Integral spark detector in fitting which supports igniter in gas turbine engine
DRIVE
August 17, 2005
A system for detecting spark in an igniter (340) for a gas turbine engine is described. An igniter (340) generates a plasma (40), or spark, somewhat similar to an automotive spark plug. In the invention, an inductive pick-up (310) is positioned adjacent the igniter (340), to detect current pulses in the igniter (340), to thereby infer the presence of spark The Inventors have found that this approach is effective, despite the fact that the igniter (340) is surrounded by grounded shielding (345, 350) intended to suppress rf interference, and to protect personnel from high voltages present. The shielding (345, 350) is intended to block the very signals which the invention detects.
Discussion in the ATmosphere