Gas internal combustion engine power generation: Gas detection is the "safety valve"!
Why is gas detection indispensable for gas internal combustion engine power generation?
From explosion prevention to efficiency improvement, from equipment protection to compliant emissions, every piece of data in gas detection is related to the "health" of the power generation system. Today, let's talk about why gas detection is indispensable for power generation in gas internal combustion engines and which key components must be closely monitored.
Why is gas detection a "must-have"?
The core of a gas internal combustion engine is "gas combustion", and the nature, concentration and composition of the gas directly affect the safety and efficiency of the entire process. Without gas detection, it's like driving without a dashboard; risks are everywhere.
Hold the bottom line of safety and eliminate the risk of explosion
Once gas (such as natural gas or biogas) leaks and mixes with air to the "explosive limit", it may cause an explosion upon encountering a spark. Gas detection can monitor the leakage concentration in real time and issue a warning before it reaches a dangerous value, allowing staff to close the valve and ventilate in time to eliminate the risk from the source. Historical cases show that the root cause of many gas-fired power generation accidents is the failure to detect leaks in time after they occur - this "defense line" must not be lacking.
Ensure combustion efficiency, generate more electricity and reduce waste
The composition and purity of gas directly affect the combustion efficiency. For instance, if the content of inert gases (such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide) is too high, it will reduce the calorific value of the gas, resulting in "burning more but generating less". An inappropriate proportion of oxygen can lead to incomplete combustion, which not only wastes fuel but also increases pollutants. Gas detection can provide precise data to help the system adjust the air-fuel ratio, ensuring that every unit of gas is converted into electricity.
Protect the lifespan of equipment and reduce operation and maintenance costs
Impurities in gas (such as hydrogen sulfide, moisture, and particulate matter) are the "invisible killers" of equipment: hydrogen sulfide can corrode cylinders and pipelines, moisture can cause freezing or rusting, and particulate matter can wear out valves and pistons. By detecting these impurities in advance through testing, targeted treatment (such as desulfurization, drying, and filtration) can be carried out, reducing equipment failures, extending service life, and saving a large amount of maintenance costs.
• Tips
The amount of sulfide contained in the gas varies, and the purification process at the front end of power generation will also change accordingly. When the content of hydrogen sulfide in the gas is ≤2000ppm and the gas volume is ≤600m³/h, dry desulfurization is required. When the content of hydrogen sulfide in the gas is ≥2000ppm and the gas volume is ≥600m³/h, wet desulfurization is required. Moreover, the total sulfur content entering the generator set must not exceed 30mg/m³; otherwise, it will damage the unit itself and affect the power generation efficiency. Therefore, gas detection is an indispensable part before power generation.
Which specific gas components should be closely monitored?
1. Gas itself: Comprehensive control from purity to impurities
The main body of flammable gases (methane, propane, etc.）
This is the "main character" of combustion. It is necessary to monitor whether the concentration is within the safe range (to avoid leakage exceeding the standard), and at the same time confirm the purity - insufficient purity will lead to a decrease in calorific value and affect the power generation efficiency. For instance, when the methane content in natural gas is lower than 90%, it may be necessary to adjust the combustion parameters to ensure the output.
Harmful impurities: sulfides, moisture, particulate matter
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) : Even at very low concentrations (above 50mg/m³), it can corrode metal parts and must be strictly controlled.
Moisture: Excessive moisture can cause pipes to freeze and equipment to rust. It is necessary to monitor the "dew point" (the temperature at which gas condenses into water) to ensure that the gas is dry.
Particles: Particles with a diameter exceeding 10 microns can wear out cylinders and valves and need to be filtered to the standard concentration.
Inert gases (nitrogen, carbon dioxide）
They do not participate in combustion. If their content is too high (such as carbon dioxide exceeding 5%), it will dilute the gas, lower the combustion temperature, and lead to a decrease in power generation efficiency. Real-time monitoring and control of the proportion are required.
Ⅱ. During combustion: Oxygen and unburned gases act as "regulators"
Oxygen (O₂）
The oxygen concentration in the combustion chamber or flue is crucial: if there is too little oxygen, the gas will not burn fully, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide (which is toxic and wastes fuel). Too much oxygen will take away heat and increase energy consumption. Generally, the air-fuel ratio is adjusted through detection to maintain the oxygen concentration within the optimal range (usually 5%-10%).
Unburned combustible gases (such as unburned methane)
If the unburned methane in the emissions exceeds the standard, it indicates incomplete combustion, which not only wastes fuel but also increases safety risks. The combustion parameters need to be adjusted in a timely manner through detection.
Ⅲ. Emission of Gases: A "Hard Indicator" for Environmental Compliance
• Nitrogen oxides (NO youdaoplaceholder6)
The harmful gases produced during high-temperature combustion are one of the causes of smog. According to China's standards, the concentration of NOHS emitted by gas internal combustion engines is usually lower than 150mg/m³ (stricter in some areas).
• Carbon monoxide (CO）
The products of incomplete combustion are toxic and polluting to the environment. At the same time, they reflect the combustion efficiency and need to be controlled at a low concentration (usually below 100mg/m³).
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂）
Acid rain is produced by the combustion of sulfides in gas and needs to be tested to ensure that the emissions meet the standards (usually less than 50mg/m³).
Summary
Gas detection is "the most cost-effective insurance"
For gas internal combustion engine power generation, gas detection is not an "extra cost", but a "necessary investment" - it can avoid the huge losses caused by explosion accidents, improve the benefits brought by power generation efficiency, extend the service life of equipment and reduce maintenance costs, and more importantly, enable enterprises to firmly adhere to the compliance bottom line of environmental protection and safety.
Only by strictly controlling the gas detection process and ensuring that every gas internal combustion engine operates on a safe, efficient and compliant track can the value of clean energy be truly realized. After all, behind stable power generation, there is always a need for the confidence of "data speaking".
