Boiler Monitoring with Piezoelectrics - Dalisu (South Africa)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of piezoelectric materials for real-time monitoring of boiler systems, specifically focusing on the effectiveness of different methods for integrating these materials into boiler structures. Participants explore various monitoring techniques, including the potential advantages and disadvantages of using piezoelectrics versus strain gauges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using piezoelectrics for monitoring stresses and strains in boilers and seeks input on the best method of attachment.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of piezoelectrics, suggesting that strain gauges might be more suitable for the intended monitoring tasks.
  • It is noted that while strain gauges require amplifiers, piezoelectrics also need charge amplifiers due to the low charge produced when deformed.
  • A suggestion is made to consider alternative measurement methods, such as acoustic pyrometers for temperature and load cells for measuring side wall flex.
  • The specific type of boiler is identified as a fire-tube boiler with a steam rating of 20 tons/hr and a working limit of 1400 kPa.
  • A participant inquires about guidelines or ratios for the application of piezoelectric materials per area of the model.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of piezoelectrics versus strain gauges for monitoring boiler conditions, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific monitoring needs and the effectiveness of different measurement techniques. The discussion also highlights the need for signal amplification and conditioning regardless of the chosen method.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to engineers and researchers involved in boiler monitoring, materials science, and instrumentation, particularly those exploring innovative approaches to real-time data acquisition in industrial applications.

dalisu
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sup y'all

i'm a newbie. I am a graduate from South Africa and dooing my intenship with a mining company in South Africa. i just need ur input... jus read below:shy:

iv gt a personal project into the monitoring of boilers more effectively and in real-time. i thought of using piezoelectrics as the medium. wat i need help in is deciding whether to use the piezo-material as a sandwich in the boiler shell or just glue it on the shell of the boiler.
what i plan to achieve is a real-time monitoring of the boiler in terms of the stresses and strain incurred in the boiler while in operation.

i will appreciate ANY comment or maybe a different idea i need to look into.

many thanks
dalisu (South Africa)
 
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Why not simply go with strain gauges? Why bother with piezo, which, I don't think will be applicable to what you want to do?

I would look at pressure (strain gauge based) and temperature (thermocouple) measurements for your actual process measureables and, if desired, strain measurements at various points on the boiler via foil strain gauges.
 
but strain gauges need an amplifier and piezo's dont?
 
Piezo's need charge amplifiers. The charge that is created when a piezo is deformed is very low and not really useable. You have to amplify that as well. No matter what data acquisition you end up doing (unless of course it is simple gauges and hand recording) you will always need

- Signal amplification
- Signal conditioning
 
what exactly are you trying to monitor? Temp? you can use an acoustic pyrometer. if you want to measure side wall flex you can use load cells, high temp of coarse. probably some with low deflection also. there are a few companies that deal with this. what type of boiler? small power plant?
 
da boiler is a fire-tube boiler of rating 20tons/hr of steam at a working limit of 1400kPa. there ar seven of these for a refinery plant.
 
oohh ja, is there a rule of thumb or a ratio for how many piezoelectric materials show one use per area of model?