Flashback detection sensor for lean premix fuel nozzles

Patent · Tue Aug 06 00:00:00 EDT 2002

OSTI ID:982805

Thornton, Jimmy Dean ^[1]; Richards, George Alan ^[1]; Straub, Douglas L ^[1]; Liese, Eric Arnold ^[1]; Fasching, George Edward ^[1]

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1. Morgantown, WV

A sensor for detecting the flame occurring during a flashback condition in the fuel nozzle of a lean premix combustion system is presented. The sensor comprises an electrically isolated flashback detection electrode and a guard electrode, both of which generate electrical fields extending to the walls of the combustion chamber and to the walls of the fuel nozzle. The sensor is positioned on the fuel nozzle center body at a location proximate the entrance to the combustion chamber of the gas turbine combustion system. The sensor provides 360.degree. detection of a flashback inside the fuel nozzle, by detecting the current conducted by the flame within a time frame that will prevent damage to the gas turbine combustion system caused by the flashback condition.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: FETC
• Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department (
• Patent Number(s): 6,429,020
• Application Number: 09/585,540
• OSTI ID: 982805
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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