Optical Granulometry
Encyclopedia
Optical granulometry is the process of measuring the different grain sizes in a granular material, based on a photograph
. Technology has been created to analyze a photograph and create statistics
based on what the picture portrays. This information is vital in maintaining machinery in various trades worldwide. Mining
companies can use optical granulometry to analyze inactive or moving rock to quantify the size of these fragments. Forestry
companies can zero in on wood chip sizes without stopping the production process, and minimize sizing errors.
With more photoanalysis technologies being produced, mining companies have shown an increased interest in these types of systems because of their ability to maintain efficiency throughout the mining process. Companies are saving millions of dollars annually because of this new technology, and are cutting back on maintenance costs on equipment.
In order for optical granulometry to be completely successful, an accurate photo must be taken – under sufficient lighting
, and using proper technology – to obtain quantified results. If these requirements are met, an image analysis system can be implemented.
See the wikipedia article on Photoanalysis to see how mining, forestry and agricultural companies are using this technology to improve quality control techniques.
Photograph
A photograph is an image created by light falling on a light-sensitive surface, usually photographic film or an electronic imager such as a CCD or a CMOS chip. Most photographs are created using a camera, which uses a lens to focus the scene's visible wavelengths of light into a reproduction of...
. Technology has been created to analyze a photograph and create statistics
Statistics
Statistics is the study of the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of data. It deals with all aspects of this, including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments....
based on what the picture portrays. This information is vital in maintaining machinery in various trades worldwide. Mining
Mining
Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, from an ore body, vein or seam. The term also includes the removal of soil. Materials recovered by mining include base metals, precious metals, iron, uranium, coal, diamonds, limestone, oil shale, rock...
companies can use optical granulometry to analyze inactive or moving rock to quantify the size of these fragments. Forestry
Forestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
companies can zero in on wood chip sizes without stopping the production process, and minimize sizing errors.
With more photoanalysis technologies being produced, mining companies have shown an increased interest in these types of systems because of their ability to maintain efficiency throughout the mining process. Companies are saving millions of dollars annually because of this new technology, and are cutting back on maintenance costs on equipment.
In order for optical granulometry to be completely successful, an accurate photo must be taken – under sufficient lighting
Lighting
Lighting or illumination is the deliberate application of light to achieve some practical or aesthetic effect. Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources such as lamps and light fixtures, as well as natural illumination by capturing daylight...
, and using proper technology – to obtain quantified results. If these requirements are met, an image analysis system can be implemented.
The process
Software uses four basic steps in determining the average size of material:See the wikipedia article on Photoanalysis to see how mining, forestry and agricultural companies are using this technology to improve quality control techniques.