Flame Spectral Analysis for Boiler Control

An instrument has been developed by Tecogen, Inc., to determine the combustion characteristics of individual burners in multiburner installations. The technology is based on measuring the emissions in the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) spectral range from the flames and using these measurements to determine the burner operating conditions. Two prototype instruments have been installed on package boilers at a Con Edison powerplant and Polaroid facility, and their performance has been evaluated. These instruments provide data relating to the variations in the IR and UV spectrum with a change in the combustion condition in individuals burners. This paper describes the instruments operation and these tests