Advanced Measurement Probe System for Non-Nulling Stack Velocity Testing

Industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, and electric power plants that burn fossil fuels exhaust the combustion products to atmosphere through their smokestacks. Stack pollutant emissions are quantified using manual testing methods developed in the 1960s. These methods are prone to error if complex flow patterns exist, which is common. Recently, NIST has been working on an improved technique of performing 3D flow testing for smokestacks, which will significantly reduce the complexity. Automated probe movement is required to maximize the benefits of the NIST method, minimizing the test duration and potential for human error. These automated systems must be highly accurate and able to operate in potentially harsh environmental conditions as testing is conducted year-round on outdoor platforms of smokestacks. The Phase II SBIR will continue the research and development of the Phase I effort for NIST. During Phase I, a prototype probe actuator was developed and proved to successfully meet the project goals, proving feasibility of the system. During a Phase II effort, the development will be expanded to create a complete system capable of full-scale testing at industrial plants. A test site will be selected, likely a DTE Energy site, to prove out the system and verify operation.