X-ray computed tomography

Computed tomography with X-rays is widely used in medicine and non-destructive testing today. In process applications X-ray tomography is, however, until now more seldom used, which is obviously due to its high complexity and costs. Nonetheless, particularly in laboratory studies it has frequently proven its superior capability to measure multiphase flow parameters, such as local phase fractions in pipes, vessels or other process system components, with high resolution and accuracy. Most recently different technologies were presented, which allow faster tomographic imaging of flows with X-ray CT, which now opens the door for a wider application of this technique in process analysis, monitoring and control. The chapter gives a concise overview over basic principles and hardware of X-ray CT with particular respect to process applications and provides state-of-the-art examples of its application in multiphase flow analysis.