Digital recovery boiler

Important results from the project

A combined user interface has been created, where both acoustic data (visualises changes in the black liquor) and image data from the soot blow lances (shows changes in the combustion). Boiler operators can easily follow the major changes in the properties of the black liquor in real time, and at the same time receive immediate feedback on the combustion. You can also quickly spot relations between the changes in the black liquor and the combustion why the operator have a possibility to learn how to handle changes in the black liquor and to anticipate the effects a operation setting will have.

Expected long term effects

The project has created an interface where relevant data is presented and possible measures to manage changes in the black liquor have been tested during normal operation. The combination of acoustic data analysis and the visualization of the soot lances gives operators real-time information, which is why any corrections can be made much earlier than with the information currently available. What remains is to follow up over time and see how much effect the fact that you have access to more immediate information has on the effect and extraction of bio-components from the black liquor.

Approach and implementation

The project has benefited from the planned approach as major data processing work were made on relevant lab-generated data, before selected approaches were applied to "real" data from the mill. In this way, rapid iterations could be made. The presentation of acoustic and visual data was quickly integrated and continuously refined, following feedback from operators. However, the Covid situation during the project affected the physical presence and the planned mass data acquisition at the mill, which was planned. However, the degree work connected to this could still be completed.