Abstract: A performance-enhancing fuel nozzle is disclosed. The nozzle suitable for use in combustors which combine high-swirl-number combustion in a pilot zone with low-swirl-number combustion in a main combustion zone. The nozzle includes a fuel delivery member adapted for fluid communication with a fuel source and a flow conditioning member having a fuel exit port. The fuel exit port is in fluid communication with the fuel supply and is adapted to ensure that the recirculation region adjacent the nozzle tip remains flame free. In one aspect of the invention, the fuel concentration profile of the nozzle is characterized by a radially-outward region that is flammable and a radially-inward region that is substantially non-flammable. In another aspect of the invention, the fuel exit port being is disposed a radially-outward portion of the flow conditioning member. In another aspect of the invention, the flow conditioning member is characterized by a swirl number lower than about 0.5.

Abstract: A performance-enhancing fuel nozzle is disclosed. The nozzle suitable for use in combustors which combine high-swirl-number combustion in a pilot zone with low-swirl-number combustion in a main combustion zone. The nozzle includes a fuel delivery member adapted for fluid communication with a fuel source and a flow conditioning member having a fuel exit port. The fuel exit port is in fluid communication with the fuel supply and is adapted to ensure that the recirculation region adjacent the nozzle tip remains flame free. In one aspect of the invention, the fuel concentration profile of the nozzle is characterized by a radially-outward region that is flammable and a radially-inward region that is substantially non-flammable. In another aspect of the invention, the fuel exit port being is disposed a radially-outward portion of the flow conditioning member. In another aspect of the invention, the flow conditioning member is characterized by a swirl number lower than about 0.5.

Abstract: A flame-holding nozzle for a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The nozzle includes several elongated sleeves in a substantially-concentric arrangement. The sleeves cooperatively provide distinct passageways for fluids to move through the nozzle. The nozzle includes conduits that advantageously direct fluids to designated regions of the nozzle, allowing fuel and cooling fluid to move within the nozzle without becoming commingled. Portions of the nozzle sleeves are also strategically arranged to transmit fluids in a manner that provides substantially-uniform thermal expansion, thereby eliminating the need for sliding joints or bellows arrangements.

Abstract: A flame-holding nozzle for a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The nozzle includes several elongated sleeves in a substantially-concentric arrangement. The sleeves cooperatively provide distinct passageways for fluids to move through the nozzle. The nozzle includes conduits that advantageously direct fluids to designated regions of the nozzle, allowing fuel and cooling fluid to move within the nozzle without becoming commingled. Portions of the nozzle sleeves are also strategically arranged to transmit fluids in a manner that provides substantially-uniform thermal expansion, thereby eliminating the need for sliding joints or bellows arrangements.