Ecrystal
A Non-Contact Solution for Fly Ash Level Detection
Our patented Ecrystal Coal Ash Sensor series is based on a new and safe gamma ray detecting technology.This innovation provides precise point and continuous level monitoring of coal ash level for hoppers located next to precipitators or filter bags used in coal-fired power plants .
NOGS gamma ray technology does not use dangerous and environmentally pollutive radioactive sources. This will ideally meet the demand of coal-fired power plants seeking higher and safer environmental standards.
Characteristics of Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are photons emitted from an atomic nucleus. Radionuclides also known as radioactive isotopes are elements with either an excess of neutrons or protons. They are unstable and undergo radioactive decay which emits a measurable amount of energy often in the form of gamma rays. Radionuclides occur naturally in the environment.They are commonly found in construction materials such as cement, tile and marble and emit radioactive photons of various strengths. Radionuclides can also be artificially synthesized examples include Caesium-137 and Cobalt-60. Typically these isotopes are used by traditional nuclear technology based level meters.
Gamma rays have a shorter wavelength providing greater energy and penetrating power. The intensity of the gamma rays may vary depending on the density of the material they are passing through. Specifically, the amount of energy emitted by the gamma rays may decrease after passing through material that exhibits a Photoelectric Effect.
Materials being struck by the gamma rays often emit electrons this is known as the Photoelectric Effect. The release and scattering of these electrons subsequently causes a Compton Effect resulting in a lengthening of gamma ray’s wavelength thereby decreasing its intensity.
Traditional Radioactive-Source Meters
Traditional sensors which uses nuclear-material-based technology do not detect naturally existing trace amounts of radioactive nuclide in the environment. They typically require the use of a radioactive material source, such as Caesium-137 and Cobalt-60. These radioactive materials emit intense gamma rays that are much stronger than the naturally occurring gamma rays.
The device then indicates whether the fly ash content in the hopper has reached a predetermined level by using a receiver component positioned on the opposite side of the hopper. This receiver unit measures the change in strength of the gamma rays being emitted by the radioactive source material.
Ecrystal Coal Ash Sensors and Meters
Ecrystal's Coal Ash Sensors and Meters do not require the use of an artificial radiation source. They make full use of the naturally occurring trace amounts of radioactive nuclide in the environment. Mounted in a fixed position, the ash sensor is able to measure changes in the strength of the gamma rays present as the quantity of ash material fluctuates.
Using patented random signal recognition technology, Ecrystal's Coal Ash Sensors can effectively identify changes in the naturally-occuring gamma ray signals inside hoppers. Ecrystal's sensors have a dedicated signal handler that can distinguish gamma ray signature given off by the ash material from naturally-occuring gamma ray present as background noise in the environment. This provides an extremely accurate reading of the level location of the ash material present.
Note: the "ray" mentioned in the above diagram refers to gamma ray
Naturally Occuring Gamma-ray Sensor (NOGS) Technology