Cameras for Combustion Control of Highly Fluctuating Fuel Compositions Artikel uri icon

Open Access

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Peer Reviewed

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Abstract

  • Combustion processes of any kind require low-pollution and, at the same time, energy efficient process management. Combustion of fossil fuels is relatively easy to optimize in this respect as it is characterized by constant fuel properties. On the other hand, renewable fuels, such as biomass, solid municipal waste, solid municipal waste fractions or substitute fuels, have greatly varying chemico-physical properties which may give rise to process behavior both difficult to manage and non-steady in terms of time. To ensure optimum combustion, the parameters of operation therefore must be automatically adapted to the fluctuations in time of combustion conditions. Unfortunately, it is practically impossible to measure fuel properties directly. For this reason, causes must be derived indirectly from fuel-induced changes in measurable quantities. Conventional measurements by means of pyrometers, thermocouples, and offgas probes can detect fuel-induced fluctuations only after some time delay and not in highly sensitive resolution. Often they are not representative of the entire process because they measure only at specific points or, at best, along one line. Because of the restricted possibilities offered by conventional measurement, control adaptation is only possible by on-line processing and evaluation of the images produced by cameras. Infrared or video cameras are able to detect the combustion situation quickly without needing any contact or producing any repercussions, and also with the high resolution required. In this way, changes can be detected at an early point in time, and this (additional) information can be used for monitoring or for specific action in combustion control. The article discusses the possibilities available on the basis of infrared and video camera measurements and describes practical uses in grate furnace systems.

Veröffentlichungszeitpunkt

  • Januar 1, 2007