Abstract :
In this paper, we present a new flame monitor that uses three photovoltaic cells covering the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) spectral bands. A gain-adjustable amplifier is incorporated into the monitor so that it is applicable to the coal-, oil-, or gas-fired flames. Self-checking of the monitor is implemented through cross correlation of the signals from the three cells, and hence, no additional self-checking hardware is required. Both the oscillation frequency and the brightness of the flame are used to monitor flame stability and to detect flame presence as well as sighting-tube blockage. Unlike conventional single-cell flame detectors, the new multicell devices can still be in operation before being repaired, after a cell-failure alarm has gone off. Experiments were carried out on an industrial-scale combustion test facility in order to demonstrate the operability and efficacy of the new flame monitor
Keywords :
combustion; correlation methods; flames; optical sensors; photovoltaic cells; flame monitor; flame presence detection; flame stability monitoring; gain adjustable amplifier; industrial scale combustion test facility; multicell devices; oscillation frequency; self-checking hardware; sighting-tube blockage; signal cross-correlation; triple photovoltaic cells; Brightness; Detectors; Fires; Frequency; Hardware; Infrared spectra; Infrared surveillance; Monitoring; Photovoltaic cells; Stability; Combustion safety; cross correlation; flame monitor; flame stability; industrial boiler;
