The development of positron imaging systems for applications in industrial process tomography

The diagnostic medical imaging technique of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has been adapted at the University of Birmingham for use in imaging industrial processes. A particularly powerful technique, called Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) is used to study granular materials and fluid flows in a number of different applications. This thesis describes the most recent development of the detector systems which are used for PEPT studies at the Positron Imaging Centre. Primarily, the work has focussed upon developing a modular positron camera which can be arranged in custom geometries around the system under study. This camera is transportable and has been used to investigate a number of applications in situ. A new data acquisition system has been designed enabling the storage and analysis of the raw data produced by the detectors. The system has proven to operate reliably and with superior performance compared to that of the original device. These systems have been used for a number of successful PEPT studies on applications in various locations. Examples include improving process efficiency and gaining understanding of flow dynamics within industrial applications such as fluidised beds and polymer extrusion plant