TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM

Tower Scan
An on-line diagnostic
technique that enables
the process conditions and
mechanical integrity
of separation columns to be
investigated on line, with no
impact on production
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Technology
Density measurement
Gamma transmission
Non-intrusive detectors
Scintillaters
External to vessel
Data interpretation
Expert measurement
Highly experienced
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
No effect on production
process
No need for any column
preparation
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Packed
Structured
Random
Trays
Single pass
Multi-pass
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Assess Process conditions
Trays
Liquid levels
Foaming
Flooding
Weeping
Carryover
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Assess Process conditions
Trays
Packing
Flooding
Mal-distribution
Channelling
Carryover
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Assess Process conditions
Assess mechanical integrity
Trays
Structural damage
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Assess Process conditions
Assess mechanical integrity
Trays
Packing
Collapse
Bed density
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Assess Process conditions
Assess mechanical integrity
Trays
Packing
Distributor
Damage
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Assess Process conditions
Assess mechanical integrity
Immediate results
On-site interim report
Easily repeated
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Features
Non-intrusive
Suitable for different columns
Assess Process conditions
Assess mechanical integrity
Immediate results
Rapid data collection
Up to 10 meters of column per
hours
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Benefits
Increase production capacity
Eliminate need for shutdown
On-line problem diagnosis
Optimise shutdown period
Replace & repair identified before
Identify optimised production
On-line process measurements
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Benefits
Increase production capacity
Reduce operating costs
Determines optimal operating
parameters
Utilities
Raw material & waste reduction
Shutdown
Time required (costs)
Removes risk of premium charges
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
When is the technology
used?
Trouble shooting exercises
Fast response
Process optimisation trails
Immediate results
Pre-shutdown investigations
No effect on process
Commissioning trails
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Case study 1 - Packed Bed - UK refinery
Problem
Packed column
Reduced efficiency
Downstream effect
Options
Open column & react
Identify problem & plan
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM Tower scan
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Case study 1 - Packed Bed - UK refinery
Investigation
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM Tower scan
undertaken
Findings
Packed beds, trays & distributors all in correct locations
(no catastrophic failures)
Bed 3 with vertical density profile
25% difference over 2 meters
After further grid scanning hole identified in bed
Inverted cone shape (top of bed)
Debris collected at base of Bed 3
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Case study 1 - Packed Bed - UK refinery
Outcome
Metallurgical issue with packing
Following analysis
Replacement material sourced
Suitable for conditions
Not at premium rates
Bed replaced
Next shutdown
Planned & optimised
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Case study 2 - Tray Column - Middle East
Problem
Tray column
High pressure drop
High operating costs
Options
Reduce capacity
Open column & react
Identify problem & resolve
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Case study 2 - Tray Column - Middle East
Investigation
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM Tower scan
undertaken
Findings
Trays 1 to 8 (base - high vapour)
In position and operating to design parameters
Trays 9 - 16 (top - high liquid)
In position
Totally flooded
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
Case study 2 - Tray Column - Middle East
Outcome
Column inspected
Based around tray 9
Blockage identified
Downcomer
Damaged tray parts
Blockage removed
Column operating
Efficiently
To design parameters
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower scan
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM Tower scans
have been carried out in the following regions:
Europe
UK
Mainland
North America
South America
Middle East
SE Asia
West Africa
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower scan
TRACERCO DiagnosticsTM
Tower Scan
An on-line diagnostic
technique that enables
the process conditions and
mechanical integrity
of separation columns to be
investigated on line, with no
impact on production