A new approach for profile interpretation of a tray-type distillation column using gamma-ray scan and template matching techniques

Abstract

Gamma-ray scanning is a well-known technique for inspection of distillation columns. A fast and accurate identification of the malfunctions or defects strongly depends on the profile interpretation procedure. By using this technique, interpretation of scan profiles is not always easy and often needs experienced staffs as well as a long enough time for efficient construing after doing scan work. In the present work, a method has been proposed and implemented to develop the interpretation procedure of the scan profile without involving technical staffs. The proposed approach includes gamma-ray scanning in combination with template matching technique. The method has been validated through the several experiments carried out to obtain different scan profiles for a typical laboratory scale distillation column. In this regard, an appropriate mechanical system along with associated electronics was developed to perform the experiments. A software was also implemented based on the method which provide some controls on scanning procedure in addition to displaying the defects types and locations on the screen. The results revealed that the commonly occurred malfunctions such as foaming, flooding, and damaged tray etc. in the column have been accurately interpreted and automatically reported in a short time using this method. Overall results also showed that the proposed method works almost independent of the scanning speed in the range of 5 to 30 mm/sec.