Process tomography
Encyclopedia
Process tomography [1] consists of tomographic
imaging of systems, such as process pipes in industry. In tomography the 3D
distribution of some physical quantity in the object is determined. There is a widespread need to get tomographic information about process. This information can be used, for example, in the design and control of processes.
Tomography involves taking measurements around the periphery of an object (e.g. process vessel or patient) to determine what is going on inside.
The best known technique is CAT
scanning in medicine
, however process tomography instrumentation needs to be cheaper, faster and more robust.
Many different imaging methods are used in process tomography, e.g. ultrasonic imaging
, positron emission tomography
(PET), electrical resistance tomography (ERT) and electrical impedance tomography
(EIT), electrical capacitance tomography
(ECT), magnetic induction tomography
(MIT). In all cases external sensors are used to detect signals from boundary of the object, and the three dimensional material distribution or the velocity field is computed using the measured data.
Process tomography is an area of rapid growth both in terms of research and applications. There are number of challenges remaining in this area including data processing an image reconstruction [2], and application of imaging modalities in a real applications.
Tomography
Tomography refers to imaging by sections or sectioning, through the use of any kind of penetrating wave. A device used in tomography is called a tomograph, while the image produced is a tomogram. The method is used in radiology, archaeology, biology, geophysics, oceanography, materials science,...
imaging of systems, such as process pipes in industry. In tomography the 3D
Three-dimensional space
Three-dimensional space is a geometric 3-parameters model of the physical universe in which we live. These three dimensions are commonly called length, width, and depth , although any three directions can be chosen, provided that they do not lie in the same plane.In physics and mathematics, a...
distribution of some physical quantity in the object is determined. There is a widespread need to get tomographic information about process. This information can be used, for example, in the design and control of processes.
Tomography involves taking measurements around the periphery of an object (e.g. process vessel or patient) to determine what is going on inside.
The best known technique is CAT
Cat
The cat , also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felids and felines, is a small, usually furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and for its ability to hunt vermin and household pests...
scanning in medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
, however process tomography instrumentation needs to be cheaper, faster and more robust.
Many different imaging methods are used in process tomography, e.g. ultrasonic imaging
Medical ultrasonography
Diagnostic sonography is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used for visualizing subcutaneous body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions...
, positron emission tomography
Positron emission tomography
Positron emission tomography is nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body. The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide , which is introduced into the body on a...
(PET), electrical resistance tomography (ERT) and electrical impedance tomography
Electrical impedance tomography
Electrical impedance tomography is a medical imaging technique in which an image of the conductivity or permittivity of part of the body is inferred from surface electrical measurements. Typically, conducting electrodes are attached to the skin of the subject and small alternating currents are...
(EIT), electrical capacitance tomography
Electrical capacitance tomography
Electrical capacitance tomography is a method for determination of the dielectric permittivity distribution in the interior of an object from external capacitance measurements. It is a close relative of electrical impedance tomography and is proposed as a method for industrial process monitoring,...
(ECT), magnetic induction tomography
Magnetic induction tomography
Magnetic induction tomography is an imaging technique used to image electromagnetic properties of an object by using the eddy current effect. It is also called electromagnetic induction tomography, electromagnetic tomography , eddy current tomography, and eddy current testing.-Applications:The...
(MIT). In all cases external sensors are used to detect signals from boundary of the object, and the three dimensional material distribution or the velocity field is computed using the measured data.
Process tomography is an area of rapid growth both in terms of research and applications. There are number of challenges remaining in this area including data processing an image reconstruction [2], and application of imaging modalities in a real applications.