Gamma-ray computed tomography SCANNERS for applications in multiphase system COLUMNs*

Abstract

Gamma-ray tomography experiments have been carried out to detect spatial patterns in the porosity, in a 0.27 m diameter packed steel column using a first generation computed tomography (CT) system. The CT scanner consists of a NaI(Tl) detector 5.08 cm in diameter, and an encapsulated 137 Cs (3.7 GBq) radioactive source, located opposite to the center of the detector. The detector and the source, mounted on a fixed support and the column, can rotated and dislocate by two stepping motors controlled through a microprocessor. Different sizes of stainless steel Raschig rings (12.6, 37.9 and 76 mm) have been examined. The primary objective of this work is to detect spatial patterns and statistical information on porosity variation in packed distillation columns. Horizontal scans, at different vertical positions of the packed bed were made for each size of Raschig rings. Radial porosity variation within the packed bed has been determined. This study has demonstrated that the porosity and its spatial distribution in a metallic packed column can be measured with adequate spatial resolution using the gamma-ray tomography technique. After validation of this first generation CT, the turntable design to rotate and dislocate the 60 Co or 137 Cs sealed gamma-ray sources and multidetector array for the third generation industrial computed tomography was also developed.