Safety protection methods during combustion

By adopting a safety protection method based on flow data comparison, the reliability problem of flame detection devices in the mixed combustion scenario of unstable fuels such as ammonia is solved, and simple and rapid safety control is achieved, improving the stability and safety of the combustion process.

CN122374574APending Publication Date: 2026-07-10LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
Filing Date
2024-10-24
Publication Date
2026-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing flame detection devices have low reliability in scenarios where unstable fuels such as ammonia are mixed with stable fuels for combustion. Furthermore, traditional flame detection relies on multiple parameters, which can lead to deviations and make it difficult to accurately determine the timing of safety actions.

Method used

By providing fuel and stable fuel flow data, protection data is determined and compared with threshold data to execute safety actions, avoiding dependence on parameters such as flame temperature and achieving simple and rapid safety control.

Benefits of technology

Precisely determining the timing of safety actions avoids delays or premature actions caused by parameter deviations, reduces costs, and improves the stability and safety of the combustion process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety protection method (2) for a combustion process, the combustion process including the combustion of fuel (4), particularly ammonia fuel (4) and stable fuel (6), the safety protection method (2) including the following steps: - providing flow data of fuel (4) and flow data of stable fuel (6) (S10); - determining protection data (8) based on the flow data (NH3, SF) of the fuel (S20); - providing threshold data (SP) indicating the stability limit of the protection data (S30); - comparing the protection data (8) with the threshold data (SP) (S40); and - performing a safety action (12) based on the comparison result of the protection data (8) and the threshold data (SP) (S50).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a safety protection method for a combustion process using fuel and stable fuel. The invention also relates to an apparatus configured to perform this safety protection method. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen, as a fuel, is renowned for its lightweight nature, excellent combustion performance, and environmentally friendly combustion process—it emits no carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter, or sulfides. This makes hydrogen an important carrier for the energy transition.

[0003] However, transporting pure hydrogen is a complex challenge for safety reasons. Therefore, ammonia (NH3), containing three hydrogen atoms and readily transportable by hydrogen, is an excellent alternative to pure hydrogen (H2) as fuel.

[0004] Nevertheless, ammonia has poor combustion properties, for example, a narrow explosion limit range, high ignition temperature, and slow reaction kinetics.

[0005] For example, in ammonia combustion applications in industrial furnaces, increasing the ammonia concentration in the fuel can lead to flame instability during combustion, and in some cases, even flameout. This flame instability can jeopardize the stable operation of the industrial furnace. Therefore, ammonia and other unstable fuels need to be burned together with stable fuels such as hydrogen to achieve stable combustion.

[0006] To detect the aforementioned flame instability, conventional flame detection devices can be used. However, the measurement bias of such devices is caused by the surrounding environment of the industrial furnace (i.e., high-temperature operating conditions). Furthermore, the flame detection of these devices depends on multiple parameters such as fuel composition, making them unsuitable for combustion scenarios involving ammonia and other stable fuels. Additionally, each fuel exhibits a different flame radiation pattern, requiring calibration of the flame detection device, which reduces its reliability.

[0007] Therefore, it is urgent to solve the above problems, especially to avoid fuel combustion losses. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to a safety protection method for a combustion process, the combustion process including the combustion of fuel (particularly ammonia fuel) and stable fuel.

[0009] The security protection method includes the following steps:

[0010] - Provide flow rate data for the fuel and flow rate data for the stable fuel;

[0011] - Determine protection data based on the flow rate data of the fuel and the flow rate data of the stable fuel;

[0012] - Provide threshold data indicating the stability limit of the protected data;

[0013] - Compare the protection data with the threshold data; and

[0014] - Based on the comparison results between the protection data and the threshold data, execute security actions.

[0015] The fuel flow rate data is related to the fuel flow rate (or fuel flow), and the stable fuel flow rate data is related to the stable fuel flow rate (or stable fuel flow). For example, the fuel flow rate data can be derived from the calorific value of the fuel flow rate supplied to the burner, and the stable fuel flow rate data can be derived from the calorific value of the stable fuel flow rate supplied to the burner.

[0016] With the help of this invention, safety actions for controlling and stabilizing the fuel combustion process can be performed based on the fuel flow data.

[0017] This approach avoids dependence on parameters such as the flame temperature generated by fuel combustion, which could be subject to deviations or introduce biases into flame detection. Therefore, it prevents delays or premature execution of optimal safety actions.

[0018] In other words, with this invention, the optimal timing for safety actions can be accurately determined without changing the flame detection settings or replacing the flame detection device each time fuel combustion affects flame detection. Therefore, compared with traditional flame detection methods using flame detection devices, the flame detection and safety action execution process of this invention is simpler, faster, and less costly.

[0019] The present invention may include at least one of the following features either independently or in combination.

[0020] According to one implementation, the protection data is determined based on calculations using fuel flow data and stable fuel flow data as variables.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the stability limit includes a range of protection data or new protection data within which the combustion process operates according to stable combustion criteria.

[0022] Therefore, when it is determined from the protection data that the combustion state of the fuel may jeopardize the stability of the combustion process (i.e., it does not meet the stable combustion criteria), safety measures will be taken. For example, this may be a situation where there is a certain degree of excess of ammonia fuel relative to a stable fuel such as hydrogen, causing stability problems in the combustion of ammonia fuel.

[0023] According to one implementation, the safety action includes triggering a visual alarm or an audible alarm.

[0024] Advantageously, the threshold data can be a numerical value of a parameter, or a ratio or product of these values. Advantageously, if the comparison result determines that the protection data falls outside the stability limit of the protection data, a safety action can be performed.

[0025] According to one implementation, the safety action includes:

[0026] - At least one control system action, the control system action including changing the parameters of the combustion process to restore the protection data to its stable limit range.

[0027] According to one implementation, the safety action includes:

[0028] - Safety system activation, including stopping the combustion process.

[0029] In one implementation, the safety action includes setting a stabilization period and performing the following steps after the stabilization period expires:

[0030] - Provide new flow data for fuels (especially ammonia fuel) and new flow data for stabilized fuels, and determine new protection data based on the new flow data for said fuels and new flow data for stabilized fuels;

[0031] - Compare the new protection data with the threshold data.

[0032] This method allows for a stabilization period, providing a time interval between the occurrence of temporary anomalies in the fuel flow data and the execution of control system actions, enabling the fuel flow data to recover and stabilize on its own.

[0033] According to one implementation, the control system action is performed after the stabilization period has expired, specifically based on the comparison results of new protection data and control thresholds.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the control system actions (particularly changing parameters of the combustion process) include adjusting and / or stabilizing the fuel flow rate to restore the protection data to fall within its control stability limits.

[0035] Specifically, the threshold data includes control thresholds, and the control system actions are executed based on the comparison results between the protection data and the control thresholds.

[0036] In one embodiment, the control system actions (particularly regulating and / or stabilizing fuel flow) include maintaining a constant fuel flow while increasing the stable fuel flow.

[0037] As an alternative, the control system actions (particularly regulating and / or stabilizing fuel flow) include maintaining a constant stable fuel flow while reducing the fuel flow.

[0038] As an alternative, the control system actions (particularly regulating and / or stabilizing fuel flow) include reducing the fuel flow while increasing the stable fuel flow.

[0039] This allows for more significant adjustments to the protection data.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the threshold data further includes a security threshold SP1 that indicates the security limit of the protection data, the stability limit being within the range of the security limit, and the security system action being performed based on the comparison result of the protection data and the security threshold SP1.

[0041] According to one implementation, the safety limit includes a range of protection data or new protection data within which the combustion process operates in accordance with safe combustion criteria.

[0042] Therefore, when it is determined from the protection data that the combustion state of the fuel may endanger the safety of the combustion process, i.e., it does not meet the safe combustion criteria, the combustion process will be stopped or the equipment performing the combustion process will be shut down.

[0043] For example, this could be a situation where there is a severe excess of ammonia fuel relative to a stable fuel such as hydrogen, causing safety issues due to the combustion of ammonia fuel.

[0044] According to one implementation, the control system actions and the safety system actions are executed independently of each other, and in particular, independently and synchronously.

[0045] According to one implementation, the control system action is performed before the safety system action.

[0046] In one implementation, if the new protection data falls outside its stable limit range based on the comparison result between the new protection data and the threshold data, the method includes performing control system actions and / or safety system actions.

[0047] Specifically, if, based on the comparison between the new protection data and the control threshold SP2, it is determined that the new protection data falls outside its stable limit range, then the safety protection method includes executing control system actions.

[0048] Specifically, if, based on the comparison between the new protection data and the security threshold SP1, it is determined that the new protection data falls outside its security limit range, then the security protection method includes performing security system actions.

[0049] In one embodiment, the security protection method includes setting a control period and performing control system actions within the control period; if, based on a comparison result between the protection data and the control threshold SP2, it is determined that the protection data still falls outside the stable limit range of the protection data after the expiration of the control period, the method includes performing security system actions.

[0050] In this way, when simply executing control system actions is insufficient to restore the protection data to its stable limit range, safety system actions can be executed.

[0051] In one implementation, the protection data is determined based on the ratio of fuel flow rate to stable fuel flow rate.

[0052] Preferably, the protection data is determined based on the ratio of ammonia fuel flow rate (NH3) to stable fuel flow rate (SF).

[0053] In one implementation, the protection data is determined based on the ratio multiplied by a constant k.

[0054] In one implementation, the fuel flow data and / or stable fuel flow data are provided by measurements of fuel flow and / or stable fuel flow.

[0055] Alternatively, the flow rate data of the fuel and / or the flow rate data of the stabilized fuel can be provided by measuring the pressure drop of the fuel flowing through the fuel orifice and / or measuring the pressure drop of the stabilized fuel flowing through the fuel orifice.

[0056] As an alternative, the flow data of the fuel and / or the flow data of the stable fuel can be provided by other fuel gas analyzers, which may optionally have built-in calorific value calculation functions, such as calorific value meters.

[0057] In one implementation, as long as the protection data is within the stable limit range of the threshold data, the security protection method continuously compares the protection data with the threshold data (specifically the control threshold SP2).

[0058] In one embodiment, the security protection method, particularly the step of comparing protection data with threshold data, includes:

[0059] - Compare the absolute value of the difference between the protection data value and the threshold data value with the stability tolerance value.

[0060] Specifically, the security protection method includes performing the security action based on the comparison result between the absolute value and the stable tolerance value.

[0061] In one embodiment, the security protection method, particularly the step of comparing the absolute value of the difference between the value of the protection data and the value of the threshold data with a stability tolerance value, includes:

[0062] - Compare the absolute value of the difference between the protection data value and the control threshold SP2 value with the stability tolerance value.

[0063] In one embodiment, the security protection method, particularly the step of comparing protection data with threshold data, includes:

[0064] The absolute value of the difference between the protection data value and the safety threshold SP1 value is compared with the safety tolerance value within the range of the stable tolerance value.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the safety protection method includes performing the safety action when the absolute value is higher than the stability tolerance value; particularly, performing a control system action when the absolute value is higher than the stability tolerance value. In one embodiment, the safety protection method includes performing a safety system action when the absolute value is higher than the safety tolerance value.

[0066] The term "safety tolerance" refers to a safety margin. If the absolute value of the difference between the protection data value and the safety threshold value exceeds this margin, the safety system will be triggered.

[0067] The term "stability tolerance" refers to a safety margin. If the absolute value of the difference between the protection data value and the control threshold value exceeds this margin, a safety action will be triggered, especially the action of the control system.

[0068] According to one implementation, the threshold data remains constant during at least one functional phase, during which actions to modify fuel flow and / or stabilize fuel flow are performed.

[0069] As an alternative, at least during the functional phase, the threshold data is continuously updated based on flow data. For example, during the startup phase, i.e., during the startup phase of the device configured to perform the combustion process, the capacity in terms of fuel flow is increased, and therefore the threshold data is adjusted to accommodate this increase in capacity.

[0070] Parameters that can change the load on the equipment during the startup phase include, for example:

[0071] - Combustion air temperature;

[0072] - Flue gas recirculation;

[0073] - Flue gas temperature; and / or

[0074] - Excessive combustion air.

[0075] According to one implementation, the threshold data remains constant during each of the functional phases.

[0076] Alternatively, the threshold data may vary between the various functional stages.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the stable fuel may include:

[0078] - Hydrogen fuel;

[0079] - Methane or higher hydrocarbon fuels;

[0080] -Carbon monoxide fuel;

[0081] - Methanol fuel;

[0082] - Or a combination of two or more of the fuels mentioned above.

[0083] "Stable fuel" refers to a fuel whose composition allows the combustion process of the fuel to remain stable when mixed with it for combustion.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the combustion process includes:

[0085] -Provide fuel flow and stabilize fuel flow to the burner; and

[0086] In the burner, fuel and stable fuel are combusted using an oxidant such as oxygen-enriched air. Oxygen-enriched air further stabilizes the combustion process.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the burner is a component of the furnace body (especially an industrial furnace).

[0088] The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0089] - A fuel flow line, particularly an ammonia fuel flow line, is configured to be connected to at least one burner to optionally supply fuel to the burner via a fuel manifold;

[0090] - A stable fuel flow line, configured to be connected to the same burner, to optionally supply stable fuel to the burner via the fuel manifold;

[0091] - At least one flow meter configured to measure the fuel flow rate within a fuel flow line;

[0092] - At least one flow meter is configured to measure the steady fuel flow rate within a steady fuel flow line;

[0093] - A logic controller, which is connected to the flow meter and configured to perform the safety protection method of the present invention as described above.

[0094] In one embodiment, the device includes at least two fuel manifolds configured to supply fuel to the burner and to supply stable fuel to the burner, respectively.

[0095] "Logic controller" refers to any type of general-purpose control device, such as a programmable logic controller, processor unit, or microprocessor.

[0096] The present invention may include at least one of the following features, either independently or in combination.

[0097] The present invention also relates to a system comprising:

[0098] -The equipment described above; and

[0099] - At least one burner configured to perform combustion of fuel and stabilizing fuel within the burner, wherein the fuel flow line and the stabilizing fuel flow line are connected to the burner to perform the combustion.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the fuel flow line is interconnected with a stable fuel flow line, allowing the fuel and stable fuel to be mixed.

[0101] Even if one of the flow meters in each fuel flow line fails, the flow meter can still continuously measure the fuel flow and / or maintain a stable fuel flow.

[0102] The present invention also relates to the use of the safety protection method described above in combustion-type industrial processes, such as in the fields of power generation (e.g., turbines, especially gas turbines), metallurgy, glass manufacturing (glass factories), petroleum refining, chemical processing, or in various fields where fuel combustion is used to provide heat for an endothermic reaction, such as ammonia cracking (ammonia decomposition reaction), hydrocarbon reforming, steam cracking, and steam methane reforming.

[0103] In one embodiment, the combustion-type industrial process is a metallurgical, glass manufacturing, or petroleum refining process, or a process in which fuel combustion is an endothermic reaction for heating, such as an ammonia cracking reaction, a hydrocarbon reforming reaction (e.g., steam methane reforming), or steam cracking. Attached Figure Description

[0104] It should be noted that all features and configurations described above are merely examples. Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, as well as several embodiments that are merely illustrative examples:

[0105] Figure 1 The present invention’s security protection method is illustrated schematically as an exemplary and non-limiting example.

[0106] Figure 2 The invention’s security protection method is illustrated schematically as another exemplary and non-limiting example.

[0107] Figure 3 The safety protection method of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0108] Figure 4 The control system operation of the safety protection method of the present invention is illustrated schematically as an exemplary and non-limiting example.

[0109] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the security system operation of the security protection method of the present invention as an exemplary and non-limiting example.

[0110] Figure 6 The system of the present invention is illustrated schematically as an exemplary and non-limiting example. Detailed Implementation

[0111] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The figure shows an example of a safety protection method 2 for a combustion process, which includes the mixed combustion of ammonia fuel 4 and stable fuel 6.

[0112] "Stable fuel" 6 refers to a fuel whose composition enables the combustion process of the fuel to remain stable when mixed and burned with the fuel.

[0113] The stable fuel 6 may include:

[0114] - Hydrogen fuel;

[0115] - Methane or higher hydrocarbon fuels;

[0116] -Carbon monoxide fuel;

[0117] - Methanol fuel;

[0118] - Or a combination of two or more of the fuels mentioned above.

[0119] like Figure 3 Specifically shown, the security protection method 2 includes the following steps:

[0120] - Provide flow data for fuel 4 and flow data for stable fuel 6 (S10);

[0121] -Based on the flow data of fuel 4 and the flow data of stable fuel 6, determine protection data 8 (S20);

[0122] - Provide threshold data SP (S30; S32; S34) indicating the stability limit of protection data 8;

[0123] - Compare the protection data 8 with the threshold data SP (S40; S42; S44); and

[0124] -Based on the comparison result of the protection data 8 and the threshold data SP, perform safety action 12 (S50).

[0125] The flow rate data of fuel 4 is related to the flow rate of fuel 4 (or fuel flow rate), and the flow rate data of stable fuel 6 is related to the flow rate of stable fuel 6 (or stable fuel flow rate). For example, the flow rate data of fuel 4 can be derived from the calorific value of the fuel flow rate supplied to burner 104, and the flow rate data of stable fuel 6 can be derived, for example, from the calorific value of the stable fuel flow rate supplied to the burner.

[0126] With the help of the present invention, a safety action 12 for controlling the combustion process of fuel 4 and stabilizing fuel 6 can be performed based on the flow rates of the fuels 4 and 6.

[0127] This approach avoids dependence on parameters such as the flame temperature generated by the combustion of fuels 4 and 6, which may be subject to deviations or introduce biases into flame detection. Therefore, it prevents delays or premature execution of optimal safety actions.

[0128] In other words, with this invention, the optimal timing for the execution of safety action 12 can be accurately determined without adjusting the flame detection settings or replacing the flame detection device (not shown in the figure) each time the combustion of fuels 4 and 6 affects the flame detection. Therefore, compared with the traditional flame detection method using a flame detection device, the flame detection and safety action execution process of this invention is simpler, faster, and less costly.

[0129] Protection data 8 is determined based on the ratio of ammonia fuel flow rate (NH3) to stable fuel flow rate (SF), multiplied by a constant k. This ratio is obtained through measurements of the NH3 fuel flow rate and / or the stable fuel flow rate (SF).

[0130] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The safety action 12 includes:

[0131] - Control system action 20, the control system action 20 including changing the parameters of the combustion process to restore the protection data 8 to its stable limit range; and

[0132] - Safety system action 30, the safety system action 30 including stopping the combustion process.

[0133] The control system action 20 and the safety system action 30 are executed independently and synchronously. The control system action 20 is executed before the safety system action 30.

[0134] like Figure 2 As shown, security protection method 2 includes setting a stabilization period 40, and performing the following steps of security protection method 2 when the stabilization period 40 expires:

[0135] - Provide new flow data for ammonia fuel 4 and new flow data for stable fuel 6, and determine new protection data 8 based on the new flow data for fuel 4 and new flow data for stable fuel 6;

[0136] - Compare the new protection data 8 with the threshold data SP.

[0137] The waiting period 40 allows for a time interval between the occurrence of temporary anomalies in the flow data of fuels 4 and 6 and the execution of control system action 20, so that the protection data 8 can stabilize itself by allowing the flow data of fuels 4 and 6 to recover on its own.

[0138] Now refer to Figure 4 The figure shows an example of control system action 20.

[0139] Specifically, the threshold data SP includes a control threshold SP2, and the control system action 20 is executed based on the comparison result between the protection data and the control threshold SP2.

[0140] In other words, as long as the protection data 8 is within the stable limit range of the threshold data, the security protection method 2 will continuously compare the protection data 8 with the control threshold SP2.

[0141] The control system action 20 changes the parameters of the combustion process, including adjusting the fuel flow rate and / or stabilizing the fuel flow rate, so that the protection data 8 is restored to its control stability limit range (S50).

[0142] In one embodiment, the control system 20 operates by adjusting the fuel flow rate and / or stabilizing the fuel flow rate, including maintaining a constant fuel flow rate NH3 while increasing the stable fuel flow rate SF (S50).

[0143] As an alternative, the control system action 20 includes maintaining a constant fuel flow rate NH3 while increasing the stable fuel flow rate SF (S50).

[0144] As an alternative, the control system action 20 includes reducing the fuel flow rate NH3 while increasing the stable fuel flow rate SF (S50).

[0145] Therefore, the protection data 8 can be adjusted more significantly.

[0146] As long as the protection data 8 is within the stable limit range of the threshold SP2, the control system action 20 will continuously compare the protection data 8 with the control threshold SP2 (S70).

[0147] When the safety protection data 8 falls outside the stable limit range of the threshold SP2, the control system action 20 switches to executing the safety system action 30 (S80).

[0148] Now refer to Figure 5 The figure shows an example of safety system action 30.

[0149] The threshold data SP also includes a security threshold SP1 that indicates the security limit of the protection data. The stability limit is within the range of the security limit. The security system action 30 is executed based on the comparison result between the protection data 8 and the security threshold SP1.

[0150] The safety limits include the range of protection data within which the combustion process operates according to safe combustion guidelines.

[0151] Therefore, if, based on protection data 8, it is determined that the combustion state of fuels 4 and 6 may endanger the safety of combustion, i.e., it does not meet the safe combustion criteria, the combustion process will be stopped or the equipment performing the combustion process will be shut down.

[0152] For example, this could be a situation where there is a severe excess of ammonia fuel relative to stable fuels such as hydrogen, leading to safety issues due to the combustion of ammonia fuel.

[0153] During at least one functional phase, the threshold data SP, SP1, SP2 remain constant; during the functional phase, actions are performed for fuel flow rate NH3 and / or stable fuel flow rate SF.

[0154] As an alternative, during at least the aforementioned functional phases, the threshold data SP, SP1, SP2 are continuously updated based on flow data. For example, during the start-up functional phase, i.e., when the equipment configured to perform the combustion process is started, the capacity in terms of fuel flow rates NH3 and SF will increase, therefore the threshold data SP, SP1, SP2 are adjusted to accommodate this capacity increase.

[0155] Parameters that can be changed during the startup phase include, for example:

[0156] - Combustion air temperature;

[0157] - Flue gas recirculation;

[0158] - Flue gas temperature; and / or

[0159] - Excessive combustion air.

[0160] Now refer to Figure 6 The figure shows an example of the system 100 of the present invention.

[0161] The system 100 includes:

[0162] - Device 102, the device 102 comprising:

[0163] Ammonia fuel flow line 106 is configured to be connected to four burners 104 via fuel manifold 120 to supply fuel 4 to these burners 104;

[0164] o Stabilizing fuel flow line 108, which is configured to be connected via fuel manifold 120 to the same burner as described above, to supply stabilizing fuel 6 to the burner;

[0165] Two flow meters 130 are configured to measure the flow rate of ammonia fuel NH3 in fuel flow line 106;

[0166] Two flow meters 130 are configured to measure the flow rate of stable fuel SF within the stable fuel flow line 108;

[0167] o Logic controller 140, which is connected to the flow meter (see Figure 6 (The lightning symbol in the image) and is configured to perform security protection method 2.

[0168] The system 100 also includes:

[0169] - Four burners 104 are configured to be connected to the device 102.

[0170] The four burners 104 are configured to perform combustion of fuel 4 and stable fuel 6 in their respective burners, wherein the fuel flow line 106 and the stable fuel flow line 108 are connected to the fuel manifold 120 of the burner 104 to perform the combustion process.

[0171] The connection 142 between the logic controller 140 and the flow meter 130 can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0172] "Logic controller" 140 refers to any type of general-purpose control device, such as a programmable logic controller, processor unit, or microprocessor.

[0173] Fuel stream NH3 and stable fuel stream SF are mixed in fuel manifold 120 for distribution to the four burners 104. Fuel stream line 106 is interconnected with stable fuel stream line 108, allowing fuel 4 and stable fuel 6 to be mixed.

[0174] Even if one of the flow meters in each fuel flow line 106, 108 fails, the flow meter 130 can still continuously measure the fuel flow rate NH3 and / or the stable fuel flow rate SF.

Claims

1. A safety protection method (2) for a combustion process, said combustion process including the combustion of fuel (4), particularly ammonia fuel (4), and stabilized fuel (6), The security protection method (2) includes the following steps: - Provide flow data for fuel (4) and flow data for stabilized fuel (6) (S10); -Based on the flow data of the fuel (4) and the flow data of the stable fuel (6), determine the protection data (8) (S20); - Provide threshold data (SP, SP2) indicating the stability limit of the protection data (8) (S30); - Compare the protection data (8) with the threshold data (SP, SP2) (S40); and -Based on the comparison result between the protection data (8) and the threshold data, perform the safety action (12) (S50).

2. The safety protection method (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The safety action (12) includes triggering a visual alarm or an audible alarm.

3. The safety protection method (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The safety action (12) includes: - At least one control system action (20), the control system action (20) including changing the parameters of the combustion process to restore the protection data (8) to fall within its stability limit range.

4. The safety protection method (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The control system actions (20), particularly the changes in combustion process parameters, include: adjusting and / or stabilizing the fuel flow rate so that the protection data (8) returns to its stable limit range.

5. The safety protection method (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The threshold data (SP) includes a control threshold (SP2), and the control system action (20) is executed based on the comparison result between the protection data (8) and the control threshold (SP2).

6. The safety protection method (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The safety action (12) includes: - Safety system action (30), the safety system action includes stopping the combustion process.

7. The safety protection method (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The threshold data (SP) also includes a security threshold (SP1) indicating the security limit of the protection data (8), the stability limit being within the range of the security limit, and the security system action (30) being performed based on the comparison result of the protection data (8) and the security threshold (SP1).

8. The security protection method (2) according to claim 6 or 7 in combination with any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising: Set a control period and execute the control system action (20) within the control period. If, based on the comparison result (S60) between the protection data (8) and the control threshold (SP2), it is determined that the protection data (8) still falls outside the stable limit range of the protection data (8) after the expiration of the control period, then execute the safety system action (30).

9. The safety protection method (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The safety action (12) includes setting a stabilization period (40) and performing the following steps after the stabilization period (40) expires: - Provide new flow data for the fuel (4), particularly ammonia fuel (4), and new flow data for the stable fuel (6), and determine new protection data based on the new flow data for the fuel (4) and the new flow data for the stable fuel (6); - Compare the new protection data (8) with the threshold data (SP, SP2).

10. The security protection method (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The protection data (8) is determined based on the ratio of fuel flow rate to stable fuel flow rate.

11. The safety protection method (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method, particularly the step of comparing the protection data (8) with the threshold data (SP, SP1, SP2), includes: - Compare the absolute value of the difference between the value of the protection data (8) and the value of the threshold data (SP, SP1, SP2) with the stability tolerance value.

12. The safety protection method (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The stabilized fuel (6) comprises: - Hydrogen fuel; - Methane or higher hydrocarbon fuels; -Carbon monoxide fuel; - Methanol fuel; - Or a combination of two or more of these fuels.

13. The safety protection method (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The combustion process includes: -Provide fuel flow and stabilize fuel flow to the burner (104); and - In the burner (104), the fuel (4) and the stable fuel (6) are combusted by means of an oxidant such as oxygen-enriched air.

14. An apparatus (102), comprising: - A fuel flow line (106), particularly an ammonia fuel flow line (106), configured to be connected to at least one burner (104) to supply fuel (4) to the burner (104), optionally via a fuel manifold (120); - A stable fuel flow line (108) configured to be connected to the burner (104) to provide stable fuel (6) to the burner (104), optionally via the fuel manifold (120); - At least one flow meter (130) configured to measure the flow rate of fuel (4) within the fuel flow line (106); - At least one flow meter (130) configured to measure the flow rate of the stable fuel (6) within the stable fuel flow line (108); - A logic controller (140) connected to the flow meters (130) and configured to perform the safety protection method (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Use of the safety protection method (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in a combustion-type industrial process, such as a metallurgical process, a glass manufacturing process, a petroleum refining process, or a process in which fuel combustion is an endothermic reaction for heating, such as an ammonia cracking reaction, a hydrocarbon reforming reaction, or a steam cracking reaction.