19th March 2002
Cambridge Consultants Limited and Pall Corporation develop in-line particulate contamination monitor
A low cost particulate contamination monitor to measure fluid cleanliness in-line is now available. The monitor is a compact and self-contained device that provides an affordable approach to continuous real time monitoring of fluid systems.
It is possible to undertake these measurements under high pressures (up to 450 bar) and over a wide temperature range, typically 0°C to 70°C, at a flow rate of 1 - 5ms-1, providing significant advantages over other current monitoring methods. This low cost system offers benefits including precision particle sizing, zero fluid loss as the monitoring is conducted in-line, and middle of the stream fluid measurements over flow bores of nominally 30mm diameter.
The diagnostic monitor was developed by CCL for Pall Corporation. It is based on a novel 3-bar illumination system and an advanced Bayesian signal processing algorithm, both invented and patented by CCL. The monitor will measure particles in hydraulic and lubricating systems in the order of 1-30 microns and produce a real time iso-cleanliness code. The system is unique in the industry and detects rapidly system anomalous changes in particle size and concentration that are indications of system failure.
CCL's Dr Robert Jones who initiated the work and managed the team that produced the prototype systems for Pall commented, "This has been an extremely demanding piece of work. The basic measurement is in itself very difficult and this was compounded by the need to engineer the system for reliable in-line operation at low cost. CCL's collaboration with Pall, who provided invaluable industrial and partical analysis expertise, was crucial to the success of the programme."
Pall took delivery of a set of prototype sensors from CCL which they used for extensive industrial trials. In parallel with these trials, Pall transferred the sensors to production and incorporated remote ISO code read-out. Production units are now being shipped and the initial response from the market has been very good.
Notes for editors:
Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For over 50 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 300 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, transport, energy, cleantech and wireless communications.
Created by three Cambridge graduates in 1960, the company has grown into a leading technology business, renowned worldwide for its ability to solve technical problems and provide innovative, practical solutions to commercial issues. In 2009, the company was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and in 2011 was awarded a second Queen's Award, this time for Innovation. For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com
Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, global leader in innovation and high-tech engineering consulting. Altran supports companies in the creation and development of their new products and services. For thirty years, the Group has been providing services to key players in the fields of Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Railways, Finance, Healthcare, and Telecoms. Present at every stage of project development from new-technology strategic planning through to manufacturing, Altran is able to capitalise on its expertise in four key domains: Product Lifecycle Management, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering & Embedded Systems and IT Systems. With a global network of 17,000 collaborators (including 15,000 consultants) and 500 major clients throughout the world, the Group reported sales of €1,420m in 2011. More info: www.altran.com
Pall Corporation is the leader in the rapidly growing filtration, separations and purification industry. Pall's business is organised around two broad markets: Life Sciences and Industrial, and has annual sales of over $1.2 billion. The company provides leading-edge products for high-growth applications such as genomics, proteomics and biotechnology; and in transfusion medicine; semiconductor; water; aerospace and a host of other industries. The Company is headquartered in East Hills, New York and has operations in more than 30 countries.
For product-specific enquiries, contact:
Pall Machinery and Equipment Division
Tel: 023 9230 3303
For further information:
Cambridge Consultants
Patrick Pordage
Marketing Communications Director
Tel: +44 1223 420024
Patrick.Pordage@CambridgeConsultants.com