Recent advances in imaging based instrumentation for combustion plant optimization

Coal-fired power stations are burning an increasingly diverse range of fuels, including biomass and coals of varying compositions, under tight economic and environmental constraints. Since existing coal fired plants are not designed to burn such a diverse range of fuels, power generation companies are facing combustion problems such as poor combustion efficiency, high atmospheric emissions and potentially increased safety risks. To achieve more efficient and safer operation of power plants using these fuels it is imperative to monitor and measure concurrently a range of parameters on an on-line continuous basis. This keynote paper will review the latest advances in digital imaging based sensors and instrumentation systems for the measurement of a range of parameters for the optimized operation of coal and biomass fired power stations. Methodologies and techniques for size and shape analysis of fuel particles (both off-line and on-line), fuel flow metering, and flame monitoring and characterization are introduced. Typical results from recent industrial trials are presented.