Tomasz Rymarczyk, Jan Sikora and Paweł Tchórzewski
The paper aims to present an innovative solution for evaluation study of the dampness level of walls and historical buildings.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to present an innovative solution for evaluation study of the dampness level of walls and historical buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
Electrical tomography enables one to obtain a distribution pattern of wall dampness. The application of modern tomographic techniques in conjunction with topological algorithms will allow one to perform very accurate spatial assessment of the dampness levels of buildings. The proposed application uses the total variation, Gauss–Newton and level set method to solve the inverse problem in electrical tomography.
Findings
Research shows that electrical tomography can provide effective results in damp buildings. This method can provide 2D/3D moisture distribution pattern.
Research limitations/implications
The impact of this technique will be limited to inspection of the facility after floods or assessment of historical buildings.
Practical implications
The presented method could eventually lead to a much more effective evaluation of moisture in the walls.
Social implications
The solution has commercial potential and could result in more cost-effective monitoring of historical buildings, which have an economic impact on society.
Originality/value
The authors propose a system for imaging spatial moistness of walls and historic buildings based on electrical tomography and consisting of a measuring device, sensors and image reconstruction algorithms.
Details
Keywords
Tomasz Rymarczyk, Konrad Kania, Michał Gołąbek, Jan Sikora, Michał Maj and Przemysław Adamkiewicz
The purpose of this study is to develop a reconstruction and measurement system for data analysis using ultrasonic transmission tomography. The problem of reconstruction from the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a reconstruction and measurement system for data analysis using ultrasonic transmission tomography. The problem of reconstruction from the projection is encountered in practical implementation, which consists in reconstructing an image that is an estimation of an unknown object from a finite set of projection data. Reconstructive algorithms used in transmission tomography are based on linear mathematical models, which makes it necessary to process non-linear data into estimates for a finite number of projections. The application of transformation methods requires building a mathematical model in which the projection data forming the known and unknown quantities are functions with arguments from a continuous set of real numbers, determining the function describing the unknown quantities sought in the form of inverse relation and adapting it to operate on discrete and noisy data. This was done by designing a tomographic device and proprietary algorithms capable of reconstructing two-dimensional images regardless of the size, shape, location or number of inclusions hidden in the examined object.
Design/methodology/approach
The application consists of a device and measuring sensors, as well as proprietary algorithms for image reconstruction. Ultrasonic transmission tomography makes it possible to analyse processes occurring in an object without interfering with the examined object. The proposed solution uses algorithms based on ray integration, the Fermat principle and deterministic methods. Two applications were developed, one based on C and implemented on the embedded device, while the other application was made in Matlab.
Findings
Research shows that ultrasonic transmission tomography provides an effective analysis of tested objects in closed tanks.
Research limitations/implications
In the presented technique, the use of ultrasonic absorption wave has been limited. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of such a solution has been confirmed.
Practical implications
The presented solution can be used for research and monitoring of technological processes.
Originality/value
Author’s tomographic system consisting of a measuring system and image reconstruction algorithms.
Details
Keywords
Crystallization is the process widely used for components separation and solids purification. The systems for crystallization process evaluation applied so far, involve numerous…
Abstract
Purpose
Crystallization is the process widely used for components separation and solids purification. The systems for crystallization process evaluation applied so far, involve numerous non-invasive tomographic measurement techniques which suffers from some reported problems. The purpose of this paper is to show the abilities of three-dimensional Electrical Capacitance Tomography (3D ECT) in the context of non-invasive and non-intrusive visualization of crystallization processes. Multiple aspects and problems of ECT imaging, as well as the computer model design to work with the high relative permittivity liquids, have been pointed out.
Design/methodology/approach
To design the most efficient (from a mechanical and electrical point of view) 3D ECT sensor structure, the high-precise impedance meter was applied. The three types of sensor were designed, built, and tested. To meet the new concept requirements, the dedicated ECT device has been constructed.
Findings
It has been shown that the ECT technique can be applied to the diagnosis of crystallization. The crystals distribution can be identified using this technique. The achieved measurement resolution allows detecting the localization of crystals. The usage of stabilized electrodes improves the sensitivity of the sensor and provides the images better suitable for further analysis.
Originality/value
The dedicated 3D ECT sensor construction has been proposed to increase its sensitivity in the border area, where the crystals grow. Regarding this feature, some new algorithms for the potential field distribution and the sensitivity matrix calculation have been developed. The adaptation of the iterative 3D image reconstruction process has also been described.