X-Ray Monitoring
AssigneeRapiscan Systems, Inc.
InventorEdward James Morton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe comprises an X-ray scanner arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means arranged to analyze the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.
Claims34
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A system for monitoring a plurality of substances in a mixture, having at least one fluid layer, along an axis of flow within a first tube, the system comprising:
- a. a first X-ray source positioned radially outward from said first tube;
- b. a second X-ray source positioned radially outward from said first tube;
- c. an annular sensor array positioned between said first tube and said first and second X-ray sources wherein said annular sensor array comprises a plurality of sensors arranged in at least one ring, and
- d. a controller for activating a first X-ray source when said second X-ray source is off and activating said second X-ray source when said first X-ray source is off, wherein said X-ray sources operate at a tube voltage in a range of 100 kVp to 150 kVp.
A system for monitoring a plurality of substances in a mixture, having at least one fluid layer, along an axis of flow within a first tube, the system comprising:
- a. a first X-ray source positioned radially outward from said first tube;
- b. a second X-ray source positioned radially outward from said first tube;
- c. an annular sensor array radially positioned between said first tube and said first and second X-ray sources wherein said annular sensor array comprises a plurality of sensors arranged in at least one ring, and
- d. a controller for activating a first X-ray source when said second X-ray source is off and activating said second X-ray source when said first X-ray source is off, wherein said X-ray sources generate a beam current of between 10 mA and 50 mA.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.