This is a SBIR Phase I project to develop an accurate, non- intrusive, rapid-response, exhaust gas temperature monitor which can be used in power plant and incinerator furnaces. The device exploits an innovative concept whereby the instrument detects the short wavelength radiation emitted from ash particles present in the flow due to the combustion process. This is opposed to conventional techniques which detect long-wavelength infrared radiation, with appreciable inaccuracy. Prior thinking in this technology was that utilizing shorter wavelengths was not a fruitful direction to pursue, however, PSI has performed an analysis which reveals the potential of this approach and has confirmed it with preliminary experiments. The project will design and fabricate a sensor based on this principle, and the sensor will be characterized. These results will be used to determine if the probe is adequate for transient furnace control applications. The device to be developed will be of great use in furnace control applications whereby coal-fired power plant boilers might operate at optimum efficiency due to direct control of the combustion process during varying loads, and incinerator furnaces could be controlled to minimize environmental pollution.
