The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute - Department of Science and Technology (PNRI-DOST) is now offering its service to assist the industry in the inspection and investigation of process vessels using the Gamma Ray Column Scanning Technology. This technology makes it possible to “see” inside a process vessel (e.g. distillation columns in refineries or petrochemical industries) and quickly identify its problems without interrupting normal plant operations.
Process columns are critical components in industries where separation of components to extract or refine raw materials is undertaken such as the case in petroleum products and fertilizer manufacturing plants. Malfunctioning of components or erroneous parameter settings would cause inefficiency in processes that could lead to waste of materials or loss of resources or even worse, to emergency total shutdown of operation. These in turn would mean significant financial loss to the industry and, depending on the nature of the product, could affect the economy.
Gamma Ray Column Scanning Technology or simply Column Scanning uses a gamma-ray emitting radioactive source, either a Co-60 or Cs-137, and detector strategically positioned to scan a process vessel or column to acquire its density profile even when the process is on-going. This density profile could provide significant information on the condition of the whole process and vessel such as damaged or missing trays and their positions, extent of flooding and its location, liquid weeping and foaming, liquid levels, and blockages, among others.
From this information, the engineers and operators can derive conclusions on the status of the column and consequently make arrangements for maintenance and troubleshooting to prevent emergency shutdown.
Advantages
- Because gamma-ray column scanning provides real-time information and uses a sealed radioactive material that is not affected by environmental conditions, it provides advantages in troubleshooting procedures.
- Moreover, it is non-destructive and cost efficient as there is no need for column preparation, removal of insulations and shutdown of operation during investigation thereby reducing production downtime.
- It also does not emit or produce any waste to the environment making it safe to use.
The advantages and benefits of gamma column scanning make it a favored procedure that is routinely used by competent industries in other countries to inspect and ensure the integrity and condition of their processes and vessels.
For more information on gamma column scanning, please contact Section Head Ms. Adelina M. Bulos, Head - Isotope Techniques Section, PNRI in Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City or call us at 929-6011 local 225 or 240. You can also send your queries at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
