Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a photodiode for sensing characteristics of a flame. The photodiode outputs an electrical photocurrent. The sensor assembly includes an electrical assembly that is electrically remote from the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes an electric cable assembly extending from the sensor assembly to the electrical assembly. The electric cable assembly includes an electrical cable to electrically convey the photocurrent to the electrical assembly. At least the sensor assembly is configured and constructed to experience and continue to operate at a temperature at or greater than 200° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flame sensing within a turbine. A sensor assembly, an electrical assembly and a cable assembly extending therebetween. A photodiode generates an electrical signal and the electrical assembly determines a characteristic. An inner conductor electrically connects the photodiode to the electrical assembly. A first insulating layer, with mineral insulation material, surrounds the inner conductor. An inner sheath, with electrically conductive material, surrounds the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer, with mineral insulation material, surrounds the inner sheath. An outer sheath, with an electrically conductive, metal material, surrounds the second insulating layer. The cable assembly is configured for use up to about 300 degrees Celsius or greater.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor for sensing specific characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The sensor includes a silicon carbide photodiode, and the sensor is spaced a distance from the combustion chamber. In addition, a fiber optic cable assembly extends between the sensor and the combustion chamber. The fiber optic cable can convey the specific characteristics of the flame from the combustion chamber to the sensor. The fiber optic cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing specific characteristics of a flame is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flame sensing within a turbine. A sensor assembly, an electrical assembly and a cable assembly extending therebetween. A photodiode generates an electrical signal and the electrical assembly determines a characteristic. An inner conductor electrically connects the photodiode to the electrical assembly. A first insulating layer, with mineral insulation material, surrounds the inner conductor. An inner sheath, with electrically conductive material, surrounds the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer, with mineral insulation material, surrounds the inner sheath. An outer sheath, with an electrically conductive, metal material, surrounds the second insulating layer. The cable assembly is configured for use up to about 300 degrees Celsius or greater.

Abstract: A cable assembly for a flame sensor apparatus includes an inner conductor electrically connected to a photodiode that generates a current. The inner conductor transmits the current from the photodiode. A first insulating layer circumferentially surrounds the inner conductor. The first insulating layer includes a mineral insulation material. An inner sheath circumferentially surrounds the first insulating layer. The inner sheath includes an electrically conductive material. A second insulating layer circumferentially surrounds the inner sheath. The second insulating layer includes a mineral insulation material. An outer sheath circumferentially surrounds the second insulating layer. The outer sheath includes an electrically conductive material. The cable assembly is for use in temperatures up to about 300 degrees Celsius or greater. A method of attaching a cable assembly for a flame sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a photodiode for sensing characteristics of a flame. The photodiode outputs an electrical photocurrent. The sensor assembly includes an electrical assembly that is electrically remote from the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes an electric cable assembly extending from the sensor assembly to the electrical assembly. The electric cable assembly includes an electrical cable to electrically convey the photocurrent to the electrical assembly. At least the sensor assembly is configured and constructed to experience and continue to operate at a temperature at or greater than 200° C.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor assembly for sensing characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The flame sensor apparatus further includes an electrical assembly that is electrically remote from the sensor assembly. In addition, a cable assembly extends between the sensor assembly and the electrical assembly. The cable assembly can convey the characteristics of the flame from the photodiode to the electrical assembly. The cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing characteristics of a flame is also provided.

Abstract: A cable assembly for a flame sensor apparatus includes an inner conductor electrically connected to a photodiode that generates a current. The inner conductor transmits the current from the photodiode. A first insulating layer circumferentially surrounds the inner conductor. The first insulating layer includes a mineral insulation material. An inner sheath circumferentially surrounds the first insulating layer. The inner sheath includes an electrically conductive material. A second insulating layer circumferentially surrounds the inner sheath. The second insulating layer includes a mineral insulation material. An outer sheath circumferentially surrounds the second insulating layer. The outer sheath includes an electrically conductive material. The cable assembly is for use in temperatures up to about 300 degrees Celsius or greater. A method of attaching a cable assembly for a flame sensor apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is used for sensing a condition in a combustion chamber. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor housing having a sealed internal chamber. The sensor apparatus further includes a connector attached to an opening of the sensor housing. The connector transfers a signal indicative of the condition into the sensor housing. A fastener is secured to the connector. A sealing member is disposed between the connector and the fastener. The sealing member sealingly engages the connector to prevent fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. A method of sealing a sensor apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus and a cable assembly apparatus are provided for use in sensing characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The flame sensor apparatus includes an electrical assembly remote from a sensor assembly. A cable assembly extends between the sensor assembly and the electrical assembly. The cable assembly includes two cable ends and a housing that defines an internal volume. Cable fittings are connected to the cable ends through a first seal. An electrical cable is inserted through cable fitting openings in each cable fitting and the internal volume of the housing. A second seal is located in the annular spaces between the electrical cable and each cable fitting opening, configured to prevent moisture and contaminants from passing through the cable fitting opening. Additionally, a method of sealing an electrical cable and a flexible conduit is provided.

Abstract: A system for determination of presence of flames is provided. The system includes a photosensitive transducer configured to generate a response signal that is a function of electromagnetic radiation from a flame source. The system also includes a signal processing unit that includes a modulation unit and a demodulation unit. The modulation unit is configured to generate a modulated response signal by modulating the response signal with a modulation signal of frequency higher than that of an unwanted signal present the response signal. The demodulation unit is configured to determine an output signal by demodulating the modulated response signal. The demodulation unit eliminates the unwanted signal from the modulated response signal during the determination of the output signal. Further, the system also includes a processing unit configured to process the output signal to determine flame presence based on the intensity of the incident radiation from the flame.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is used for sensing a condition in a combustion chamber. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor housing having a sealed internal chamber. The sensor apparatus further includes a connector attached to an opening of the sensor housing. The connector transfers a signal indicative of the condition into the sensor housing. A fastener is secured to the connector. A sealing member is disposed between the connector and the fastener. The sealing member sealingly engages the connector to prevent fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. A method of sealing a sensor apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus and a cable assembly apparatus are provided for use in sensing characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The flame sensor apparatus includes an electrical assembly remote from a sensor assembly. A cable assembly extends between the sensor assembly and the electrical assembly. The cable assembly includes two cable ends and a housing that defines an internal volume. Cable fittings are connected to the cable ends through a first seal. An electrical cable is inserted through cable fitting openings in each cable fitting and the internal volume of the housing. A second seal is located in the annular spaces between the electrical cable and each cable fitting opening, configured to prevent moisture and contaminants from passing through the cable fitting opening. Additionally, a method of sealing an electrical cable and a flexible conduit is provided.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor assembly for sensing characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The flame sensor apparatus further includes an electrical assembly that is electrically remote from the sensor assembly. In addition, a cable assembly extends between the sensor assembly and the electrical assembly. The cable assembly can convey the characteristics of the flame from the photodiode to the electrical assembly. The cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing characteristics of a flame is also provided.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor for sensing specific characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The sensor includes a silicon carbide photodiode, and the sensor is spaced a distance from the combustion chamber. In addition, a fiber optic cable assembly extends between the sensor and the combustion chamber. The fiber optic cable can convey the specific characteristics of the flame from the combustion chamber to the sensor. The fiber optic cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing specific characteristics of a flame is also provided.