Case study: BP Gamma Ray Scanning

In May 2010, BP Corporate commissioned PSR to produce an e-learning module on Gamma Ray Scanning, a distillation tower troubleshooting technique.

BP provided useful source material, but it quickly became clear that the subject matter was extremely subjective and that one of the challenges was helping trainees understand the varied results produced by different scan vendors.

The course required trainees to be able to distinguish between common tower operating problems as shown on gamma scans. PSR produced a number of 3D animations to help trainees visualize foaming, flooding, weeping, dumping, damaged trays etc, and then produced a number of scans using a uniform template, allowing trainees to compare ‘apples with apples.’

We guided trainees through the features of each scan, highlighting scan conventions and applying the theory to some ‘real-world’ examples.

Finally, PSR developed an interactive scenario, whereby trainees were guided through the process of justifying a scan, interpreting the results and taking corrective action.

PSR were very pleased with the end result – BP reported the following:

We were very pleased with the end product – the quality of the animation and the interactive nature of the module was excellent
- Stuart Fraser, Head of Separations, BP