Systems and methods for detecting normal levels of bacteria in water using a multiple angle light scattering (MALS) instrument

• US 20070194244A1
• Filed: 11/29/2006
• Published: 08/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: JMAR LLC
• Original Assignee: JMAR Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Adams, John, McCarty, David, Teters, Cherish, Crousore, Kristina, Ricardi, John, Tutrow, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,551,279 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/389
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1433 using image recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1459 the analysis being performed on a sample stream
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1463 using image analysis for extracting features of the particle
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/0088 Biological contaminants; Fouling
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/019 Biological contaminants; Fouling
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/0238 Single particle scatter
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/53 within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/1893 using flow cells

Abstract

A particle detection system to identify and classify particles is programmed to capture digitized images of the particle generated by directing a light source through a fluid that includes the particle. The particle scatters the light and the scattered light is detected using a detector. The detector creates a digital signal corresponding to the particle, which is used by the system to generate Bio-Optical Signature. This Bio-Optical Signature can then be used to classify the event, or particle. Count rate and trends of the classified particles are monitored to detect a change that is representative of the overall health safety of the water or by knowing the levels of bacteria in process water, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO) feed water, reject brine, and product water, the operator may better monitor the life and condition of the RO membrane.

Claims