Flue Gas Analyzer
Advantages and Features
- The Sensing Cell Generates its Own Milli-volt Signal
- This Raw Milli-volt Signal is Inverse and Logarithmic
- The Sensor is Typically Heated to 700-750oC
- The Sensor is Robust
- No Sampling System is Required
Product Introduction
Combustion flue gas analysis has been used by Power Plant Operators for decades as a method of optimizing fuel/air ratio. By measuring the amount of excess oxygen and in the flue gases resulting from combustion, plant operators can operate at the best heat rate efficiency, lowest NOx, and also generate the least amount of greenhouse gas.
The theoretical ideal, or the stoichiometric point, is where all fuel is reacted with available oxygen in the combustion air, and no fuel or O2 is left over. Operating furnaces never attain this ideal, however, and the best operating point usually will result in 1-3% excess air.
The most ubiquitous technology for measuring combustion flue gases has been the zirconium oxide fuel cell oxygen analyzer. This analyzer technology was first used in the power generation industry in the early 1970s, but the technology has transferred to use for any combustion process.
The ZrO2 sensing technology is ideally suited for measuring combustion flue gases for the following reasons.
Features:
- The sensing cell generates its own milli-volt signal, similar to the way a thermocouple works.
- This raw millivolt signal is inverse and logarithmic, i.e. increasing greatly with the low percent O2 readings typically found in combustion processes. Accuracy actually improves as O2 levels decrease.
- The sensor is typically heated to 700-750oC, so operation in hot combustion flue gases does not present a problem.
- The sensor is robust, and can withstand the sulfur components found in many fuels.
- No sampling system is required. The sensor can be placed directly into the flue gas stream on the end of probe.
Selected Product Images
Standards
