Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel, compact, real time optical particle identification and characterization system and method of use within both gaseous and liquid media. The system can implement elastic and/or inelastic light scattering techniques simultaneously and complimentarily under the same sensor platform. By separating the sensing components from the electro-optical unit and using optical fibers for interconnection, only the sensing components need to be exposed to the environmental conditions. This reduces the design constraints on the electro-optical unit and permits the incorporation of optical components into the sensor probe that can withstand high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments. Thus, the system can be used in benign, moderate, and harsh environments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel, compact optical particle identification and characterization system and method of use within both gaseous and liquid media. The system can implement both elastic and inelastic light scattering techniques simultaneously under the same sensor platform. By separating the sensing components from the electro-optical unit and using optical fibers for interconnection, only the sensing components need to be exposed to the environmental conditions. This reduces the design constraints on the electro-optical unit and permits the incorporation of optical components into the sensing probe that can withstand high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments. Thus, the system can be used in benign, moderate, and harsh environments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel system and method for the remote characterization of visible emissions, and more particularly, to compact, optical sensors which can remotely measure the opacity of a visible emission plume from a stationary source. Assessing visible emissions is important for compliance with environmental regulations and to support the regulatory reporting needs of Federal and State inspectors. By reducing the power consumption of the laser source and the signal processing, a compact, handheld or hand portable, battery-operable opacity measurement system can be realized while allowing eye-safe operation. The system and method may also be applied to non-stationary sources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel system and method for the remote characterization of visible emissions, and more particularly, to compact, optical sensors which can remotely measure the opacity of a visible emission plume from a stationary source. Assessing visible emissions is important for compliance with environmental regulations and to support the regulatory reporting needs of Federal and State inspectors. By reducing the power consumption of the laser source and the signal processing, a compact, handheld or portable, battery-operable opacity measurement system can be realized while allowing eye-safe operation. The system and method may also be applied to non-stationary sources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel optical particle characterization system and method of use that can be applied to harsh environments. By separating the sensing components from the electronics unit and using optical fibers for interconnection, only the sensing components need to endure harsh environmental conditions. This reduces the design constraints on the electronics unit and permits the incorporation of optical components into the sensing probe that can withstand high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel optical particle characterization system and method of use that can be applied to harsh environments. By separating the sensing components from the electronics unit and using optical fibers for interconnection, only the sensing components need to endure harsh environmental conditions. This reduces the design constraints on the electronics unit and permits the incorporation of optical components into the sensing probe that can withstand high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

Abstract: A fuel injector is cooled by steam during operation of a combustor. The injector includes a conduit for channeling fuel into the combustor, and a jacket covering the conduit through which steam is channeled for cooling the injector. The steam may be mixed with the fuel, or kept apart from the fuel in the injector by flowing through passageways in the jacket. Cooling can be further improved by expanding the steam through an orifice prior to entry into the injector.