Simulating Power Plant Exhaust Systems

CE-CERT in partnership with EmiSense Inc. LLC developed a simulation laboratory to research on board sensors and other needs for exhaust simulation. This laboratory is designed to operate up to 700 C, high water concentrations up to 15% water, and various concentrations of SO2, NO, NO2, NH3, HC’s and O2, and various other species of interest. The laboratory has excellent thermal management controls and is easily configured for various research projects. 

This laboratory is ideal for sensor aging, evaluation, and characterization, In addition it can be used for catalyst formulation, exhaust sensor development, durability studies, and other development projects where controlled exhaust conditions are desired. There are three main elements of the laboratory mass flow control of the gaseous species injection, water injection and steam generation, and heater controls. 

The laboratory includes a high (up to 40 lpm) and low flow (up to 2 lpm) operation, an integrated FTIR , Minicast soot generator, automated thermal cyling test  stand, IR camera for surface temperature scanning (1000 C), Solartron EIS measurements (impedance and frequency response), oscilloscope to view electrical signals, and a PG350 gas analyzer (NO, NO2, CO, CO2, and O2)

Gaseous water is introduced into the blended sample gas stream in order to provide the desired water content. The water generation system consists of a water reservoir, a graduated burette, a positive displacement pump, and a heating system. The temperature of the sample cell is controlled through a heater capable of maintaining a desired gas temperature up to 750ºF (400ºC) within the cell path.