Combustion Probes - Examples

Overview:

Bespoke combustion probes designed for clients in collaboration with Scitek Consultants Ltd

Flame spectra probe

Flames emit light of specific wavelength depending on the temperature and the chemical reactions taking place within the flame. The probe is supplied with a spectrometer and software to analyse the emission spectra. For most applications we advise the use of fully armoured optical fibres to connect the signal from the probe to the spectrometer. Expert advice on how to use the probe and ensure your burner system is operating correctly can be given.

Clients have used these probes to ensure multiple combustor systems are operating with near identical flame temperatures.

An example of the probe is shown:

The sectional view showing the delicate fibre in the centre of the housing is seen here. A fused quartz window is used to protect the end of the fibre. This is kept clean in the case of liquid fuel sprays being used in the combustor by means of a purge air supply. This can be replaced with bottled nitrogen gas, but the supply pressure must be slightly above that of the combustor operating pressure. The flow rate should be kept as low as possible.

An example installation of the probe can be seen here. Not shown is the floating seal arrangement that allows thermal expansion of the combustor and still maintains a seal between the combustor and the optical probe. This has a controlled leakage of air into the combustor.

Viewed from the turbine end, the probe is seen to view the combustor primary zone.

The manufactured hardware

Water cooled gas emissions probes

Another example: a water cooled gas emissions probe for use in flue gas measurements.