Development of Spectrum Pyrometer for Temperature measurement in Turbine Engine Environment

A novel non-contact, non-intrusive spectrum pyrometer is being proposed for temperature measurement (> 300 ºC) in hostile environments such as those prevailing in turbine engines. The advantages of this spectrum pyrometer compared to other commercially available ones are: I) lower cost- almost by a factor of 10, II) absolutely no requirement for any knowledge about the spectral emissivity of the target, III) open architecture software that can be easily integrated with the process control software and IV) ability to visualize temporal and spatial distribution of the temperature and V) insensitivity to reflected radiation. Preliminary investigation at MER has established the effectiveness of the first prototype system. This project aims to further develop the system for eventual commercialization by improving the data acquisition and handling procedure as well as incorporating the focusing and collimating lens assembly to allow measurement of temperature distribution with a resolution better than 0.125". During phase 1, MER will, in collaboration with the technical monitor, test and validate the capabilities of the spectrum pyrometer in turbine engine with existing port for pyrometry.