NEU-SCAN Thermal Neutron Scanning

Scansolution’s NEU-SCAN is a non-intrusive diagnostic technology that uses Thermal Neutron Technology. to accurately detect and measure the levels of gas, foam, hydrocarbon, water, emulsion, and solids inside process vessels or pipelines. It provides real-time, on-site results without interruption to operations, enabling precise level evaluation, coking height detection, and moisture inspection under insulation for Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) prevention. NEU-SCAN is applicable for both onshore and offshore installations, supporting safe and efficient preventive maintenance programs.

Overview

Non-intrusive phase profiling & moisture under insulation (CUI) detection for oil & gas assets

Supporting refinery, petrochemical and gas processing plants with on-line gamma-ray diagnostics.

NEU-SCAN Advanced Neutron Scanning for Vessels & Pipelines

Scansolution NEU-SCAN service is a non-intrusive diagnostic technique that uses thermal neutron technology to look inside process vessels and pipelines without cutting, opening or interrupting operation. It provides a clear picture of:

  • Gas and vapor zones
  • Foam and hydrocarbon (oil) layers
  • Emulsion bands
  • Water levels
  • Sludge, coke and solid sediment deposits

This allows production and maintenance teams to make confident decisions on cleaning, repairs and operating limits while the plant remains online.

What NEU-SCAN Can Measure

Phase Level Measurement Interfaces & Deposition
  • Gas / vapor
  • Oil / hydrocarbon
  • Emulsion
  • Water
  • Sludge, coke and solid sediments
  • Oil water interface location
  • Emulsion band thickness and position
  • Sludge or sediment layer height
  • Height and distribution of coke deposition

 NEU-SCAN can be applied to a wide range of vessels located onshore or offshore, including separators, treaters, surge drums, storage tanks and other production equipment.

Key Benefits for Your Operation

Non-intrusive scanning  no cutting, opening or depressurisation required. All measurements are taken externally while the asset continues normal operation.

Clear Visualisation of Phase Levels

NEU-SCAN provides quick, easy-to-interpret results that clearly show gas, oil, emulsion, water and solid layers inside your vessel. This helps operators understand actual internal conditions compared to design or expected performance.

Optimised Cleaning & Shutdown Planning

By knowing exactly how much sludge, coke or sediment is present and where it sits, you can:

  • Refine and reduce cleaning scope
  • Plan turnaround duration more accurately
  • Allocate resources and equipment efficiently

Improved Production Performance

Monitoring sludge, sediment, emulsion and foam levels helps you reduce carry-over, improve separation efficiency and stabilise process conditions. NEU-SCAN supports troubleshooting of poorly performing separators, treaters and other vessels.

Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) Prevention

NEU-SCAN can detect moisture under insulation on pipelines before corrosion becomes critical, supporting proactive integrity management and risk-based inspection programs.

Verification of Existing Instrumentation

Use NEU-SCAN as an independent check to verify level gauge calibration and troubleshoot suspect readings, especially when glass gauges, radar or DP transmitters give conflicting signals.

How NEU-SCAN Works

NEU-SCAN uses a compact thermal neutron source and detector positioned on the outside of the vessel or line. As neutrons pass through the wall and process, they interact strongly with hydrogen-rich materials like water, oil and moist insulation.

By moving the equipment along the height of a vessel or the length of a pipeline, NEU-SCAN detects changes in neutron response that correspond to different phases and moisture content. The result is a detailed profile showing:

  • Location and thickness of each process phase
  • Build-up of sludge or coke along vessel height
  • Localised wet spots under insulation on pipelines

The scan is fast, repeatable and can be performed while the plant remains in normal operation, making it ideal for both troubleshooting and routine monitoring.

NEU-SCAN for Moisture Under Insulation (CUI) Detection

Early Warning for Corrosion Under Insulation

Corrosion Under Insulation can lead to unexpected failures, leaks and high repair costs. NEU-SCAN offers a specialised configuration for detection of moisture under insulation in pipelines, providing an early warning long before damage becomes critical.

Key Features of NEU-SCAN CUI Detection

  • Non-intrusive: no need to remove insulation or cut test windows
  • Accurate on-line results obtained directly on site
  • Fast screening: typical measurement time is about 3 seconds per point
  • Capable of screening long lengths of pipeline in a short timeframe
  • Suitable for large-diameter, insulated pipelines
  • Ideal as a routine technique for preventive maintenance and CUI risk management

Scan output clearly highlights moisture spots along the insulated pipe, helping integrity and inspection teams focus inspection and repair resources where they are truly needed.

Typical Applications in Oil & Gas Facilities

NEU-SCAN is particularly valuable for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of assets across upstream and downstream operations:

  • Production separators and treaters identify internal phase distribution and detect sludge or sand accumulation.
  • Crude and product storage tanks  map sludge/sediment height and water bottoms before tank cleaning.
  • Scrubbers, surge drums and KO drums  confirm operating levels, foaming and emulsion behaviour.
  • Heaters and process vessels  assess coke growth and deposition patterns over time.
  • Insulated pipelines detect moisture under insulation for early CUI mitigation.

Whether on offshore platforms, FPSOs or onshore terminals and refineries, NEU-SCAN helps minimise unplanned downtime and extend asset life.

Why Choose Scansolution for NEU-SCAN?

  • Specialist diagnostic expertise in non-intrusive scanning technologies for oil & gas assets
  • Field-proven NEU-SCAN equipment designed for harsh operating environments and demanding field conditions
  • Regional presence supporting projects across Asia
  • Ability to integrate NEU-SCAN findings with other Scansolution diagnostic services for a complete picture of your asset’s condition

Scansolution partners with operators to turn scan data into clear recommendations for cleaning, inspection, repair and process optimisation.

Talk to Us About NEU-SCAN

Ready to improve visibility inside your vessels and pipelines without shutting down? Contact Scansolution today to discuss how NEU-SCAN can support your:

  • Tank and vessel cleaning planning
  • Separation performance troubleshooting
  • Integrity management and CUI prevention
  • Turnaround optimisation and risk-based inspection strategies