---
title: Optimising oil and gas production with advanced scanning and tracer technology
description: Optimise oil and gas production with Tracerco's advanced scanning and tracer technology for real-time insights, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime without operational interruptions.
---

[News and Views from the Tracerco](https://blog.tracerco.com/marketing)

# [Optimising oil and gas production with advanced scanning and tracer technology](https://blog.tracerco.com/marketing/optimising-oil-and-gas-production-with-advanced-scanning-and-tracer-technology)

 Written by [Nicola Porter](https://blog.tracerco.com/marketing/author/nicola-porter) | Mar 10, 2025, 10:40:42 AM

`In the high-stakes world of oil and gas production, every second counts. A minor disruption in operations can have a domino effect, leading to significant financial losses.`

`In this blog, we highlight the benefits of identifying and resolving production issues quickly and how advanced scanning technologies and tracer solutions play a pivotal role in optimising oil and gas efficiency.`

`How advanced scanning technologies improve oil and gas production efficiency`

`For over 65 years, Tracerco has been at the forefront of non-intrusive scanning technology and tracer solutions, helping engineers and operators gain valuable real-time insights into their processes. By using advanced scanning technologies such as Tru-Scan™ and PhaseFinder™, Tracerco provides real-time data on vessel performance data—all without the need for shutdowns.`

### `Real-time insights with scanning technologies for oil and gas operations`

`When applied to separators and processing vessels, our advanced scanning technologies can reveal vital operational details, including:`

- `Liquid levels within the vessel to ensure optimal separation.`
- `Presence and height of foam, preventing inefficiencies. `
- `Oil and water interface positions for improved monitoring.`
- `Emulsion band extent, helping refine chemical treatments.`
- `Sand deposit locations, reducing blockages and flow disruptions.`
- `Potential hardware malfunctions, such as damaged inlet devices`

`This ability to “see through” vessel walls allows engineers to make data-driven decisions about process improvements and chemical treatments without interrupting operations.`

``

`PhaseFinderTM measurement showing bulk liquid level, presence of foam, and an emulsion interface.`

### `Using tracer technology to enhance separation efficiency and detect flow issues`

`Tracerco’s tracer technology enables precise measurements of flow characteristics, identifying common production challenges such as:`

- `Oil in water and water in oil contamination, which affects product quality.`
- `Gas undercutting, leading to inefficiencies in gas-liquid separation.`
- `Liquid carryover, which can cause operational issues.`
- `Blockages in perforated plates, reducing system effectiveness.`
- `Phase residence times, helping optimise separation efficiency.`

``

`The placement of tracer detectors at the inlet and outlets of a separator.`

`By combining scanning and tracer techniques, Tracerco provides a comprehensive analysis of the separation process. These scanning technologies help optimise chemical treatments, such as anti-foaming and demulsification, ensuring greater efficiency.`

`Through the deployment of phase-specific radiotracers, engineers can accurately track liquid and gas flow, troubleshoot inefficiencies, and improve oil and gas production rates.`

`A case study on demulsifier effectiveness`

`In a real-world application, an oil and gas operator used Tracerco’s scanning technology to evaluate two different demulsifier chemicals in a separator. Four scans were performed to compare effectiveness:`

1. `Baseline Scan: Recorded initial operating conditions.`
2. `Post-Demulsifier #1 Scan: A severe emulsion was observed, significantly reducing separation efficiency.`
3. `Second Baseline Scan: The separator returned to its initial state.`
4. `Post-Demulsifier #2 Scan: The emulsion was successfully removed, indicating superior performance of the second chemical.`

``

`Scanline position close to the water outlet.`

`The real-time data provided by Tracerco’s advanced scanning technology allowed the operator to make an informed decision on the most effective demulsifier, ultimately improving separation efficiency and reducing costs.`

``

`Comparison of the baseline and after demulsifier injection results.`

### `Boosting production with non-intrusive scanning technology and tracer diagnostics`

`Tracerco’s scanning and tracer solutions provide a non-intrusive, real-time approach to diagnosing production issues, eliminating guesswork, and optimising operations. By leveraging these innovative technologies, oil and gas operators can enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and make data-driven decisions that maximise yield and profitability.`

`With decades of expertise in scanning technology, Tracerco continues to empower engineers with the insights they need to maintain seamless and efficient operations in the ever-evolving oil and gas industry.`

`Learn more: Download our Tracerco DiagnosticsTM Separator Study fact sheet and customer case study.`

`Have questions concerning this article? Complete the form below this blog for more details.`

[View full post](https://blog.tracerco.com/marketing/optimising-oil-and-gas-production-with-advanced-scanning-and-tracer-technology)

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