GB787571A - Apparatus for producing a supply of gaseous working fluid for the operation of a prime mover - Google Patents

Abstract

787,571. Generating combustion products under pressure. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd. Jan. 10, 1956 [Jan. 26, 1955], No. 2380/55. Class 51 (1). [Also in Group XXVI] In an apparatus for producing a supply of working fluid for the operation of a prime mover by decomposition of a mono-fuel within a reaction chamber 1, combustion of the mono-fuel is initiated by introducing the products of combustion of a deflagrant such as cordite into the chamber. The pressure drop in the conduit 11 leading from the breech 10 in which the cordite is contained to the reaction chamber is compensated for by providing means for producing a flow of mono-fuel into the conduit where it is decomposed by heated gaseous products of combustion of the cordite. Mono-fuel is supplied to the reaction chamber 1 from a container 2 through a pipe 8, non-return valve 9, a pressure intensifier 3 and pipe 4. The pipe 4 is divided so that some mono-fuel passes directly to the chamber 1 while some passes to injector 13 and into the duct 11 where it is decomposed by the hot gases from the cordite charge fired in the breech 10. The increased pressure resulting from the decomposition of the mono-fuel in the duct 11 offsets the drop in pressure that would otherwise occur. The invention is applicable where gases from the chamber 1 drive a turbine which starts a gas turbine or other internalcombustion engine. The breech 10 may in such cases be disposed at some distance from the reaction chamber 1 and the pressure loss in the duct 11 may be considerable. The pressure intensifier 3 contains a differential piston 5 and the top of the piston communicates with the pressure in the reaction chamber 1. The device 3 may contain sufficient mono-fuel to permit a single operation of the starter turbine. Specifications 784,121 and 787,572 are referred to.