Experiments were conducted on a 1/3rd scale pneumatic conveying test rig using cenospheres.
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A suitable design of experiment was adopted to reduce the amount of experiments required.
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Control vanes were used to control pulverised cenosphere distribution into and out of fuel conveying lines.
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Particle mass flux flowing instantaneously were evaluated using electrostatic sensors.
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Signal captured in pneumatic conveying of cenospheres paves way for the development of data driven control algorithm.
Abstract
Distribution of pulverised fuels in pneumatic conveying to conventional boilers is an ongoing research area with the intention of improving the performance of power-generating plants. One of the major challenges is the issue of obtaining an even fuel distribution across the fuel carrying lines to the burners or a customised distribution that satisfies the boiler load demand. A 1/3rd scale pneumatic conveying test rig was tested with inert cenosphere powder in a 3-way split configuration. Flow control vanes, similar to those applied in power plant pulverised fuel conveying lines were fitted into the junction and controlled using pneumatic proportional control actuators to alter the distribution of the powder in the three downstream branch pipes extending from the trifurcator. The measurement of the powder mass flux in each stream was carried out and the sensitivity of the particulate stream was assessed with respect to interference from the vane positions at the trifurcator.
