In-Line IR Particle Analyzer for Gas Turbine Engines

OPTRA proposes the development of an open-path PM analyzer based on laser diffraction and using a novel algorithmic technique to extract the particulate size distribution and concentration from the measured scatter pattern. This ruggedized system isdesigned to monitor PM down stream from the augmenter tube in the Navy's T-10 Test Cell. Our technique is intended as a replacement for EPA Method 5 which recommends a sampling approach employing a glass fiber filter and microbalance. Method 5 isspecified for stationary sources and is characterized by long integration times and poor repeatability, making it a poor candidate for this application. Our approach provides size distribution and concentration information near real time in a non-contactconfiguration, making it an ideal sensor for PM exiting a jet turbine engine Anticipated benefits of the proposed system include its rapid response time, non-contact configuration, and potentially more accurate algorithmic technique for extracting sizedistribution and concentration information from the measured scatter pattern. Aside form the jet engine test cell application, likely uses of the proposed technology include the monitoring of diesel exhaust from trucks and off-road equipment in the UnitedStates and passenger cars in Europe. Other applications include environmental monitoring and possibly also aerosolized biological agent detection.