a tube is fixed in a sample space of a mixer and a blast of air is employed to direct samples in the space along the tube . At the end of the tube remote from the sample space is an adhesive and transparent tape . Particles entrained by the air blast stick to the tape when they impinge thereon . A camera views the particles adhered to the tape from the reverse side thereof and supplies image data to a processor for manipulation and output of information about the samples taken . Such a system is effective but relies on the air blast providing a representative sample to the tape . Also, there is significant risk that, particularly in wet systems , particles will adhere to the tube, both inside and out, and affect sampling over time . Furthermore, only particles that pass near the entrance to the tube can be sampled .
It is an obj ect of the present invention to overcome these disadvantages , or at least to mitigate their effects .
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a sampling probe, comprising an elongate tubular body having a mouth at one end, which mouth is of substantially rectangular configuration and is closed by a tape around one or more spindles adj acent the mouth, adhesive on the tape facing out of the mouth, a camera viewing the tape at a distance from the mouth and providing image data for subsequent processing to obtain information about particles adhered to the tape, and drive means to drive the tape between the mouth and the camera .
A sampling probe in accordance with the present invention is versatile in that it can be deployed anywhere in a mixing process to obtain samples from particular locations . The tape does not need to be transparent, of course, because it is viewed remotely from the sample site . Indeed, the tape can be chosen to provide the best contrast for the particles being sampled . Perhaps more importantly, however, the sample taken by the probe will be more representative of the particles in the sample space, since the particles sampled are not influenced by any preferential tendency to be deflected by air blasts .
Preferably a single pulley is disposed in the mouth and around which the tape runs .
The drive means may be continuous and the camera taking images at a frequency to capture changes in particle characteristics as they occur . In this respect , the higher the speed of the tape, the less is the delay that occurs before the sample taken is analysed by the camera .
Alternatively, the drive means may be stepped . In any event, a sprocket drive is preferred, whereby drive to the tape is assured .
Said tube may be hinged, whereby it is rendered flexible and so that sampling can more easily be achieved in remote, difficult to access locations of a solids handling system. In this event, intermediate pulleys may be provided to direct the tape appropriately .
Preferably, there is only a small gap of the order of the largest particles desired to be sampled by the probe between the adhesive surface of the tape and the adj acent lips of the mouth . An even smaller gap is preferably provided, sufficient only to allow unhindered running of the tape, between the edge of the tape and adj acent lips of the mouth .
Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter, by way of an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a probe in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top view with a top cover removed; Figure 3 is an alternative front end arrangement of the probe; and
Figure 4 is alternative embodiment of the present invention .
In the drawings , a probe 10 comprises a tubular housing 12 which may be constructed of metal or plastics material . At a front end 14 is formed a mouth 16 having side lips 18 and top and bottom lips 20.
In the mouth 16 is disposed a roller (a single spindle) 22 , rotatable about a central axis 24. Around the roller is wound a tape 24 , supplied from a feed reel or spool 26, via first guide pulley 28 , and ultimately winding onto a take-up reel or spool 30 via second guide pulley 32. A motor 34 drives the take-up reel via a belt 36, friction in the feed reel 26 keeping the tape 24 taut .
The tape is adhesive on one side, being the outside of the roller 22. Indeed, the tape adhering to itself on the spool 26 may provide the friction j ust mentioned to keep the tape taut . Needless to say, the adhesive must permit the tape to be unpeeled from itself without damage, otherwise a release layer may be needed . In this event, a further spool (not shown) can be provided to take up the release layer as the tape unwinds from feed reel 26.
Between the side lips 18 and the tape 24 on the roller
22 , there is a small gap 40. The width of this gap should be no larger then the maximum diameter of particle to be sampled . This is arranged to be about 2 mm, as particles larger than about 1.5 mm diameter may not adhere consistently to the tape .
The top and bottom lips 20 are shaped to follow the edges of the tape 24 , and to be as close as possible thereto without fouling its free movement . Thus the opportunity for particles to get inside the probe 10 and clog its operation is minimised .
At a distance from the mouth 16, the probe 10 includes a chamber 42 housing a camera 44 focussed on the tape 24 in front of it . The images captured are transmitted to a computer 50 where they are processed to acquire statistical data about particle size, shape and composition of the particles adhered to the tape 24.
A compromise needs to be made in respect of the speed of movement of the tape . If it moves quickly, then the delay between a sample being taken at the mouth and an analysis being produced by the computer 50, following image capture by the camera 44 , is minimised . On the other hand, moving the tape too quickly has both an impact on the image quality, as well as a reduction in the density of particles analysed in any one image .
The camera includes an illumination device, which may comprise visible light, but also perhaps ultra-violet or infra-red depending on the characteristics to be monitored .
Figure 3 shows an arrangement in which the roller 22 has been replaced by two guide posts (a pair of spindles)
22a, b fixed in the housing 12 ' adj acent side lips 18. This arrangement provides a flatter sample face 11 ' , as opposed to the cylindrical face 11 of the Figures 1 and 2 probe .
In the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2 , the adhesive side of the tape 24 rides over the first and second guide pulleys 28 , 32. Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement of the spools 26' , 30' of probe 10 ' in which the pulleys 28 , 30 of Figures 1 and 2 are avoided. Here, the probe 10' is longer and thinner than the probe 10. However, the probe 10' has an extra feature in being flexible . That is to say, the body 12 ' is in two parts 12a, b, hinged together about pulley 50. Pins 52 , 54 guide the tape 24. The flexible end 12b of the sampler 10' enables samples to be taken from awkward or otherwise difficult- to-reach locations .
The sampler is useful to sampling particles in any fluid space and may be suitable even in liquids by appropriate selection of the adhesive employed to stick the particles to the tape .

Claims

1. A sampling probe, comprising an elongate tubular body having a mouth at one end, which mouth is of substantially rectangular configuration and is closed by a tape around one or more spindles adj acent the mouth, adhesive on the tape facing out of the mouth, a camera viewing the tape at a distance from the mouth and providing image data for subsequent processing to obtain information about particles adhered to the tape, and drive means to drive the tape between the mouth and the camera .
2. A sampling probe as claimed in claim 1 , in which a single roller is disposed in the mouth and around which the tape runs .
3. A sampling probe as claimed in claim 1, in which a pair of guide posts is disposed in the mouth adj acent each of two side lips thereof and around which the tape runs .
4. A sampling probe as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3 , in which the drive means is continuous .
5. A sampling probe as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3 , in which the drive means is stepped .
6. A sampling probe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which there is a small gap of the order of the largest particles desired to be sampled by the probe between the adhesive surface of the tape and the adjacent side lips of the mouth .
7. A sampling probe as claimed in claim 6, in which a smaller gap is provided, sufficient only to allow unhindered running of the tape, between the edge of the tape and adj acent top and bottom lips of the mouth .
8. A sampling probe as claimed in claim 7 , when dependent on claim 2, in which said bottom and top lips are circular arcs corresponding with the top and bottom edges of the roller .
9. A sampling probe substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 , 3 or 4 of the accompanying drawings
PCT/GB2006/000423 2005-02-07 2006-02-06 Particle sampling device with adhesive tape collector WO2006082446A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0502338A GB2422898B (en) 2005-02-07 2005-02-07 Sampling device
GB0502338.7 2005-02-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006082446A1 true WO2006082446A1 (en) 2006-08-10

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WO (1) WO2006082446A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008052836A1 (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for the detection of impurities on a surface
US10286149B2 (en) 2008-12-05 2019-05-14 Fluisense Aps Body fluid sampling device and a method thereof

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2604120A1 (en) * 2011-12-13 2013-06-19 Parlanca Limited Apparatus and method for automated sampling

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1423008A (en) * 1973-05-02 1976-01-28 Vickers Ltd Device for monitoring suspended material in a fluid
GB2032391A (en) * 1978-09-12 1980-05-08 Sandoz Products Ltd Sampling Device
US5497232A (en) * 1993-10-26 1996-03-05 Fuji Paudal Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for monitoring granular size and shape during a granulation or coating process
EP0855590A1 (en) * 1995-10-25 1998-07-29 Freund Industrial Co., Ltd. Particle measuring device for granule processing apparatus and particle measuring method

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3043081B2 (en) * 1991-02-21 2000-05-22 塩野義製薬株式会社 Particle size measuring device in fluidized bed granulator
US6697152B2 (en) * 1999-05-12 2004-02-24 John Samuel Batchelder Surface cleaning and particle counting

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1423008A (en) * 1973-05-02 1976-01-28 Vickers Ltd Device for monitoring suspended material in a fluid
GB2032391A (en) * 1978-09-12 1980-05-08 Sandoz Products Ltd Sampling Device
US5497232A (en) * 1993-10-26 1996-03-05 Fuji Paudal Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for monitoring granular size and shape during a granulation or coating process
EP0855590A1 (en) * 1995-10-25 1998-07-29 Freund Industrial Co., Ltd. Particle measuring device for granule processing apparatus and particle measuring method

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008052836A1 (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for the detection of impurities on a surface
US8363213B2 (en) 2006-10-31 2013-01-29 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for detecting impurities on a surface
US10286149B2 (en) 2008-12-05 2019-05-14 Fluisense Aps Body fluid sampling device and a method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2422898B (en) 2009-10-28
GB2422898A (en) 2006-08-09
GB0502338D0 (en) 2005-03-16

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