Development of new technologies for industrial inspection/monitoring applications

Many industrial applications require the integration of different sensing elements, in combination with adequate signal processing and data management. For most demanding applications, we also develop innovative solutions based on advanced sensing technologies, including ultrasound based sensors, inductive sensors, and spectroscopic systems.

Electronic Systems

We are specialised in the development and integration of instrumentation and electronic systems for industry. We provide customised integrated solutions for measuring processing parameters (temperature, pressure, flow, speed, etc). Our solutions also include data processing and management systems, including the implementation of industrial communication standard protocols (GPIB/IEE-488, CAN bus, etc). Analogue and digital electronics.

Computer Vision

Vision systems have emerged as one of the most powerful technologies for industrial inspection applications. We integrate most recent advances in optomechanics and Charge-Coupled (CCD) technologies with efficient image processing algorithms, to provide customised solutions for a wide range of applications. Typical applications include pattern recognition in robotics, or detection of defects in automated quality control systems.

Ultrasound technology

Ultrasound sensors rely on analysis of mechanical wave propagation (20kHz-20MHz) through a medium. By using different configurations, this technology can be used in a wide number of industrial applications, such as the contactless determination of the mechanical properties of a solid material, fluid viscosity measurements or the detection of defects in mechanical parts.

Inductive sensors

The interaction between an oscillating magnetic field and a material depends greatly on the magnetic characteristics of the material. Even in non-ferromagnetic materials, an external magnetic field can induce current loops in a conductive media, which can be sensed using an adequate approach. We use in-house designed inductive sensors for a variety of industrial applications, including detection of traces of ferromagnetic materials, or contactless measurement of biological tissue conductivity.

Optical Spectroscopy

Spectroscopic techniques encompass several powerful sensing methodologies, such as Ultraviolet/Visible Spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF), among others. These technologies have many industrial applications that require the assessment of the chemical or structural composition of solids, liquids or gaseous materials.

We have vast experience in the development of new industrial processes based on emerging technologies, with a particular emphasis on plasma-based processes. The combination of the most recent advances in physics and process engineering allows the development of more efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly industrial processes. Some applications include the industrial scale production of nanomaterials by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), the combined use of solar thermal and photovoltaic energy to desalinate sea water, the generation of ozone enhanced by a nanostructured catalytic electrode, or the use of electromagnetic radiation for disinfection applications.

Thin film deposition technologies

The Industrial Physics and Electronics Department (IPE) has experience in mechanical and electrical design, as well as in sensing and control systems for plasma reactors. Common applications include thin film deposition technologies and surface treatment. CRIC has recently developed a vacuum reactor combining Radio Frequency-sputtering technology and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition to grow carbon nanotubes. By implementing the various deposition steps into a single reactor, the system avoids problems related to the oxidation of the nanostructured catalytic layer.