Kappa Image Processing System for Sartorius, Biotechnology Division

With state-of-the-art camera technology and high-quality industrial image processing, Sartorius further enhances product quality. The objective is zero-defect production with automatic quality control. The Kappa image processing system consists of a digital camera with 12-bit digitization and megapixel resolution, a fixed focal length lens, reflected light components and transmitted light components. A customer-specific evaluation program was designed for Sartorius on the basis of the Kappa Xero processing software. 
The system is integrated into a production line for sterile filters. The filter "Midisart“ and "Sartolab“ are used in pharmaceutical and food industry as well as in environmental technology, e.g. for air and water filtration, for aeration of cell cultures and for syringes. In the production process the filter housings and membrane material (PTEF) are ultrasonic welded.  The Kappa image processing system checks the precise position of the membrane disc. Not centrically welded membranes are automatically selected (rejectable). If 5 successive filters are assessed rejectable the machine is stopped. The program archives measuring and image data of the specific product and provides the data for statistical evaluation (e.g., batches).