Hopper Flow Measurement Data Visualization: Developments Towards 3D

A. Romanowski1, K. Grudzień1, R. Banasiak1, R. A. Williams2, D. Sankowski1

1. Technical University of Lodz, Computer Engineering Department, Stefanowskiego 18/22, 90-924 Lodz, Poland, Email: androm@kis.p.lodz.pl

2. Leeds University, School of Process, Environmental & Materials Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, Email: r.a.williams@leeds.ac.uk

   
   

   ABSTRACT

   
   

   The paper addresses the extraction of process information from in-situ tomographic measurement data applied to powder flow in a hopper. The modality chosen for experiments and simulation is Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) using a specially designed 12-electrode sensor. The paper provides an overview of different measurement approaches and analysis methods to address industrial design and modelling needs. The hierarchy of methods considered includes analysis based on: raw data, graphically presented and interpreted, 2D reconstruction methods, 3D visualization and analysis. Information gained by using different presentational forms is explored. It is demonstrated that the choice of presentation can be matched to the industrial process need.

   
   

   Keywords ECT, 3D simulation, Hopper flow, Information visualization