Metalized Ceramic Kiel Probe for High-Temperature Gas Turbine Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Kiel probe shrouds in gas turbines, even made from high-temperature alloys, cannot withstand the extreme temperatures in modern gas turbines, and ceramic materials are difficult to bond to metal components, necessitating a low-cost, high-temperature-resistant solution.
Innovation Solution
A pressure probe with a silicon carbide ceramic shroud that is metalized to facilitate bonding to metal components, using brazing to secure the probe to the turbine components, allowing the probe to withstand temperatures up to 2300° F.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high-temperature alloy shrouds are used in Kiel probes, then the probes can be mounted in hot gas path components, but the shrouds cannot withstand temperatures up to 2300° F. and may disintegrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining ceramic material (for high-temperature resistance) with metal alloy (for structural strength and bonding capability). The ceramic-shroud Kiel probe integrates these two materials to create a composite structure that can withstand temperatures up to 2300° F. while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding disintegration.
2Temperature
If ceramic materials are used for the shroud, then the probes can withstand high temperatures, but the ceramic is difficult to bond to metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a metal alloy coating on specific portions of the ceramic shroud (particularly at the mounting interface). This creates a localized metal layer that enables bonding to metal components while the bulk ceramic material maintains its high-temperature resistance. The coating is applied selectively where bonding is needed, not throughout the entire shroud.
3Temperature
If platinum is used for the shroud composition, then the probes can withstand high temperatures, but the cost becomes very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing expensive platinum with a more cost-effective ceramic-metal composite material system. The ceramic material (such as silicon carbide or alumina) combined with standard metal alloys provides comparable high-temperature resistance at a fraction of the cost of platinum, making the Kiel probe economically viable for industrial applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The metalized ceramic Kiel probe assembly provides a cost-effective and durable solution for measuring total pressure and temperature in high-temperature gas turbine environments, ensuring accurate data collection without shroud disintegration.
Implementation Method 1
the metalized portion of the silicon carbide ceramic shroud brazed to the metal component
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure probe includes an elongated cable provided with a sensing tip, a portion of the elongated cable and sensing tip enclosed within a ceramic shroud, the ceramic shroud at least partially formed of a metalized ceramic material.