| What is particle imaging used for? | | | | and images particles in a sample. The FlowCAM also |
| Where particle size analysis is used to produce a | | | | provides the option of colour analysis and detection |
| distribution curve showing how large the majority of | | | | of living organisms by means of fluorescence. The |
| particles in a given solution are, particle imaging also | | | | measurement process is as follows: |
| provides the ability quantify morphological (ie. shape) | | | | * Particles are suspended in water |
| characteristics of particles. | | | | * The water is pumped through a flow cell |
| Determining particle shape parameters | | | | * Optics and a CCD camera magnify and capture an |
| When reporting particle size, we try to report just | | | | image of each particle, measuring its shape and size |
| one single number for each particle; the equivalent | | | | * The results are displayed as a scattergram. |
| spherical size. In image analysis reports, this is often | | | | * The user selects distributions to display, and regions |
| termed the CE diameter (or Circular Equivalent | | | | in the scattergram of particular interest can be |
| diameter). However, when it comes to reporting | | | | selected and displayed in more detail. |
| particle shape, there are many numerical descriptions | | | | * A library of information is housed in the system for |
| that can be used, including: length/width, aspect ratio, | | | | screening future samples, if necessary. |
| circularity, compactness, roughness, convexity and | | | | Real life applications |
| elongation. Most image analysis system also report | | | | In real life, particle size and shape determining |
| parameters such as lightness/darkness, opacity and | | | | technologies like those FlowCAM incorporates are |
| intensity. All of these parameters help differentiate | | | | used in applications like: |
| one type of particle to another, which is one of the | | | | * Water analysis for environmental purposes, |
| real strengths of image analysis. | | | | measuring things like plankton, algal blooms and levels |
| Where particle sizing can only report a size | | | | of sedimentation |
| distribution, image analysis can be used to quantify | | | | * Biotechnological settings, where quantification of |
| subtle differences in shape or optical properties. | | | | enzymes or fermentation processes is needed |
| New image analysis systems also provide powerful | | | | * Process monitoring, which covers most industrial |
| software packages that enable classification of | | | | applications – monitoring emulsions and |
| particles into different groups. This in turn enables | | | | dispersions, and in the polymer and pharmaceutical |
| users to quantify different types of materials in the | | | | industries. |
| one sample. | | | | * Formulation monitoring, used for solid substances |
| How FlowCAM works | | | | like topical cosmetics, flavour carriers, inks or |
| FlowCAM is one of the more popular of the new age | | | | pigments. |
| particle imaging systems. This system counts, sizes | | | | |