Instrumented burner

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a burner intended to be integrated, for example, into an industrial furnace or a boiler. The invention relates more specifically to instrumented burners equipped with position sensors. The invention also relates to an installation comprising such a burner and a method for controlling the installation in order to optimize the operation of said installation. Technical background

[0002] Burners are used in many industries. They are a vital component in many industrial facilities.

[0003] Examples of these facilities include clinker production plants for in fine to cement production or even domestic hot water or steam production networks.

[0004] Installations incorporating burners and also comprising one or more sensors intended to measure temperatures in order to obtain thermal profiles are known. Installations are also known comprising sensors intended to analyse various characteristics of the flame; these sensors are, for example, imaging means.

[0005] These installations equipped with such monitoring systems claim to improve the quality of calcination in the kilns and / or reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

[0006] Such burners are known in the state of the art, for example from documents WO 2015 / 168278 A1, US 2 960 047 A, and JP H04 270815 A.

[0007] Although progress has been made in this direction, many problems remain.

[0008] The burner setpoint in the furnace or boiler is adjusted empirically, i.e. by performing several successive tests. The setpoint depends on the industrial sector in which the burner is used. These adjustments are made during the assembly of the system and fine-tuned after its start-up.

[0009] The setpoint position is chosen so that calcination meets the quality standards of the finished product, for example clinker for cement production, while minimizing carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. It should also be noted that legislation is tending to become stricter regarding the emissions of these pollutants.

[0010] During operation of the facilities, the quality of calcination may decrease and pollutant emissions increase. This is the result of several factors alone or in combination.

[0011] Examples of these factors include: mechanical drifts and fatigue of the burner, which cause shifts of the burner in relation to the furnace, a modification of the characteristics of the fuel, in particular the enrichment of the mixture, which has an impact on the quality of calcination and on emissions, problems with changes in fuel depending on the price of raw materials, which modifies the combustion properties.

[0012] The invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the invention

[0013] For this purpose, there is proposed firstly a fuel burner intended to be integrated into a furnace or a boiler and arranged in said furnace or said boiler in a set position, the burner comprising measuring means capable of measuring an offset relative to the set position. According to the invention, the burner comprises a body in which measuring means are capable of measuring an overall offset of said burner relative to the furnace or the boiler, and an adjustment part capable of modifying an operating point in the burner, said adjustment part being movable, the burner further comprises measuring means capable of measuring a distance and / or an inclination between the body and the adjustment part.

[0014] Such a burner equipped with measuring means advantageously makes it possible to detect a positioning error in relation to the furnace or boiler. Actions can then be taken to correct the positioning.

[0015] Various additional features may be provided alone or in combination: the measuring means are capable of measuring an offset between sub-assemblies of said burner; the burner comprises a body comprising the measuring means; the burner comprises a plurality of distance sensors capable of measuring a distance separating the furnace or the boiler from the body of said burner, each sensor pointing towards a point located on the furnace along a longitudinal axis of the burner and each point being distinct from one another; the burner comprises a sinking sensor capable of measuring a distance between the body of the burner and the furnace and / or the boiler, said distance being measured along a longitudinal axis of the burner; the burner comprises a height sensor capable of measuring a height of the body of said burner; the burner comprises at least one sensor capable of measuring a dynamic pressure in one of the supply lines of said burner;

[0016] Secondly, an installation is proposed comprising a burner as previously described and a furnace or a boiler and a computer, the burner being arranged in the furnace or the boiler, the installation further comprising a connection means connected to the sensors and capable of receiving measurements from said sensors and communicating said measurements to the computer, the computer being capable of processing the measurements received from the connection means.

[0017] Thirdly, a method of controlling an installation as previously described is proposed, in which said method comprises the following steps: measure an instantaneous position of the burner, send the measurements of the instantaneous position of the burner to the computer, compare the measurements of the instantaneous position of the burner with a predetermined set position, alert if a difference between the instantaneous position and the set position is detected, a step of automatic modification of the position of the burner in order to return to a set position.

[0018] Various additional features may be provided alone or in combination: the process indicates the adjustments to be made to the burner position in order to return to a set position; the process automatically makes changes to the combustion parameters based on the measured offsets Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which one will refer to the attached drawing in which: [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 is a perspective view of an installation according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] On the figure 1 An installation 1 according to the invention is shown. The installation 1 comprises a burner 2, a furnace 3 and a computer 4. The burner 2 is arranged in a furnace but can also be arranged in a boiler.

[0021] In the furnace 3, the burner 2 is arranged in a predetermined position, hereinafter referred to as the set position. This position is determined empirically, i.e. by carrying out a series of successive tests. The set position corresponds to the position in the furnace 3 in which calcination is most efficient, i.e. which has the best quality yield while limiting fuel consumption and the production of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

[0022] For various reasons related to the use of burner 2, it may deviate from its set position; this shift is an involuntary drift when it is linked to mechanical wear. This drift is multidimensional in the sense that it can appear in all three dimensions of space.

[0023] For other reasons, it may be beneficial to deviate from the set position, particularly when a different fuel is used. Indeed, a set position may be associated with a fuel, and the use of another fuel may require a deviation from the set position. In this case, the shift is not an involuntary drift, but an offset intended to improve calcination performance.

[0024] The burner 2 advantageously comprises means C1 - C9 capable of measuring the drift, that is to say a shift between the set position and the instantaneous position of the burner 2.

[0025] The measuring means C1 - C9 are capable of measuring an overall drift of the burner 2 relative to the furnace 3. In addition, the measuring means C1 - C9 are also capable of measuring a drift of sub-assemblies of the burner 2 relative to each other, as will be described later.

[0026] It is defined, in a non-limiting manner and without reference to Earth's gravity, a trihedron comprising: an X axis defining a direction of extension of the burner 2, a transverse Y axis perpendicular to the X axis and defining together with the Y axis an XY plane, a vertical Z axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes and defining respectively with these axes, an XZ plane and a YZ plane.

[0027] The burner 2 comprises a body 5 on which the measuring means C1 - C9 are arranged. As illustrated in the figure 1 , the measuring means C1 - C9 are positioned on the body 5, so that when the burner 2 is arranged in the oven 3, the measuring means C1 - C9 are located outside said oven 3.

[0028] Among the measuring means, the burner 2 comprises two distance sensors C2, C3. The distance sensors C2, C3 are each capable of measuring a distance separating the furnace 3 from the body 5 of the burner 2. This distance is measured along the X axis. The sensors C2, C3 point towards the furnace 3, along the X axis. They are advantageously mounted on lateral legs 6 which project laterally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X axis. The lateral legs 6 make it possible to laterally offset the distance sensors C2, C3 so that no element of the burner 2 interferes with the measurements taken. In addition, by laterally offsetting the sensors C2, C3, the accuracy of the measurement is improved in that any possible drift will be more obvious.

[0029] Each distance sensor C2, C3 points in the direction of the oven 3 respectively at a point P2, P3 distinct from each other and located on said oven 3.

[0030] The burner 2 advantageously comprises a sinking sensor C1. The sinking sensor C1 is capable of measuring a distance separating the furnace 3 from the body 5 of the burner 2. This distance is measured along the X axis. The sinking sensor C1 is advantageously mounted on an upper tab 7 projecting from the body 5 of the burner 2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X axis. The upper tab 7, like the lateral tabs 6, allows the sinking sensor C1 to be laterally offset so that no element of the burner 2 interferes with the measurements taken. The sinking sensor C1 points towards the furnace 3 at a point P1 distinct from the points P2, P3.

[0031] The burner 2 advantageously comprises a height sensor C4. The height sensor C4 is arranged on one of the lateral legs 6. The height sensor C4 is capable of measuring the height of the body 5 of the burner 2. This height is measured relative to a reference element such as a floor, however it may be another reference element depending on the arrangement of the burner 2. The height sensor C4 carries out its measurements along the Z axis.

[0032] As previously mentioned, the burner 2 advantageously comprises a sub-assembly sensor C9 capable of measuring a drift of a sub-assembly of the burner 2. As can be seen in the figure 1, the burner 2 comprises an adjustment part 8 intended to modify at least one combustion parameter. The adjustment part 8 is movable and displaceable by means of a lever 9. The sub-assembly sensor C9 is capable of measuring the distance separating the adjustment part 9 from the body 5 of the burner 2. Like the sensors C1, C2, C3, the sensor C9 is arranged on a fixing lug 10 projecting from the body 5 of the burner 2. The sub-assembly sensor C9 points towards a plate 11 mounted on the adjustment part 8.

[0033] The C1, C2, C3, C4, and C9 sensors use ultrasonic technology. This technology is particularly interesting because it allows measurements to be taken in difficult conditions with high temperatures and sometimes dusty environments.

[0034] The legs 6, 7 are advantageously adjustable in position so as to modify the position of the sensors they accommodate. This makes it possible to offset the sensors more or less depending on the oven or boiler receiving the burner.

[0035] The burner 2 advantageously comprises a tilt sensor C5. The tilt sensor C5 is mounted directly on the body 5. This tilt sensor C5 advantageously makes it possible to measure a drift in the tilt of the body 5 relative to a set tilt.

[0036] The burner advantageously comprises sensors C6, C7, C8 capable of measuring a dynamic pressure in the burner 2. The measurement of the dynamic pressure makes it possible in particular to determine the speed of the fuel and / or the oxidant. The pressure sensors C6, C7, C8 are arranged on the body 5 of the burner 2 in several different locations in order to make the measurements taken more reliable.

[0037] Advantageously, the burner 2 comprises a connecting means 12 capable of receiving the measurements taken by the sensors C1-C9. The connecting means 12 is for example an electronic junction box. The connecting means 12 is capable of centralizing and sending the measurements taken by the sensors C1-C9 to the computer 4. The connecting means 12 is connected to the sensors C1-C9 by a wired connection not shown in the figure. figure 1 . The connecting means 12 sends the measurements to the computer 4. The connecting means 12 can send the measurements by wired or wireless technology. The computer 4 is for example a computer unit.

[0038] Calculator 4 processes the measurements made as described below.

[0039] The invention further relates to a method for controlling the installation 1. The information relating to the setpoint position of the burner 2 is recorded beforehand in the computer 4.

[0040] This control process includes: a step of measuring the instantaneous position of burner 2 with the measurement sensors C1 - C9, a step of sending the instantaneous position of burner 2 to the computer 4 by means of the junction box 12, a step of comparing the measurement of the instantaneous position of burner 2 with the set position, this step being carried out by the computer 4, an alert step if a drift is detected, that is to say if an offset has been measured.

[0041] The alert consists of a message sent to a control center. Several actions can then be taken depending on the drift that has been measured. A first action consists, according to the invention, of automatically repositioning the burner to its set position. This can be done manually or, according to the claimed invention, automatically when the burner is motorized. A second action can consist of modifying the combustion parameters depending on the type of drift that is measured and its importance in order to maintain the quality of the calcination.

[0042] In more detail, the process includes several steps, each inherent to a particular measurement carried out via the measurement sensors C1-C9.

[0043] Thus the claimed method comprises: a step of measuring a distance between the furnace 3 and the body 5 of the burner 2 by means of the depression sensor C1, a step of sending these measurements to the computer 4 by means of the junction box 12, a step of comparing the measured instantaneous depression of the burner 2 in the furnace 3 with a set depression, an alert step and a step of correcting the position of the burner 2.

[0044] In addition, the method may also include a step of correcting the combustion parameters if a difference is detected between the measured instantaneous sinkage and the set sinkage. These steps of the method make it possible to correct any drift along the X axis of the burner relative to the furnace.

[0045] The method further comprises: a step of measuring a first instantaneous distance between the furnace 3 and the body 5 of the burner by means of the distance sensor C2, a step of measuring a second instantaneous distance between the furnace 3 and the body 5 of the burner 2 by means of the distance sensor C3, a step of sending these measurements to the computer 4 by means of the junction box 12, a step of comparing the first instantaneous distance with a first setpoint distance and the second instantaneous distance with a second setpoint distance, a step of alerting and / or correcting the position of the burner 2 and / or the combustion parameters if a difference is detected between the first instantaneous distance and the first setpoint distance and / or a difference is detected between the second instantaneous distance and the second setpoint distance.

[0046] These steps of the process make it possible to correct any lateral drift of burner 2, i.e. if burner 2 is in an oblique position relative to furnace 3.

[0047] The method further comprises: a step of measuring an instantaneous height by means of the height sensor C4, a step of sending this instantaneous height to the computer 4 by means of the junction box 12, a step of comparing the instantaneous height and the set height, a step of alerting and / or correcting the position of the burner 2 and / or the combustion parameters if a difference is detected between the instantaneous height and the set height.

[0048] These process steps allow for the correction of any drift along the burner's Z axis.

[0049] The method further comprises: a step of measuring an instantaneous inclination by means of the inclination sensor C5, a step of sending this instantaneous inclination to the computer 4 by means of the junction box 12, a step of comparing the instantaneous inclination and the setpoint inclination, a step of alerting and / or correcting the position of the burner 2 and / or the combustion parameters if a difference is detected between the instantaneous inclination and the setpoint inclination.

[0050] These steps of the process make it possible to correct any drift in the inclination of burner 2, i.e. an involuntary rotation of the burner around the Y axis.

[0051] The method further comprises: a step of measuring an instantaneous dynamic pressure by means of at least one of the pressure sensors C6, C7, C8, a step of sending this instantaneous dynamic pressure to the computer 4 by means of the box 12 of the junction, a step of calculating an instantaneous average speed of the flow of oxidant in the burner using the measurements of the dynamic pressure, a step of comparing the instantaneous average speed and the set speed, a step of alerting and / or correcting the combustion parameters if a difference is detected between the instantaneous average speed and the set average speed.

[0052] These process steps correct any potential drift in the burner flow rate, which can impact burner efficiency. This drift can occur with repeated fuel changes or if there are unintentional drifts in the oxidant / fuel ratios.

[0053] This installation and its control process have several advantages, including: detection of burner offsets relative to the furnace, changes in fuel characteristics, including mixture enrichment, which impacts calcination quality and emissions, problems with fuel changes depending on raw material prices, which modifies combustion properties.

Claims

1. Fuel burner (2) which is intended to be integrated into a furnace (3) or a boiler and which is arranged in said furnace (3) or said boiler in a set position, the burner (2) comprising measuring means (C1-C9) suitable for measuring an offset relative to the set position, the burner (2) comprising a body (5), the measuring means (C1-C5) are suitable for measuring an overall offset of said burner (2) with respect to the furnace (3) or the boiler, the burner (2) further comprising an adjustment part (8) suitable for modifying an operating point in the burner, said adjustment part (8) being movable, the measuring means (C1-C9) comprising measuring means (C9) suitable for measuring a distance and / or an inclination between the body (5) and the adjustment part (8).

2. Fuel burner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the measuring means (C1-C9) are suitable for measuring an offset between sub-assemblies of said burner (2).

3. Burner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the body (5) comprises measuring means (C1-C9).

4. Burner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of distance sensors (C2, C3) suitable for measuring a distance separating the furnace (3) or the boiler from the body (5) of said burner (2), each sensor (C2, C3) pointing to a point (P2, P3) located on the furnace (3) along a longitudinal axis of the burner (2) and each point (P2, P3) being separate from one another.

5. Burner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a depression sensor (C1) suitable for measuring a distance between the body (5) of the burner (2) and the furnace (3) and / or the boiler, said distance being measured along a longitudinal axis of the burner (2).

6. Burner (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a height sensor (C4) suitable for measuring a height of the body (5) of said burner (2).

7. Burner (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising an inclination sensor (C5) suitable for measuring an inclination of the body (5) of said burner (2).

8. Burner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one sensor (C6, C7, C8) suitable for measuring a dynamic pressure in one of the supply pipes of said burner (2).

9. Facility (1) comprising a burner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a furnace (3) or a boiler and a computer (4), the burner (2) being arranged in the furnace (3) or the boiler, the facility (1) further comprising a connection means (12) which is connected to the sensors (C1-C9) and is suitable for receiving measurements from said sensors (C1-C9) and for communicating said measurements to the computer (4), the computer (4) being suitable for processing the measurements received from the connection means (12).

10. Method for controlling a facility according to claim 9, the method comprising the following steps: - measuring an instantaneous position of the burner, - sending the instantaneous burner position measurements to the computer, - comparing the instantaneous burner position measurements with a predetermined set position, - warning if an offset between the instantaneous position and the set position is detected, - a step for automatically modifying the burner position in order to return to a set position.