Greenbank Terotech Ltd - the development of an in-line real time density independent microwave sensor to measure moisture content of falling bulk materials used for coal fired power stations

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Optimising the moisture content of pulverised coal fuel entering the boilers of coal firedpower stations provides significant boiler efficiency improvements. Moisture content in thecoal is managed by pre-heating the coal in the pulverising mill. The heat input is set based onassumptions of the moisture content of the fuel typically from laboratory based checksperformed on a daily basis. This does not provide the opportunity to optimise the heat inputbased on the real time variations in moisture content experienced in a modern operation.Every 1 degree of unnecessary heat is estimated to waste £100k per hour. Existing microwavemoisture sensors are principally used in conveyor systems with single density materials andare calibrated based on the assumed density and again do not provide the flexibility to copewith the variation in density of a dynamic operation. The aim of the project is to develop thefirst density independent in line real time microwave moisture sensor for falling bulkmaterials intended to be installed in the coal feed chute of pulverising mills at coal firedpower stations. The project will apply novel microwave measurement processes inchallenging operational and environmental conditions. To deliver the project effectivelyGreenbank Terotech will draw on the significant operational experience and microwavesensor development knowledge within the group. The project will encompass a lab basedprototype development and will actively engage with a power station operator to trial a fullscale prototype in operation. The project is focused on coal for power stations but excitingadditional opportunities exist for the technology in a wide range of bulk material processingindustries such as cement, aggregates, and food processing