The concept of 3D ECT system with increased border area sensitivity for crystallization processes diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose Crystallization is the process widely used for components separation and solids purification. The systems for crystallization process evaluation applied so far, involve numerous non-invasive tomographic measurement techniques which suffers from some reported problems. The purpose of this paper is to show the abilities of three-dimensional Electrical Capacitance Tomography (3D ECT) in the context of non-invasive and non-intrusive visualization of crystallization processes. Multiple aspects and problems of ECT imaging, as well as the computer model design to work with the high relative permittivity liquids, have been pointed out. Design/methodology/approach To design the most efficient (from a mechanical and electrical point of view) 3D ECT sensor structure, the high-precise impedance meter was applied. The three types of sensor were designed, built, and tested. To meet the new concept requirements, the dedicated ECT device has been constructed. Findings It has been shown that the ECT technique can be applied to the diagnosis of crystallization. The crystals distribution can be identified using this technique. The achieved measurement resolution allows detecting the localization of crystals. The usage of stabilized electrodes improves the sensitivity of the sensor and provides the images better suitable for further analysis. Originality/value The dedicated 3D ECT sensor construction has been proposed to increase its sensitivity in the border area, where the crystals grow. Regarding this feature, some new algorithms for the potential field distribution and the sensitivity matrix calculation have been developed. The adaptation of the iterative 3D image reconstruction process has also been described.

Using an LSTM network to monitor industrial reactors using electrical capacitance and impedance tomography – a hybrid approach

“…This type of monitoring aims to control the process of crystal precipitation. It is about obtaining answers to the questions of whether the process of phase transformations inside the reactor has been started, the places of crystal nucleation, and the current size of the crystals [43]. Thanks to this knowledge, actions can be taken to ensure the correct course of the process [26].…”

Evaporation of Saline Droplets on a Superhydrophobic Substrate: Formation of Crystal Shell and “Legs”

“…The evaporation of salt solution droplets plays an important role in many applications, such as analytical chemistry [ 1 ], coatings [ 2 ], biology [ 3 ], medical diagnosis [ 4 ], and food science [ 5 ]. The evaporation process of salt solution droplets involves many physical phenomena, such as contact line movements [ 6 , 7 ], natural and evaporation-induced convection [ 8 , 9 ], and crystallization [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Monitoring and Visualization of Crystallization Processes Using Electrical Resistance Tomography: CaCO3 and Sucrose Crystallization Case Studies

“…The hard field imaging techniques such as Xray micro tomography, and X-ray diffraction tomography have also been utilized to study micro particulates and crystallization processes [19,20]. The soft field tomographic imaging such as ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) [21] and Electrical capacitance tomography ECT [22] have been widely reported to monitor crystallization progress in detail. In the chemical process involving large reactors and batch processes, it is of significant importance that the reconstructed image provides quantitative and accurate visualizations of highest resolution possible of the process to implement the control strategy in the reaction which can lead to precise intervention.…”