OIL-IN-WATER ANALYZER USING ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE TOMOGRAPHY (ECT)

Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is a non-intrusive measurement
technique. It visualizes the phase distribution in closed pipes or vessels by measuring the
variations in the dielectric properties of materials in within. Dielectric constant (Er)
measured is the main concern in determining the type of material. The objective of this
project is to develop ECT sensors and evaluate performance of different sensor designs.
Capacitance sensors are designed and simulated using COMSOL software. COMSOL
simulation gives a visualization of the potential distribution within the measuring area.
Four types of sensor designs - with radial screen, without radial screen, internal electrodes
and external electrodes sensors are simulated. Next, two types of sensors are fabricated
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sensor with internal and external electrodes. The capacitance sensors are calibrated and
experimented with various oil-in-water distributions. Data is obtained through the ITS
M3000 multi-modal data acquisition unit and computer with M3000 software. Simulation
results show that sensor with radial screen and sensor with internal electrodes perform
better. Meanwhile, experimental results show both internal and external electrodes sensor
designs are capable in visualizing static and dynamic oil-in-water distribution. As a
conclusion, designed sensors are able to provide visualization of oil-in-water. Approximate
visualization is achieved but image reconstructed do not show the exact oil-in-water
distribution.