SPARK REGULATION

Flashovers of extremely low intensity are difficult to detect using the conventional
comparator techniques. Non detection of this results in sustained arcing which may
damage the collection electrodes. For detecting such flashovers the digital detection
system is adopted.

Flashover Sensing and Response

The sensing philosophy being of a digital nature is able to sense pits, sparks and
arcs. In addition to the digital (Software based) sensing, hardware sensing is also
employed.
The flashover sensing is of a digital nature, where samples of KV signal are
compared in a half wave. This enables detection of flashovers of very low intensity
which are not possible using the conventional threshold method.
The flashover sensing differentiates between the type of flashovers. This
differentiation is based on the intensity of the flashover. A flashover is termed as
'Spark Type I', when there is a instantaneous drop in the output voltage, whereas
'Spark Type II' is for sensing of the arcing condition.
Additionally the output current excursions are also taken into consideration.
This control action differentiates between the 'Spark Type - I & Spark Type - II'.
This control action also differentiates between a 'NORMAL' flashover and 'FOLLOW
UP' flashover (a flashover occurring within a defined period of time after detection of
a 'NORMAL' flashover).
The objective is to eliminate further 'FOLLOW UP' flashovers thus increasing the
'VOLT TIME' integral, resulting in improved collection efficiency.
Thus the control action automatically optimises the response to the flashover, with a
objective to maximise the 'VOLT TIME' integral, thereby contributing to increase in
the efficiency of precipitation.
FAST RAMP CONTROL
In case of fast changes in the operating conditions of the precipitator, many sparks
may occur within a short time, reducing the current to a low value, when the
disturbance disappears, it may take a relatively long time before the current can
assume its normal value. This is the case, particularly if the selected rate of rise is
low.
The fast ramp control quickly reestablishes (200 % / MIN) to the limiting value much
faster than the normal rate of rise, incase the power level to the precipitator can be
increased, due to favourable operating conditions. This increases the efficiency of the
precipitator.
The control comes into operation after a preset adjustable delay, since the
occurrence of the last spark.

CHARGE RATIO
Pulse operation can be used for improving precipitation and / or for energy saving
depending upon the type of process, dust resistivity etc.
In a high resistive dust, a potential gradient is created within the dust layers which
causes the occurrence of local sparks in the dust layer. This spurious discharges or
'BACK CARONA' occurs as soon as the potential gradient is sufficiently high. The
potential gradient depends on the precipitator current. This has a negative impact on
the efficiency of the ESP The local sparks in the dust deposits also cause the dust
particulates already precipitated to be reentrained in the gas flow.
The 'CHARGE RATIO' mode supplies currrent in pulses which provide a dense corona
for a short time & at the same time gives a low average current to avoid back
corona.
In this mode, the pulses to the thyristors are blocked for certain full cycles after
conduction of one half cycle and this is called as 'CHARGE RATIO'.
Charge Ratio = 1 represents normal operation (no blocking)
Charge Ratio = 15 represents blocking for 14 half cycles. After conduction of 1 half
cycle.
The parameter charge ratio can be set from 1 to 255.

Charge Ratio Mode

Thus the average power input to the ESP is reduced and energy is saved, apart from
increase in collection efficiency of the ESP.
The longer the time between each current pulse the lower is the average current as
may be required for the high resistive dust.
However, the ESP trough voltage also reduces pulling down the average voltage. To
improve the trough / average voltage small current pulses are pumped during the
blocked periods of the main current pulse. This facility of operating at a 'RECHARGE
VOLTAGE', during the blocked periods increases the trough / average ESP voltage,
thus further increasing the collection efficiency. This also protects the T/R set against
possible core saturation during higher charge ratios.
When operating in the 'CHARGE RATIO' mode (CR), (Back Corona mode selected),
the controller automatically optimises the 'CR' to avoid Back Corona.
BACK CORONA
During 'Back Corona', the precipitator voltage decreases with increase in precipitator

current. This reduces the efficiency of the precipitator and consumes unnecessary
increased power.
Back Corona is detected by comparing the 'PEAK' values of the precipitator voltage
during the scanning cycles.
The controller responds to both the 'NORMAL' mode (i.e. Charge Ratio (CR) = 1) as
well as the "CHARGE RATIO' mode of operation.
The controller scans the 'VI' curve and regulates to operate at the maximum peak
voltage region (i.e. Maximum efficiency point).
Under the 'NORMAL' mode it backs the power down the VI curve to establish an
optimal operating point, whereas under 'CHARGE RATIO' mode it adjusts the duty
cycle to find the most optimal condition.
Under the 'NORMAL' mode, the IDC setpoint is reduced by a programmed amount in
an attempt to raise the 'KV PEAK' voltage to a higher value. This repeats until the 'KV
PEAK' decreases or the minimum IDC setpoint is reached. Then the previous setpoint
is the one maintained for the hold time. Under the 'CHARGE RATIO' mode, the 'CR' is
increased in steps of 2 for each iteration. After each iteration, the 'KV PEAK' is
compared against the previous value, until the 'KV PEAK' decreases or the maximum
programmed 'CR' is reached. When the comparison value decreases the previous
setpoint of 'CR' is maintained for the hold time.
LOAD STATUS MODE
Plants which have been designed for varying operating conditions, need varying
parameter values. This mode permits the precipitator operations to be adapted to the
prevailing operating conditions, through usage of the optional 2 digital inputs (LS1 /
LS2). This allows selection between additional 2 sets of the important operating
parameters. (IDC current limit, spark rate, IDC setback, T recovery, charge ratio,
recharge half wave & recharge firing). This selection is made by means of a potential
free contact (connected to the digital input).
RAPPING REDUCTION MODE
During rapping the output can be lowered automatically to a preset level and
restored back to its original level when the rapping cycle is completed. This helps in
avoiding occurrence of undesirable flashovers as well as unwanted dust puffing
during the rapping cycle.
A digital input is provided for this purpose. The restoring back to the original level is
after a certain programmable time delay on completion of the rapping cycle.
VOLTAGE LIMIT
For some processes it may be necessary to choose between different pre-set voltage
limits. This function allows the controller to operate at a different programmable
voltage limit, instead of the normal limit, through a digital input. This increases the
flexibility of operation.
ENERGY CONTROL WITHOUT SIGNAL FROM OPACITY DUST MONITOR
The 'PRECICON - II' Unit scans the 'VI' curve. For a sharply rising precipitator
characteristics, the controller prevents a further increase in the precipitator current,
(i.e. limiting the precipitator current; as this increased power does not contribute
significantly to any further improvement in the precipitator efficiency). This leads to
energy saving.

Glory of Birla copper

Birla copper little kids have secured 3 rd Position in Bharuch District
dance competition in Tal Se Tal under age group of 5 to 10 Yrs.
Conducted by Narmada channel on 09/05/2010.

Participants:
Rajal Parikh, Maitry Darji , Aryan Rehani, Pushya Trivedi, Riya , Aneri ,
Drashtri
Skipper:
Shiveni Godavela