Gas Detection Systems

Abstract

A gas detection method and system for detecting a predetermined gas in a system is disclosed. The gas detection system includes a valve system for initially positioning a first gas sensor in fluid communication with a first sensing location and a second gas sensor in fluid communication with a second sensing location. In response to detecting the predetermined gas with a selected sensor from a selected sensing location, a second sensor that did not detect the predetermined gas is positioned in fluid communication with the selected sensing location where the selected sensor detected the predetermined gas. If the second sensor also detects the predetermined gas at the selected sensing location, an alarm is generated. If the second sensor does not detect the predetermined gas at the selected sensing location, the selected sensor is recalibrated.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a gas detection system for use with a gas turbine engine, and more particularly to a gas detection system including a valve system for switching a gas sensor between separate sensing positions to check the accuracy of the gas sensor in sensing harmful gases (hazgas). [Background technology]

[0002] Gas turbines and / or generators (e.g., hydrogen-cooled generators) are used to generate electrical power for a variety of applications. To protect the turbines and / or generators from the surrounding environment, or vice versa, the turbines and / or generators may be housed or enclosed in an enclosure with appropriate inlets, exhaust outlets, ventilation systems, and the like. For example, the gas turbines and / or generators may be housed in an enclosure, which can facilitate noise reduction during turbine operation and can suppress environmental hazards, such as the leakage of flammable gases (e.g., fuel gas or hydrogen) into the surrounding environment. A monitoring system may be fluidly coupled to the enclosure to sample the air within the enclosure and detect the presence of hazardous gases. Unfortunately, under certain conditions, these monitoring systems can trip the power generating unit (e.g., due to moisture or ice in sensing lines), causing unnecessary and costly shutdowns. This issue may lead some operators to disable the monitoring system and cease monitoring the enclosure for hazardous gases.

[0003] Many situations exist in which toxic gases can accumulate to dangerous concentrations. In such cases, both health and safety regulations and prudence require systems that can detect the accumulation of harmful gases before a dangerous situation occurs. For example, many industrial processes use highly flammable or toxic gases. Industrial plants using such processes typically require a gas detection system with gas sensors distributed throughout the plant and a central station that receives signals from the gas sensors. If one of the gas sensors detects an excessive amount of harmful gas, an alarm state is activated at the central station. Such industrial gas detection systems are typically expensive. The central station typically contains proprietary hardware with limited upgradability. Gas sensors are available to detect a wide range of harmful gases. Sensors are available to detect flammable gases, various types of asphyxiating gases, radioactive gases, gases containing certain toxins, and more.

[0004] Self-contained gas detection systems are also available. These systems include a gas sensor, a battery, a simple control circuit, and an audible and / or visual alarm housed in a compact housing. Examples of such self-contained gas detectors are carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, which are widely available commercially for use in homes and small businesses.

[0005] Industrial plants must typically have both built-in gas detection systems and portable, self-contained gas detectors. If the built-in system detects a problematic amount of hazardous gas near a particular gas sensor, personnel can be dispatched to the area of ​​the gas sensor with a portable gas sensor. The portable gas sensor can be used to confirm the amount of hazardous gas detected and identify the source of the hazardous gas. Management of such industrial plants usually has strict policies that require careful documentation of measurements by plant personnel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20220299395 Summary of the Invention

[0007] All aspects, examples and features described below can be combined in any technically possible manner.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a gas detection method for detecting a predetermined gas in a system, the system including: a valve system including at least two valves for selectively positioning a first sensing location and a second sensing location, a first gas sensor in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location and the second sensing location, and a second gas sensor in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location and the second sensing location; and a controller for controlling the valve system, the method including: setting the valve system to a first setting where the first gas sensor is in fluid communication only with the first sensing location to detect the predetermined gas only at the first sensing location, and the second gas sensor is in fluid communication only with the second sensing location to detect the predetermined gas only at the second sensing location; In response to the tripped sensor of a second gas sensor detecting the predetermined gas, switching the valve system to a second setting in which the untripped sensor of the first gas sensor or the second gas sensor that did not detect the predetermined gas is in fluid communication with the first sensing location or the second sensing location where the predetermined gas was detected; in response to the untripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location or the second sensing location where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor, initiating an alarm; and in response to the untripped sensor not detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location or the second sensing location where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor, recalibrating the tripped sensor that detected the predetermined gas.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, and further includes verifying the calibration of selected gas sensors that detected the predetermined gas during operation after recalibration.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the first sensing location includes the gas turbine compartment and the gas turbine, and further includes the controller enabling continued operation of the gas turbine in response to determining that the selected gas sensor that sensed the predetermined gas is operational after recalibration.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the predetermined gas includes a hazardous gas.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, further including directing gas from one of the first sensing location and the second sensing location to each of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor by a negative pressure source.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the above aspects, wherein the negative pressure source includes a fan or an ejector.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the valve system includes at least one solenoid valve.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the valve system includes at least two three-way valves.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the valve system includes at least two two-way valves.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the above aspects, wherein the first sensing location and the second sensing location each include a negative pressure source, each of the negative pressure sources connected to a respective gas sensor.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first sensing location and the second sensing location are each connected to a respective gas sensor by at least one sampling conduit and valve system.

[0019] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a gas detection system for detecting a predetermined gas, the system including: a first sensing location and a second sensing location; a first gas sensor and a second gas sensor; a valve system including at least two valves for selectively positioning the first gas sensor in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location and the second sensing location and the second gas sensor in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location and the second sensing location; and a controller for controlling the valve system in response to signals from the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor, the controller configuring the valve system to a first setting where the first gas sensor is in fluid communication only with the first sensing location to detect the predetermined gas only at the first sensing location and the second gas sensor is in fluid communication only with the second sensing location to detect the predetermined gas only at the second sensing location; a controller that is capable of: switching the valve system to a second setting in which an untripped sensor of the first gas sensor or the second gas sensor that did not detect the predetermined gas is in fluid communication with the first or second sensing location where the predetermined gas was detected, in response to the tripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas at the first or second sensing location where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor; initiating an alarm, in response to the untripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas at the first or second sensing location where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor; and recalibrating the tripped sensor that detected the predetermined gas, in response to the untripped sensor not detecting the predetermined gas at the first or second sensing location where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the above aspects, wherein the controller enables verifying the calibration of selected sensors that sensed the predetermined gas during operation after recalibration.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the first sensing location includes the gas turbine section and the gas turbine, and the controller, in response to determining that the selected sensor is operational after recalibration, enables continued operation of the gas turbine.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the predetermined gas includes a hazardous gas.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, further comprising a negative pressure source connected to each of the first sensing location and the second sensing location to direct gas to each of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the negative pressure source includes a fan.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the valve system includes at least two solenoid three-way valves.

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the valve system includes at least two solenoid two-way valves.

[0027] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first sensing location and the second sensing location are each connected to a respective gas sensor by at least one sampling conduit and valve system.

[0028] Two or more aspects described in this disclosure, including those described in this summary section, may be combined to form an embodiment not specifically described herein.

[0029] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0030] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a conventional gas detection system. [Figure 2] 1 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system setup according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system setup according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system setup according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system configuration according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system configuration according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system configuration according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a gas detection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a gas detection system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements between the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] As an initial matter, in order to clearly explain the subject matter of this disclosure, it becomes necessary to select specific terminology when referring to and describing the relevant mechanical components within a hazardous gas detection system. Wherever possible, common industry terminology is used and utilized consistent with its accepted meaning. Unless otherwise noted, such terminology should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that in many cases, a particular component may be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What may be described herein as being a single component may include and be referred to in other contexts as consisting of multiple components. Alternatively, what may be described herein as comprising multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single component.

[0034] In addition, several descriptive terms may be used periodically herein, and it will prove useful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. These terms and their definitions are as follows, unless otherwise stated: As used herein, "downstream" and "upstream" are terms that indicate a direction relative to the flow of a fluid, such as, but not limited to, the flow of air or gas, through a conduit or system that includes a hazardous gas detection system. The term "downstream" corresponds to the direction of fluid flow, and the term "upstream" refers to the direction opposite to the flow (i.e., the direction from which the fluid is flowing). The terms "forward" and "aft," unless otherwise specified, refer to directions, with "forward" referring to the front end of the hazardous gas detection system and "aft" referring to the rear section of the hazardous gas detection system.

[0035] Additionally, as described below, certain descriptive terms may be used periodically herein: the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, but are not intended to denote the location or importance of the individual components.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof. "Optional" or "optionally" means that a subsequently-stated event or circumstance may or may not occur, or that a subsequently-stated component or element may or may not be present, and the description is meant to include instances in which the event occurs or component is present as well as instances in which it does not occur or is not present.

[0037] When an element or layer is referred to as "on," "engaged," "connected," or "coupled" to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly engaged," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Described herein are gas detection methods and systems for detecting a predetermined gas in a system. In certain embodiments, the gas detection system includes a valve system for initially positioning a first gas sensor in fluid communication with a first sensing location and a second gas sensor in fluid communication with a second sensing location. In response to a tripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas from one of the sensing locations, a second, untripped sensor that did not detect the predetermined gas is positioned in fluid communication with the sensing location where the tripped sensor detected the predetermined gas. If the untripped sensor also detects the predetermined gas at the selected sensing location, an alarm is generated. If the untripped sensor does not detect the predetermined gas at the selected sensing location, the initially tripped sensor is recalibrated. The gas detection system is intended for monitoring the presence of hazardous gases (e.g., combustible gases, such as fuel gas (e.g., natural gas) in a gas turbine enclosure or hydrogen in a generator enclosure) within equipment areas (e.g., enclosures) for turbomachinery (e.g., gas turbines, generators, etc.). The gas detection system includes a controller that prevents freezing and moisture accumulation. The system includes a plurality of sampling conduits that supply gas samples from different sensing locations (where sample probes are located) within two or more enclosures, each sampling conduit including a flow monitor configured to proactively monitor and determine if the sample flow has decreased to an unacceptable level.

[0039] In other embodiments, the gas detection system may include a pair of gas sensors coupled to a single sensing location to which two negative pressure sources (perhaps within a single gas detection controller) are coupled.

[0040] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for gas detection systems that monitor and detect (also referred to as "sensing") gases and also reduce the number of gas detection controllers and / or gas sensors required. As implemented by the present disclosure, the systems and methods include a valve system including at least two valves, e.g., two-way or three-way valves. The two-way or three-way valves may be solenoid valves. In certain embodiments, the system can sample from two different sensing locations via various sampling conduits. Thus, the systems and methods can include only one controller for multiple sensing locations (e.g., separate ventilation sampling conduits, two different compartments, etc.) to determine whether a gas includes a predetermined gas, such as, but not limited to, a hazardous gas. As noted above, in other embodiments, the gas detection system can include a pair of gas sensors coupled to a single sensing location coupled to two negative pressure sources (perhaps within a single gas detection controller).

[0041] Current systems and methods for sampling gases have dedicated sampling tubes and gas detection controllers for separate sensing locations. Similar to FIG. 1 , the current gas detection system 10 includes two gas detection controllers 14 and 18 for the two compartments 12 and 16, respectively. The current gas detection system 10 includes independent sampling conduits 15 and 17 attached to each of the compartments 12 and 16 and leading to the gas detection controllers 14 and 18, respectively. Additionally, a pressure source, such as a fan (not shown for ease of understanding), may be positioned within the compartments 12 and 16 to draw or move gas from the compartments 12 and 16 to the gas detection controllers 14 and 18. The pressure source can be thought of as a negative pressure source directing gas from the compartments 12 and 16 to the gas detection controllers 14 and 18. The gas detection controllers 14 and 18 each include sensors 14A, 14B and sensors 18A, 18B for detecting a predetermined gas. Additionally, the gas detection controllers 14 and 18 include controls that provide a signal when a predetermined gas is detected. The signal can be used to alert an operator or supervisor of a potential hazardous gas situation. In a situation similar to FIG. 1 where a single sensing location includes two negative pressure sources for different exhaust ducts, two gas detection controllers would be used, one for each negative pressure source. In either case, multiple components performing similar functions increase the cost of the current gas detection system 10 and can increase maintenance of the current gas detection system 10.

[0042] 2-4C illustrate embodiments of a gas detection system for detecting a predetermined gas in a system (e.g., a gas turbine system) that includes two or more sensing locations in accordance with the present disclosure. Different embodiments include variations of a valve system 160 that can include at least two valves. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a gas detection system 100 that includes a valve system 160 that includes two three-way solenoid valves 130, 140. As implemented in accordance with the present disclosure, the valve system 160 can include all solenoid valves and / or various manual valves. For purposes of illustration, dark or black shading of valve portions indicates that the valve is closed to flow, and light or white shading of valve portions indicates that the valve is open to flow.

[0043] Figure 2 illustrates a gas detection system 100 (hereinafter "system 100") having a valve system 160 including at least two three-way valves 130 and 140. Figures 3A-3C illustrate the configuration of system 100 of Figure 2 during operation of system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described further herein, Figures 4A-4B illustrate a gas detection system 200 (hereinafter "system 200") having a valve system 160 including at least six two-way valves 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 2 , the system 100 includes a first gas sensor 152 in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location 110 and the second sensing location 120, and a valve system 160 including at least two valves 130, 140 for selectively positioning a second gas sensor 154 in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location 110 and the second sensing location 120.

[0045] System 100 also includes a controller 150, also referred to as a gas sensing controller. Controller 150 controls, among other things, valve system 160. That is, controller 150 includes controls for moving the valves of valve system 160, as described herein. Controller 150 may also optionally include a first gas sensor 152 and a second gas sensor 154 for detecting the presence of a predetermined gas within an apparatus associated with system 100. Alternatively, gas sensors 152, 154 may be separate from controller 150 but operably coupled to controller 150. In either case, gas sensors 152, 154 analyze input gases drawn from sensing locations 110, 120 of the apparatus described herein. Controller 150 also includes logic embodied by the present disclosure and capable of providing signals to valves of valve system 160 to open or close the individual valves of valve system 160, as described herein.

[0046] System 100 may include or be operatively coupled to a first sensing location 110 and a second sensing location 120. According to certain aspects of the embodiment, first sensing location 110 is a gas turbine compartment having a gas turbine therein, the gas turbine being part of a gas turbine system. Second sensing location 120 is a gas module of the gas turbine system, supplying fuel to the gas turbine. In other embodiments, first sensing location 110 may be in a first area of ​​the gas turbine compartment or gas module, and second sensing location 120 may be in a different second area of ​​the same gas turbine compartment or gas module. It will be appreciated that sensing locations 110, 120 may be any area where gas detection is desired.

[0047] The system 100 may also include independent sampling conduit systems 115 and 117 coupling the first gas sensor 152 and / or the second gas sensor 154 to the first sensing location 110 and / or the second sensing location 120. The sampling conduit system 115 includes a sampling conduit 115a that fluidly connects the first sensing location 110 to the three-way valve 130 of the valve system 160. The sampling conduit system 115 includes a sampling conduit 115b that fluidly connects the first sensing location 110 to the three-way valve 140 of the valve system 160. Furthermore, the sampling conduit system 115 includes a sampling conduit 115c that fluidly connects the three-way valve 130 of the valve system 160 to the first gas sensor 152.

[0048] The sampling conduit system 117 includes a sampling conduit 117a that fluidly connects the second sensing location 120 to the three-way valve 140 of the valve system 160. The sampling conduit system 117 includes a sampling conduit 117b that fluidly connects the second sensing location 120 to the three-way valve 130 of the valve system 160. The sampling conduit system 117 includes a sampling conduit 117c that fluidly connects the three-way valve 140 of the valve system 160 to the second gas sensor 154.

[0049] One or more pressure sources, such as fans (not shown for ease of understanding), may be disposed with the first gas sensor 152 or the second gas sensor 154 to draw or move gas from the first sensing location 110 and the second sensing location 120 to the gas sensors 152, 154. Alternatively, one or more negative pressure sources, such as fans (not shown for ease of understanding), may be disposed at the first sensing location 110 and the second sensing location 120 to draw or move gas from the first sensing location 110 and the second sensing location 120 to the gas sensors 152, 154. Thus, the negative pressure sources may direct gas from the first sensing location 110 and the second sensing location 120 to the gas sensors 152, 154.

[0050] As implemented in accordance with the present disclosure, the system 100 includes a controller 150. The controller 150 may include or be operatively coupled to a pair of gas sensors 152, 154, respectively, for detecting a predetermined gas. Fluid communication between the first sensing location 110 and the gas sensors 152, 154 may be achieved via a first sampling conduit system 115 and a valve system 160, and fluid communication between the second sensing location 120 and the gas sensors 154, 152 may be achieved via a second sampling conduit system 117 and a valve system 160. Additionally, the controller 150 includes an interface for providing a signal when a predetermined gas is detected. The signal may be used to alert an operator of a potentially hazardous gas condition or to shut down associated equipment, such as a gas turbine, as described below.

[0051] 3A and the flow diagram of FIG. 5, according to the operation of the gas detection system 100, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a gas detection method 700. In a first setting of the valve system 160, the first gas sensor 152 is in fluid communication with only the first sensing location 110 to detect a predetermined gas only at the first sensing location 110. That is, the first sensing location 110 is in fluid communication with the first gas sensor 152 through the three-way valve 130 of the valve system 160. More specifically, the first sensing location 110 is in fluid communication with the gas sensor 152 through the three-way valve 130 of the valve system 160 via the sampling conduit 115a, the three-way valve 130, and the sampling conduit 115c. 3A , in this first setting of valve system 160, second gas sensor 154 is in fluid communication with only second sensing location 120 for detecting a predetermined gas only at second sensing location 120. That is, second sensing location 120 is in fluid communication with second gas sensor 154 via three-way valve 140 of valve system 160. More specifically, second sensing location 120 is connected to gas sensor 154 via sampling conduit 117a, three-way valve 140, and sampling conduit 117c through three-way valve 140 of valve system 160.

[0052] 5, the gas sensors 152, 154 monitor the presence of a predetermined gas at their respective sensing locations 110, 120. The gas sensors 152, 154 that initially detect the predetermined gas are activated or tripped, i.e., have detected the presence of the predetermined gas, and are referred to herein as "tripped sensors." The gas sensors 152, 154 that do not initially detect the predetermined gas are not initially activated or tripped, i.e., do not detect the gas, and are referred to herein as "untripped sensors."

[0053] In response to detection of a predetermined gas by the tripped sensor of the first gas sensor 152 at the first sensing location 110 or the second gas sensor 154 at the second sensing location 120, i.e., if yes in process 705, the controller switches the valve system 160 in process 710. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the controller 150 switches (in process 710) the valve system 160 to a second setting in which the "untripped sensor" of the first gas sensor 152 or the second gas sensor 154 that did not detect the predetermined gas is in fluid communication with the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120 at which the predetermined gas was detected. In other words, the other of the first gas sensor 152 or the second gas sensor 154, i.e., the untripped sensor that did not detect a predetermined gas from fluid communication with the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120, is placed in fluid communication with the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120 where the gas was detected. In the example of FIG. 3B , gas is detected by the first gas sensor 152 at the first sensing location 110, and the controller 150 switches the three-way valve 140 to fluidly connect the second gas sensor 154, i.e., the untripped sensor, to the first sensing location 110 where the gas was detected by the first gas sensor 152. More specifically, the first sensing location 110 is fluidly connected to the second gas sensor 154 by the sampling conduit 115b, the three-way valve 140, and the sampling conduit 117c. In this configuration, both the first gas sensor 152 and the second gas sensor 154 are in fluid communication with the first sensing location 110 .

[0054] 3C, if a predetermined gas is first detected at the second sensing location 120 by the second gas sensor 154, i.e., the tripped sensor, the controller 150 switches the valve system 160 to a second setting (i.e., uses the three-way valve 130) in which the second sensing location 120 is fluidly connected to the first gas sensor 152, i.e., via the sampling conduit 117b, the three-way valve 130, and the sampling conduit 115c. In this configuration, both the first gas sensor 152 and the second gas sensor 154 are in fluid communication with the second sensing location 120.

[0055] In other words, when a predetermined gas is detected by a first tripped gas sensor from either the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120, a valve in the valve system 160 corresponding to the untripped sensor, e.g., the respective three-way valves 130, 140, switches to fluidly connect the sensing location where the gas was detected to the other untripped sensor.

[0056] This allows the untripped gas sensor (154 in FIG. 3B , 152 in FIG. 3C ) to confirm that the predetermined gas has been detected. In process 715, in response to another untripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120 where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor (152 in FIG. 3B , 154 in FIG. 3C ), i.e., if yes in process 715, the controller 150 initiates an alarm in process 720. That is, in accordance with the operating methodology of the system 100 embodied by the present disclosure, if the controller 150 confirms detection of the predetermined gas, this initiates an alarm, which may lead to any of a variety of operator-initiated or system-initiated corrective actions, such as additional operator investigation, shutting down the gas turbine, etc.

[0057] Alternatively, in response to the untripped sensor (154 in FIG. 3B , 152 in FIG. 3C ) not detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120 where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor (152 in FIG. 3B , 154 in FIG. 3C ), i.e., if no in process 715, the controller 150 recalibrates the tripped gas sensor that detected the predetermined gas in process 725. The controller 150 may also generate an alarm to notify an operator that a recalibration has occurred. That is, if detection of the predetermined gas is not confirmed after switching, a recalibration of the tripped sensor that originally detected the predetermined gas may be performed.

[0058] 4A-4C illustrate a further embodiment of a gas detection system 200 (hereinafter "system 200") in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In system 200, valve system 160 includes a set of two-way valves 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, and 342. Two-way valves 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, and 342 are connected to first sensing location 110 and second sensing location 120 by sampling conduit systems 115, 117, which include sampling conduits 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d, and 117a, 117b, 117c, and 117d. As implemented in accordance with the present disclosure, the opening and closing of two-way valves 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342 by controller 150 provides similar communication of gas from first sensing location 110 and second sensing location 120 to first sensor 152 and second sensor 154, as in the embodiment of Figures 3A-3C having three-way valves 130 and 140. Additionally, as described herein, as implemented in accordance with the present disclosure, the negative pressure source of system 200 can include, for example, a fan or ejector at and / or as part of gas sensors 152, 154 and / or controller 150 to draw gas from first sensing location 110 and second sensing location 120.

[0059] 4A , in a first configuration, the first sensing location 110 is connected to the first gas sensor 152 via two-way valves 332 and 334 of the valve system 160. More specifically, in the first configuration of the system 200, the first sensing location 110 is connected to the first gas sensor 152 via sampling conduit 115a, two-way valve 332, sampling conduit 115d, two-way valve 334, and sampling conduit 115c via two-way valves 332 and 334. In the first configuration of the system 200, the second sensing location 120 is connected to the second gas sensor 154 via sampling conduit 117a, two-way valve 338, sampling conduit 117d, two-way valve 342, and sampling conduit 117c via two-way valves 338 and 342 of the valve system 160. Additionally, in the first setting of the system 200, the two-way valves 332, 334, 338, and 342 are open, and the two-way valves 336 and 340 are closed.

[0060] 4B and 4C show two different possibilities for the second configuration based on which sensing location detects a given gas.

[0061] 4B, and with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 5, if a predetermined gas is detected at the first sensing location 110 by the first gas sensor 152, i.e., the tripped gas sensor (YES in step 705), the controller 150 switches the valve system 160 by closing the two-way valve 338 and opening the two-way valve 340 in process 710. Thus, when the predetermined gas is detected from the first sensing location 110 by the first gas sensor 152, the first sensing location 110 is fluidly connected to the second gas sensor 154, i.e., the untripped sensor, via the two-way valves 340 and 342. More specifically, the fluid connection of the first sensing location 110 to the second gas sensor 154 is via the sampling conduit 115b, the two-way valve 340, the sampling conduit 117d, the two-way valve 342, and the sampling conduit 117c. Additionally, the first sensing location 110 remains connected to the first gas sensor 152 via the two-way valves 332, 334 via the sampling conduit 115a, the two-way valve 332, the sampling conduit 115d, the two-way valve 334, and the sampling conduit 115c.

[0062] 4C and 5, if the predetermined gas is detected at the second sensing location 120 by the second gas sensor 154, i.e., the tripped gas sensor (Yes in process 705), the controller 150 switches the valve system 160 to switch the two-way valve 336 from closed to open and the two-way valve 332 from open to closed in process 710. In the switched position of the two-way valve 336, the second sensing location 120 is connected to the first gas sensor 152, i.e., the untripped sensor, via the two-way valves 336 and 334 of the valve system 160 via the sampling conduit 117b, the two-way valve 336, the sampling conduit 115d, the two-way valve 334, and the sampling conduit 115c. Additionally, the second sensing location 120 remains connected to the second gas sensor 154 via the two-way valves 338 and 342 of the valve system 160 via the sampling conduit 117a, the two-way valve 338, the sampling conduit 117d, the two-way valve 342, and the sampling conduit 117c.

[0063] The switching allows the untripped gas sensor (154 in FIG. 4B , 152 in FIG. 4C ) to confirm detection of the predetermined gas. More specifically, in response to the untripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120 where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor (152 in FIG. 4B , 154 in FIG. 4C ) (Yes in process 705), the controller 150 initiates an alarm in process 720. That is, according to the operating methodology of the system 200 as embodied by the present disclosure, if the controller 150 confirms detection of the predetermined gas, it initiates an alarm, which can result in any of a variety of operator-initiated or system-initiated corrective actions, such as additional operator investigation, shutting down the gas turbine, etc. Alternatively, in response to the untripped sensor not detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location 110 or the second sensing location 120 where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor, i.e., if the answer is No in process 715, the controller 150 recalibrates the tripped gas sensor (152 in FIG. 4B, 154 in FIG. 4C) that detected the predetermined gas in process 725. That is, if detection of the predetermined gas is not confirmed after switching, the gas sensor that originally detected the predetermined gas can be recalibrated. An operator can also be notified of the recalibration.

[0064] 5 , recalibration in process 725 occurs when the tripped gas sensor 152 or 154 that first detected the predetermined gas from its respective first and second sensing locations 110 and 120 in step 705 may be faulty, i.e., because the non-first tripped sensor does not confirm detection of the gas. Therefore, the tripped sensor that first detected the predetermined gas may be checked for proper operation and / or sensitivity and recalibrated in step 725. Regardless of the embodiment of system 100 or 200, once recalibration in step 725 is complete, in process 730, controller 150 monitors the recalibrated gas sensor to confirm proper calibration during operation after recalibration. If gas sensor operation is still determined to be faulty (No in process 730), valve system 160 may switch the valves of gas detection system 100 or 200 to attempt a hard “reboot” of the sensor that first detected the predetermined gas in process 735. If the sensor operation is determined to be correct or normal, i.e., yes in process 730, operation of the device utilizing system 100 or 200 continues with process 740. Monitoring by the gas detection system, as implemented by the present disclosure, continues with process 705.

[0065] Referring again to process 705, if gas sensors 152 and 154 do not detect the predetermined gas from their respective first and second sensing locations 110 and 120 (No in process 705), operation of the device utilizing gas detection system 100 or 200 continues in process 740. That is, monitoring by the gas detection system implemented in accordance with the present disclosure continues.

[0066] Although two sensing locations 110, 120 are disclosed herein, it will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure can be extended to work with any number of sensing locations.

[0067] 6A-6B and 7A-7B show further embodiments of gas detection systems 300 or 400 having a reduced number of gas sensors and / or gas detection controllers, respectively, in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 6A and 6B have a valve system 160 similar to that of Figures 3B and 3C, but there is only a single sensing location 310, and the sensing location 310 includes two negative pressure sources 210, 212. Figures 7A and 7B have a valve system 160 similar to that of Figures 4B and 4C, but there is only a single sensing location 410, and the sensing location 410 includes two negative pressure sources 210, 212.

[0068] 6A-6B and 7A-7B illustrate the positioning of the valve system 160 depending on which negative pressure source 210, 212 (hereinafter referred to as "source 210" or "source 212" for brevity) is on. As described herein, the negative pressure source of the system 300 or 400 implemented according to the present disclosure can include a fan that draws gas from the sensing location 310 or 410. While a fan can be used as a negative pressure source to draw gas from the sensing location 310 or 410, aspects of the present disclosure include other negative pressure sources. Negative pressure sources include other devices that generate negative pressure, including, but not limited to, vacuum pumps, Venturi systems, positive displacement pumps, etc., now known or later developed. Each of the negative pressure sources 210, 212 can represent a different exhaust path for gas from the sensing location 310 or 410.

[0069] 6A, gas is directed from sensing location 310 and source 210 through sampling conduit 115a to three-way valve 130 of valve system 160, to sampling conduit 115c, and to first gas sensor 152. Gas is further directed from sensing location 310 and source 210 through sampling conduit 115b to three-way valve 140, to sampling conduit 117c, and to second gas sensor 154. Thus, flow from sensing location 310 and source 210 is directed to both gas sensors 152, 154. In this configuration of gas detection system 300, no flow from sensing location 310 using source 212 occurs, i.e., valve system 160 prevents it, and source 212 is off.

[0070] 6B, flow is directed from sensing location 310 to gas sensors 152 and 154 by source 212. As shown, the switch in the configuration directs gas using source 212 from sensing location 310 through sampling conduit 117b to three-way valve 130 of valve system 160, to sampling conduit 115c, and to the first gas sensor 152. Additionally, gas is directed by source 212 from sensing location 310 through sampling conduit 117a to three-way valve 140 of valve system 160, to sampling conduit 117c, and to the second gas sensor 154. Thus, flow from sensing location 310 and source 212 is directed to both gas sensors 152, 154. In this configuration of gas detection system 300, no flow occurs from sensing location 310 using source 210, i.e., valve system 160 prevents it, and source 210 is off.

[0071] 7A, gas is directed by source 210 from sensing location 410 through sampling conduit 115a to two-way valve 332, to sampling conduit 115d, to two-way valve 334, to sampling conduit 115c, and to first gas sensor 152. Further, gas is directed by source 210 from sensing location 410 through sampling conduit 115b to two-way valve 340, to sampling conduit 117d, to two-way valve 342, to sampling conduit 117c, and to second gas sensor 154. In this configuration of system 400, no flow is generated from sensing location 410 using source 212, i.e., negative pressure source 212 is off.

[0072] 7B, source 210 in sensing location 410 is not operating, while source 212 is operating. In this configuration, gas is directed by source 212 from sensing location 410 to first gas sensor 152 and second gas sensor 154. As shown, gas is directed by source 212 from location 410 through sampling conduit 117b to two-way valve 336, to sampling conduit 115d, to two-way valve 334, to sampling conduit 115c, and to first gas sensor 152. Additionally, gas is directed using source 212 from sensing location 410 through sampling conduit 117a to two-way valve 338, to sampling conduit 117d, to two-way valve 342, to sampling conduit 117c, and to second gas sensor 154. In this configuration of the system 400, no flow is generated from the sensing location 410 using the source 210, ie, the source 210 is off.

[0073] In operation, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A , in a first configuration, flow from sensing location 310 or 410 is directed to first gas sensor 152 and second sensor 154 using source 210. Because source 212 is off, no flow is generated from sensing location 310 or 410 using source 212. In FIGS. 6B and 7B , in a second configuration, flow from sensing location 310 or 410 is directed to first gas sensor 152 and second sensor 154 using source 212. Because source 210 is off, no flow is generated from sensing location 310 or 410 using source 210. Thus, in these embodiments, sensors 152, 154 monitor source 210 or 212, which is providing flow from sensing location 310 or 410. In operation, if one of gas sensors 152, 154 detects gas, i.e., a tripped sensor, an alarm is generated indicating the detection of gas, and any appropriate corrective action, such as additional operator investigation, can be taken. In contrast, if both gas sensors 152, 154 detect gas, i.e., both sensors trip, the gas turbine will shut down. Under these circumstances, other corrective actions may also occur, for example, an alarm may sound.

[0074] Although one sensing location 310, 410 is disclosed herein, it will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure can be extended to work with any number of sensing locations.

[0075] The above figures illustrate some of the processes associated with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each figure or block within the flow diagrams of the figures represents a process associated with the described method embodiment. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the actions described in the figures or blocks may occur out of the order shown in the figures, or may actually be performed substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the actions involved, for example. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that additional blocks describing the processes may be added.

[0076] As used herein throughout this specification and claims, approximation language can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that can reasonably vary without resulting in a change in the basic function involved. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as "approximately," "about," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation language can correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Here, and throughout this specification and claims, range limitations are combinable and / or interchangeable, and unless the context or language dictates otherwise, such ranges are identified and include all subranges encompassed therein. "About," as applied to a particular value in a range, applies to both endpoints and can indicate + / - 10% of one or more of the stated values, unless specifically dependent on the precision of the instrument used to measure the values.

[0077] Corresponding structure, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements that are specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The present embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure in its various embodiments with various modifications as suited to the particular uses envisioned. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Gas Detection Systems 12 plots 14 Gas Detection Controller 14A sensor 14B Sensor 15 Sampling conduit 16 plots 18 Gas Detection Controller 18A sensor 18B Sensor 100 System, Gas Detection System 110 sensing position, first sensing position 115 Sampling conduit system, first sampling conduit system 115a Sampling conduit 115b Sampling conduit 115c Sampling conduit 115d Sampling conduit 117 Sampling conduit system, second sampling conduit system 117a Sampling conduit 117b Sampling conduit 117c Sampling conduit 117d Sampling conduit 120 sensing position, second sensing position 130 Three-way valve, three-way solenoid valve, valve 140 Three-way valves, three-way solenoid valves, valves 150 Controller 152 sensor, gas sensor, first gas sensor, first sensor 154 sensor, gas sensor, second gas sensor, second sensor 160 Valve System 200 Gas detection system, system 210 Source, supply source, negative pressure source 212 source, negative pressure source 300 System, Gas Detection System 310 Sensing position 332 Two-way valve 334 Two-way valve 336 Two-way valve 338 Two-way valve 340 Two-way valve 342 Two-way valve 400 System 410 Sensing position 700 Gas detection methods 705 Process 705 Process 710 Process 715 Process 720 Process 725 Process 725 Process 730 Process 735 Process 740 processes

Claims

1. A gas detection method (700) for detecting a predetermined gas in a system including a first sensing location (110) and a second sensing location (120), a valve system (160) including at least two valves for selectively positioning a first gas sensor (152) in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location (110) and the second sensing location (120) and a second gas sensor (154) in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location (110) and the second sensing location (120), and a controller (150) for controlling the valve system (160), the method (700) comprising: setting the valve system (160) to a first setting in which the first gas sensor (152) is in fluid communication with the first sensing location (110) to detect the predetermined gas at the first sensing location (110) and the second gas sensor (154) is in fluid communication only with the second sensing location (120) to detect the predetermined gas only at the second sensing location (120); in response to detecting the predetermined gas by a tripped sensor of the first gas sensor (152) at the first sensing location (110) or the second gas sensor (154) at the second sensing location (120), switching the valve system (160) to a second setting in which an untripped sensor of the first gas sensor (152) or the second gas sensor (154) that did not detect the predetermined gas is in fluid communication with the first sensing location (110) or the second sensing location (120) where the predetermined gas was detected; initiating an alarm in response to the untripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location (110) or the second sensing location (120) where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor; recalibrating the tripped sensor that detected the predetermined gas in response to the untripped sensor not detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location (110) or the second sensing location (120) where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor; A method (700) comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising verifying the calibration of the selected gas sensors that sensed the predetermined gas during operation after the recalibration.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first sensing location includes a gas turbine compartment and a gas turbine, and further comprising the controller enabling continued operation of the gas turbine in response to determining that the selected gas sensor that sensed the predetermined gas is operational after the recalibration.

4. The method (700) of claim 1, wherein the predetermined gas comprises a hazardous gas.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing gas from one of the first sensing location and the second sensing location to each of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor by a negative pressure source.

6. The method (700) of claim 5, wherein the negative pressure source (210, 212) comprises a fan or an ejector.

7. The method (700) of claim 1, wherein the valve system (160) includes at least one solenoid valve.

8. The method (700) of claim 1, wherein the valve system (160) includes at least two three-way valves (130, 140).

9. The method (700) of claim 1, wherein the valve system (160) includes at least two two-way valves (332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342).

10. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sensing location and the second sensing location each include a negative pressure source, each of the negative pressure sources connected to the respective gas sensor.

11. 2. The method (700) of claim 1, wherein the first sensing location (110) and the second sensing location (120) are each connected to the respective gas sensor (152, 154) by at least one sampling conduit and the valve system (160).

12. 1. A gas detection system for detecting a predetermined gas, comprising: a first sensing location (110) and a second sensing location (120); a first gas sensor (152) and a second gas sensor (154); a valve system (160) including at least two valves for selectively positioning the first gas sensor (152) in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location (110) and the second sensing location (120) and the second gas sensor (154) in fluid communication with at least one of the first sensing location (110) and the second sensing location (120); a controller (150) for controlling the valve system (160) in response to signals from the first gas sensor (152) and the second gas sensor (154), to set the valve system (160) to a first setting in which the first gas sensor (152) is in fluid communication with only the first sensing location (110) to detect the predetermined gas only at the first sensing location (110) and the second gas sensor (154) is in fluid communication with only the second sensing location (120) to detect the predetermined gas only at the second sensing location (120); in response to detection of the predetermined gas by a tripped sensor of the first gas sensor (152) at the first sensing location (110) or the second gas sensor (154) at the second sensing location (120), switching the valve system (160) to a second setting in which an untripped sensor of the first gas sensor (152) or the second gas sensor (154) that did not detect the predetermined gas is in fluid communication with the first sensing location (110) or the second sensing location (120) where the predetermined gas was detected; initiating an alarm in response to the untripped sensor detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location (110) or the second sensing location (120) where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor; a controller (150) that enables, in response to the untripped sensor not detecting the predetermined gas at the first sensing location (110) or the second sensing location (120) where the predetermined gas was detected by the tripped sensor, recalibrating the tripped sensor that detected the predetermined gas; A gas detection system comprising:

13. 13. The gas detection system of claim 12, wherein the controller (150) enables verifying calibration of the selected sensor that detected the predetermined gas during operation after recalibration.

14. 13. The gas detection system of claim 12, wherein the first sensing location includes a gas turbine compartment and a gas turbine, and the controller enables continued operation of the gas turbine in response to determining that the selected sensor is operational after the recalibration.

15. 13. The gas detection system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined gas comprises a hazardous gas.

16. 13. The gas detection system of claim 12, further comprising a negative pressure source (210, 212) connected to each of the first sensing location (110) and the second sensing location (120) to direct gas to each of the first gas sensor (152) and the second gas sensor (154).

17. The gas detection system of claim 16, wherein the negative pressure source (210, 212) includes a fan.

18. The gas detection system of claim 12, wherein the valve system (160) includes at least two solenoid three-way valves (130, 140).

19. The gas detection system of claim 12, wherein the valve system (160) includes at least two solenoid two-way valves (332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342).

20. 13. The gas detection system of claim 12, wherein the first sensing location (110) and the second sensing location (120) are each connected to the respective gas sensor (152, 154) by at least one sampling conduit and the valve system (160).

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