The ParticleTech Software is developed, maintained and owned by ParticleTech ApS. The software is a powerful tool for monitoring and controlling processes both in the production facilities but is also very useful in the laboratories. Beside showing the detail specifications of the measured product, the software also shows an image of the product for a visual inspection and furthermore it also shows a colored image showing the identified particles.

Continuous monitoring

Repetition makes it possible for the software to repeat a measurement within a specified interval which can be set by the user. The software supports the ParticleTech Flow Cell for inline monitoring, and it controls the flow (start, stop and speed), settling time, dilution, temperature and stirring.

Optimizing production processes

The software is also very useful in the laboratories for optimizing the production processes. Beside the ParticleTech Flow Cell, the software also supports standard microtiter plates e.g. 12 wells titer plates. Looking at samples developing over time, repetitions can be used to generate time laps video.

Algorithms

Standard algorithm for segmentation of particles is included in the software. It identifies the particles and calculates properties for each particle. The standard properties calculated for each particle are:

  • Area
  • EQPC
  • Circulatity
  • Feret min
  • Feret max
  • Feret mean
  • Feret ratio
  • Feret min 90
  • Feret max 90

Also, the particle size distribution is calculated:

  • D10, D50, and D90
  • Number of particles
  • Mean

We also provide an alternative to the time-consuming sieve analysis by calculating particle properties (M.A. and C.V.) according to the ICUMSA standard:

  • Powers
  • Rens
  • RRSB
  • Butler

All the algorithms are developed and maintained by ParticleTech ApS. Therefore, they can easily be customized, and new algorithms can be developed by request. The algorithms can be configured through the software. E.g. it is possible to discards small and/or large particles by changing the cut-off values.

Optimizing images

The scanning method of the oCelloScope is a patented technology which acquires an entire volume in one movement. It makes it possible for the software to select the layer in the volume where the particles are in focus (the best focus image). The software automatically stitches the images together and generates the best focus image. The number of images in one scan and the distance between the images can by defined in the software. The height of one scan (one row) is about 1.4 mm. For larger particles it is possible to scan more rows which will automatically be stitched together to one image.

Statistics

The results are shown in the software as continuously graphs. Data for each particle is saved in an Excel sheet. If needed the results for all the processed wells can be combined into one result. This will increase the number of particles and improve the statistics. From starting to acquire images to the results are shown, it only takes a few minutes, the results are reliable. Repeating the same experiments has shown a consistent result each time.

Remote assistance

In case of an unexpected result, the operator can send an e-mail from within the software to one or more e-mail addresses. The report will contain the best focus image, the segmented image, all the result in an easily readable Excel sheet, and an optional message from the operator to the specialist or even directly to the laboratory.