Combustion control in the incineration process
In a waste incineration plant, the various flue gas cleaning systems can only operate efficiently by a well-adjusted control system, which allows them to comply with the emission limits. This requires monitoring of the process parameters, which must be fast and accurate. The reduction of emissions already starts with a controlled combustion, for which the monitoring of CO and O2 is necessary. CO is produced during incomplete combustion when there is too little oxygen. Too much oxygen in the burner means that this excess air must also be heated which is costly. O2 measurement at the boiler outlet allows post combustion control.
Your optimization potential in the combustion control process
Waste incineration plants rely on stable, predictable combustion to ensure safe operation, high thermal efficiency and full compliance with emission limits. Our process instrumentation provides the high‑precision data required for advanced combustion and process control in waste incineration plants. By continuously monitoring key parameters such as air flow, oxygen concentration, temperature and pressure, operators gain the insight needed to maintain optimal combustion conditions. This structured approach enables consistent throughput, reduces maintenance‑critical fluctuations and supports long‑term plant reliability.
Combustion control in a fluidized bed incinerator, showing key measurement points (pressure, temperature, flow) required for stable combustion.
Combustion control in a reciprocating grate incinerator, showing key measurement points (pressure, temperature, flow) required for stable combustion.
Ultrasonic flow measurement setup mounted on the stack wall for continuous, low‑maintenance gas flow monitoring.
Primary and secondary air flow control for oil and gas burner
Measuring primary and secondary airflow in waste incineration is crucial for optimizing combustion efficiency, ensuring complete waste burnout, controlling emission levels, managing furnace temperatures and maintaining boiler stability. It allows for precise control over the air-to-fuel ratio, preventing issues like slagging while maximizing energy savings.
Measure gas flow in the stack continuously and with high accuracy using FLOWSIC100 ultrasonic flow measurement instrument.
Ultrasonic measurements are particularly reliable, due to the possible representative volume flow measurement over the entire stack cross-section. High quality of measurement is key, as pollutant concentrations are given in relation to the volume of flue gas measured and are indicated in kg/h. A legal requirement under the applicable EU standard (IED 2010/75/EU).
O2 concentration measurement for post combustion control
Incineration requires oxygen, which reacts with the fuel during combustion. Measuring O₂ concentration at the outlet of the combustion chamber is a key control variable for stabilizing the process, as primary and secondary air flows are adjusted based on this value.
The in‑situ gas analyzers ZIRKOR100 and ZIRKOR200 provide fast, reliable and continuous O₂ measurement directly in the flue gas. Their real‑time data supports precise oxygen control, ensuring stable combustion and enabling ongoing optimization of air distribution throughout the process.
Robust and accurate pressure measurement in high temperature environment
Reliable pressure measurement for safe and efficient combustion
For any combustion process pressure measurement is crucial because it ensures stable draft conditions, prevents backflow of flue gases and keeps burners operating within safe limits. Accurate pressure control improves fuel‑air mixing, reduces emissions and protects equipment from thermal or mechanical stress - making it a key factor for reliable, efficient and compliant combustion performance.
The pressure transmitters Cerabar PMP51B and Cerabar PMP71B are built for harsh combustion environments, high‑temperature applications, offering exceptional resistance to temperature cycling and vibration.
Temperature measurement: A key variable for stable combustion control
Temperature monitoring is essential for stable and efficient combustion, as it ensures complete fuel burn, protects equipment from thermal damage and keeps emissions within regulatory limits. Accurate temperature control helps maintain process safety, reduce fuel consumption and prevent costly downtime - key factors for reliable combustion performance.
- Reliable high temperature handling fast temperature changes and mechanical stress thanks to high temperature thermometers such as iTHERM FlameLine TAF16 or iTHERM FlameLine TAF11
- Suitable for extremely high temperature are the iTHERM FlameLine thermometers: TAF12S single ceramic thermowell, TAF12D dual ceramic thermowell and TAF12T triple ceramic thermowell