Image Analysis

Scientific Image Analysis for Troubleshooting, Experiments, Quality Control and more

The Intertek MSG Laboratory offers a comprehensive Image Analysis capability.  Apart from laboratory-based analysis, advice can be given on how to introduce image analysis to a plant, to a plant laboratory (in a QC role) or to high throughput experimentation (HTE) set-ups; Intertek MSG has imaging experience in all these areas.

Why use Image Analysis?

• Experience has shown that visual rankings of features in images vary from person to person. Use of image analysis provides quantitative and consistent data on which to compare images and reach more reliable decisions.

What kind of Images can be Analysed?

• Almost any image can be analysed e.g. those from optical, SEM, TEM microscopes.  But it is also possible to analyse images from consumer cameras, from SSIMS instruments and Global infra red maps.  Of course to get reasonable data the images need to be representative and the lighting needs to be set to help the analysis process.

Characteristics that can be Imaged and Analysed:

• Particle size distribution
• Fibre length distribution
• Particle shape
• Porosity
• Nearest neighbour distances
• ‘Whiteness’ or degrees of colour
• Foam heights/ sediment thicknesses
• Feature perimeters

In the bead example above, differences in shape distributions between batches are measured.

Possible associated technical issues:

• QC test replacing visual inspection
• Composite mechanical properties
• Process change monitoring
• Customer complaint issues
• Dispersion problems
• Raw material monitoring
• HTS imaging and analysis
• Screens for High Throughput Technology (HTE)
• Goodness’ of printing