Flame ionization sensor testing in a pressurized combustor

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and Woodward Industrial Controls are developing a combustion control and diagnostics sensor (CCADS), an ionization-based sensor for monitoring hydrocarbon combustion in turbines. The patented CCADS design offers a unique multifunction sensor capability. This unique capability coupled with a durable and simple design has increased commercial interest in CCADS for gas turbine applications. A commercial prototype CCADS has been developed and tested under a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) between NETL and Woodward. Tests in an industrial-scale high pressure combustor demonstrated detection of flashback, combustion dynamics monitoring, and detection of lean blowout precursors. With realtime monitoring of the combustion process that CCADS can provide, turbine controls are envisioned which would allow sustained low-emissions performance