Importance

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Abstract

A temperature-compensated apparatus and method for determining the percentage of solid particles in a suspension (consistency) is provided. A source of diffused radiant energy is directed toward a suspension to be measured. The portion of the energy which is forward-scattered by the suspension is detected and a first signal indicative of the magnitude of the forward-scattered energy is produced. The portion of energy which is back-scattered by the suspension is detected and a second signal indicative of the magnitude of back-scattered energy is produced. The first and second signals are combined at a predetermined ratio to produce a feedback signal used to control the intensity of energy emitted from the radiant energy source. The intensity of energy emitted from the source is a function of the forward-scattered and back-scattered energy and is directly proportional to the consistency of the suspension being measured. By monitoring the power driving the radiant energy source, a display calibrated in terms of percent consistency can be provided. The apparatus includes temperature compensation so that the temperature of the suspension will not produce erroneous readings in the energy detectors. Likewise, variations in ambient temperature will not adversely affect the operation of the energy detectors.

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First Claim