A tool for the analysis of particles in suspensions and liquids must be easy to configure and provide the most detailed data. Comex’s CMWA multi-channel particle analyzer meets more than just these requirements.
The CMWA multi-channel grain composition measurement system consists of three main parts: a suspension collection system, a buffer system for storing the suspension and a computer located in the control room.
The operation of the analyzer is based on the principle of laser diffraction. Thanks to the use of a special model of statistical distribution, it is possible to measure even with a high concentration of particles. The measurement can also be carried out directly from most production lines. The material is collected using special suspension sampling systems, e.g. from a pipeline in which the material is transported.
The measurement system of the CMWA analyzer consists of the elements shown in the figure below. The main measuring element is the measuring cell 10, through which a beam of laser rays is sent, undergoing differential diffraction depending on the size of the grains. The measuring cell is supplied by the pump 11 with a mixture of water and measured material from the main tank 12.
Above the tank 12 there are intermediate tanks 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d for storing material samples taken at any time and from any measuring point. Each intermediate tank is fed by an individual sampler 14a, 14b and 14c placed on the pipeline (as described in section 1.2). Reservoir 14d is a backup and is used for manual measurement in case sample analysis is required independent of the hydrocyclone system. For manual measurement, pour the pre-mixed sample into the tank 14d and top up with water to the level marked on the side of the tank.
The measurement system is based on a laser source 15 and detectors 16 manufactured by Malvern. The measurement proceeds as follows. Suspended material in the pipeline (e.g. a) is taken up by the previously described sampler 14a. With each withdrawal of a 25 ml aliquot of suspension, it is transferred to the intermediate tank 13a. This tank (like the others) is made of special glass, thanks to which you can additionally observe the filling process during the measurement.
After taking, for example, 10 samples, the tank is filled up to the maximum level, i.e. approx. 2.5 l capacity. Then, in the intermediate tank, a mechanical mixing system is activated in order to homogenize the entire suspension in terms of concentration and grain composition. In the same way, the remaining samples from other pipelines can be taken and await analysis in the individual intermediate tanks 13b and 13c. When the analysis system is ready to measure the grain composition, a small ball valve opens under the tank 13a and starts emptying the tank contents through the stream sampler 17. It is used to separate the final portion of the suspension, which will be subjected to the final grain composition analysis in the tank 12. This sampler is presented in more detail in Fig. 5.
In the first phase, the slurry from the intermediate tank flows through the flexible hose 21 to the outlet 22. At the moment selected by the control system, the actuator 23 moves the flexible hose for a short time to the position allowing for drawing a small amount of the stream into the main tank 12. Depending on the concentration of the material, the collected Any amount of suspension portions flowing out of the hose 21 can be left. Thanks to this, the amount of the solid part of the material will be suitable for measurement in a laser diffractometer. After the measurement is completed, both the large ball valve under the main tank 12 and the intermediate tank 13a open to empty the measuring system of suspension. Then the system of nozzles with clean water is turned on in both tanks, which serves to remove the remains of suspension from the previous measurement cycle and prepare for the next cycle (e.g. measurement from the next intermediate tank 13b).
Developed by Comex, the particle analyzer in suspensions and liquids is a highly thought-out tool. The technologies used to develop it harmonize with each other, ensuring satisfaction from everyday use of our solution. See the benefits of choosing a multi-channel CMWA analyzer.
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