Abstract: A system and method for quantifying opaque inhomogeneities within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a stage where the sample is introduced. The light beam is directed onto the sample in a pattern such that the intensity of transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector measures the transmitted light through the sample. Fluctuations in transmitted light intensity are then correlated with detection of opaque inclusions in the sample. The system also includes an automated program which utilizes these optical concentration measurements to determine the fouling potential of visbroken tars, and regulates the introduction of chemical inhibitors into a visbreaker unit to improve the yield of light streams and/or economic value of product.

Abstract: A system and method for quantifying opaque inhomogeneities within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a stage where the sample is introduced. The light beam is directed onto the sample in a pattern such that the intensity of transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector measures the transmitted light through the sample. Fluctuations in transmitted light intensity are then correlated with detection of opaque inclusions in the sample. The system also includes an automated program which utilizes these optical concentration measurements to determine the fouling potential of visbroken tars, and regulates the introduction of chemical inhibitors into a visbreaker unit to improve the yield of light streams and/or economic value of product.

Abstract: A system and method for quantifying opaque inhomogeneities within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a stage where the sample is introduced. The light beam is directed onto the sample in a pattern such that the intensity of transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector measures the transmitted light through the sample. Fluctuations in transmitted light intensity are then correlated with detection of opaque inclusions in the sample. The system also includes an automated program which utilizes these optical concentration measurements to determine the fouling potential of visbroken tars, and regulates the introduction of chemical inhibitors into a visbreaker unit to improve the yield of light streams and/or economic value of product.

Abstract: A digital radiography imaging system for acquiring digital images of an object, and a method for transforming digital images into an absolute thickness map characterizing the object under inspection. The system includes a radiation source for directing radiation through a desired region of the object, and a radiation detector having a plurality of sensing elements for detecting radiation passing through the object. Numerical data generated from each sensing element is calibrated, for example by correcting for variations in radiation paths between the source and detector, by correcting for variations in the spatial frequency response (MTF) of the detector, by correcting for variations in the geometric profile of the object under inspection, and by correcting for material contained in and/or around the object. The calibrated data is processed in order to generate and display an absolute thickness map of the object.

Abstract: A system and method for counting opaque particles within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a sample on a multi-dimensional translation stage. The translation stage is moved in a pattern such that the intensity of the transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector is used to measure the transmitted light through the sample. An analog-to-digital converter quantifies the transmitted light intensity. Changes in light intensity along the path length are correlated with the detection of an opaque particle. Data processing algorithms are implemented to automatically determine the background noise level associated with the acquired data and to set a discriminator level above which a particle is registered. The total number of particles and an areal density is reported along with an estimate of the uncertainty.

Abstract: A mobile radiographic device for use in inspecting pipelines and the like, comprising an articulating aerial boom coupled to a mobile carriage vehicle. A pivot mount is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the aerial boom. A platform having a sliding rail is operatively coupled to the pivot mount. A mounting fixture is rotatably mounted to a cradle, which in turn is coupled to the sliding rail of the platform. A radiation source and a radiation detector are mounted on diametrically opposing sides of the fixture in order to illuminate the outer surface of a pipeline or other object with radiation. A first positioning means is provided for coarsely positioning the scanning apparatus relative to the pipeline. A second positioning means is provided for finely positioning the scanning apparatus relative to the pipeline. The second positioning means is operable from a remote location when the radiation source is illuminating the pipeline with radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed radiographic inspection of fluid transport vessels in which a radiation source and a radiation detector are positioned on opposite sides of the outside surface of the vessel. A positioning system is provided for moving and locating the radiation source and radiation detector longitudinally with respect to the vessel and for moving the radiation source and radiation detector circumferentially with respect to the vessel. In operation, the positioning system causes the radiation source and radiation detector to spiral along the vessel in a coordinated manner while the radiation source illuminates an adjacent region of the vessel with radiation. The radiation is converted into corresponding electrical signals used to generate images of objects in the radiation path. Finally, an operator inspects the images for defects.