Interferometric microscope with true color imaging
Optical 3D profilers based on Coherence Scanning Interferometry (CSI) provide high-resolution non-contact metrology for a broad range of applications. Capture of true color information together with 3D topography enables the detection of defects, blemishes or discolorations that are not as easily identified in topography data alone. Uses for true color 3D imaging include image segmentation, detection of dissimilar materials and edge enhancement. This paper discusses the pros and cons of color capture using standard color detectors and presents an alternative solution that does not rely on color filters at the camera, thus preserving the high lateral and vertical resolution of CSI instruments.
Coherence Scanning Interferometry
Height-dependent variations in fringe visibility related to optical coherence in an interference microscope provide a powerful, non-contact sensing mechanism for 3D measurement and surface characterisation. Coherence scanning interferometry extends interferometric techniques to surfaces that are complex in terms of roughness, steps, discontinuities, and structure such as transparent films. Additional benefits include the equivalent of an autofocus at every point in the field of view and suppression of spurious interference from scattered light.
Ignition and burning rates of segregated waste combustion in packed beds.
Recent developments in national recycling and re-use programmes for municipal waste have led to segregation of an increasing proportion of waste to enhance material recovery. Several of the segregated streams contain materials that can not viably be re-used or recycled but can be used for energy recovery. In this study, the combustion of cardboard and waste wood was investigated in a small-scale packed bed reactor in order to provide fundamental data for the design/operation of moving bed furnaces. Key parameters of combustion including the ignition and burning rates were evaluated for various air flowrates and compared to the modelling results. Two successive stages of combustion were identified for both samples: the propagation of ignition front into the bed and combustion of the fuel above the ignition front. The burning rate of cardboard reached a peak of about 300 kg/m(2)h at the air flowrate of 936 kg/m(2)h and decreased at higher air flowrates. For waste wood, both the ignition and burning rates increased in the tested range of the air flowrate up to 702 kg/m(2)h, of which the values were very close to those for the cardboard. The model prediction was in good agreement with the test results for waste wood. However, the burning rate for cardboard was under-predicted due to strongly irregular shapes of the fuel.