Test & Measurement Sensors - IMI Combustible Dynamics Instrumentation

Highlights

IMI's instrumentation is designed to detect and measure dynamic pressure spikes, pulsations and surges in gas turbine engines. Our pressure sensors have three basic applications for detecting and measuring dynamic pressure phenomena and combustion instability in gas turbine engines:

• Remote Sensors
• Close Coupled Sensors
• On-Turbine Instability Sensors

Remote Sensors

These pressure sensors have either a portable or permanent configuration. Portable systems consist of pressure sensors that are connected to sensing lines running to some or all of the combustors. Similar to the portable systems, permanent systems provide sensors mounted outside the turbine enclosure.

The sensors are then connected through sensing lines (tubing) to each combustor. Because the long sensing lines involved, the ability to "purge" condensation is required. There are advantages to this simple, low-cost approach. Because the sensors are mounted outside the turbine enclosure, the conditions the sensors must endure are relatively mild, thus allowing for the use of less expensive sensors with longer life expectancy. In addition, these sensors can be serviced while the turbine is online.

Close Coupled Sensors

Close coupled sensors permanently mounted to a gas turbine are ideal for monitoring combustion dynamics (instability). Operating at a wider frequency range than remote sensors, the high sensitivity and higher-temperature capability of these sensors allow for precision measurement in turbine locations where the application of other instrumentation is not possible.

Close coupling of the sensors to the combustor enables the measurement and detection of dynamic pressure phenomena such as high-frequency events that can cause damage to downstream components such as blades. Like the portable and permanent remote sensors, close coupled sensors also require a purging system to eliminate condensation.

On-Turbine Instability Sensor (OTIS)

High-temperature sensors directly mounted to the combustor basket provide 24/7, consistent, reliable combustion dynamics data monitoring so that tuning changes can be made at anytime. On Turbine Instability Sensors allow for diagnostics, part fatigue analysis, and the ability to continuously monitor and control emissions. The higher frequency capability of the OTIS sensors enable the use of auto-tuning and on-line diagnostic monitoring systems. In addition, these sensors provide an output that can easily connect to legacy combustion dynamics monitoring systems.

By having sensors directly mounted to the combustor, operators save time during combustion analysis.