Temperature measurement in power plants and waste incineration
Accurate temperature measurement is essential for optimising combustion, controlling emissions and monitoring safety in power plants and waste incineration plants. Infrared measurement technology allows high temperatures to be monitored safely and without contact, without disrupting the process.
Combustion requires precise monitoring
In thermal power plants and waste incineration plants, heat from a fuel is converted into steam, which is used to drive a turbine and generate electricity. The combustion temperature therefore has a direct impact on the efficiency and stability of the process.
The measurements are also used to monitor safety and control emissions of particulates and pollutant gases. Monitoring requirements depend on factors such as the type of fuel, the plant’s design and the applicable emissions requirements.
Non-contact measurement at high temperatures
High temperatures make it necessary to use instruments developed for demanding combustion environments. Infrared temperature measurement records the temperature from a distance and does not require physical contact with the fuel, furnace or internal boiler components.
Depending on the process, monitoring may include infrared thermal imaging, infrared scanning and carbon monoxide detection. Combining different measurement methods makes it possible to track temperature changes, combustion and potential safety risks.
Adapt measurement to the fuel and process
Power plants and waste incineration plants have different measurement needs. Monitoring should therefore be adapted to the fuel used and the critical points in the process.
List:
Biomass: Monitor the fuel during production, transport and storage. Biomass can be prone to self-heating and spontaneous combustion, making early detection important.
Coal: Measure temperature and carbon monoxide to support safe and efficient operation. Also monitor opacity, particulates and pollutant gases as part of emissions control.
Coal mills: Use dedicated monitoring to detect conditions that may increase the risk of fire and equipment damage.
Waste incineration: Track the temperature in the boiler or furnace to optimise combustion and control emissions.
Refractory walls: Use thermal imaging to monitor the condition of the refractory lining and identify areas with abnormal thermal loads.
Flue gas: Monitor the flue gas to document that the plant complies with the applicable emissions requirements.
Carbon monoxide and acid dew point: Incorporate these measurements into process control to obtain a more detailed picture of combustion conditions.
The measurement equipment must be able to withstand extreme heat while delivering stable data from the areas that are crucial to process control.
Efficient combustion, emissions control and safe operation
Accurate measurements enable operators to adjust combustion based on current process data. This can improve fuel utilisation and support more stable operation.
Thermal monitoring can also provide important information about the condition of the boiler and the refractory wall. This makes it easier to detect critical temperatures and potential damage before they develop into safety issues or operational disruptions.
Monitoring temperature, carbon monoxide, particulates and pollutant gases also helps document the plant’s compliance with the relevant environmental requirements.
Hans Buch offers measurement solutions from AMETEK Land for power plants and waste incineration. The solution is tailored to the plant’s fuel, process conditions, measurement points and emissions control requirements.
Temperature measurement
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