Optical particle counter

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides an optical particle counter, and relates to the technical field of counter processing. The application discloses an optical particle counter, which comprises a support cabinet and further comprises: a detection assembly fixedly installed at the lower part of the support cabinet; wherein the detection assembly comprises: a transmission pipe, and a transparent pipe is integrally formed in the middle part of the transmission pipe. According to the application, liquid samples flow into the transparent pipe section integrally formed in the middle part of the transmission pipe under the driving of the injection assembly, and when the particles in the liquid pass through the intersection point, the light intensity changes: smaller particles mainly cause light scattering signals, which are received and analyzed by a scattering sensor; larger particles block a certain proportion of light flux, forming light intensity reduction signals, which are recognized by a reduction sensor, and a first control board synchronously collects two signals and fuses data, so that particle size recognition, quantity counting and classification output are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of counting instrument processing technology, and particularly relates to optical particle counters. Background Technology

[0002] A liquid particle counter is a precision analytical instrument specifically designed to detect the number and size distribution of solid particles in liquid media. It is widely used in hydraulic systems, lubrication systems, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and water treatment industries for stringent monitoring of liquid cleanliness. Its working principle is typically based on optical obscuration, light scattering, or microscopic image recognition technology. When particles pass through the detection zone, the system automatically captures changes in light signals or image features, achieving real-time particle identification and accurate counting. This instrument supports multi-level particle size channel analysis.

[0003] However, traditional technologies have some limitations: when detecting particles across multiple size ranges, conventional liquid particle counters often suffer from insufficient sensitivity and a narrow dynamic response range due to the limitations of a single optical detection principle. This is especially true for detecting tiny particles ranging from nanometers to micrometers, where weak signals or signals close to background noise can easily lead to omissions or misjudgments, failing to comprehensively and accurately reflect the state of liquid contamination. To address this, a composite detection principle combining "optical attenuation + light scattering" is employed. This principle organically combines two physical processes: optical attenuation achieves coverage of the dynamic particle size range for larger particles, while light scattering enhances the response sensitivity to smaller particles, thereby significantly improving the overall detection accuracy and stability in complex particle environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an optical particle counter.

[0005] The present invention is implemented as follows: an optical particle counter, including a support cabinet, further including: a detection component, the detection component being fixedly installed at the lower part of the support cabinet; wherein, the detection component includes: a transmission tube, the middle of which is integrally formed with a transparent tube; a control component, the control component assembly including a first control board, the first control board integrating a scattering sensor and an attenuation sensor for detecting the number of particles in the liquid passing through the transparent tube, and the intersection of the detection sections of the scattering sensor and the attenuation sensor being located at the transparent tube.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support plate is fixedly installed at the lower part of the support cabinet, a lower housing is fixedly installed on one side of the support plate, and an upper housing is fixedly installed on the side of the lower housing away from the support plate. The lower housing and the upper housing support the forming of an installation cavity.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first control board is fixedly installed on the upper part of the lower housing, and a base is fixedly installed on the bottom of the lower housing, with a forked groove on the upper part of the base.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transparent tube is located inside the bifurcated groove, and the scattering sensor and the attenuation sensor are located at the bifurcation positions of the bifurcated groove and are inserted therein. The transmission tube is fixed inside the lower housing and penetrates the lower housing.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a connecting seat is fixedly installed on one side of the lower housing, and a data jack for transmitting data is fixedly installed on the upper part of the connecting seat. The connecting seat is electrically connected to the base, and the base is electrically connected to the first control board through a first wire. The first control board is also electrically connected to a second control board fixed inside the upper housing through a second wire.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an upper protective plate is fixedly installed on the upper part of the first control board, and a lower protective plate is also fixedly installed on the lower part of the first control board.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cabinet is integrated and installed at the rear of the support cabinet, the output end of the cabinet is fixedly connected to the input end of the transmission pipe of the detection component, and the output end of the transmission pipe is fixedly connected to the input end of the drain valve fixed at the lower part of the support cabinet.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an injection assembly, an air-driven valve, and a primary dilution chamber are also fixedly installed on the upper part of the support countertop, and a secondary dilution chamber is provided inside the cabinet.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the injection assembly includes a syringe fixed to the upper part of the support cabinet, a drive arm slidably mounted on the upper part of the support cabinet and fixedly connected to the piston of the syringe, a three-way valve installed at the output end of the syringe, and a beaker placed on the support cabinet platform.

[0014] The method of using an optical particle counter includes the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Equipment startup and self-test.

[0016] Turn on the main power supply of the cabinet and confirm that the power is on normally. The scattering sensor and the attenuation sensor are in standby mode. Check whether the transmission tube is clean and free of liquid residue. Ensure that the light path of the transparent tube is unobstructed. Perform a self-test to initialize the equipment. Automatically detect the status of components such as light source, sensor, and valve and output prompt information. Only after the self-test is completed can the cleaning step be started.

[0017] Step Two: Automatic cleaning and background value reset to zero.

[0018] Rinse the injection system and transfer tube with purified water, observe the change in background value, and continue rinsing until the background value is below 20. During this process, the beaker can be replaced or the rinsing process can be repeated to improve the cleaning effect, ensuring that the sensor enters the sampling state in an interference-free background. Parameter settings can only be made after the background value has stabilized.

[0019] Step 3: Set the detection parameters and prepare the sample.

[0020] Set the particle size channel range, sampling volume, counting mode and whether to enable the dilution function according to the sample type. Prepare 500ml of purified water to clean the injection tube. After cleaning, take the injection tube out of the beaker and insert it into the sample bottle to be tested. Check the direction of the three-way valve and the injection path. Confirm that the injection assembly and air-driven valve are in normal condition.

[0021] Step 4: Begin sampling and result acquisition.

[0022] The cabinet control system starts the syringe drive arm to extract the sample. The sample enters the transparent tube section through the transfer tube. After light attenuation and light scattering are combined for detection, the sensor records the particle size and quantity information in real time. After the measurement is completed, the equipment automatically closes the sample inlet and generates a report. Users can export the results through the data jack or view the data in real time on the cabinet control board display.

[0023] This invention integrates a scattering sensor and an attenuation sensor into a single detection component, enabling dual-mode optical recognition and counting of particles in a liquid. The liquid sample, driven by the injection assembly, flows through a transfer tube into a centrally formed transparent tube section. This transparent tube, serving as an optical detection channel, possesses excellent light transmittance. In this region, the detection optical paths of the scattering and attenuation sensors intersect inside the transparent tube. When a particle in the liquid passes this intersection, it triggers a change in light intensity: smaller particles primarily induce light scattering signals, which are received and analyzed by the scattering sensor.

[0024] Larger particles will block a certain proportion of the light flux, forming a light intensity reduction signal, which is identified by the reduction sensor. The first control board synchronously collects and fuses the two signals to realize particle size identification, quantity counting and classification output.

[0025] Through this composite detection mechanism, the equipment can achieve both high sensitivity and high accuracy over a wide particle size range, significantly improving the adaptability and reliability of particle detection in multi-particle-size ranges and complex liquid samples. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the support cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cabinet structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 This is provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure at point B;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the counting component structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the counting component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the control component structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Support cabinet; 2. Detection assembly; 3. Drain valve; 4. Injection assembly; 5. Air-driven valve; 6. Primary dilution chamber; 7. Beaker; 8. Cabinet; 9. Support plate;

[0036] 201. Connector; 202. Lower housing; 203. Upper housing; 204. Data jack; 205. Base; 206. Control component; 207. First wire; 208. Second wire; 209. Second control board; 210. Transmission tube; 211. Transparent tube; 212. Forked slot;

[0037] 2061, First control board; 2062, Upper protective plate; 2063, Lower protective plate; 2064, Scattering sensor; 2065, Attenuation sensor;

[0038] 401. Drive arm; 402. Syringe; 403. Three-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To further understand the invention's content, features, and effects, the following embodiments are provided, and detailed descriptions are given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The structure of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 9As shown, the optical particle counter provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a support cabinet 1 and a detection component 2, which is fixedly installed in the lower part of the support cabinet 1. The detection component 2 includes a transmission tube 210, in which a transparent tube 211 is integrally formed; and a control component 206, which includes a first control board 2061. The first control board 2061 integrates a scattering sensor 2064 and a reduction sensor 2065 for detecting the number of particles in the liquid passing through the transparent tube 211, and the intersection of the detection sections of the scattering sensor 2064 and the reduction sensor 2065 is located at the transparent tube 211.

[0042] The aforementioned optical particle counter integrates the scattering sensor 2064 and the attenuation sensor 2065 into the same detection component 2, enabling dual-mode optical recognition and counting of particles in the liquid. Driven by the injection component 4, the liquid sample flows through the transfer tube 210 into the centrally integrally formed transparent tube 211 section. The transparent tube 211 serves as an optical detection channel and possesses excellent light transmittance.

[0043] In this region, the detection optical paths of the scattering sensor 2064 and the attenuation sensor 2065 intersect inside the transparent tube 211. When particles in the liquid pass through this intersection, they will cause changes in light intensity: smaller particles mainly cause light scattering signals, which are received and analyzed by the scattering sensor 2064.

[0044] Larger particles will block a certain proportion of the light flux, forming a light intensity reduction signal, which is identified by the reduction sensor 2065.

[0045] The first control board 2061 synchronously acquires and fuses the two signals to achieve particle size identification, quantity counting, and classification output.

[0046] Through this composite detection mechanism, the equipment can achieve both high sensitivity and high accuracy over a wide particle size range, significantly improving the adaptability and reliability of particle detection in multi-particle-size ranges and complex liquid samples.

[0047] In this embodiment, a support plate 9 is fixedly installed on the lower part of the support cabinet 1. A lower housing 202 is fixedly installed on one side of the support plate 9. An upper housing 203 is fixedly installed on the side of the lower housing 202 away from the support plate 9. The lower housing 202 and the upper housing 203 support the forming of an installation cavity. A first control plate 2061 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the lower housing 202. A base 205 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the lower housing 202. A bifurcated groove 212 is opened on the upper part of the base 205. A transparent tube 211 is located inside the bifurcated groove 212. A scattering sensor 2064 and a reduction sensor 2065 are located at the bifurcation positions of the bifurcated groove 212 and are inserted. A transmission tube 210 is fixed inside the lower housing 202 and penetrates the lower housing 202.

[0048] Through structural integration and modular design, a stable sensor installation and testing platform was constructed. A support plate 9 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the support cabinet 1, serving as the load-bearing base of the overall structure. The lower housing 202 is connected to one side of the support plate 9 to support the transmission system and the testing component 2.

[0049] The lower housing 202 is connected to the upper housing 203 on the side away from the support plate 9 by fastening. The upper and lower housings 202 together form a closed and stable mounting cavity, providing protection and support for the internal components. The first control board 2061 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the lower housing 202 and is responsible for the overall operation control and signal processing. The bottom of the lower housing 202 is provided with a base 205, and the upper part of the base 205 is designed with a forked groove 212 for precise positioning of the detection optical path.

[0050] The transparent tube 211 is inserted into the bifurcated groove 212 and serves as the core part of the detection channel. The scattering sensor 2064 and the attenuation sensor 2065 are respectively inserted and installed at the bifurcated positions on both sides.

[0051] When a liquid sample flows into the transparent tube 211 through the transfer tube 210, the particles scatter or block light in the converging light paths, which are responded to by the two sensors respectively, forming different types of signals that are transmitted to the control board.

[0052] This structure ensures that the sensor detection section is precisely aligned with the center of the transparent tube 211, guaranteeing the consistency and accuracy of optical detection. It also protects against external interference through the cavity, effectively improving the sensitivity and stability of particle detection. It is suitable for highly reliable detection in various liquid environments.

[0053] In this embodiment, a connecting seat 201 is fixedly installed on one side of the lower housing 202. A data jack 204 for data transmission is fixedly installed on the upper part of the connecting seat 201. The connecting seat 201 is electrically connected to the base 205. The base 205 is electrically connected to the first control board 2061 through the first wire 207. The first control board 2061 is also electrically connected to the second control board 209 fixed inside the upper housing 203 through the second wire 208. An upper protective plate 2062 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the first control board 2061. A lower protective plate 2063 is also fixedly installed on the lower part of the first control board 2061. A cabinet 8 is integrated and installed at the rear of the support cabinet 1. The output end of the cabinet 8 is fixedly connected to the input end of the transmission pipe 210 of the detection component 2. The output end of the transmission pipe 210 is fixedly connected to the input end of the drain valve 3 fixed at the lower part of the support cabinet 1.

[0054] The signal acquisition and data transmission system adopts a highly integrated design to ensure stable and reliable signal links and efficient and smooth data processing.

[0055] A connector 201 is fixedly installed on one side of the lower housing 202. The upper part of the connector 201 is provided with a data jack 204 for connecting to an external host computer or data terminal to realize the real-time transmission and export of detection data.

[0056] The connector 201 is electrically connected to the lower base 205 through a conductive structure. The base 205 is then electrically connected to the first control board 2061 installed on the upper part of the lower housing 202 through the first wire 207, so as to complete the acquisition and preliminary processing of the detection signal.

[0057] To enhance system processing capabilities, the first control board 2061 is also connected to the second control board 209, which is fixed inside the upper housing 203, via a second wire 208, forming a dual-board collaborative data processing and control system. The first control board 2061 is equipped with an upper protective plate 2062 and a lower protective plate 2063, which serve to prevent dust and static electricity and ensure structural stability.

[0058] The rear of the support cabinet 1 is integrated with a cabinet 8 for sample transfer and front-end processing. Its output end is firmly connected to the input end of the transfer pipe 210 of the detection component 2 to ensure that the path of the sample flowing into the detection section of the transparent tube 211 is sealed and reliable. At the same time, the output end of the transfer pipe 210 is connected to the drain valve 3 at the bottom of the support cabinet 1 for automatic discharge of liquid after the detection is completed.

[0059] In this embodiment, an injection assembly 4, an air-driven valve 5, and a primary dilution chamber 6 are also fixedly installed on the upper part of the support cabinet 1, and a secondary dilution chamber is provided inside the cabinet 8. The injection assembly 4 includes a syringe 402 fixed on the upper part of the support cabinet 1, a drive arm 401 slidably installed on the upper part of the support cabinet 1 and fixedly connected to the piston of the syringe 402, a three-way valve 403 is installed at the output end of the syringe 402, and a beaker 7 is placed on the platform of the support cabinet 1.

[0060] The injection assembly 4 enables precise aspiration and transfer of liquid samples. The syringe 402 is fixed to the upper part of the support cabinet 1. The drive arm 401 drives the piston to slide to complete the injection operation. The output end is connected to the three-way valve 403 to switch the dilution path.

[0061] The sample flows sequentially through the primary dilution chamber 6 and the secondary dilution chamber in the cabinet 8, achieving multi-level ratio control and effectively improving the detection accuracy and repeatability of particle counting.

[0062] The method of using an optical particle counter includes the following steps:

[0063] Step 1: Equipment startup and self-test.

[0064] Turn on the main power supply of cabinet 8 and confirm that the power is on normally. The scattering sensor 2064 and the reduction sensor 2065 are in standby mode. Check whether the inside of the transmission tube 210 is clean and free of liquid residue. Ensure that the light path of the transparent tube 211 is unobstructed. Perform self-test to initialize the equipment. Automatically detect the status of components such as light source, sensor, and valve and output prompt information. Only after the self-test is completed can the cleaning step be started.

[0065] Step Two: Automatic cleaning and background value reset to zero.

[0066] Rinse the injection system and transfer tube 210 with purified water, observe the change in background value, and continue rinsing until the background value is below 20. During this period, beaker 7 can be replaced or the rinsing process can be repeated to improve the cleaning effect, ensuring that the sensor enters the sampling state in an interference-free background. Parameter settings can be made only after the background value stabilizes.

[0067] Step 3: Set the detection parameters and prepare the sample.

[0068] Set the particle size channel range, sampling volume, counting mode and whether to enable the dilution function according to the sample type. Prepare 500ml of purified water to clean the injection tube. After cleaning, take the injection tube out of beaker 7 and insert it into the sample bottle to be tested. Check the direction of the three-way valve 403 and the injection path. Confirm that the injection assembly 4 and the air-driven valve 5 are in normal condition.

[0069] Step 4: Begin sampling and result acquisition.

[0070] The control system of cabinet 8 starts the syringe 402 to drive the arm 401 to extract the sample. The sample enters the transparent tube 211 section through the transfer tube 210. After light attenuation and light scattering are combined for detection, the sensor records the particle size and quantity information in real time. After the measurement is completed, the equipment automatically closes the sample injection path and generates a report. Users can export the results through the data jack 204 or view the real-time data analysis on the display screen of the control board of cabinet 8.

[0071] Working principle of the invention:

[0072] By integrating the scattering sensor 2064 and the attenuation sensor 2065 into the same detection component 2, dual-mode optical recognition and counting of particles in liquids are achieved. Driven by the injection component 4, the liquid sample flows through the transfer tube 210 into the centrally integrated transparent tube 211. The transparent tube 211 serves as an optical detection channel with excellent light transmittance. In this region, the detection optical paths of the scattering sensor 2064 and the attenuation sensor 2065 intersect inside the transparent tube 211. When a particle in the liquid passes this intersection, it causes a change in light intensity: smaller particles mainly induce light scattering signals, which are received and analyzed by the scattering sensor 2064; larger particles block a certain proportion of the light flux, forming a light intensity attenuation signal, which is identified by the attenuation sensor 2065. The first control board 2061 synchronously acquires and fuses the two signals to achieve particle size identification, quantity counting, and classification output. Through this composite detection mechanism, the device can achieve both high sensitivity and high accuracy over a wide particle size range, significantly improving the adaptability and reliability of particle detection in multi-particle-size and complex liquid samples.

[0073] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0074] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical particle counter, comprising a support cabinet (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The detection component (2) is fixedly installed on the lower part of the support cabinet (1); The detection component (2) includes: Transmission tube (210), wherein a transparent tube (211) is integrally formed in the middle of the transmission tube (210). The control component (206) includes a first control board (2061), which integrates a scattering sensor (2064) and a reduction sensor (2065) for detecting the number of particles in the liquid through which the transparent tube (211) passes, and the intersection of the detection segments of the scattering sensor (2064) and the reduction sensor (2065) is located at the transparent tube (211).

2. The optical particle counter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A support plate (9) is fixedly installed on the lower part of the support cabinet (1). A lower housing (202) is fixedly installed on one side of the support plate (9). An upper housing (203) is fixedly installed on the side of the lower housing (202) away from the support plate (9). The lower housing (202) and the upper housing (203) support the forming of the installation cavity.

3. The optical particle counter as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first control board (2061) is fixedly installed on the upper part of the lower housing (202), and a base (205) is fixedly installed on the bottom of the lower housing (202), and a bifurcated groove (212) is opened on the upper part of the base (205).

4. The optical particle counter as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The transparent tube (211) is located inside the bifurcated groove (212), and the scattering sensor (2064) and the attenuation sensor (2065) are located at the bifurcation positions of the bifurcated groove (212) and are inserted into each other. The transmission tube (210) is fixed inside the lower housing (202) and penetrates the lower housing (202).

5. The optical particle counter as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A connector (201) is fixedly installed on one side of the lower housing (202). A data jack (204) for transmitting data is fixedly installed on the upper part of the connector (201). The connector (201) is electrically connected to the base (205). The base (205) is electrically connected to the first control board (2061) through the first wire (207). The first control board (2061) is also electrically connected to the second control board (209) fixed inside the upper housing (203) through the second wire (208).

6. The optical particle counter as described in claim 4, characterized in that: An upper guard plate (2062) is fixedly installed on the upper part of the first control board (2061), and a lower guard plate (2063) is also fixedly installed on the lower part of the first control board (2061).

7. The optical particle counter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The support cabinet (1) is integrated with a cabinet (8) at the rear. The output end of the cabinet (8) is fixedly connected to the input end of the transmission pipe (210) of the detection component (2). The output end of the transmission pipe (210) is fixedly connected to the input end of the drain valve (3) fixed at the bottom of the support cabinet (1).

8. The optical particle counter as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The upper part of the support cabinet (1) is also fixedly installed with an injection assembly (4), an air-driven valve (5) and a primary dilution chamber (6), and the cabinet (8) is equipped with a secondary dilution chamber.

9. The optical particle counter as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The injection assembly (4) includes a syringe (402) fixed on the upper part of the support cabinet (1), a drive arm (401) slidably mounted on the upper part of the support cabinet (1) and fixedly connected to the piston of the syringe (402), a three-way valve (403) is installed at the output end of the syringe (402), and a beaker (7) is placed on the platform of the support cabinet (1).

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