Interactive Density Profile Analysis for Chemical Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning systems for large, sealed chemical processing vessels, such as distillation towers, generate vast amounts of density profile data that is difficult to analyze efficiently, requiring skilled operators to manually identify anomalies, which is time-consuming and challenging due to the size of the vessels and complexity of the data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves scanning with radiation sources and detectors to generate density profile data, associating it with a vessel representation, and displaying it on a user interface that allows users to interactively select and expand specific areas for detailed analysis, enabling easier identification of problems by overlaying or comparing data from different dates and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gamma scanning is used to measure density profile data in chemical processing vessels, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of analyzing the generated data increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer system with specialized software as an intermediary between the gamma scanning system and the operator. This intermediary automatically processes, analyzes, and interprets the density profile data, generating visual representations and diagnostic reports that highlight anomalies and provide actionable insights, thereby resolving the complexity of manual data analysis while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If skilled operators manually analyze scanning data to identify anomalies, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the time required for diagnosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual visual inspection and analysis by skilled operators with an automated computer-based analysis system. The system uses algorithms to automatically detect anomalies, patterns, and deviations in the density profile data, maintaining high detection accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for diagnosis from hours or days to minutes or seconds
3Reliability
If CT gamma scanning is performed to generate three-dimensional density maps, then diagnostic information quality is improved, but the amount of data to be analyzed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large three-dimensional density map data into manageable components and slices, allowing the computer system to process and analyze different regions independently. The software presents this segmented data in organized visual formats, enabling efficient analysis of complex three-dimensional structures without being overwhelmed by the total data volume
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quicker and more reliable diagnosis of issues within chemical processing vessels by providing an interactive platform for in-depth analysis and comparison of scan data, allowing users to pinpoint problems and adjust operating parameters accordingly without disrupting the process.
Implementation Method 1
Gamma radiation is transmitted through the tower from the radioactive source on one side of the tower to the detector on an opposite side of the tower. Attenuation of the gamma radiation as it passes through the tower is dependent on the density of the material through which the radiation passes.
Implementation Method 2
a radioactive isotope emitting gamma radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of scanning a chemical processing vessel and diagnosing a problem within the chemical processing vessel and/or a problem with a process occurring within the chemical processing vessel, the method comprising: scanning the chemical processing vessel with at least one radiation source and at least one detector to generate density profile data for the chemical processing vessel; saving the density profile data; generating a representation of the chemical processing vessel; associating the density profile data with the representation of the chemical processing vessel whereby each data point of the density profile data is associated with a corresponding location along the representation of the chemical processing vessel indicating the location from which the data point was obtained; displaying the representation of the chemical processing vessel alongside the associated density profile data on a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to enable a user to select a portion of the representation of the chemical processing vessel on the user interface and to automatically display a corresponding portion of the density profile data in expanded form, whereby said portion of the density profile data can be analysed by the user in greater detail.