Why measure CO2 in flue gas?
Waste is burnt mainly to reduce the volume of trash, but now we also take advantage of the energy released during that combustion. The exact composition of the garbage is, of course, hard to predict. Traditional fuels, like hydrocarbons, can also be of various qualities, which makes it necessary to have a continuous exhaust gas sensor and control system.
By measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide, it’s possible to control the process in order to optimize the extraction of energy. This is important since fuels can contain many different combustible substances in varying ratios.
How does it work?
The flue gas can be extracted using a sample probe. The gas is then transported via a sample line to a cooler unit fitted inside the analyzer, where the moisture is removed. The dry and cooled sample gas is then filtered to remove particulates before being directed into the measurement system, made up of pairs of sensors. Each sensor is fed alternately with sample gas and air. The sensors generate an electrical output proportional to a specific gas component.
What complicates the measurements in this application is the environment where the sensors are placed. The main problem is that they could be exposed to high temperature, humidity, and a corrosive surrounding environment. This requires an environmentally stable measuring device. Handheld devices can also be used for this, an example being when a technician comes to a private home to check the heating system.
Reduced costs
This application has many benefits. It saves energy, and therefore saves both money and has a positive effect on the environment. This is possible thanks to the optimized combustion that we get by measuring the CO₂ concentration in flue gas.
This application also improves safety and reliability, which may be a vital factor that makes people choose to install this kind of measurement system. A safer and less dangerous exhaust also leads to the benefit that fewer people are suffering from CO and CO₂ poisoning or other dangerous gases. This helps reduce the costs of healthcare for society. It is also easier to control combustion of various fuels such as waste or garbage, which usually is a big environmental problem.
Key Benefits
- Optimized combustion
- Less dangerous exhaust
- Saves energy & money
- Easier to control combustion of various fuels such as waste or garbage