Particulate Matter Sensor for Combustor Fuel Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel leaks in turbomachine combustors due to seal failures and weld cracks, leading to reduced efficiency and hardware damage, necessitate an effective detection system.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a particulate matter sensor positioned within the combustor to monitor for soot accumulation, communicating a fault state sensor output to a controller when a fuel leak is present, allowing for timely detection and potential adjustments to fuel flow or scheduling of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel carrying components with seals and welds are used in the combustor, then the system can perform its fuel delivery function, but the risk of fuel leaks increases due to seal failures and weld cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by monitoring for particulate matter (soot) that indicates fuel leakage before significant damage occurs. The controller continuously monitors sensor outputs and can detect fuel leaks early, allowing for preventive maintenance before seal failures or weld cracks worsen
Solution Approach 2:
A particulate matter sensor acts as an intermediary detection device between the fuel system components and the control system. The sensor detects soot particles in the combustion air stream, which serves as an indirect indicator of fuel leakage from seals or welds, enabling detection without directly monitoring the fuel carrying components
2Productivity
If fuel leaks are not detected early, then the system continues operating, but hardware damage and efficiency loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring where the particulate matter sensor constantly detects soot levels and communicates with the controller. When fuel leakage is detected through elevated particulate matter readings, the controller receives feedback and can trigger alarms or shutdown sequences to prevent hardware damage while maintaining productivity through early detection
3Reliability
If a particulate matter sensor is installed in the combustor, then fuel leaks can be detected early, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The particulate matter sensor utilizes the existing combustion air stream and natural soot particle generation from fuel leaks as its detection medium. The sensor requires no additional fuel injection, chemical reagents, or complex sample preparation - it passively detects particulate matter already present in the combustion environment, thereby reducing system complexity despite adding detection capability
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
Enables early detection of fuel leaks, preventing further damage and optimizing operation by identifying leak presence through sensor output changes, facilitating prompt corrective actions.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a particulate matter sensor positioned within the combustor to monitor for soot accumulation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of detecting a fuel leak are provided. A method of detecting a fuel leak within a turbomachine combustor includes a step of monitoring, by a controller, a sensor output from a particulate matter sensor positioned on a component within the combustor. The sensor output includes one of a fault state sensor output or a non-fault state sensor output. The method further includes receiving, with the controller, the fault state sensor output from the particulate matter sensor when a fuel leak is present within the combustor.