Emissions analysis from Quantitech
26 May 2015
A multiparameter Gasmet FTIR emissions monitor at Thetford power station is being used to demonstrate that the plant is performing within the conditions of its environmental permit.
Moreover, the data from the analyser, which was supplied by Quantitech, also performs an important role in helping to manage the plant, with individual gas readings being displayed in almost real-time in the control room.
Operations team leader Richard Bloomfield said: “The Gasmet analysers are our eyes and ears; providing us with almost real-time information on conditions inside the combustion chamber.”
There are a number of ‘tools’ with which the combustion process can be managed.
For example, it is possible to adjust the feed rate, the distribution on the grate, the grate speed and air flow from below (primary air) and from above (secondary air).
The plant operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week and the control room staff work in shifts.
Paul Dunthorne has worked at the plant for over 15 years.
“It takes quite a while to learn how to control the process, but with the benefit of the gas measurements, we can make the necessary changes to the process and watch the effects of our actions, which is very rewarding,” Dunthorne said.
“We also like to make sure that the process is running well when we hand over to the next shift so, with the variability in the feedstock, every day presents a new challenge,” he added.
For more information, please contact: +44 (0)1908 227722, Email: sales@quantitech.co.uk or visit: www.quantitech.co.uk
