Using a PET camera to track individual phases in process equipment with high temporal and spatial resolutions: Algorithm development

This paper presents the development and characterization of a refined algorithm used in the positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) technique for locating a radioactive tracer particle, the property of which can be modified to simulate either a solid particle or a liquid element moving through the process equipment. The spatial resolution as a function of the temporal resolution down to temporal resolutions of 0.25 ms has been obtained for a moderately labelled bead, placed off the field-of-view center. Tracks of a bead, mimicking 90-115 μm sand particles, in a hydrocyclone with a temporal resolution of 0.5 ms are shown.