Oil companies need every advantage they can get. This time it is ct scanning to peer inside things.
CT scanning or computed tomography has long been the backbone for the medical industry, but no longer! Owing to technological advancement, enterprises across the world are adopting industrial CT scanning. From reverse engineering to quality control, the immersive technology is creating ripples in every sector, and oil & gas is no different. Today industrial 3D scanner is an increasing part of 3D scanning industry.
Furthermore, according to research by Allied Market Research, the industry is likely to generate revenue of $5.7 billion by 2021, and it will grow at a CAGR of 13.6% over the next five years.
How is ct scanning used in the oil and gas industry?
Today, the oil & gas sector is utilizing the technology to understand how fluid flows though their equipment in subtle ways, allowing them to make improvements for more efficient oil drilling and processing. The CT scanners are renowned for giving accurate quantitative data regarding different flow patterns and porosity. Oil and gas companies figured out that they can utilize CT scans to analyze things like core samples from the earth . The device can accurately show even minuscule details such as the size of the grain and pore, shape, mineralogy and accurately predict the type of fluid distribution. This means that when they deploy their fracking gear at no small expense, they are less likely to be surprised by the outcome of what comes out of the earth.
How is medical ct scanning different from industrial ct scanning?
Medical CT scanners are designed for taking imagery data of living objects due to which it has minimal power to penetrate. And, industrial scanners have higher penetration power. Due to the high penetration power, these scanners can provide details which otherwise becomes difficult to collect. It can provide information on core analysis, digital rock typing and formation damage. Also, industrial CT scanning offers X-ray imaging which has a much higher grade and resolution than the traditional medical scanners. Due to the high resolution and penetration power, researchers in the oil sector can easily explore different areas without wasting time on digging every potential oil field.
Why is industrial ct scanning beneficial?
DDrilling and digging in the oil sector is a costly affair, and when the drilling place is a dry spot, the entire business gets affected adversely. Apart from reducing the cost, it helps in increasing the production ability and shortens the development time. It allows engineers to visualize, measure, and analyze crucial features of the oil and gas industry.
How does ct scanning work?
Industrial CT scanning is similar to CAT scan and helps in creating digital 3D models by combining thousands of 2D processed X-ray images. Usually, the sample in the picture is rotated at 360 degrees, and X-rays images are taken during a constant interval of time while the sample completes the rotation. The type of x-ray tubes which the scanner uses is dependent upon the density, structure and size of the sample. Interestingly, CT scanning helps in measuring internal and external features without distorting the object. Also, using x-ray images and geometric analysis, the scanning can see through the cross-section of the walls, measure the distance and provide useful
quantitative data.
In short, industrial CT scanning can provide new life to different industries in the coming years.
