Multiple Radioactive Particle Tracking in Fluidised Beds Using Gamma Cameras

Apostolos Kantzas1, 2, Caroline L. Hyndman1, Kelly Hamilton1, 2, Loni Schober1, Ian Wright2

1 Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4, akantzas@ucalgary.ca.

2 Tomographic Imaging and Porous Media Laboratory, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

ABSTRACT

By using two perpendicular gamma cameras it is possible to carry out three-dimensional multiple radioactive particle tracking (MRPT) experiments on fluidised beds. This technique has considerable advantages to other systems in that the initial data stream from the detection system is much simpler, and by tracking multiple particles the experimental time and data volume can both be reduced. We have carried out a number of experiments using this technique on polyethylene fluidised beds with up to five particles present in the column. The results of these experiments, and the methods and the algorithms are summarised.

Keywords three-dimensional multiple radioactive particle tracking, solid circulation parameters, gas- solid fluidised bed, gamma cameras