7
Real-time Gas Composition Analyzers for On-Line Process Control--Nanomaterials Research Corporation, 2620 Trade Center Avenue, Longmont, CO 80503-7551; 303-702-1672
Dr. Stephen S. Williams, Principal Investigator
Dr. Tapesh Yadav, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82843
Amount: $601,398
The optimization of combustion efficiency and the minimization of exhaust emissions are required for the proper operation of virtually every industrial process that burns fuel. To accomplish this, sensors for process control are needed that can detect changes in the air-to-fuel ratio in a proportional manner (compared to the non-linear sensors that are currently used) during the combustion process. This project will develop and commercialize a novel, solid-state sensor that offers the desired proportional response for controlling combustion processes in materials processing, power generation, and waste incineration. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of using a new sensor material to produce advanced solid-state combustion efficiency sensors that will effectively monitor the air-to-fuel (A/F) ratio in pre-and post-combustion streams. The sensors had rapid response at high temperatures and at various oxygen concentrations, and, most importantly, the desired proportional response was achieved. An alternative fabrication technique enabled sensor miniaturization, and sensor-to-sensor reproducibility was increased. Phase II will develop packaged sensors for use in process control applications. Further refinements will be made in the fabrication technique. Other challenges include developing an internal heater for the sensor elements, packaging the sensor elements, and developing the electronics for the packaged sensor.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: These air-to-fuel ratio sensors for process control should find use in at the combustion industry to conserve energy to increase product yield and to reduce pollution and waste. Specific applications for the sensors include: flue-gas/exhaust monitoring, materials processing, and open flame monitoring.