Preliminary Measurements of Instantaneous Velocity in a Two-Meter Square Furnace Using a Laser Anemometer

The results of an exploratory investigation of the application of laser anemometry to the measurement of instantaneous velocity within industrial flames is reported. A laser anemometer was used to assess the viability of measurements within the 2 m-sq experimental furnace of the International Flame Research Foundation. Measurements were carried out, in the forward scattering real fringe mode, in a hot furnace without combustion and in gas, oil, and coal flames. The particle concentration was observed for each flow configuration and, where possible, the mean velocity value obtained from the laser anemometer was compared with that from a water cooled pitot probe. On the basis of this investigation, the value of laser anemometry to the improvement of furnace design is discussed.