DrumVision™

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DrumVision™ is a new instrument and solution to your aging coke drum challenge. No-one else in the market offers an instrument with our level of insight and detection. A safe pair of expert hands to keep your production running. Ask Tracerco for DrumVision™.

Insight that drives output

Reduce the gap in your operational risk with an instant, safe and compatible coke drum instrument replacement. A new option with added core competency and expert backing to ensure your production is never compromised.

See DrumVisionTM in action

Short on time? Watch our animation to understand how DrumVision™ delivers deeper insight inside your coke drum.

DrumVisionTM technology for performance optimisation

Maximise process profitability

Optimise yields, reduce waste, and increase throughput with real-time foam and coke detection with three phase visibility.

Protect your people and assets

Protect your people, equipment, and operations with unmatched process visibility.

Reduce operating costs

Cut chemical usage, energy waste, and unnecessary downtime.

Unique three phase visibility

Our technology is the only solution providing true three phase detection of vapour, foam, and coke.

Download our recent case study fact sheet, recently published whitepaper or watch our webinar, where our experts explain the technology and its benefits.

Contact us today to find out how DrumVisionTM can support your operations.

Trust Tracerco…

Have a question about DrumVision™? Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the technology, installation, calibration and operation of the system.

  • Why use neutron backscatter rather than gamma?

    Neutron backscatter and gamma transmission use different measurement principles and provide different types of information. Gamma transmission measures the attenuation of gamma radiation as it passes through the drum, providing an indication of the overall material level across the measurement path. DrumVision™ uses neutron backscatter, which is sensitive to hydrogen density in the material close to the detector. Because hydrogen density varies between phases such as vapour, foam, coke and water, changes in the neutron signal can help distinguish between these phases. This makes neutron backscatter particularly useful for identifying the foam-to-coke interface and monitoring changes in material at critical elevations within the coke drum.

  • How does DrumVision™ work?

    DrumVision™ emits fast neutrons towards the material inside the coke drum. When the neutrons interact with hydrogen atoms, some are scattered back towards the detector. The resulting neutron signal changes according to the hydrogen density of the material in front of the instrument. This enables DrumVision™ to identify changes between phases and provide fixed-level measurement at critical elevations.

  • Does DrumVision™ use the same detector technology as legacy systems?

    No. DrumVision™ uses a scintillator detector rather than the gas-filled detector technology used in some legacy neutron backscatter systems. The detector technology has been selected to support stable measurement and reduce the calibration challenges associated with gas-filled detectors.

  • Does DrumVision™ use the same radioactive source as legacy systems?

    DrumVision™ uses an 18.5 GBq source to provide the required measurement performance. The source is safely incorporated within the instrument’s shielding, with low dose rates.

  • Can the source be isolated for coke drum maintenance?

    Yes. DrumVision™ incorporates a source isolation mechanism that allows the source to be isolated when required for coke drum maintenance. This provides a means of reducing radiation levels inside the vessel during relevant maintenance activities. Source isolation should always be carried out in accordance with the applicable site procedures and radiation safety requirements.

  • Can DrumVision™ use the existing mounting studs from a legacy system?

    Yes. DrumVision™ has been designed to fit onto the existing mounting studs used by legacy neutron backscatter systems, where the existing studs are suitable. This can simplify the replacement process and minimise modifications to the coke drum.

  • Will installing DrumVision™ require a shutdown?

    Not necessarily. Where suitable existing mounting studs are available, DrumVision™ can be installed without requiring modifications to the coke drum itself. If new mounting studs need to be installed, a shutdown may be required. The exact installation requirements will depend on the existing system and site conditions and should be assessed as part of the installation planning process.

    Read our case study to see how DrumVision™ can be integrated into an existing coke drum monitoring installation.

  • How long does DrumVision™ take to install?

    Installation time depends on the existing mounting arrangement, site conditions and the work required. Where suitable mounting studs are already available, DrumVision™ is designed as a straightforward replacement for legacy neutron backscatter equipment. A site-specific assessment can provide a more accurate indication of installation requirements and timescales.

  • Can DrumVision™ use existing legacy electronics?

    Tracerco has a self-certified ATEX solution for the European market – however in other regions, the site will be required to change the power supply in advance of supporting the DrumVision™ product – see the next question.

  • What power supply does DrumVision™ require?

    DrumVision™ requires a 24 V DC supply at the detector. The system can be supplied using a 110–250 V AC input power box or, where appropriate, a direct 24 V DC supply.

  • Does DrumVision™ require frequent calibration?

    DrumVision™ is designed to minimise the need for routine recalibration. The system uses a scintillator detector with electronic compensation for temperature changes. During commissioning, the measurement response is established against the expected hydrogen-density conditions and operating data. Following commissioning and calibration, the system is designed to provide stable measurements without routine recalibration of the measurement points.

  • What is the initial setup and calibration process?

    DrumVision™ is designed as a straightforward replacement for legacy neutron backscatter equipment where suitable mounting infrastructure is available. Following installation, the system is commissioned and calibrated against the expected measurement conditions. Data from the initial operating cycle can then be used to further establish the measurement response under actual process conditions. The commissioning and calibration process will be determined for the specific installation and operating conditions.

    Want to explore the technology in more detail? Watch the DrumVision™ webinar.

  • Does coke drum wall thickness affect DrumVision™ performance?

    Coke drum wall thickness can influence the measurement and may require a longer measurement period to achieve the required measurement accuracy. The impact will depend on the specific drum construction and operating conditions and can be assessed as part of the installation and application review.

  • Does DrumVision™ require winterisation?

    For installations exposed to extremely low temperatures below –40°C, DrumVision™ can be modified to incorporate heating for the electronics. This helps maintain the electronics within the specified hazardous-area temperature range and supports operation in challenging environmental conditions.

  • Does DrumVision™ require protection from rain or water?

    Yes. Protection should be provided over the front face of the instrument to prevent water running down the side of the coke drum and affecting the measurement region. DrumVision™ incorporates shielding around the sides and rear of the instrument to help protect these areas from environmental effects. The specific installation and weather protection requirements should be assessed for the individual site.

  • What is the expected working life of DrumVision™?

    The radioactive source used in DrumVision™ has a nominal lifetime of up to 30 years. The instrument housing is designed for long-term service, while detector replacement may be required during the operational life of the system depending on condition and performance. Specific maintenance and replacement requirements can be discussed as part of the application assessment.

  • Does Tracerco provide installation and maintenance support?

    Tracerco can provide technical support relating to DrumVision™ installation and commissioning. For site-specific requirements, please contact Tracerco to discuss your application and support needs.

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  • We measure the unmeasurable
  • We access the inaccessible
  • We help solve the impossible