AGAM is based on a simple but reliable acoustic principle for measuring temperatures in harsh environments. This principle, combined with a powerful algorithm and a modern interface for visualization and control, enables AGAM to provide superior temperature measurement for the control of combustion applications.
The propagation of sound is significantly influenced by the temperature of the medium, whether it be gaseous, liquid, or solid. In various fields such as meteorology, hydrology (e.g., SONAR), and industry, the sound's time of flight is crucial for accurate distance measurements. The determination of the time of flight is also the fundamental working principle of the acoustic pyrometer. Knowing the distance between transmitter and receiver, the temperature in a gaseous medium can be calculated from the speed of sound. This relationship is quantitatively expressed by the following formula:
AGAM, the acoustic gas temperature measurement, utilizes the dependency of the speed of sound for a non-invasive temperature measurement. This method effectively measures temperature without the inaccuracies typically introduced by thermal radiation or drift.
By accurately measuring the travel time of an acoustic signal through hot gas, the speed of sound can be determined. Since this speed is directly correlated to the temperature of the gas, this measurement enables the precise calculation of the average temperature along the signal's path.
AGAM utilizes transceiver units to transmit and receive acoustic signals. A transceiver unit generates acoustic white noise by releasing pressurized air through a nozzle. This signal is then recorded by microphones in both the transmitting and receiving transceiver units. When one transceiver unit is transmitting, all others are set to receiving mode, enabling simultaneous evaluation of the direct paths between the transmitting unit and all other receivers. In some cases, the system is also evaluating indirect paths from acoustic signals reflecting off the walls of the furnace.
The recorded audio signals are amplified and then forwarded to the control unit. The control unit digitizes and analyzes the audio signal, subsequently calculating the temperatures based on this analysis.
Analogous to a CT scan employed in medical settings, a sophisticated tomographic algorithm processes measured paths to create a two-dimensional scan. This scan is then rendered as an isothermal view, visually depicting temperature distribution.
After the calculation and evaluation of temperatures, the results are presented using modern web-based software, providing operators with a clear visualization of all analyzed data. This information is hosted on an internal server, accessible through the operator network on any device. Furthermore, the system is equipped to transmit data through a range of standard interfaces, including Profibus, OPC, Modbus, 4-20 mA, among others, ensuring versatile connectivity options.
AGAM measures the real gas temperature using a physical principle which is valid over the complete temperature range. Therefore, the accuracy is precise across the entire temperature range of the combustion process from start-up to full load (0 °C - 2000 °C). The precise measurement enables combustion in the vicinity of limit temperatures, i.e. very low loads.
AGAM uses transceivers combining transmitter and receiver in one unit. Therefore, all transceivers together span a dense network of measurement paths resulting in the mathematically highest possible number of measurement paths with the given ports. The network of measurement paths forms the basis for the calculation of the high-resolution 2D temperature profile.
Due to the measurement principle, which uses the gas itself as probe, the evaluated temperatures are free of heat radiation. Independent from radiated heat emitted by flames or other hot surfaces, AGAM provides the real temperature of the gas.
With the newest generation AGAM G3, we are now able to measure 200 path temperatures in less than 15 seconds. Tomographically determined 2D illustrations are updated every frew seconds. For incineration plants, this means that temperature fluctuations can be detected even more quickly, and critical temperature peaks can thus be avoided.
As a contactless measurement, AGAM has no wear and tear parts in the exhaust gas flow. All the components are located outside the measurement atmosphere and are thus protected from the rough and drastic conditions in the furnace. The AGAM uses compressed air to generate sound. The air for the sound signal also keeps the system clean and running with low maintenance.
With its modular design, AGAM offers the flexibility to digitize signals close to the measurement points. This eliminates the influence of interference signals over long analog routes. All digitized data are transmitted via regular network cable or optical fiber. In modern systems with several gas temperature measurement levels or many paths, the length of required shielded signal cable can thus be reduced to a great extent in large plants.
AGAM G3 is a complete redesign of the AGAM HP2 system. For the new software, we use a modern, modular architecture that meets today's standards in a modern IT world. Updates can be installed remotely, easily, and safely. Clearly defined interfaces allow individual extensions without affecting the core system. We have also taken precautions for the case of an emergency situation: backup and system recovery can be carried out easily.
A modern system needs reliable and performant hardware. That's why for AGAM G3, we fully rely on integrated industrial hardware made in Germany. The modular systems from Beckhoff, which have proven themselves in automation for many years, meet all the requirements we place on the basis for our acoustic pyrometers: reliable, robust, and expandable. And in case of a hardware failure, the system can be easily replaced without the service of a technician or software installation. B&D guarantees supply of spare parts for at least 15 years.
With the new web interface of AGAM G3, you can monitor your furnace wherever you are. All you need is access to the internal plant network and a browser. The design is very user-friendly, so that you can fully concentrate on monitoring and optimizing your plant. All data can be exported easily and in many common formats via the web interface and will be available in full resolution for at least 10 years.
There is no good combustion control without a fast measurement. Higher efficiency, reduced emissions as well as less slagging and corrosion: A more stable temperature curve in the combustion chamber has many advantages. Our AGAM lets you identify deviations faster and react earlier.
The true gas temperature at any location at real time is the crucial information for the process of the chemical reaction during denitrification. Thermal radiation is, however, irrelevant for the reaction. Here AGAM shows its advantages: Fast, precise, two-dimensional and free from radiation effects, it determines the real gas temperature and thus provides the main control parameters for the effective injection of the reacting agents.
AGAM provides precise and reliable gas temperatures above the flame. A two-dimensional image of the gas temperature reveals imbalances in the combustion chamber. As the fastest acoustic measurement available on the market, countermeasures can be taken immediately to balance the temperature imbalances accordingly.
Waste incinerators must maintain certain minimum exhaust gas temperatures to guarantee complete combustion of environmentally harmful gases. AGAM Q1 is an officially tested and certified measuring system for continuous monitoring of the exhaust gas temperature (QAL1) without drift over time and can thus save regular official inspections. Moreover, the fast and precise measurement allows control closer to the limit value and thus contributes to fuel savings.
Operators of waste incinerators must run their plants efficiently and manage the best economic solution to maintain the emission limits and deal with fuel with high fluctuations in heating value and complex nature. Since 1986 our engineers have been working on continually optimizing the combustion with the help of the right measurement tool in waste incineration.
The prioritized feeding of renewable energy into the grid and their unpredictable fluctuations, demand highly flexible power generation from fossil fuel as counterpart. The demand for flexibility, the use of varying coal qualities and constantly lowering emission levels at highest possible efficiencies demand a precise control of temperatures. The conventional power plants must compensate for the unreliable sources of alternative energy through load flexibility to guarantee and secure the essential and increasingly rising electrical power supply. With all their flexibility, power plants must operate economically and comply with emission levels continuously.
Efforts to improve sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important in the iron and steel industry. The temperature distribution at the top of a blast furnace is a crucial parameter that provides valuable information for the efficient and reliable operation. AGAM provides reliable and high resolving temperature distributions to analyze and precisely control the charging process in the blast furnace.
Thermal treatment and conversion processes are required to convert crude oil into the chemicals needed in the petrochemical industry. The energy for these processes must be made available as evenly and reliably as possible. A failure of central systems can quickly lead to damage amounting to millions of dollars. By monitoring the temperature distribution, AGAM avoids cost-intensive downtimes and contributes to the safety of the process.
In order to avoid fossil fuels, secondary and substitute fuels are increasingly being used in rotary kilns for clinker production. Extremely high flame temperatures of over 2,000 °C ensure safe oxidation of the harmful flue gases produced. Aggressive and abrasive conditions with a high dust content in cement production, however, lead to high wear. As AGAM works non-invasively and with robust components unaffected by dust, it is ideal for reliably measuring temperatures for process control.
AGAM is being used in many different applications to measure high gas temperatures without radiation and drift. We are always looking forward to new applications and challenges. Research and development are our passion.
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