GB838441A - Improvements in and relating to monofuel gas producing systems - Google Patents

Abstract

838,441. Gas turbine plant. GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. Aug. 30, 1956, No. 26544/56. Class 110 (3). [Also in Group XII] A monofuel gas producing system comprises a decomposition chamber 1 having two fuel inlet nozzles disposed at opposite ends of the chamber and a heat-storge mass disposed across the chamber between the two nozzles. The system shown comprises a fuel container 24 and a pressure air container 17, the air container being connected to the decomposition chamber for supplying pressure air thereto, also to the fuel container for producing a pressure as required for the introduction of fuel into the decomposition chamber. The decomposition chamber comprises an outer casing with an inner liner or shield 8, a foraminous heat-storage mass 10, for example comprising layers of stainless steel mesh or gauze, being disposed across the centre of the chamber. A fuel injector 2 is disposed at one end of the chamber being surrounded by an annular air duct 4 and air inlets 5; a sparking- plug 6 is also disposed at this end of the chamber. A second fuel injector 7 is disposed at the other end of the chamber and the gas outlet 16, for example to a gas turbine engine starter 51, is disposed at this end of the chamber. Pressuresensitive switches 14, 15 are connected to the chamber 1. Upon operation of the starting switch 50, the valves 21, 23 are opened, whereby pressure air flows from container 17 through pressure regulator 19 and restriction orifice 22 to the fuel container 24, and also through the one-way valve 23<1> to the air duct into the decomposition chamber 1. Simultaneously with the opening of the valves 21, 23, the fuel valve 44 is opened so that pressure air acting on the left-hand face of the piston 32 causes monofuel contained in the space on the right-hand side of the piston 32 to flow through duct 43 and oneway valve 45 to the fuel injector 2. The mixture of monofuel and air within the decomposition chamber is ignited by means of the sparking- plug 6 which is energized simultaneously with the opening of air valves 21, 23 and fuel valve 44. The combustion within the chamber causes the foraminous structure 10 to become heated, and a few seconds later when, in the case of propyl nitrate, the pressure has attained 100 pounds per square inch and the temperature 800‹ F., the fuel valve 41 is energized and opened causing fuel to be admitted through the second fuel injector 7 and at the same time the air valve 23 is shut off. Decomposition of the monofuel then continues without further supply of air assisted by the heat provided by the foraminous structure 10. The pressure switch 14 is provided so that the fuel valve 41 may not be opened unless the pressure in the chamber 1 is such that the contacts of the switch 14 are closed. A spring- loaded valve 33 is disposed at the air inlet of the fuel container 24 which permits air from the space to the left-hand side of piston 32 to escape when the container is being charged with fuel, the ports 37, 38 in the casing 34 and cup member 35 being in alignment. When air under pressure is being supplied from the container 17, the cup member 35 is caused to move to the right so that the ports 37, 38 are moved out of alignment. Specification 731,977 is referred to.