Single-point sampling in the process with compact L-shaped probes in confined spaces
The compact single-point sampling probes are particularly well suited for dry, disperse products that tend to have a narrow grain size range and flow through the pipe cross-section with a preferably uniform distribution during transport. With an installation height of just 150 mm, they are integrated via a weld-on stud with clamping flange directly in the product-bearing process line. With the RODOS dry dispersion used in the downstream on-line analysis system the necessary vacuum for extracting an analysis sample is generated. Accordingly, the probes can be used in combination with both the MYTOS laser diffraction systems and the PICTOS image analysis systems.
The static probe is suitable for single-point sampling in pipes with a diameter from 65 mm to 250 mm. The sampling tip is freely adjustable in terms of immersion depth and tilt angle and is locked in the optimum sampling position in the process line. For adjustment to the product and to the mass flow, conveyor lines with a diameter of 6 mm and 10 mm are available. In terms of the coating for the lines, you can choose between abrasion-resistant NBR, conductive EPDM, anti-adhesive PTFE and extremely durable Vulkollan®. Depending on the design of the probe, product temperatures from -20°C to 150°C and applications in potentially explosive areas (ATEX) are safely handled. The dosage of the extracted sample amount depends on the selection of the interchangeable probe tips, with diameters ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm. A blow-back device is used in combination with a pinch valve to ensure that the system remains free of particles between measurements, during standby or during the performance of reference measurements.
Static L-shaped probe with interchangeable sampling tips
Sectional view of the pneumatic pivoting probe, which is integrated in the process line, for collection of a sample for on-line analysis
L-shaped probe installed in the process line with sample feeding tube to the MYTOS laser diffraction sensor
For GMP-compliant pharmaceutical applications, in which blow-back into the process is not permitted, the pneumatic pivoting probe is available as an alternative for pipe diameters from 150 mm to 200 mm. During reference measurements and in phases where no measurement is performed, the probe rotates its opening out of the product stream and thus remains free of unwanted particle ingress. Thanks to the pneumatically operated variation of the tilt angle of the probe, different areas of the product stream can be dynamically sampled for the measurement. The choice of probe calibre with diameters from 2 mm to 10 mm allows the optical concentration for the laser diffraction analysis to be determined via the extracted sample amount. The system can be adapted to a large number of products and processes and can be operated with product temperatures from -20°C to 100°C as well as – optionally – in potentially explosive areas (ATEX). The parts of the pivoting probe that come into contact with the product are made of stainless steel, PTFE, FEP and EPDM, and the probe is designed for cleaning in place (CIP). All functions are software-controlled, as a result of which safe and reliable measurement operation is ensured. Limit switches in the pivoting probe monitor the rotary motion and ensure additional safety during operation.
- Compact single-point sampling in the process line
- For dry and also cohesive powders with particles ranging from 0.25 µm to 3,500 µm
- Static probe for pipe diameters from 65 mm to 250 mm
- Pivoting probe for pipe diameters from 150 mm to 200 mm
- For process lines with mass flow rates from 1 kg/h to 3,000 kg/h
- Product temperature for static probe from -20°C to 150°C | For pivoting probe from -20°C to 100°C
- Operable at ambient temperatures from -35°C to 55°C
- Process pressure 0.8 to 1.1 bar absolute | Pressure surges (< 1 s) up to 10 bar
- ATEX and GMP optional
