TOMOSSCAN® is Scansolution’s advanced 360° scanning technology designed to provide a more detailed analysis of liquid maldistribution and density variations within process columns. Using multiple overlapping scan positions at specific elevations, it generates a precise coloured density map that reveals internal abnormalities not visible in conventional column scans. This enhanced imaging method helps engineers identify complex issues such as blockages, uneven distribution, and density build-up, ensuring better diagnostic accuracy and process optimisation.
Advanced 360° tomographic gamma scanning for detailed insight into column, riser and pipeline hydraulics – without shutdown.
TomosScan® is Scansolution’s advanced 360° tomographic gamma scanning technology designed to see what conventional single-line gamma scans can miss. Using multiple angular scan positions around the equipment, TomosScan® generates a full-colour 2-D density map of the cross-section, revealing liquid maldistribution, density build-up and hidden blockages in a single view.
Traditional gamma column scans provide a powerful 1-D vertical density profile for detecting flooding, tray damage and gross maldistribution. However, complex hydraulic behaviour inside packed beds, risers and large vessels can remain ambiguous.
TomosScan® provides a deeper layer of visibility by adding a 2-D tomographic view at selected elevations:
Typical equipment and applications include:
The outcome is a clear visual map of actual in-service behaviour, helping your operations, process and inspection teams converge quickly on the most likely root causes.
Scansolution works with your process and mechanical teams to select elevations around key internals — for example above and below packing beds, near liquid distributors, or suspected problem zones.
A gamma source and detector are positioned externally at multiple angular locations around the equipment, acquiring transmission data along many chords through the cross-section.
Advanced reconstruction algorithms convert the raw count data into a 2-D density map at each scanned elevation, similar in concept to CT imaging but adapted for industrial process equipment.
TomosScan® images are interpreted together with conventional vertical gamma column scans and process data to provide both height-wise and cross-sectional understanding.
Findings are translated into practical recommendations for operation, inspection, maintenance and revamp planning.
| Situation / Objective | Conventional gamma column scan | TomosScan® 360° tomographic scan |
|---|---|---|
| Routine column health check | ✔️ Excellent for flooding, tray damage, across maldistribution | ▪️ Optional add-on at selected elevations |
| Clear, simple problems (e.g. fully blocked tray) | ✔️ Typically sufficient | ▪️ Provides added confirmation if required |
| Suspected liquid maldistribution in packing | ▲ Good first pass, but may be ambiguous | ✔️ Provides cross-sectional density map for clear visualization |
| Concentric or complex maldistribution patterns | ▲ Difficult to see | ✔️ Specifically designed to reveal complex patterns; clear visualization |
| FCCU riser and complex hydraulics | ▲ Limited visibility | ✔️ Captures solids / vapour distribution across the riser cross-section |
| High-value decisions (revamp, major shutdown) | ✔️ Useful input | ✔️✔️ Strong justification with visual evidence |
Start with a conventional gamma column scan to identify potential problem zones. Then apply TomosScan® at selected elevations to confirm, visualise and quantify maldistribution or density abnormalities for clearer, evidence-based engineering decisions.
Every TomosScan® study with Scansolution typically includes:
Ready to see a full 360° view inside your column or critical equipment?
Contact Scansolution to discuss how TomosScan® can support your next troubleshooting study, performance optimisation or shutdown planning.