Oxygen monitoring improves steam boiler efficiency

Emerson applies oxygen monitoring technology to help ScottishPower Generation improve efficiency of steam boilers: Longannet installs a second set of monitoring systems

Emerson Process Management announces that ScottishPower Generation Limited (Generation UK) has ordered further Rosemount Analytical Oxymitter 4000 oxygen analysers after installing 16 units in a previous refurbishment of the 2400MW power station at Longannet.

The Longannet Power Station on the Firth of Forth is the second largest coal fired power station in the UK, having four 600MW units.

Generation UK relies on continuous oxygen monitoring using the Oxymitter transmitters to maintain the optimal efficiency and good operation of their steam boilers.

It is also important for their Continuous Emission Monitoring system.

The original sixteen transmitters were installed to measure the flue gas oxygen levels in two of their four coal-fired boilers.

The Rosemount Analytical Oxymitter 4000 was chosen because of the fast response of the zirconia sensor, together with excellent accuracy and repeatability.

The ease of installation of the Oxymitter 4000 transmitter design and minimum maintenance requirement provide additional benefits.

Two lengths of probe - 6 feet and 9 feet - were used to position the sensors across the large ducts, allowing any stratification of the flue gas composition to be detected.

Experience over the year since these sixteen units were installed has shown the reliability of these Oxymitter units.

Being SMART transmitters using HART communications, routine checks and calibrations could be carried out from ground level using the Emerson 275 Hart communicator, a significant advantage.

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