William N Dimarco

US Patent:

55527116, Sep 3, 1996

Filed:

Nov 10, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/336929

Inventors:

Thierry Deegan - Portsmouth RI
William DiMarco - Portsmouth RI

International Classification:

G01N 2762

US Classification:

324464

Abstract:

This invention is a method for determining when combustion cans or turbine blades are failing in gas turbine engines. It measures the specific ions emitted by hot spots of can and blade material when they have failed or are failing. The invention relies on the electromagnetic energy radiated by ions that are created as combustion gas erodes and ionizes the materials in these hot spots. Acceleration by the earth magnetic field and by acoustic and mechanical forces normally present in combustion machinery cause these charged particles to radiate identifiable electromagnetic emissions. The frequency of the radiation, being a function of the charge and mass of the particles, allows free ions in the exhaust stream to be identified. The device operates by measuring the electromagnetic spectrum and relating detected frequencies to the mass of the ions from can liner and blade materials. The device can be used in fixed installations such as power plants, ships and aircraft.