a study on ph analyzer using artificial intelligence in water management of thermal power generation plant

pH is a very important factor that critically affects the efficiency of desulfurization facilities as well as in the generation of boiler tube scales in power plants as an indicator of hydrogen ion concentration of the aqueous solution. It is also a major item in the quality management of pure water and wastewater treatment facilities. However, it has been difficult to manage the accurate pH measurement frequently. If it is neglected, the maintenance cost is nevitably increased due to shortened life of boiler tubes while also damaging the them as well as lowering the efficiency of the desulfurization equipment and generating a hard scale. The pH meter applied to the plant is calibrated periodically by the operator using the buffer (standard solution), but when the calibration is impossible, all the pH electrodes are replaced. Therefore, it is required to develop an electrode pH meter with a self-correcting function to ensure the quality of the boiler tube with accurate pH control and improved efficiency of the whole desulfurization system. This study derives its purpose to introduce the world’s first pHbased analysis system ever created using the artificial intelligence to perform “bufferless” automatic calibration and technology operated with higher efficiency. For pH analysis, this is an essential tool for water management in domestic and overseas thermal power plants.