Column gamma scanning online
Reasons for the violation of fractionation in column equipment
|
Types of malfunctions |
Diagnostic faults |
| Mechanical |
|
| Throughput |
|
| Track Process Changes |
|
Malfunction Diagnosable defects
- Mechanic Destruction of inside apparatus (plates, caps)
- Destruction of the contact devices of the nozzle type
- Decreasing throughput capacity Flooding
- Carry over soakage
- Contamination of contact devices, valves
- Changes in the technological process Fluid distribution over the entire column volume
- Foam formation
For gamma-scanning conduction, the radiation sources are used. The resulting ionizing radiation has high penetrating power. Therefore, low-power radiation sources are used, and the radiation exposure of personnel is reduced.
Process. Scanning of a column is performed with a small power radio nuclear gamma source from the one side and a sensor on the other. The gamma source and sensor are aligned in height and move simultaneously over the height of the investigated area.
Result. The result of gamma-scanning is a schematic density profile of the column. In the figure, an example of such the description is shown, provided for a plate-type column.
Analysis. The scanning results are analyzed by the company’s specialists. They identify the main problems and causes of poor column performance.
Advantages. The analyzed result will help the customer:
- to see the technological process,
- to understand and evaluate the causes of performance loss,
- track the changes in the technological process when altering the column operation mode,
- make adjustments to the operation.
The gamma-scanning results will help the customer either to continue working in the normal mode or to stop production to eliminate defects.
Inspection of reaction pipes in steam reformers
Service. The inspection of tube furnace coils helps to determine the location and the size of tube damage.
Today it is successfully used for:
- increasing the efficiency of the furnaces,
- increasing overhaul life,
- optimization of repair costs.
Aq Turan detects, localizes and assesses such damage of the pipe coils:
Reduced pipe wall thickness
- Corrosion (internal and external)
- Erosion (internal and external)
Geometric deformation
- Swelling (under the flame influence)
- Ovality
Process. The inspection is carried out with a special tailless probe for coiled tubes or pipelines with a diameter of 102 – 350 mm. The tailless probe allows us to inspect up to 10 flows of tubular furnace coils, including radiant and convection sections of the furnace within 12 hours.
Field of application
Tube furnaces:
- All types of pipes for radiant and convection sections (including finned surface),
- Different types of bends,
- Tubes with diameters of 102 – 350 mm can be inspected
Transfer lines:
- Underground,
- With isolation,
- Aboveground,
- Intrasite/ between production units.
Advantages:
- There is no need to build scaffolding and technological sites,
- Reduced downtime compared to traditional control methods,
- High measurement density, more than 3000 measurements per 300 mm pipe,
- Inspection of 100% of the surface of the contour pipes (with radiant and convection sections of furnaces),
- Ability to pass and inspect “return bend” and “elbows”.
Result. The information received is used to determine the residual life of the furnace and helps to calculate the risk level of the furnace operation.