Application Note: Measurement for combustion control

Products:
General information
OXITEC® 5000 - O2 analyzer
COMTEC® 6000 - O2 + COe analyzer This application note describes the necessity of measuring the
oxygen content in different combustion processes. Controlling the
Plant types: air-fuel-ratio to optimize the combustion process reduces the
energy input (cost reduction) and results in a reduction of harmful
Fossil-fueled power plants emissions (environment). Also in terms of plant safety a reliable O2
Biomass-fueled power plants
measurement is essential.
Waste incinerators

Requirements: To increase the efficiency of the combustion process even further,

not only the oxygen, but in addition also the residual combustibles
Highly accurate measuring system in the flue gas have to be measured. Thus a complete combustion
Fast response time to changes of the process of the entire fuel can be realized, while the remaining oxygen is
gas concentration kept low to avoid a heat loss by unnecessary excess air.
Direct adaptions after process changes
Equipment need to withstand harsh conditions
(temperature, dust, corrosion, abrasion)
Prevention of false air ingress to the flue gas at
the probe
Leak-proof probe and sensor design
Measurement of all combustible gas
components, not only CO

ENOTEC Solution
ENOTECs OXITEC® 5000 is the reference in-situ O2 analyzer system. Its gas-tight
brazed sensor is unique on the world market and therefore unrivaled in its lifetime of
many years. The patented self-cleaning probe/filter construction provides fast
response times in applications even with high dust contents. This, combined with the
use of high quality materials to avoid abrasion and corrosion, results in a low
maintenance operation and a low cost-of-ownership.

The probe is available in lengths up to 3.7 m to ensure representative measurements

in the inhomogeneous flue gas. Additionally there are also various configurations
available to meet the customers needs.
The COMTEC® 6000 combines ENOTECs proven O2 sensor technology complementary
with an additional measurement for the detection of the CO equivalents (COe), like CO,
H2 or other hydrocarbons. This sum of different unburned components is one of the
best indicators to determine the completeness of the combustion. So with one single
in-situ probe oxygen and the combustibles can be measured, which are both essential
requirements for combustion optimization.
 Know-How: Typical applications

After economizer
The most preferred and used measuring point
for combustion control and optimization is
after the economizer (heat exchanger), where
the flue gas temperature is about 380 °C. At
this point the gas already started to
homogenize. Nevertheless, the measurement
is still very fast responding due to the small
distance to the boiler.
It is also possible to move the point of
measurement in the direction towards the
boiler. This will even increase the response
time, but may come with the necessity of a
higher temperature range. With the ENOTEC
in-situ probe incorporated in a probe cooling
tube (bypass tube), it is able to withstand
process temperatures of up to 1600 °C.
Coal-fired power plant

After Air Preheater

An additional measurement after the Air Preheater is able for further optimization of the process. With the O2
difference before and after the Preheater a leakage and air ingress can be detected. A leaking Preheater causes
decreased energy efficiency and should therefore be avoided.

Measuring Point Component to be measured Reason for measurement

After boiler/economizer
Before and after preheater
Before and after filter
Before and after SCR
Chimney
Control air-fuel ratio / process optimization
O2 (+ COe)
to reduce fuel & emissions
Delta measurement to observe false air
O2
ingress after preheater
Delta measurement to prevent explosions
O2 (+ COe)
or smouldering fires
O2 Measurement for process monitoring
O2 Emission measurement

More Information on our website: www.enotec.com