Optical Pyrometer for Continuous Industrial Torch Temperature Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the combustion temperature of industrial torches in oil refineries are complex due to variable flow rates and compositions of gases, leading to inaccurate estimates of pollutant destruction, especially with the presence of humidity and substances that can dirty instruments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a spectroscopic optical pyrometer for continuous measurement of torch temperatures, which captures the flame image, processes data with an electronic processor, and selects spectral regions free from interference, allowing for real-time reliable temperature determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling or chromatographic analysis is used to measure gas composition, then the composition can be determined, but the measurement process becomes complex and laborious due to high humidity, variable composition, and substances that dirt instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary spectral information from the flame directly at the combustion source, eliminating the need for complex sampling systems, transport infrastructure, and laboratory chromatographic equipment. By using optical spectroscopy to measure temperature and infer composition, the system removes the problematic physical sampling step that exposes instruments to damaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical sampling and chromatographic analysis system with an optical spectroscopic measurement system. Instead of physically collecting and transporting gas samples through complex apparatus, the system uses light interaction with the flame to obtain compositional and temperature information non-invasively.
2Productivity
If continuous chromatographic analysis is used, then real-time composition data is available, but the system becomes extremely complex and requires extensive sample handling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts spectral information directly from the flame in situ, eliminating the entire continuous sampling and transport infrastructure required by chromatographic systems. The measurement is performed where the combustion occurs, using only optical components to capture and analyze light from the flame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sample handling, transport, and chromatographic separation system with an optical spectroscopic system that performs continuous analysis by measuring the interaction of light with the flame, providing real-time data without physical sample movement.
3Measurement precision
If temperature estimation is based on measured gas quantities, then temperature can be calculated, but the estimate may be incorrect due to dispersion vapor and meteorological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect temperature estimation based on gas composition calculations with direct optical temperature measurement. By analyzing the spectral characteristics of light emitted or absorbed by the flame itself, the system obtains temperature information directly from the thermal radiation, eliminating errors from vapor dispersion and meteorological effects that plague indirect methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from indirect gas composition analysis to direct optical spectral analysis. By measuring the intensity and distribution of light at different wavelengths from the flame, the system directly determines temperature without relying on calculations that are sensitive to environmental conditions.
4Reliability
If existing flame monitoring apparatuses are used, then flame presence can be detected, but continuous reliable temperature measurement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple flame presence detection with sophisticated optical spectroscopic temperature measurement. By analyzing the spectral distribution of light from the flame across multiple wavelengths, the system extracts precise temperature information while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from detecting only the presence of flame (binary information) to measuring the spectral distribution of light across multiple wavelengths (multi-dimensional information). This dimensional expansion of the measurement space enables precise temperature determination while maintaining continuous monitoring reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous, reliable, and cost-effective measurement of torch temperatures, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by providing accurate and safe monitoring of combustion conditions, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement method and instrument are based on the use of a spectroscopic optical pyrometer
Implementation Method 2
capable of providing not only an almost continuous reading of the flame temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention concerns an apparatus (10) for continuous measurement of the temperature of an industrial plant or refinery torch, comprising an optical coupling system (11), i.e. a system of lenses and/or mirrors and optical fiber cables, and a spectroscopic analyzer, as well as an electronic processor (14), apt to the management of the data acquisition procedures and of the storage and transmission of the same, in connection with said spectroscopic analyser to enable the passage of data. The present invention additionally concerns methods of continuous measurement of the temperature of an industrial plant or refinery torch by means of said apparatus.