Industrial combustion monitoring using optical sensors

William A. Von Drasek; Olivier Charon; Olivier Marsais

doi:10.1117/12.337467

22 January 1999 Industrial combustion monitoring using optical sensors

William A. Von Drasek, Olivier Charon, Olivier Marsais

Proceedings Volume 3535, Advanced Sensors and Monitors for Process Industries and the Environment; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.337467
Event: Photonics East (ISAM, VVDC, IEMB), 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

With stricter environmental regulations optimization of the combustion process for reduced pollutant emission and higher fuel efficiency is a major objective for manufacturers. The promotion of oxy-fuel combustion is one alternative technology that has been demonstrated as a means for manufacturers to meet their environmental objectives. Despite the benefits oxy-fuel combustion can offer further optimization using monitoring and control techniques are still needed. Here we present a novel method for monitoring and controlling oxy-fuel burners by strategic placement of optical sensors. The sensors are integrated into an industrial oxy-fuel capable of withstanding harsh environments. Radiation from the flame at selected wavelength regions is collected by fiber optics attached to the burner and transported to a miniaturized PC-based spectrometer. The spectral information obtained is used to construct a neural network (NN) model that relates the real- time signal collected to burner operating parameters such as, stoichiometry, power, and fueled and/or oxidizer changes. This processed information from the NN can then be used in a control-loop for adjusting and optimizing combustion parameters or alerting operators of potential burner problems. Examples of using this technology on AIr Liquide's pilot furnaces in both the US and France and from an industrial glass melting tank will be presented. The potential of the sensor and NN approach is demonstrated for both conventional burner and an advanced wide flame burner. The results show that both stoichiometry and power changes can reliably be detected by use of the optical sensors. In addition, an example demonstrating the method on oxy-fuel oil flames to monitor oil atomization quality and stoichiometry will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

William A. Von Drasek, Olivier Charon, and Olivier Marsais "Industrial combustion monitoring using optical sensors", Proc. SPIE 3535, Advanced Sensors and Monitors for Process Industries and the Environment, (22 January 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.337467

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