Particulate Emission Monitoring Solutions
for the Power Industry

Coal Fired Power Stations
To overcome the reliability, maintenance and cost of ownership issues associated with traditional Opacity Systems on Electrofilters, PCME recommend the use of approved (TUV and MCERTS) Dynamic Opacity systems. These advanced instruments provide a more sensitive response than traditional Opacity instruments and are less affected by particulate build-up on their optics. Ratiometric operation permits operation with lenses at 90% obscured. The compact design of both Transmitter and Receiver heads facilitates the easy installation of the system. Unlike more traditional systems which require precise alignment often using a laser, PCME’s Dynamic Opacity instruments offer a unique built-in audible alignment aid Sure-Sound (Patent Pending) ensuring the quick and easy alignment of the sensor heads. Dynamic Opacity units are unaffected by changes in particulate colour making them most suitable for plants employing fuels from different sources which can result in differing particulate tints. [top]

Coal Mills
Cyclones or Bag Filters used to collect finished ground coal after Coal Mills may be monitored to assess efficiency by employing Electrodynamic Sensors. These probe-based systems are available in approved versions for use in Hazardous Areas (ATEX Dust Zones 20, 21 and 22). In addition to their environmental duties, these units are often used in conjunction with PCME’s Predict Software package and Ethernet connectivity to identify bag row failure before major environmental excursions occur. Used in conjunction with low level emission warning alarms they allow the remote inspection of filter elements before Dust Emission levels breach regulatory limits thereby allowing scheduled maintenance and eliminating plant down-time normally associated with unplanned plant stoppages. [top]

Flue Gas Desulphurisation Plant
The choice of technology to monitor the Particulate Emissions from Flue Gas Desulphurisation plant is dependant on stack conditions. For dry applications on heated extractive lines, either Electrodynamic or Pro-Scatter techniques may be used. In damp applications where water vapour is present, a Patented fully insulated sensor may be successfully employed. [top]

Gas and Oil Fired Power Plant
Under normal operation, the particulate emissions from Gas Fired power stations are extremely low but can rise significantly when running on fuel oils at start-up or under abnormal conditions. To meet the measurement requirements laid out in International Standards such as the European Large Combustion Pant Directive (LCPD) and US EPA PS11 Pro-Scatter Instruments are recommended.

These systems require a simple single point mounting making installation both easy and economical. Incorporating a patented optical cell which provides a large representative sampling area, PCME’s Pro-Scatter instruments feature a unique automated contamination check which eliminates the need for critical moving parts within the instrument which are a common source of instrument failure in other similar instruments.

Pro-Scatter devices will measure dust loadings as low as 0.1 mg/m3 and automatically log instrument self-checks (zero and span) to allow automatic calculation of statistical averages required by QAL3 (EN-13284-2). [top]

Gas Turbines
To ensure the performance, longevity, and minimum maintenance of modern gas turbines Fabric Filters are often used in conjunction with high efficiency HEPA filters to provide high quality air to prevent fouling, erosion and corrosion of the turbine by environmental particulate. The inter-space between these filters can be monitored by Electrodynamic probe- based sensors to identify leakage in the Primary filter and allow preventative maintenance measures to be undertaken before the Secondary HEPA filter is blocked or damaged. Properly conditioned inlet air is critical to keep gas turbines operating at peak performance. [top]

More on key monitoring considerations and guidance towards technology suitability in the Power Industry:

Emission Monitoring Solutions for Power Generation

 
More on maximising process performance, reducing waste and improving efficiency:

Advanced Bagfilter Diagnostics




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