US 10,520,400 B1 · Stream sampler—mass reduction system for flowing powders

Abstract

A device for obtaining samples from a flowing powder stream and performing their immediate analysis using a spectroscopic method is provided. Systematic sample size reduction is achieved to provide representative samples and their immediate (real-time) analysis. The powder blends may come from pharmaceutical, vitamin and nutraceutical products, which must fulfill blend homogeneity requirements. All parts of the batch will have the same probability of being selected as a sample. Samples are obtained without disturbing or changing the composition of the powder blend during the sampling process. Unlike the sample thief commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, the device of the invention does not disturb the powder blend and does not change the properties of the powder blend during the sampling.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A sampling reduction system for flowing powders comprising:

a powder inlet receiving and directing incoming powder into an enclosed circular powder flow area;
a sampling window providing optical access of said enclosed circular powder flow area for real-time sampling of said powder;
a plurality of paddles positioned inside said enclosed circular powder flow area and being provided to move said powder inside said enclosed circular powder flow area, wherein said plurality of paddles are coupled to a wheel hub centrally positioned inside said enclosed circular powder flow area;
a powder exit area;
and
an off-line sampling area, provided on said enclosed circular powder flow area, having an off-line sampling opening configured to receive a removable sampling carrier holding a sample collection container.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Stream sampler—mass reduction system for flowing powders

Life of this patent

Stream sampler—mass reduction system for flowing powders

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22