Hukx heat flux sensors for industrial use

Sensors for process control, emergency response, studies of insulation

Hukx is specialized in measurement of heat transfer and thermal quantities. We have designed and supplied sensors for many industrial projects. Our experience includes a variety of environments such as coal fired boilers, fluidized beds, solar concentrators, and offshore flare systems. Relative to conventional monitoring based on temperature, use of heat flux sensors improves insight in processes, behavior of materials, and often leads to faster response times for process control and emergency response.

Introduction

Hukx, market leader in heat flux sensors, offers a range of dedicated sensors and systems for use in industrial environments. Our measuring instruments for industrial use are often designed in close cooperation with customers. This brochure briefly looks at the benefits of heat flux measurement for industrial applications, and the sensors, standard or custom-made, recommended for such jobs. Please contact us to discuss your specific application.

Process control and emergency response

Many industrial systems rely on temperature measurements. Heat flux measurements offer additional information. A change of temperature usually goes together with a heat flux. Measuring both quantities offers a better picture of what is happening. Heat flux can often be detected earlier than a temperature change. This offers advantages, for example better process control and faster response to emergency situations.

Example applications

• Coal fired boilers: sensors measure heat flux and surface temperature on the furnace wall. The heat flux sensors serve as boiler fouling sensors. Surface temperature is used for assessment of expected tube lifetime.
• Study of industrial insulation: measure the heat flux and temperature difference of insulation packages to verify its performance.
• Solar concentrators: sensors measure the concentrated solar radiation on the boiler surface. The measurement offers an indication of the quality of mirror performance and sets off an alarm in case the heat flux level is out of range.
• Flare systems: flare radiation sensors are one of the elements in the safety system, offering a measurement of the level of heat load on people and equipment.
• Fluidized beds, cokers, distillation columns: heat flux sensors mounted on the shells monitor the process and detect the formation of deposits. Using this information, maintenance of systems is scheduled.

Studies of insulation

Using heat flux sensors, users can analyze the actual performance of insulation materials. You then must measure two temperatures and a heat flux. Averaging overtime, for example during several days, will give an idea of the performance of insulation materials.

Table 1 Hukx capabilities for industrial applications.

Some of our references

Standards

Products are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management system. If applicable, the sensors comply with industrial standards such as ITS90, ANSI, DIN, and BS. Sensors for hazardous areas can be manufactured according to safety standards like EExi, ATEX / Cenelec and NAMUR.