New applications of particle analysis in general industry are constantly being developed, from the characterization of printer toner and superabrasives, ion resins to fruit juice, and microencapsulation processes. If it’s a liquid, or can be suspended in a liquid, analyze it on the FlowCam flow imaging microscope. Read a list of the novel samples submitted in 2018 for analysis in the Fluid Imaging Technologies lab.  

How will you know if the FlowCam will work for you? Send us a sample. We will analyze it on the FlowCam, walk you through the results on our image analysis software, VisualSpreadsheet^®, and give you a trial license to the software so you can re-process your data as you wish. 

The FlowCam captures high-resolution, digital images of particles suspended in a liquid medium. Over 40 physical parameters are measured from each image while the data is processed with VisualSpreadsheet. Use real digital images to verify the size, shape, and identity of your particles. 

How Does the FlowCam Work?

1. A liquid sample is introduced into the top of the FlowCam
2. Imaging and flow settings are adjusted to achieve optimal particle analysis
3. A microsyringe pump draws the sample (minimum sample volume = 100 µL ) through a cuvette and a camera photographs each particle as it flows, recording particle count and concentration in real time
4. Image recognition software, VisualSpreadsheet, measures 40+ physical properties from each particle image
5. Post-processing analysis enables you to create image libraries, identify and exclude certain types of particulates (silicone oil from proteins, for example) and create more accurate particle counts
6. Automatic classification is possible via machine learning. Reports can be exported to Excel in CSV format