Radiometric off-and on-line scanning of columns in chemical plants investigation of structural integrity and functionality

摘要

Radiometric density measurements by scanning of columns and similar devices have been performed successfully for several years for evaluating the structural integrity as well as the performance of these devices.The test equipment developed by the authors provides computer controlled simultaneous movement of a gamma-ray source and a radiation detector parallel to the axial direction of the column. The radiation absorption will be recorded in each position alongthis way. Lateral position, e.g. for sector scanning, and local resolution can be chosen with respect to the problem addressed.Some typical examples demonstrate the potential of the system to detect mechanical failure on internal structures as well as disfunction. Therefore this inspection technology is able to provide valuable indications for the process engineers for theanalysis of process disturbances.