Nonlinear single step fuzzy image reconstruction algorithm for grounded conductors in ECT

A nonlinear single step algorithm based on Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) to reconstruct images in Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is proposed. Monitoring the grounded metal characteristics during the casting process in the Lost Foam Casting process is a novel application for the ECT system. Applying traditional image reconstruction algorithms based on the linear sensitivity matrix is impossible for imaging grounded conductive materials. The proposed FIS overcomes the linearity of the system by applying fuzzy rules on the sensitivity areas for each electrode pair rather than using the sensitivity values. Simulations using ANSYS and LabVIEW are conducted to test the FIS reconstruction algorithm. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the fuzzy system to detect, in one step, the size and position of the grounded metal in the imaging area.