Gamma-Ray Transmission Scans of Naphtha Splitter Column: A Case Study

Abstract

The gamma-ray transmission technique is well known and widely used to on-line examine inner details of industrial process column. For that purpose, a particular case study was conducted to diagnose the performance of a Naphtha Splitter Column in real time at one petrochemical plant in Malaysia. The technique employed Co-60 as a radioisotope sealed source to emit gamma radiation and a Nal(TI) scintillation as detector. This technique provides a visible representation of the true nature of the naphtha splitter column wherein the process and mechanical problems inside the column can be identified while it is in operation. This paper demonstrates details of the technique used and shows the result obtained.