Dry Sample Cell

Dry flow cell

The dry flow cell is one of the most critical components of an inline laser diffraction particle sizing system. Its purpose is to create a stable and controlled measurement zone where powder particles pass through the laser beam. The laser shines through optical windows positioned on both sides of the flow cell, while the powder sample flows continuously across the optical path. As particles pass through the beam, they scatter light and generate the characteristic laser diffraction pattern used for PSD calculation.

Maintaining clean optical windows is essential for reliable long-term operation in harsh industrial environments. Xoptix dry flow cells use a unique combination of purge air and sheath air technology to protect the optics from dust contamination. Carefully controlled air flows create a protective barrier around the windows, preventing powder from depositing directly onto the optical surfaces during continuous operation.

For additional reliability, the system can also be equipped with an automatic self-cleaning function using periodic blasts of compressed air. These programmable cleaning pulses help remove any residual material buildup before contamination becomes significant. This allows the instrument to operate continuously for long periods with minimal operator intervention, even in demanding powder processing applications.

In the rare case that manual cleaning or maintenance is still required, the dry flow cell has been designed for extremely simple servicing. The complete measurement section can be removed quickly using only a single screw, allowing easy access for inspection or cleaning without complex disassembly procedures.

Importantly, all optical components remain fixed and untouched during maintenance operations. Because the laser, detectors, and optical alignment are not disturbed, the system does not require any realignment after servicing. This significantly reduces maintenance time, improves operational reliability, and ensures fast return to production after cleaning or inspection.