The site survey involves the use of specialist instruments to make measurements that are not normally possible using plant instrumentation alone.  This enables a much better understanding of the combustion process, since direct measurements can be made of parameters which otherwise can only be estimated or interpolated.  These measurements include temperature measurements up to 1200°C.

Activities during this phase typically include:

• measurement of combustion products (O2, CO, CO2, NOx)
• measurement of primary air flowrate, temperature and pressure
• measurement of secondary air temperature and flowrate (where possible)
• establish fuel properties, pressure, temperature and flowrates
• shell scan
• obtain burner nozzle dimensional details
• overview assessment of combustion system mechanical condition
• brief combustion system safety assessment (e.g. ignition, flame scanners)
• assess availability of mechanical drawings and data for subsequent phases of the project

Deliverables from this phase typically include:

• preliminary evaluation of combustion system including
• establishing fuel/air mixing regime
• calculate shell losses
• detailed combustion analysis
• full process material and energy balance
• report of conclusions and recommendations