Powder sampling and characterization by digital image analysis

The knowledge and understanding of powder shape and size are essential to the improvement and control of several industrial processes. This paper describes an offline methodology used in the characterization of powder properties based on digital image analysis:The method provides a reliable sample preparation consisting of a mixing operation and a statistical test validation. A versatile digital image procedure is presented: image calibration, enhancing and clustering permit to automatically detect particles and retrieve 2D properties. Shadow casting is applied to achieve the third dimension. The method can deliver statistically significant size and shape information in a single measurement characterizing the salient parameters of powder. The potential of the proposed method is shown with its application to some industrial powders. As is suggested it fulfils the identified needs of product and process monitoring applications for technological/industrial manufacturing, for quality control and improvement purposes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.