Image-based Sensors for Control of Particulate Processes

Image-based Sensors for Control of Particulate Processes

Abstract

On-line monitoring of particle shape and size distribution is a challenge frequently faced by the traditional pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals industries. The control of particulate processes is particularly compounded by the lack of process understanding and in-situ sensors. With regulatory initiatives such as the US Food and Drug Administration?s (FDA) Process Analytical Technology (PAT) program for the pharmaceutical industry and the ongoing improvement in real-time imaging hardware (exemplified by Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement, FBRM and Particle Vision and Measurement, PVM, both from Lasentec), there is a growing interest to develop control technologies using advanced imaging sensors. In this work, I will describe some of our research in image analysis targeted at real-time control of crystallization processes.