What is Flue Gas?
Leave a CommentFlue gas is another term for exhaust gas that is a byproduct of combustion. It is the result of burning natural gas, recovered natural gas, oil, coal, and other fuels in industrial equipment. Analysis of flue gas can significantly impact equipment performance, fuel consumption, and environmental emissions. This article will talk more about flue gas, the importance of monitoring it, and systems that can assist with this vital process.
Flue gas actually contains a mixture of gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, nitrogen oxides (NO & NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), other trace pollutants, and often some particulate matter. This mixture can escape through long pipes, chimneys, and ducts traditionally called ‘flues’, hence the term ‘flue gas’. The exact composition of flue gas will vary depending on the type of fuel used and the combustion conditions.
Importance of Monitoring Flue Gas
Flue gas analysis is critical for evaluating combustion conditions. Not only may it be required for compliance with environmental regulations, it also enables efficiency and safety, providing valuable insights into the following:
- Air-to-fuel ratios. Achieving the optimal air-to-fuel mix is essential to maximizing energy output and reducing emissions & particulate matter.
- Burner efficiency. Regular flue gas analysis helps regulate burner performance in boilers and furnaces, leading to lower fuel consumption and operating costs.
- Pollutant levels. Monitoring concentrations of harmful gases like NOx and SO2 is essential to meeting environmental standards and reducing the risk of corrosion or damage to industrial equipment. Regarding emissions, some flue gas testing methods may not be approved by some regulatory agencies, and thus may require an annual Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) to verify the accuracy of the combustion gas analysis.
Nova’s Capabilities
Nova Analytical Systems offers Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) that employ gas sensors that may not be compliant with some environmental regulatory agencies. However, our flue gas monitoring equipment can still provide accurate and reliable flue gas data. The NOVA 7200 Flue Gas Analyzer System comes equipped with the following measurement technologies:
- Oxygen (O2): Electrochemical sensor, standard range is 0-25.0%
- Carbon monoxide (CO): Electrochemical sensor, standard range is 0-1,000 PPM.
Also available: infrared detector; available ranges: 0-2,000 PPM up to 0-10% - Carbon dioxide (CO2): Infrared detector, range 0-20.0%
- Nitric oxide (NO): Electrochemical sensor, range 0-2,000 PPM
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Electrochemical sensor, range 0-800 PPM
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Electrochemical sensor, range 0-2,000 PPM.
Also available: Infrared detector; available ranges: 0-2,000 PPM up to 0-10% - Stack temperature: Range 32 °F–1,800 °F (0°C–1,000 °C); by customer-supplied Type K thermocouple wire.
With options for weatherproofing and enhanced filtration, these systems can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -22 °F to over 100 °F. High-volume pumps ensure rapid analysis times, with most detectors achieving 90% of readings within 20-30 seconds, depending on sample line lengths. These systems can also come with oxygen measurement, allowing the user to ‘normalize’ the other gas readings to a calculated equivalent O2 level.
Flue Gas Analyzers at Nova Analytical Systems
Understanding and controlling flue gas composition is key to optimizing performance, ensuring safety, and meeting environmental standards in industrial applications. Nova Analytical Systems offers advanced solutions tailored to the unique challenges of flue gas analysis. Our systems provide precise, reliable measurements that facilities can use to improve combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and protect their equipment.
Ready to optimize flue gas levels at your site? Partner with Nova Analytical Systems to experience cleaner, safer, and more efficient operations. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or request a quote.