Prof. Yan Yong Shares Cutting-Edge Advances in Instrumentation R&D on“1933 Lecture”

On April 29, 2025, on the occasion of Tianjin University’s 130th anniversary, the School of Electrical and Information Engineering hosted the fifth edition of its “1933 Lecture” at Lecture Hall.

The event featured Professor Yan Yong, Fellow of the UK Royal Academy of Engineering, IEEE Fellow, and Director of the International Research Center for Carbon Neutrality at Beihang University, who delivered a keynote lecture titled Instrumentation R&D: Industrial Application-Driven and International Collaboration-Fostered Innovations.

In his lecture, Professor Yan shared his experience in scientific research in past three decades and innovative achievements in the field of detection technologies and automation systems. The forum was chaired by Tan Chao, Dean of the School of Electrical and Information Engineering.

During the lecture, Professor Yan drew on practical case studies—including multiphase flow mass flow measurement, combustor flame detection, and blast furnace tuyere parameter monitoring in steelmaking—to share insights into instrumentation R&D methodologies and articulate his unique perspectives on advancing industrial applications. He highlighted groundbreaking applications of technologies such as electrostatic sensors and machine learning in complex industrial scenarios. Examples included intelligent perception of human movement and behavior via electrostatic sensors, as well as the quantification of flame stability metrics using image processing algorithms.

Addressing the globally prioritized “dual-carbon” goals, Professor Yan provided an in-depth analysis of critical challenges in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. He emphasized that high-precision carbon metrology is pivotal for carbon trading and footprint management, and he also introduced a 25mm-diameter CO₂ testing apparatus. As the world’s largest-diameter CCUS carbon metrology standardization device, it has garnered attention from CCUS R&D and engineering professionals across China, the UK, Germany, Norway, and the United States. It has already delivered critical CO₂ testing data for CCUS projects led by CNPC and CNOOC, demonstrating broad application prospects in advancing carbon neutrality initiatives.

Furthermore, Professor Yan Yong underscored the pivotal role of industry-academia collaboration and international partnerships in addressing industrial measurement challenges. Against the backdrop of dual-carbon goals, he noted the heightened complexities in energy and carbon metrology, emphasizing the urgent need to advance related technological R&D. He highlighted significant progress in flame detection technologies leveraging image sensors and processing algorithms, while pointing to the vast potential of electrostatic sensors in industrial applications. Concluding his address, Yan expressed high expectations for students, urging them to master core disciplinary knowledge, cultivate innovative thinking and global perspectives, actively engage in scientific research and practical endeavors, and contribute their own strength in dealing with global challenges.

During the concluding Q&A session, faculty and students actively posed questions, sparking dynamic on-site discussions. Participants engaged in in-depth dialogues with Professor Yan on topics spanning technical intricacies of instrumentation R&D, frameworks for students’ international academic exchanges, and evolving industry trends. With meticulous attention, Yan answered each question patiently, offering fresh perspectives and actionable directions.

The successful conclusion of the fifth edition of the “1933 Lecture” provided faculty and students with an invaluable learning opportunity. Moving forward, the School of Electrical and Information Engineering will continue to uphold the university’s motto of “Seeking Truth from Facts” and remain committed to building a prestigious forum that integrates education, advanced culture, and cutting-edge technologies. By inviting renowned experts and thought leaders from diverse fields, through lectures, forums and other platforms, the school aims to deliver exceptional intellectual and cultural experiences for all faculty and students.

By School of Electrical and Information Engineering

Editor: Sun Xiaofang