Computer vision based interface level control in a separation cell
Phanindra Jampana , PhD student in Chemical Engineering - Computer and Process Control
Supervisor - Dr. Sirish Shah
Bitumen extraction from oil sands is the core unit operation in the production of crude oil. This flotation process is carried out in large vessels called separation cells. Optimal control of the interface between Bitumen froth and Middlings in these cells can result in a significant improvement in Bitumen recovery resulting in large economic benefits. The problem in the implementation of such a control system is the lack of safe and reliable sensors for interface level detection. This work describes a novel sensor for interface level detection, developed using computer vision techniques on video frames captured from a sight glass camera. A simple edge detection method combined with particle filtering is used to provide estimates of the interface level and its quality. Its is shown that the algorithm is robust to lighting changes. Industrial results show highly improved control performance when estimates of the sensor are used for feedback control.
Bitumen extraction from oil sands is the core unit operation in the production of crude oil. This flotation process is carried out in large vessels called separation cells. Optimal control of the interface between Bitumen froth and Middlings in these cells can result in a significant improvement in Bitumen recovery resulting in large economic benefits. The problem in the implementation of such a control system is the lack of safe and reliable sensors for interface level detection. This work describes a novel sensor for interface level detection, developed using computer vision techniques on video frames captured from a sight glass camera. A simple edge detection method combined with particle filtering is used to provide estimates of the interface level and its quality. Its is shown that the algorithm is robust to lighting changes. Industrial results show highly improved control performance when estimates of the sensor are used for feedback control.
