WO1989012774A1 - Solid-state optical flame detector - Google Patents

Solid-state optical flame detector Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1989012774A1
WO1989012774A1 PCT/US1989/002782 US8902782W WO8912774A1 WO 1989012774 A1 WO1989012774 A1 WO 1989012774A1 US 8902782 W US8902782 W US 8902782W WO 8912774 A1 WO8912774 A1 WO 8912774A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
phosphor
radiation
flame
sensing
afterburner
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1989/002782
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Janpu Hou
Bruce Hua-Tzu Chai
David Daniel Badding
Gary Allen West
Stephen L. Marcus
Original Assignee
Allied-Signal Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Allied-Signal Inc. filed Critical Allied-Signal Inc.
Publication of WO1989012774A1 publication Critical patent/WO1989012774A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
    • F23N5/02—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium
    • F23N5/08—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using light-sensitive elements
    • F23N5/082—Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using light-sensitive elements using electronic means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23M—CASINGS, LININGS, WALLS OR DOORS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, e.g. FIREBRIDGES; DEVICES FOR DEFLECTING AIR, FLAMES OR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS IN COMBUSTION CHAMBERS; SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION APPARATUS; DETAILS OF COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F23M11/00—Safety arrangements
    • F23M11/04—Means for supervising combustion, e.g. windows
    • F23M11/045—Means for supervising combustion, e.g. windows by observing the flame
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
    • G01J1/58—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using luminescence generated by light

Definitions

  • the present invention provides a sensing device for detecting the presence of a flame of burning hydrocarbon fuel.
  • the flame of burning hydrocarbon fuel is the augmentor flame (afterburner pilot flame) in a gas turbine engine.
  • Augmentor flame loss in an afterburner requires an automatic engine control to prevent fuel flow to the afterburner. Failure can result in an overpressure condition leading to engine damage.
  • Optical sensing devices incorporating an ultra ⁇ violet (UV) detector to sense the presence of the augmentor flame in gas turbine engines are commercially available. Such sensors detect the ultra-violet radiation emitted from the augmentor flame against the background of hot (about 1700°F) metal, in a high temperature environment (over 350°F) and under heavy vibration (in the order of 20g).
  • UV ultra ⁇ violet
  • a tube (Geiger-Mueler type photo tube) is gas filled, partially evacuated and has high voltage applied across its photosensitive electrodes. In operation, incident UV radiation liberates electrons from the cathode, ionization occurs across the tube, multiplying the photo current and dropping the voltage at which the tube becomes conductive, which rapidly quenches the current and allows the voltage to build up for another cycle. Signal processing means associated with the tube activates means for interrupting the fuel flow. While this device provides adequate protection, it has two shortcomings. First, it requires an external power supply for the tube and, second, the size and weight of the tube are undesirable for high performance military aircraft engines.
  • the device of the present invention utilizes a phosphor sensitive to UV radiation which is capable of emitting visible radiation when subjected to UV irradiation, in association with sensor means for detecting the visible radiation emitted by the phosphor.
  • Filter means ahead of and between the phosphor and the flame filters out radiation of wavelength above the UV range. Additionally, means can be provided between the phosphor and the sensing means for selective elimination of infra-red rays from the black body radiation.
  • the present invention provides a device for sensing the presence of a flame of burning hydrocarbon fuel comprising in combination: (a) a phosphor sensitive to irridation in the 0.20 to 0.35 ⁇ m band, and capable of emitting visible radiation when subjected to such irridation; (b) filter means associated with said phosphor and located between the flame and said phosphor for selective passage of radiation of wavelength below about 0.70 ⁇ m; (c) sensing means associated with said phosphor for detecting the visible radiation emitted by said phosphor responsive to irridation in the 0.20 to 0.35 ⁇ m band.
  • the device further includes filter means associated with the sensing means and located between the phosphor and the sensing means for selective passage of radiation of wavelength below about 0.70 ⁇ m to filter 5 out infra-red rays from black body radiation, to thereby increase the sensitivity of the sensor means.
  • the device may further include fused silica lens means ahead of the UV filter for directing and focusing the UV radiation from the flame onto the phosphor.
  • the visible radiation emitted by the phosphor responsive to UV radiation from the flame may be transmitted to the sensing means via an optic fiber bundle, permitting remote installation of phosphor and sending means.
  • the UV radiation from the flame is focused and directed by the fused silica lens through a filter to permit selective passage of UV radiation in the 0.20 to 0.35 ⁇ m band to the phosphor.
  • the UV radiation is absorbed by the phosphor which in turn Q emits visible radiation which is sensed by the sensing means which may be a photo semi-conductor.
  • Filter means (a short pass or bandpass filter) between the phosphor and the sensing means may be utilized to filter out infra-red rays from the black body radiation which might 5 otherwise be detected by the sensing means.
  • the presence of the flame causes a change in the amplitude of the voltage output of the sensing means (e.g., a photodiode) ; with the flame removed, the voltage output of the photodiode will drop back to the noise level.
  • the output from the photo semiconductor is directed to signal processing means which, responsive to sensed voltage drop, activates means for interrupting fuel flow.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an afterburner flame-out detector according to the invention wherein the UV radiation emitted from the flame augmentor in the engine augmentor produces visible light in a phosphor, which propagates along the fiber optic and is received by a photodiode for detection and further processing.
  • Fig 2 shows the emission spectrum of JP-4 jet fuel burning at 35,000 feet altitude.
  • Fig. 3 provides a comparison between the JP-4 jet fuel flame intensity and the black body radiation intensity.
  • Fig. 4 provides a plot of UV emission intensity from JP- jet fuel burning at see level.
  • Fig. 5 provides a plot of relative intensity of UV emissions from JP-4 jet fuel burning at various altitudes.
  • Fig. 6 provides a transmission spectrum of an UV bandpass filter suitable for filtering out all the spurious signals except the desired UV band from a hydrocarbon flame.
  • Fig. 7 provides an excitation and emission spectrum of a Europium-doped YV0_ j phosphor suitable for use in the device of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 shows the transmission spectrum of a shortpass filter suitable for use in association with a phosphor for selectively filtering out infra-red rays from black body radiation.
  • Figures 9 and 10 show the spectral response of silicon and gallium arsenide phosphide photodiodes suitable for use as sensing means in the device of the present invention.
  • the flame detector comprises a UV sensing module (1) and a visible light detector module (2).
  • Sensor housing (4) of UV sensing module (1) is installed at an aperture in wall of afterburner compartment (3).
  • Sensor housing (4) is desirably provided with heat dissipation fins, as illustrated.
  • Sensor housing (4) is closed toward the afterburner compartment by fused silica window (5).
  • UV mirror (6) directs UV radiation from the afterburner compartment through UV bandpass filter (13) to phosphor (9).
  • Phosphor (9) is carried on transparent support means, e.g. a glass or quartz plate, or it may be coated directly onto bandpass filter (13) or fiber optics bundle (11).
  • UV mirror (6) is a UV cold mirror (e.g. the Corion Mirror #HT-500S or F, available from Corion Corp., Holliston, MA). It selectively reflects radiation shorter than the visible band, but permits the bulk of longer wave radiation, particularly the Infra-red (IR) radiation, to pass through unreflected, thereby reducing the heat load on the UV sensor.
  • U.V. cold mirrors are usually most effective when placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the incident radiation.
  • Fused silica lens (7) focuses the UV radiation on phosphor (9).
  • Phosphor (9) absorbs UV radiation and emits visible light in response.
  • the visible light is transmitted via fiber optics bundle (11) to remote visible light detector module (2).
  • Visible light detector module (2) is composed of housing (13) with fiber optics connector/retainer (12). Within housing (13) there is provided a visible optical bandpass filter (14), and behind it a photo semiconductor (15). Leads (16) connect photo semiconductor (15) to an associated amplified detector (not shown) to provide a "light off" signal to a signal processor (not shown) to actuate a cut-off switch for the engine afterburner fuel control.
  • UV bandpass filter (8) serves to selectively transmit UV radiation in the 0.20 to 0.35 ⁇ m band; visible optical bandpass filter (14) serves to filter out infra-red rays from black body radiation emanating from the engine afterburner.
  • Suitable types of photo semiconductor (15) includes photodiodes, phototransistors, photodarlingtons, photoschmitt 5 triggers, p otocontrolled switches, and the like.
  • Figs. 2-5 show the emission spectrum of the JP-4 jet fuel flame including the emission spectrum at various altitudes. As these spectra show, the burning JP-4 jet fuel has a pronounced emission in the UV range Q around 0.31 ⁇ m. By selectively sensing this UV emission, the presence or absence of an afterburner gas turbine flame can be detected with certainty, without reacting to the black body radiation background, and without reacting to daylight that may reach the 5 afterburner compartment.
  • the UV radiation emanating from the flame of burning JP-4 jet fuel can stimulate a properly chosen phosphor to emit visible light.
  • Several phosphors are available which are capable of accomplishing this.
  • Europium-doped YVO ⁇ phosphor is suitable for present purposes. This phosphor will be excited by ultraviolet radiation of wavelengths of less than .32 ⁇ ra, in response to which it will emit visible light at 0.6193 ⁇ m.
  • the excitation and emission spectra of 5 the Europium-doped YVO ⁇ phosphor are shown in Fig. 7.
  • Europium-doped VOi j phosphor is readily prepared following standard ceramic powder processing technique.
  • the starting materials are powder form of high purity Y 2 0 3 (99.999 pure), Eu 2 0 3 (99.99 pure) and 0 V2O5O9.99 P ure) * Tne powders are mixed in the proper Q ⁇ EU Q ⁇ -J VOJJ stoichiometry, and ground together.
  • the ground mixture is then heated to about 1000°C for about 24 hours.
  • the initial heating rate is intentionally kept low to avoid excess V 2 0 ⁇ evaporation.
  • the phosphor so obtained may be provided and coated onto suitable transparent support means using an appropriate binder. Radiation other than the desired UV radiation is readily excluded from reaching the phosphor by providing a UV bandpass filter of which many are commercially available. For example, Schott Glass #U.G.11, in 2 to 3 mm thickness, is suitable. A transmission spectrum of 0 an exemplary suitable UV bandpass filter is shown in Fig. 6. Such UV filter is used to filter out substantially all the -.purious signals except for the desired UV emission from the flame.
  • Black body radiation (long wavelengths e.g., infra- 5 red radiation emanating from the afterburner compartment) is desirably eliminated by providing a bandpass filter of suitable transmission e.g., with transmission cutoff at about 0.70 ⁇ m, or desirably at about .65 ⁇ m (see Fig. 8).
  • a bandpass filter of suitable transmission e.g., with transmission cutoff at about 0.70 ⁇ m, or desirably at about .65 ⁇ m (see Fig. 8).
  • Such filters are Q commercially available from several sources.
  • Sensing means for detecting visible radiation emitted from the phosphor desirably employs a photo semiconductor, as above described. Silicon or gallium arsenide are suitable for this purpose. Spectral 5 responses thereof are respectively shown in Figs. 9 and 10. As Fig. 10 shows, the spectral response of the gallium arsenide photodiodes is particularly well matched with the visible emission of the Europium-doped VOj j phosphor. This sensor is relatively insensitive to 0 black body irradiation, so that it rejects spurious signals from black body radiation.

Abstract

An optical flame detector is provided, suitable for sensing by sensing module (1) flame-out in the afterburner of a gas turbine aircraft engine. A phosphor (9) senses the UV radiation emanating from the flame, and in response thereto emits radiation in the visible region. The visible radiation is sensed by detector module (2); its absence is used to trigger fuel flow shut-off to the afterburner.

Description

_χ_
SOLID-STATE OPTICAL FLAME DETECTOR
Background of the Invention and the Prior Art
The present invention provides a sensing device for detecting the presence of a flame of burning hydrocarbon fuel. In a specific preferred application, the flame of burning hydrocarbon fuel is the augmentor flame (afterburner pilot flame) in a gas turbine engine. Augmentor flame loss in an afterburner requires an automatic engine control to prevent fuel flow to the afterburner. Failure can result in an overpressure condition leading to engine damage. Optical sensing devices incorporating an ultra¬ violet (UV) detector to sense the presence of the augmentor flame in gas turbine engines are commercially available. Such sensors detect the ultra-violet radiation emitted from the augmentor flame against the background of hot (about 1700°F) metal, in a high temperature environment (over 350°F) and under heavy vibration (in the order of 20g). Current technology utilizes a gas discharge tube sensitive to UV radiation in the .20 to .30 μm range. A tube (Geiger-Mueler type photo tube) is gas filled, partially evacuated and has high voltage applied across its photosensitive electrodes. In operation, incident UV radiation liberates electrons from the cathode, ionization occurs across the tube, multiplying the photo current and dropping the voltage at which the tube becomes conductive, which rapidly quenches the current and allows the voltage to build up for another cycle. Signal processing means associated with the tube activates means for interrupting the fuel flow. While this device provides adequate protection, it has two shortcomings. First, it requires an external power supply for the tube and, second, the size and weight of the tube are undesirable for high performance military aircraft engines. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for sensing the presence of a flame of burning hydrocarbon fuel and, in a specific application for sensing the presence of an augmentor (afterburner) flame in a gas turbine engine which is sensitive only to the about 0.3 m chemical emission band from the flame. It is a particular object of the invention to provide such a device that can detect the UV emission from the flame without reacting to the black body radiation background and, more particularly, to provide such a device having this capability which is small in size, light in weight, and sufficiently rugged for use in a gas turbine engine environment.
Summary of the Invention
The device of the present invention utilizes a phosphor sensitive to UV radiation which is capable of emitting visible radiation when subjected to UV irradiation, in association with sensor means for detecting the visible radiation emitted by the phosphor. Filter means ahead of and between the phosphor and the flame filters out radiation of wavelength above the UV range. Additionally, means can be provided between the phosphor and the sensing means for selective elimination of infra-red rays from the black body radiation.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for sensing the presence of a flame of burning hydrocarbon fuel comprising in combination: (a) a phosphor sensitive to irridation in the 0.20 to 0.35 μm band, and capable of emitting visible radiation when subjected to such irridation; (b) filter means associated with said phosphor and located between the flame and said phosphor for selective passage of radiation of wavelength below about 0.70 μm; (c) sensing means associated with said phosphor for detecting the visible radiation emitted by said phosphor responsive to irridation in the 0.20 to 0.35 μm band. Desirably, the device further includes filter means associated with the sensing means and located between the phosphor and the sensing means for selective passage of radiation of wavelength below about 0.70 μm to filter 5 out infra-red rays from black body radiation, to thereby increase the sensitivity of the sensor means.
The device may further include fused silica lens means ahead of the UV filter for directing and focusing the UV radiation from the flame onto the phosphor. Q Further, the visible radiation emitted by the phosphor responsive to UV radiation from the flame may be transmitted to the sensing means via an optic fiber bundle, permitting remote installation of phosphor and sending means. 5 In operation, the UV radiation from the flame is focused and directed by the fused silica lens through a filter to permit selective passage of UV radiation in the 0.20 to 0.35 μm band to the phosphor. The UV radiation is absorbed by the phosphor which in turn Q emits visible radiation which is sensed by the sensing means which may be a photo semi-conductor. Filter means (a short pass or bandpass filter) between the phosphor and the sensing means may be utilized to filter out infra-red rays from the black body radiation which might 5 otherwise be detected by the sensing means. The presence of the flame causes a change in the amplitude of the voltage output of the sensing means (e.g., a photodiode) ; with the flame removed, the voltage output of the photodiode will drop back to the noise level. The output from the photo semiconductor is directed to signal processing means which, responsive to sensed voltage drop, activates means for interrupting fuel flow.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The annexed drawings will further explain the device of the present invention and its operation. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an afterburner flame-out detector according to the invention wherein the UV radiation emitted from the flame augmentor in the engine augmentor produces visible light in a phosphor, which propagates along the fiber optic and is received by a photodiode for detection and further processing.
Fig 2 shows the emission spectrum of JP-4 jet fuel burning at 35,000 feet altitude. Fig. 3 provides a comparison between the JP-4 jet fuel flame intensity and the black body radiation intensity.
Fig. 4 provides a plot of UV emission intensity from JP- jet fuel burning at see level. Fig. 5 provides a plot of relative intensity of UV emissions from JP-4 jet fuel burning at various altitudes.
Fig. 6 provides a transmission spectrum of an UV bandpass filter suitable for filtering out all the spurious signals except the desired UV band from a hydrocarbon flame.
Fig. 7 provides an excitation and emission spectrum of a Europium-doped YV0_j phosphor suitable for use in the device of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows the transmission spectrum of a shortpass filter suitable for use in association with a phosphor for selectively filtering out infra-red rays from black body radiation.
Figures 9 and 10, respectively, show the spectral response of silicon and gallium arsenide phosphide photodiodes suitable for use as sensing means in the device of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention, of the Preferred Embodiments and of the Best
Mode Contemplated for its Practice With reference to Fig. 1 , the flame detector comprises a UV sensing module (1) and a visible light detector module (2). Sensor housing (4) of UV sensing module (1) is installed at an aperture in wall of afterburner compartment (3). Sensor housing (4) is desirably provided with heat dissipation fins, as illustrated. Sensor housing (4) is closed toward the afterburner compartment by fused silica window (5). Within sensor housing (4), UV mirror (6) directs UV radiation from the afterburner compartment through UV bandpass filter (13) to phosphor (9). Phosphor (9) is carried on transparent support means, e.g. a glass or quartz plate, or it may be coated directly onto bandpass filter (13) or fiber optics bundle (11). UV mirror (6) is a UV cold mirror (e.g. the Corion Mirror #HT-500S or F, available from Corion Corp., Holliston, MA). It selectively reflects radiation shorter than the visible band, but permits the bulk of longer wave radiation, particularly the Infra-red (IR) radiation, to pass through unreflected, thereby reducing the heat load on the UV sensor. U.V. cold mirrors are usually most effective when placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the incident radiation. Fused silica lens (7) focuses the UV radiation on phosphor (9).
Phosphor (9) absorbs UV radiation and emits visible light in response. The visible light is transmitted via fiber optics bundle (11) to remote visible light detector module (2).
Visible light detector module (2) is composed of housing (13) with fiber optics connector/retainer (12). Within housing (13) there is provided a visible optical bandpass filter (14), and behind it a photo semiconductor (15). Leads (16) connect photo semiconductor (15) to an associated amplified detector (not shown) to provide a "light off" signal to a signal processor (not shown) to actuate a cut-off switch for the engine afterburner fuel control.
UV bandpass filter (8) serves to selectively transmit UV radiation in the 0.20 to 0.35 μm band; visible optical bandpass filter (14) serves to filter out infra-red rays from black body radiation emanating from the engine afterburner. Suitable types of photo semiconductor (15) includes photodiodes, phototransistors, photodarlingtons, photoschmitt 5 triggers, p otocontrolled switches, and the like.
Figs. 2-5 show the emission spectrum of the JP-4 jet fuel flame including the emission spectrum at various altitudes. As these spectra show, the burning JP-4 jet fuel has a pronounced emission in the UV range Q around 0.31 μm. By selectively sensing this UV emission, the presence or absence of an afterburner gas turbine flame can be detected with certainty, without reacting to the black body radiation background, and without reacting to daylight that may reach the 5 afterburner compartment.
The UV radiation emanating from the flame of burning JP-4 jet fuel can stimulate a properly chosen phosphor to emit visible light. Several phosphors are available which are capable of accomplishing this. For 0 example, Europium-doped YVO^ phosphor is suitable for present purposes. This phosphor will be excited by ultraviolet radiation of wavelengths of less than .32 μra, in response to which it will emit visible light at 0.6193 μm. The excitation and emission spectra of 5 the Europium-doped YVO^ phosphor are shown in Fig. 7. Europium-doped VOij phosphor is readily prepared following standard ceramic powder processing technique. The starting materials are powder form of high purity Y203(99.999 pure), Eu203(99.99 pure) and 0 V2O5O9.99 Pure)* Tne powders are mixed in the proper Q^EUQ^ -J VOJJ stoichiometry, and ground together. The ground mixture is then heated to about 1000°C for about 24 hours. The initial heating rate is intentionally kept low to avoid excess V20^ evaporation. Once the 5 powder reacted and the compound is formed, no further loss of V O5 will occur. To ensure homogeneity of composition, it may be desirable to regrind and resinter for a few times. Sintering is under ambient air (20? oxygen) which is adequate to prevent undesirable reduction of Eu+-^ to Eu . The phosphor so obtained may be provided and coated onto suitable transparent support means using an appropriate binder. Radiation other than the desired UV radiation is readily excluded from reaching the phosphor by providing a UV bandpass filter of which many are commercially available. For example, Schott Glass #U.G.11, in 2 to 3 mm thickness, is suitable. A transmission spectrum of 0 an exemplary suitable UV bandpass filter is shown in Fig. 6. Such UV filter is used to filter out substantially all the -.purious signals except for the desired UV emission from the flame.
Black body radiation (long wavelengths e.g., infra- 5 red radiation emanating from the afterburner compartment) is desirably eliminated by providing a bandpass filter of suitable transmission e.g., with transmission cutoff at about 0.70 μm, or desirably at about .65 μm (see Fig. 8). Such filters are Q commercially available from several sources.
Sensing means for detecting visible radiation emitted from the phosphor desirably employs a photo semiconductor, as above described. Silicon or gallium arsenide are suitable for this purpose. Spectral 5 responses thereof are respectively shown in Figs. 9 and 10. As Fig. 10 shows, the spectral response of the gallium arsenide photodiodes is particularly well matched with the visible emission of the Europium-doped VOjj phosphor. This sensor is relatively insensitive to 0 black body irradiation, so that it rejects spurious signals from black body radiation.
While the operation of the present device has been described with particular application to sensing the presence or absence of an afterburner pilot flame in a gas turbine engine, it is equally well suited for determining the presence or absence of a flame in an oil burner or in a propane burner, say in a boiler, which flames also emit in the UV region. Since various changes may be made in the device of the present invention without departing from its scope and essential characteristics, all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative only, the scope of the invention being" defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for sensing the presence of a flame burning hydrocarbon fuel comprising, in combination:
(a) a phosphor sensitive to irradiation in the
5 0.20 to 0.35 μm band, and capable of emitting visible radiation when subjected to irradiation in said 0.20 to 0.35 μm band;
(b) filter means associated with said phosphor and located between the flame and said phosphor 0 for selective passage of radiation of wavelength below about 0.7 μm;
(c) sensing means associated with said phosphor for detecting the visible radiation emitted by said phosphor responsive to irradiation in 5 said 0.20 to 0.35 μm band.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising filter means associated with said sensing means and located between said phosphor and said sensing means, for selective passage of radiation of wavelength below Q about 0.7 μ .
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said phosphor and said sensing means are optically coupled by fiberoptic means.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said phosphor 5 comprises Europium-doped yttrium vanadate.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the flame is the afterburner pilot flame in a gas turbine engine.
6. The device of claim 5 further comprising filter means associated with said sensing means and located between said phosphor and said sensing means for selective passage of radiation of wavelength below about 0.7 μm, wherein said phosphor comprises Europium-doped .yttrium vanadate, and wherein said phosphor and said sensing means are optically coupled by fiberoptic means.
7. The device of claim 6, further comprising signal processing means in circuit with the sensing means for interrupting fuel flow to the afterburner on flame-out sensed by the phosphor.
8. The method of detecting flame-out condition in an afterburner pilot flame of a gas turbine engine which comprises, in combination, the steps of:
(a) subjecting a phosphor which is sensitive to irradiation in the 0.20 to 0.35 μm band and capable of emission in the visible range when subjected to radiation in said band, to radiation from the afterburner pilot flame; and
(b) sensing the presence or absence of the radiation emanating from the phosphor responsive to irradiation in said 0.20 to 0.35 μm band.
9. The method of claim 8 with the further step of preventing fuel flow to the afterburner when sensing the absence of visible radiation emanating from the phosphor.
PCT/US1989/002782 1988-06-23 1989-06-23 Solid-state optical flame detector WO1989012774A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US21054288A 1988-06-23 1988-06-23
US210,542 1988-06-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1989012774A1 true WO1989012774A1 (en) 1989-12-28

Family

ID=22783307

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1989/002782 WO1989012774A1 (en) 1988-06-23 1989-06-23 Solid-state optical flame detector

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1989012774A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0529324A2 (en) * 1991-08-27 1993-03-03 Sie Systems S.P.A. Device for detecting the presence and the quality of a flame by detection of electromagnetic radiations
EP1312860A1 (en) * 2000-08-22 2003-05-21 Ebara Corporation Method and device for combustion type exhaust gas treatment
US7240673B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2007-07-10 Alstom Technology Ltd. Flange for flame observation
CN102506443A (en) * 2011-09-28 2012-06-20 南京创能电力科技开发有限公司 Image flame detecting device
US10055960B2 (en) 2015-01-06 2018-08-21 Carrier Corporation Ultraviolet emitter for use in a flame detector and a method of making the same

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB772970A (en) * 1954-07-28 1957-04-17 Gen Electric Improvements in and relating to flame controlling safety apparatus
US3247413A (en) * 1963-12-09 1966-04-19 Sylvania Electric Prod Ultra-violet radiation sensing device
CH428066A (en) * 1965-12-14 1967-01-15 Sauter Ag Radiation monitoring device
US3427489A (en) * 1965-07-02 1969-02-11 Bull & Roberts Inc Compact radiation detector with superimposed filter,phosphor,glass and photosensitive layers
US3504490A (en) * 1968-02-20 1970-04-07 Conductron Corp Light sensitive apparatus for preventing flameout in combustion engines
US3838282A (en) * 1972-04-25 1974-09-24 Nat Res Dev Sensors
US4029966A (en) * 1974-05-21 1977-06-14 Smiths Industries Limited Radiation-detecting devices and apparatus
GB2089502A (en) * 1980-12-05 1982-06-23 Cerberus Ag Flame Detector

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB772970A (en) * 1954-07-28 1957-04-17 Gen Electric Improvements in and relating to flame controlling safety apparatus
US3247413A (en) * 1963-12-09 1966-04-19 Sylvania Electric Prod Ultra-violet radiation sensing device
US3427489A (en) * 1965-07-02 1969-02-11 Bull & Roberts Inc Compact radiation detector with superimposed filter,phosphor,glass and photosensitive layers
CH428066A (en) * 1965-12-14 1967-01-15 Sauter Ag Radiation monitoring device
US3504490A (en) * 1968-02-20 1970-04-07 Conductron Corp Light sensitive apparatus for preventing flameout in combustion engines
US3838282A (en) * 1972-04-25 1974-09-24 Nat Res Dev Sensors
US4029966A (en) * 1974-05-21 1977-06-14 Smiths Industries Limited Radiation-detecting devices and apparatus
GB2089502A (en) * 1980-12-05 1982-06-23 Cerberus Ag Flame Detector

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0529324A2 (en) * 1991-08-27 1993-03-03 Sie Systems S.P.A. Device for detecting the presence and the quality of a flame by detection of electromagnetic radiations
EP0529324A3 (en) * 1991-08-27 1994-11-17 Sie Systems Spa Device for detecting the presence and the quality of a flame by detection of electromagnetic radiations
EP1312860A1 (en) * 2000-08-22 2003-05-21 Ebara Corporation Method and device for combustion type exhaust gas treatment
EP1312860A4 (en) * 2000-08-22 2007-02-28 Ebara Corp Method and device for combustion type exhaust gas treatment
US7240673B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2007-07-10 Alstom Technology Ltd. Flange for flame observation
CN102506443A (en) * 2011-09-28 2012-06-20 南京创能电力科技开发有限公司 Image flame detecting device
US10055960B2 (en) 2015-01-06 2018-08-21 Carrier Corporation Ultraviolet emitter for use in a flame detector and a method of making the same

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3931521A (en) Dual spectrum infrared fire detector
US4296324A (en) Dual spectrum infrared fire sensor
US5828797A (en) Fiber optic linked flame sensor
US4859079A (en) Optical system using a luminescent material sensor for measuring very high temperatures
US5574286A (en) Solar-blind radiation detector
CN101311689B (en) Flame detector
US5331168A (en) Reference grade solar ultraviolet band pyranometer
US3476945A (en) Flame detector for a multiple fuel-fired furnace
GB2183030A (en) An in-flight engine control optical pyrometer
US6323491B1 (en) Corona discharge imaging system for outdoor daylight use
US4681434A (en) Dual spectra optical pyrometer having a serial array of photodectectors
GB2188416A (en) Flame condition monitoring
US4241258A (en) Ultraviolet fire detector
WO1989012774A1 (en) Solid-state optical flame detector
US3859520A (en) Optical detection system
US5468963A (en) Surveillance system
GB2065880A (en) Radiation Detector for a Fire Alarm
US20020071625A1 (en) Wave-guided miniature spectrophotometer transducer
US6700484B2 (en) Networked miniature chemical optical sensors
US4791299A (en) Infrared ray sensing device
GB2244175A (en) Radiation sensor
GB2089502A (en) Flame Detector
JPH0275916A (en) Infrared ray detector
WO2003087786A1 (en) Method and apparatus for gas detection
JPH08292091A (en) Ultraviolet detector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): JP

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LU NL SE