FAQs

Rocsole’s process imaging solutions are based on Industrial Process Tomography, more precisely Electrical Tomography (ET). Tomographic methods are typically used for imaging internal structures of targets that require non-invasive or non-destructive measurement techniques.

The general idea in tomographic measurements is to expose the target of interest to a physical stimulus, e.g. electromagnetic waves, radiation beam, acoustic waves or electrical signals, and measure the response caused by the target. From the response signals it is possible, with the aid of mathematical models, to infer the distribution of different material within the target.

An important feature of tomographic imaging techniques is that measurements can be conducted form outside the actual target without damaging or disturbing it.

Rocsole’s systems are developed to handle tough process conditions and contain no moving parts, so a regular service or maintenance program is not needed.

Sensor and control unit 15W, data cabinet 20W, connection unit 15W.

In electrical tomography techniques, such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) and Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), known voltage or current is applied to the periphery of the target via an appropriate electrode configuration. This will induce an electrical potential distribution in the target, and the shape of the potential distribution depends on the distribution of materials within the target.

The effects of material distribution can be measured with the electrodes attached on the periphery of the target domain. With suitable mathematical models and data processing algorithms it is possible to determine images of material distributions in the region of interest.

In process industry, this information may be very useful e.g. for optimal process control. Main advantages of electrical tomographic techniques are good time resolution, affordable price and negligible health and safety issues. Check ET Technology page for more information about utilizing ET technology in industrial environments.

Industrial Process Tomography is a general term for techniques intended for cross sectional or 3D imaging of material properties and distributions in various industrial positions such as in pipes, vessels and reactors. Process tomography covers several tomographic techniques, e.g. electrical, X-ray and ultrasound methods, and typical applications include e.g. monitoring of different mixing and sedimentation processes as well as determination of material concentrations and distributions in multiphase flows.

An important feature of tomographic techniques is that the measurements are typically carried out from the periphery of the target using a specially designed sensor so that the measurements do not disturb the process. Tomographic measurements enable non-invasive process monitoring, which can give comprehensive understanding on the behavior of the process system and provide valuable information for process optimization and control.

Standard interfaces are 4..20 mA and Modbus/TCP. Other communication interfaces are available on request.

Several research organizations have contributed to the development of different sectors of ECT, including the University of Eastern Finland in Rocsole’s hometown Kuopio.

Important pioneering work in ECT was carried out at the US Department of Energy, Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) and at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), and in UST for example at the Purdue University, USA.