APPLICATION OF ELECTRICAL-RESISTANCE TOMOGRAPHY TO DETECT DEPOSITION IN HYDRAULIC CONVEYING SYSTEMS

The use of electrical resistance tomography to monitor the extent of s olids deposited during slurry conveying in a horizontal pipe is demons trated. The method involves placing 16 electrodes around the inner bor e of the pipe section, from which a two-dimensional electrical conduct ivity map within the cross-section can be deduced. The sensitivity of the method is quantified for static and flowing conditions. Variations in the cross-sectional conductivity and the hence solids concentratio n are reported as a function of the flow velocity and solids loading. Prospects for the implementation of the measurement method in industri al plant are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.