Comparative studies of electrostatic sensors with circular and rod electrodes for the velocity measurement of pulverized coal and biomass fuels

This paper presents the latest development in the velocity measurement of pulverized coal and biomass fuels in pneumatic pipelines using electrostatic sensors in combination with correlation signal processing techniques. A comparative study of electrostatic sensors with circular and rod electrodes was conducted on a 94mm bore horizontal pipeline feeding a 4 MW industrial scale furnace. Experimental tests were conducted under coal/biomass co-firing conditions for different proportions between the two fuels. The advantages and limitations of the two different sensor electrodes are addressed. Experimental results demonstrate that both sensors are capable of providing pulverized fuel velocity measurement with excellent repeatability and fast dynamic response under an industrial environment.