부산대학교 도서관

Distillation column scanning provides an accurate density profile of an online process by moving a radioactive source simultaneously with a radiation detector along the exterior of the process vessel. The column scanning allows an engineer to study the mechanical condition and the hydraulics of trays or packing of a column at online condition. Also, as a predictive maintenance technique, it can find the damaged area in the column to help operator making decision in either unscheduled shutdown or operated in monitoring condition to prevent unexpected equipment failure. It provides essential data to 1. identify maintenance requirements in advance of scheduled turnarounds, 2. optimize the performance of columns. This technology has applied to CPC Condensate-purify plant and Topping unit. The scanning results for both plants show mechanical condition and flow pattern of trays or packing. The throughput of Condensate-purify plant was increased from 62% to 65% by changing operation condition after scanning. The Topping unit was scanned and some trays damaged were found. The new trays can be prepared in advance to save the time of scheduled turnaround.