SandCam Views and Classifies Microscopic Sand Grains
Classification of grain size for civil engineering or geological survey was often determined by retrieval of a sample and performing a sieve analysis (or gradation test). This method is slow and requires care in the selection of samples and their handling during test. The US Geological Survey has a patented method of classification that performs classification by visual method. [US 6,680,795; Henry Chezar and David Rubin, Underwater Microscope System]. Dave Rubin asked InterTest to make a video based device that would be suitable for submerged use in fresh and seawater at depths up to 200’. The result is SandCam.
Camera: Sony XC-505 camera integrated into a custom stainless steel housing.
Solution: SandCam is a high resolution water proof contact video microscope. Designed for 200' depth in sea water, the rugged Stainless Steel camera housing contains a camera, lens and lighting. It provides a high magnification and high resolution CCTV image of material that is in contact with the viewing port. Used in conjunction with patented USGS software it can classify sedimentary samples on contact. SandCam accessories include a 200' reinforced cable on slip ring reel, strain relief hardware, and hard point connections for weights. Battery pack available upon request.
SandCam is an all 316 stainless video microscope utilizing Sony XC 505 with macro lens. It is designed for acquisition of high magnification, high resolution video images of material in contact with the viewing port. A macro lens focused at the contact surface provides live images which are captured on a DVR and used in conjunction with USGS software to instantly provide classification data. Where it once took hours to gather and analyze a few samples now with SandCam a thousand classifications can be performed in a day. The camera housing is rugged, has provision for adding weights, and operates through a Kevlar reinforce cable on a slip ring cable reel.
Grain classification is also performed in pulverizing operations such as for coal used in boilers, aggregate in quarry and mining operations, and food materials.
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