Patent ID: 6499337
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
In-line monitoring apparatus, for monitoring particulate matter in a liquid stream, which includes:an inlet for permitting ingress of a liquid stream into said in-line monitoring apparatus; an outlet for discharging a liquid stream from said in-line monitoring apparatus; first and second liquid flow paths each arranged to conduct a liquid flow between said inlet and said outlet; an in-line particulate matter sampling unit arranged along said first flow path for permitting therein accumulation of particulate matter suspended in a liquid flow between said inlet and outlet, and having apparatus for measuring particulate matter accumulations therein; apparatus for separating particulate matter from a liquid stream entering said inlet, and for providing the particulate matter to said in-line sampling unit; first and second valves for selectably permitting liquid flow along said first and second flow paths, respectively, wherein said first valve is arranged downstream of said in-line sampling unit; and control apparatus for operating said in-line monitoring apparatus in either of a first and second operative modes, wherein in said first mode, said second valve is closed so as to prevent a through flow of liquid along said second flow path, and said first valve is open, and in said second mode, said second valve is open so as to permit a through flow of liquid along said second flow path, and said first valve is closed, and wherein, in said first mode, said in-line sampling unit is operative to permit entry and accumulation of particulate matter therein for measurement by said in-line monitoring apparatus, and in said second mode, a flow of liquid along said second flow path passes through said in-line sampling unit so as to remove the particulate matter accumulations therefrom so as to flush out any particulate matter as may have accumulated in said inline sampling unit, wherein said in-line sampling unit includes: at least one sampling chamber for receiving an accumulation of particulate matter; and at least one apparatus for detecting the presence of at least a predetermined volume of particulate matter in said at least one sampling chamber, said at least one apparatus being operative to provide to said control apparatus an output signal indicative of said at least predetermined volume of particulate matter accumulation, and wherein said in-line monitoring apparatus also includes flow measuring apparatus for measuring the volumetric flow rate of a liquid flowing between said inlet and said outlet operative to provide and output signal to said control apparatus indicative of a rate of liquid flow, and wherein said control apparatus is further operative to evaluate the concentration of particulate matter suspended in the liquid stream per unit flow.