Improved Tool for Monitoring Complex Fluid Dynamics

A second generation high speed gamma-ray tomograph has been developed to improve the understanding of complex multiphase flow within pipelines. The technology is available for rent in Bergen, and has also been sold to Canada.

For more than 25 years the Department of Physics and Technology at the University of Bergen has developed industrial process tomography technology. The main research focus during this time has been high speed gamma-ray tomography to monitor cross sectional distribution of gas-liquid flow. A high speed gamma-ray tomograph is used to measure the density of the flow components in the pipe cross section.

Improved Capability

After several years of use in various research projects, the first version of the gamma-tomograph was upgraded in 2016. GCE Subsea supported the feasibility study of developing this next generation high speed gamma-ray tomograph.

This new gamma-ray tomograph is highly improved with regards to temporal and spatial resolution, software visualisation, user friendliness and radiation safety.

The upgraded gamma-ray tomograph has open source technology from the University of Bergen available for testing by interested companies and research establishments at the multiphase flow loop facilities of Christian Michelsen Research (CMR) at Fantoft, Bergen.

Second Generation Delivered to Canada

In 2016 the first second generation high speed gamma-ray tomograph was delivered by CMR Prototech to the Pipe Flow Technology Centre at Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in Canada. The project included mechanical structures from CMR Prototech, radiation detectors and detector electronics from IDEAS, radiation sources from Tracerco and technology transfer and software from CMR and the Department of Physics and Technology at the University of Bergen. The high speed gamma-ray tomograph at SRC is designed to monitor horizontal slurry flow, and its maximum pipe diameter is 101,6 mm (4”).

For more information, see CMR news bulletin.

Contact University of Bergen:

Professor Bjørn Tore Hjertaker
Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen
E-mail: bjorn.hjertaker@uib.no