Distillation column troubleshooting by γ-ray scanning and monitoring technology

γ-ray scanning and monitoring technology, which can serve as an important on-line troubleshooting and maintenance tool for petrochemical process equipment, was briefly introduced. Troubleshooting examples for industrial distillation columns were given. Inside structure of the column and flow characteristics of the fluid inside the column can be measured rapidly and directly, through which the structural and operating failure of the process equipment can be accurately diagnosed. The industrial applications showed that γ-ray nondestructive monitoring techniques can play a key role in troubleshooting, optimization and predictive maintenance of the petrochemical devices. (authors)