CENTRIFUGE HAVING ONBOARD IMAGING SYSTEM
A centrifuge ( 1 ) includes: a motor ( 4 ) having a rotor ( 3 ); an imaging system ( 2 ) torsionally connected to the rotor; a sample holder torsionally connected to the imaging system; and a light source ( 7 ) for illuminating the sample holder. The imaging system includes: a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder; and a data link for transmitting image data. A centrifuge test includes: spinning a reservoir core sample in a sample holder of a rotor, wherein an imaging system is torsionally connected to the rotor; and collecting image data of the sample holder with the imaging system while spinning.
1 . A centrifuge, comprising:
a motor having a rotor;
an imaging system torsionally connected to the rotor;
a plurality of sample holders torsionally connected to the imaging system; and
a light source for illuminating the sample holder,
wherein the imaging system includes:
a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder;
a data link for transmitting image data;
a relay housing having a hub and a plurality of arms extending from the hub, each arm aligned with the respective sample holder; and
a plurality of relay mirrors, each relay mirror for reflecting an image of the respective sample holder from a first vertical direction to a radial direction along an optical cavity of the respective arm, wherein at least one of the plurality of relay mirrors is a flat, reflective surface, comprising a shatterproof, reflective material.
2 . A centrifuge, comprising:
a motor having a rotor;
an imaging system torsionally connected to the rotor;
a plurality of sample holders torsionally connected to the imaging system; and
a light source for illuminating the sample holder,
wherein the imaging system includes:
a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder;
a data link for transmitting image data;
a relay housing having a hub and a plurality of arms extending from the hub, each arm aligned with the respective sample holder;
a plurality of relay mirrors, each relay mirror for reflecting an image of the respective sample holder from a first vertical direction to a radial direction along an optical cavity of the respective arm;
an optics housing having an optical gallery and a plurality of optical passages extending from an outer surface thereof to the optical gallery; and
a plurality of camera lenses, each camera lens disposed in a respective optical passage.
3 . The centrifuge of claim 2 , wherein:
the hub has an opening for each arm providing optical communication between the respective cavity and the optical gallery, and
the imaging system further includes a plurality of transparent panes, each pane sealing a respective opening.
4 . The centrifuge of claim 2 , wherein the camera lens comprises a plano-convex lens and a convex-plano lens.
5 . A centrifuge, comprising:
a motor having a rotor;
an imaging system torsionally connected to the rotor;
a plurality of sample holders torsionally connected to the imaging system; and
a light source for illuminating the sample holder,
wherein the imaging system includes:
a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder;
a data link for transmitting image data;
a relay housing having a hub and a plurality of arms extending from the hub, each arm aligned with the respective sample holder;
a plurality of relay mirrors, each relay mirror for reflecting an image of the respective sample holder from a first vertical direction to a radial direction along an optical cavity of the respective arm; and
an array mirror having a reflective face for each relay mirror and for reflecting the images from the radial direction to a second vertical direction, wherein the image sensor is in alignment with the array mirror for receiving the images therefrom.
6 . A centrifuge, comprising:
a motor having a rotor;
an imaging system torsionally connected to the rotor;
a sample holder torsionally connected to the imaging system;
a light source for illuminating the sample holder; and
an electrical power source in communication with the image sensor and the data link, wherein
the electrical power source is a non-contacting coupling, and
the imaging system includes:
a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder;
a data link for transmitting image data; and
a nonmagnetic and dielectric shield, wherein a receiver of the non-contacting coupling is disposed in the shield.
7 . A centrifuge, comprising:
a motor having a rotor;
an imaging system torsionally connected to the rotor;
a sample holder torsionally connected to the imaging system;
a light source for illuminating the sample holder; and
an electrical power source in communication with the image sensor and the data link, wherein
the electrical power source is a non-contacting coupling, and
the imaging system includes:
a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder;
a data link for transmitting image data; and
a power converter for rectifying and regulating an alternating current power signal from the receiver and supplying a direct current power signal to the image sensor and the wireless data link.
8 . A centrifuge, comprising:
a motor having a rotor;
an imaging system torsionally connected to the rotor;
a sample holder torsionally connected to the imaging system; and
a light source for illuminating the sample holder,
wherein the imaging system includes:
a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder and concentrically located relative to a rotational axis of the centrifuge; and
a data link for transmitting image data.