In-Situ O₂ Monitoring: Oxypink Zirconia Probe for Harsh Combustion Environments
Accurate oxygen (O₂) measurement is critical for efficient and safe combustion control in power plants, boilers, furnaces, incinerators, and process heaters. In harsh combustion environments characterized by high temperatures, dust, corrosive gases, and vibration, conventional extractive analyzers often face reliability challenges.
In-situ zirconia oxygen probes, such as the Oxypink Zirconia Probe, provide a robust and reliable solution for continuous O₂ monitoring directly inside the process.
Why In-Situ O₂ Monitoring Is Essential
Combustion efficiency depends heavily on maintaining the correct air-to-fuel ratio. Even small deviations can result in:
- Increased fuel consumption
- Higher emissions (CO, NOx)
- Incomplete combustion and soot formation
- Reduced equipment life
In-situ O₂ monitoring enables real-time measurement at the point of combustion, allowing immediate corrective action.
Working Principle of Zirconia Oxygen Probes
The Oxypink Zirconia Probe operates on an electrochemical principle using a zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) sensing element. At high operating temperatures, zirconia becomes an oxygen ion conductor.
- One side of the zirconia cell is exposed to flue gas
- The other side is exposed to reference air
- The difference in oxygen concentration generates an electrical potential
- This potential is directly related to the O₂ concentration
The result is fast, accurate, and stable oxygen measurement without the need for sample extraction.
Key Features of the Oxypink Zirconia Probe
1. Designed for Harsh Conditions
The probe is engineered to withstand:
- High flue gas temperatures
- Dust-laden and corrosive environments
- High vibration and thermal shock
This makes it ideal for continuous operation in demanding combustion zones.
2. True In-Situ Measurement
By measuring oxygen directly in the flue or furnace:
- Sample transport delays are eliminated
- Measurement accuracy is improved
- Maintenance requirements are reduced
3. Fast Response Time
In-situ zirconia probes provide near-instantaneous response to combustion changes, enabling precise burner control and optimized fuel usage.
4. Low Maintenance Design
With no sample conditioning system, filters, or pumps required, the Oxypink probe offers:
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Higher system availability
- Long service life
Typical Applications
The Oxypink Zirconia O₂ Probe is widely used in:
- Power plant boilers
- Industrial furnaces and kilns
- Waste incinerators
- Process heaters and reformers
- Cement and steel plants
Benefits for Combustion Optimization
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Lower CO and NOx emissions
- Enhanced burner stability
- Reduced operating and maintenance costs
- Compliance with environmental regulations
Installation Considerations
For optimal performance:
- Proper probe insertion depth should be selected
- Location should represent true flue gas composition
- Adequate protection against fly ash and slagging should be provided
Correct installation ensures reliable long-term operation.
Conclusion
The Oxypink Zirconia Probe offers a rugged, accurate, and maintenance-friendly solution for in-situ oxygen monitoring in harsh combustion environments. By providing real-time O₂ measurement directly at the process, it enables superior combustion control, improved efficiency, and reduced emissions—making it an essential tool for modern industrial combustion systems.
Leave a Reply