An optical process sensor for steel furnace pollution control and energy efficiency

grantor: University of TorontoA near-infrared laser operating in the wavelength region between 1577 and 1582 nm was used to perform 'in-situ' measurements of CO (1577.96 nm), H2O (1577.8 nm and 1578.1 nm) and temperature in the exhaust gas region above a laboratory burner fueled with methane and propane. The applicable range of conditions tested is representative of those found in a commercial electric arc furnace and includes temperatures from 1250-1750 K, CO concentrations from 0 to 10% and H2O concentrations from 3 to 27%. Based on the standard deviation of differences between optical predictions and independently measured values, the minimum accuracy of the technique has been estimated as 36 K for temperature, 0.47% for CO and 3.4% for H2 O. This work represents the first quantitative demonstration that ' in-situ' optical measurement of CO is possible in high temperature combustion off-gases using a standard fiber optic-compatible near-IR TDL. The sensor's ability to non-intrusively measure CO, as well as H2O and temperature in real time will allow for improved process control in industrial combustion applications.M.A.Sc