CIFA 350
The Carbon in Fly Ash CIFA 350 provides significant benefits to coal fired power stations:
- rapid, precise, real-time information on UNBURNT Carbon in the Fly Ash
- no need for accurate sampling, weighing or measurement of evolved gases
- independent of coal source or particle size
- non-destructive test
On-line information is a considerable improvement compared to traditional 24 hours sampling followed by laboratory analysis. Real-time results are reported whilst they are still relevant to plant conditions.
This prompt information enables:
- rapid optimisation of mill and excess air settings
- optimisation of the combustion process
- mill performance monitoring
- improved fly ash quality, leading to increased sales to the cement industry
The Carbon in Fly Ash CIFA 350 is the latest development. The monitors use a microwave interrogation technique, which relies on different responses of carbon and the other particulate matter in the gas stream to determine the amount of carbon present.
The monitor is designed to connect to an industry standard isokinetic sampler. A sample of fly ash is collected from the flue gas duct (typically around 10 times per hour) and is fed into a sample tube, where the fly ash is vibrated to ensure optimum packing. The sample tube feeds the sample to the analysis zone. Once sufficient sample has been collected, the microwave analysis takes only a few seconds. This method ensures reliable and efficient method of fly ash analysis.
Changes in unburnt carbon levels in the flue gas ducts enable more responsive combustion control than testing bottom ash which accumulates over longer timeframes.
"When commodity prices were strong and rising, mining companies could afford minor inefficiencies in their plants. That is rarely the case in these days of lower-grade deposits, lower metal prices and economic pressure from every direction. “We have to do better with lower costs,” said Philip Thwaites, manager of process control for XPS Consulting & Testwork Services. “If you’re not efficient, you’re not going to be around. And our industry can be a lot more efficient.” According to Thwaites, measurement is the cornerstone of control and efficiency. “If you have a poor measurement, or no measurement, you can’t do good control,” he explained. But this is changing. More and more mining companies are conscious of improved measurements and endorsing control, automation and next-generation technologies. What is more, there has been significant progress in automated instruments recently. These measure crucial parameters in the processing circuit and equipment to allow operators to monitor and adjust process control as needed."
Alexandra Lopez-Pacheco, CIM, October 2015