A practical fiber optic air-ratio sensor operating by flame color detection

Abstract

This article discusses the development of a simple fiber-optic sensor used to detect the air-ratio in a premix type gas boiler, by monitoring and appraising the color of the flame emission, including the effect of radical emissions. Such boilers with a multi-port plate burner show an improved thermal efficiency, with the environmentally friendly effect of a reduction in both NOx and CO in the exhaust gas. The sensor is used to monitor and maintain the air-ratio in order to enable effective feedback control, and a low-cost, durable and small sensor solution is presented. Tests carried out show the potential of the sensor for use outside the laboratory and image processing techniques are used to analyze the spectral features of the emissions seen to confirm the spectral regions of use of the fiber-optic sensor.