Systems and methods for in-line monitoring of particles in opagque flows

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for particle monitoring. An exemplary method includes confining a flowable sample which is opaque to at least a first range of wavelengths of light waves; measuring transparency of the flowable sample; compressing the flowable sample in a first direction while confining the sample in a second direction parallel to a flow direction of the flowable sample and orthogonal to the first direction, while elongating the sample in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. When the sample is compressed in the first direction, the sample becomes transparent to at least one of the wavelengths in the first range of wavelengths, and the method can include identifying characteristics of particles contained in the sample which has been compressed.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
   
   
       27 . A particle monitoring system, comprising:
 a cuvette for receiving a flowable sample;   a transparent flow compression element located within the cuvette and configured to compress the flowable sample in a first direction while controlling the sample in a second direction parallel to the direction of flow and orthogonal to the first direction while elongating the sample in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, wherein when the sample is compressed in the first direction it becomes transparent to at least one wavelength of light; and   a monitor for monitoring the flowable sample using the at least one wavelength.   
   
   
       28 . A method of particle monitoring, comprising:
 confining a flowable;   measuring transparency of the flowable sample;   compressing the flowable sample in a first direction while confining the sample in a second direction parallel to a flow direction of the flowable sample and orthogonal to the first direction, while elongating the sample in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, wherein when the sample is compressed in the first direction, the sample becomes transparent to at least one wavelength of light; and   identifying characteristics of particles contained in the sample that has been compressed.