Combustion Turbine Catalyst Injection Control for Particle Emission Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combustion turbines emitting excessive solid particles, particularly soot and ash, during the combustion of liquid fuels, exceed regulatory limits, necessitating effective catalysts to control and reduce these emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system for controlling solid particle emissions in combustion turbines by injecting a combustion catalyst, such as iron (III) oxides, cerium (III) oxides, or their mixtures, into the fuel feed line or directly into the combustion chambers, with a central control unit monitoring and adjusting the catalyst injection based on real-time particle concentration measurements to maintain emissions within regulatory limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a combustion catalyst is injected continuously to reduce solid particle emissions, then the emission concentration decreases, but the catalyst consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic injection of combustion catalyst through cyclic phases including active injection phase and standby phase. The control unit activates injection when particle concentration exceeds the upper threshold and deactivates when it falls below the lower threshold, creating a periodic on-off injection pattern that reduces overall catalyst consumption while maintaining emission control within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback control mechanism where a measurement device continuously monitors solid particle concentration in the exhaust and provides real-time data to the control unit. The control unit compares measured concentration against predetermined thresholds and dynamically adjusts the injection state accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes catalyst usage based on actual emission levels.
2Manufacturing precision
If the catalyst injection is activated continuously, then the particle concentration is maintained at minimum levels, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic cyclic injection with distinct active and standby phases to maintain particle concentration control. By switching injection on and off based on threshold comparisons, the system achieves acceptable concentration control (within 20-55 mg/Nm³) while significantly reducing operational costs compared to continuous injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by injecting catalyst only when necessary (when concentration exceeds upper threshold) rather than continuously. This partial injection approach provides sufficient emission control to meet regulatory requirements while minimizing catalyst consumption and operational costs.
3Loss of substance
If the catalyst injection is stopped early, then the catalyst consumption is reduced, but the particle concentration may exceed regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism ensures injection is maintained as long as particle concentration remains above the lower threshold. The control unit continuously monitors concentration and only stops injection when the lower threshold is reached, providing a safety margin that prevents emissions from exceeding regulatory limits while minimizing unnecessary catalyst consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates injection in advance when the upper threshold is exceeded, creating a buffer that ensures particle concentration is reduced before it can reach problematic levels. This preliminary action approach, combined with the lower threshold for stopping, provides a control margin that prevents emission violations.
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
The system effectively reduces solid particle emissions to within the specified range of 20-30 mg/Nm³ to 45-55 mg/Nm³, optimizing catalyst consumption and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations by continuously monitoring and adjusting the catalyst injection.
Implementation Method 1
a combustion catalyst, which promotes the oxidation of carbon particles, that is to say, of soot
Implementation Method 2
the oxidation of carbon particles, that is to say, of soot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention concerns a method of controlling the quantity of solid particles emitted by a combustion turbine (1), during the combustion of a liquid fuel, by injecting a combustion catalyst suitable for reducing the quantity of solid particles generated during combustion. This method comprises the following steps: - Measuring the quantity of particles (Qsuies) emitted during combustion; - Injecting the combustion catalyst into the combustion turbine (1) when the quantity of particles measured is higher than a maximum threshold value; and - Stopping the injection of the catalyst when the measured quantity of particles is lower than a minimum target value.