Analysis of thermal radiation in coal-fired furnaces

Jonathan J. Miles; Robert G. Hammaker; Robert P. Madding; J. Edward Sunderland

doi:10.1117/12.271639

4 April 1997 Analysis of thermal radiation in coal-fired furnaces

Jonathan J. Miles, Robert G. Hammaker, Robert P. Madding, J. Edward Sunderland

Proceedings Volume 3056, Thermosense XIX: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.271639
Event: AeroSense '97, 1997, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Many utilities throughout the United States have added infrared scanning to their arsenal of techniques for inspection and predictive maintenance programs. Commercial infrared scanners are not designed, however, to withstand the searing interiors of boilers, which can exceed 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. Two high-temperature lenses designed to withstand the hostile environment inside a boiler for extended periods of time were developed by the EPRI M&D Center, thus permitting real-time measurement of steam tube temperatures and subsequent analysis of tube condition, inspection of burners, and identification of hot spots. A study was conducted by Sunderland Engineering, Inc. and EPRI M&D in order to characterize the radiative interactions that affect infrared measurements made inside a commercial, coal- fired, water-tube boiler. A comprehensive literature search exploring the existing record of results pertaining to analytical and experimental determination of radiative properties of coal-combustion byproducts was performed. An experimental component intended to provide data for characterization of the optical properties of hot combustion byproducts inside a coal-fired furnace was carried out. The results of the study indicate that hot gases, carbon particles, and fly ash, which together compose the medium inside a boiler, affect to varying degrees the transport of infrared radiation across a furnace. Techniques for improved infrared measurement across a coal-fired furnace are under development.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan J. Miles, Robert G. Hammaker, Robert P. Madding, and J. Edward Sunderland "Analysis of thermal radiation in coal-fired furnaces", Proc. SPIE 3056, Thermosense XIX: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications, (4 April 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.271639

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