Coker Deposit Measurement using Beta-Ray Backscatter.

Abstract

The report describes the development and application of an instrument for the measurement of coker tube deposits. Operation is based on backscattered low energy beta rays and a thin window proportional detector housed in a vacuum chamber in which the tubes are examined. Hydrocarbon deposits in the range of 30 to 3000 A thickness can be measured with good accuracy. A description is given of backscatter theory, design of the instrument, and of examples of the successful application of the instrument to coker tubes of various sizes. Data from several fuel thermal stability studies are presented in terms of maximum deposit thickness and total deposit mass for each tube. It is comparable in accuracy to combustion determination and has the added advantages of being nondestructive and of providing a complete deposit profile along the tube. Sufficient detail is included so that the report may be used as an operator's manual. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0743308

Entities

People

  • A. Telfer
  • H. T. Henderson
  • R. M. Curtis

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Backscattering
  • Chambers
  • Combustion
  • Detectors
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Measurement
  • Thermal Stability
  • Thickness
  • Vacuum
  • Vacuum Chambers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Solar Physics