Cargill Inc.

Thomas L Coulter

Stephen C Pegram

Stanley A Patterson

Christopher L Davidson

Scott P Klein

John R Schmedeman

An on-line sampling and analysis system and method in which a sampling line inlet pipe receives a continuous flow of a suspension or a slurry having particulates, such as grains, seed or phosphate rock, for rapid analysis of the contents therein in a flowing stream. A sample presentation area such as a window is positioned below the flow of the suspension or slurry in an assembly allowing for the depositing of a sample of solid content from the suspension or slurry which is collected for viewing by a computer controlled video camera. The camera is provided for imaging the sample of the solid content collected at the sample presentation area, and a personal computer analyzes images provided by the camera to characterize the content of the fluid media. A media flow director positioned in the suspension or slurry flow through the assembly, and above the sample presentation area, generates a vortex for removing the sample of the solid content deposited on the sample presentation area, allowing for the collection of another sample from the suspension or slurry at the sample presentation area. The vortex tube is coupled with associated bypass piping to remove the sample from the system, or return the solid content sample to the flow of the fluid suspension or slurry downstream of the sample presentation area for continuous operation without interruption of the flow in the sampling line. The personal computer provides a user interface for monitoring the content of the suspension or slurry.

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Lakeland, FL, United States of America

Thomas L Coulter