Magnetic resonance imaging for industrial process tomography

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive method for quantitating i n three dimensions the spatial distribution of water and/or hydrocarbons in an optically opaque environment. This article uses three applications to i llustrate how that unique ability of MRI can provide insight to aspects of process engineering. The first involves mapping temperature distribution du e to microwave and/or conventional heating. The second demonstrates how MRI can be used to measure the flow of fluids through complex geometries, incl uding a screw thread extruder and a porous medium. The third, measurement o f solid-liquid separation, is illustrated by studies of two different types of filters. Although no background to the theory is provided, substantial practical details are given about the design of MRI-compatible processing e quipment. (C) 2001 SPIE and IS&T.