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Thermography for the Analysis of Combustion and Explosion Processes
Explosion and combustion processes are highly dynamic processes with big temperature changes. In order to be able to comprehensively analyse and optimise these processes high-performance thermography systems have to be used.
ANALYSIS OF COMBUSTION PROCESSES
In combustion analysis highly dynamic sequences of combustion processes are visualised and analysed by recording temperature distributions and their temporal change with a thermal camera contact free and without feedback effects. As a result, hotspots and anomalies, among other things, can be identified, which enable conclusions concerning inefficiencies or the detection of safety issues.
By using thermography, not only process optimisations are made possible, but safety risks for people and the environment are reduced as well.
Analysing Explosion Processes Using High-speed Thermography
Thermography is a contact free and very efficient measurement method without feedback effects, which is commonly used to observe and analyse thermodynamic processes running in explosions. Thanks to the image presentation of the radiation emitted during the explosions by suitable thermography systems radiation distributions and their changes can be visualised, measured, recorded and comprehensively analysed and documented with the corresponding software.
Using high-end thermographic solutions the head distribution throughout and after the detonation of explosives can be visualised and recorded and thereby the energy release can be analysed. Moreover, thermography makes it possible where required to measure the flame propagation speed and the combustion efficiency.
Thermography Systems for the Analysis of Explosion Processes
Just as in the case of combustion analysis, very brief integration times are required in the analysis of explosions to be able to record the intensely dynamic temperature changes without smearing effects. The thermography systems from InfraTec can also be equipped with application-specific spectral filters. Motor driven filter wheels make it possible to choose out of up to 35 filter combinations with a mouse click in the software and to adjust the camera quickly to changed measurement conditions.
For images of explosions with large-scale expansions which are rich in detail thermography systems are available with a geometric resolution up to (2 560 x 2 048) IR pixels InfraTec provides a wide selection of interchangeable lenses of different focal lengths up to 200 mm and options for motor driven focussing including various autofocus modes. With the High Dynamic Range (HDR) function a temperature measuring range of -20°C to 3,000°C can be achieved. The insights derived from the measurement data help, among other things, in the preparation and review of safety protocols for explosive materials or in the calculation of the amount of explosive required.
The applications for thermography cameras in the field of combustion analysis are many and varied as a result:
Analysis of the temperatures and their distribution in combustion furnaces
Optimisation of internal combustion engines and their components
Monitoring of temperatures on moving parts of turbines and compressors
Analysis of heat transfers in exhaust systems
Analysis of burner components for cracks or corrosion
Characterisation of fuels (e.g. in respect of their ignition properties)
Conclusions for energy saving potentials
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THERMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS FOR THE COMBUSTION ANALYSIS
In order to be able to record dynamic temperature changes precisely the thermography camera used has to have very short integration times and a wide temperature measuring range. These requirements are met by the infrared cameras of the ImageIR® camera series by InfraTec. Moreover, these cameras come with a Multi Integration Time Mode and the High Dynamic Range function for achieving exceptionally wide temperature measuring ranges. This allows a interrupt-free and consistent thermographic analysis of objects which can have a very large temperature gradient of up to several 100 K. By up to two integrated, motor controllable filter wheels these cameras are perfectly applicable in spectral thermography as well
As a result, up to 35 different filter combinations are available and directly accessible by the remote control of the camera. Time-consuming filter changes are a thing of the past now. The performance of the cameras is further expanded by assorted precision telephoto lenses for high-grade measurements at large measurement distances, but also by the option of combining them with close-up lenses to analyse combustion processes inside measuring chambers at high resolution. Temperature stabilised protective housings and the possibility of integrating the fully automated operation in an existing software environment complete the spectrum of beneficial features for the combustion analysis.
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To learn more about the ImageIR series, CLICK HERE.
To discuss your application or upcoming research project, contact our Technical Sales Manager, Dr. Luke Nicholls by email or call (01372) 378822.
