Title of Invention

A SYSTEM FOR TESTING FUNCTIONALITY OF FLAME DETECTOR DEPLOYED FOR MONITORING OF BURNER FLAMES

Abstract This invention relates to a system for testing functionality of flame detector deployed for monitoring of burner flames, the system comprising atleast one testing mount (1), to hold in place a sensor head of the flame detector apparatus under test; atleast one intensity variator (3) having a drive (4) and a controller (5) to alter the intensity of the light emanating from a light source (9); atleast one frequency variator (6) having a drive (7) and a controller (8) to alter the frequency of the light emanating from the light source (9); atleast one light source (9) including a housing and a controller, to generate light that is received at the testing mount (1) atleast one data logging means (12) interfaced to a signal processing module of the flame detector apparatus, and further to the testing system (1).
Full Text FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus used for coal / oil / gas flame
detector. More particularly, the invention relates to a Testing system adaptable
to apparatuses deployed in boilers. The invention further relates to a method of
testing the functionality of flame detector apparatuses deployed in boilers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION & PRIOR ART
Boilers are employed world wide by thermal power plants and many other
industries which require steam and / or power for its operation. The boilers are
designed to burn different fuels like coal / oil / gas either separately or in
combination. The fuels are admitted to the boiler furnace through the burners
disposed in different locations in the furnace walls. In some types of boilers, the
burners are located in the four corners of the furnace at different levels (known
as corner fired boiler furnaces). In other type of boilers, the burners are located
in the front wall and rear walls of the furnace at different levels (known as wall
fired boiler furnaces). The flame generated due to firing of the fuel through the
burners, is required to be monitored continuously to avoid accumulation of
unburnt fuel components in the furnace (which may lead to explosion). Suitable
flame detectors are employed to monitor the flame.
In corner fired boiler furnaces, four flame detectors are installed at one level in
the four corners of the furnace. Each flame detector comprises of a detector
head with a fibre optic cable assembly. A housing of the detector head contains
an electronics module which converts the light transmitted from the furnace


flame via a fibre optic light guide of said fibre optic cable assembly, to an electric
current signal. The electric signal is transmitted to a signal processing module.
Input from each flame detector is divided into two components viz. one
corresponding to intensity and the other corresponding to flicker frequency. Both
signals are processed digitally in a micro controller based processor to compute
intensity and flicker frequency parameters of the flame. The apparatus also has
the features for digital settings, indications and processing of other associated
state of flame parameters. The apparatus further determines the required
availability of the flame in the respective corners of the furnace.
In the prior art flame detectors, flame sensing is implemented through two
characteristics namely intensity of the flame and the flicker frequency of the
flame.
In known flame detector apparatus, several electronic modules are used to
perform the signal processing and logic control functions. One module receives
the electric signal from the light transducer (that views the flame) and transmits
it for further signal processing. The signal processing modules typically perform
intensity comparison check and flicker frequency comparison check of the flame
signal with preset values for ascertaining the presence or absence of flame in the
field of view.
A need exists for an integrated testing system for the flame detector apparatus
which simplifies the testing procedure and reduces the time to conduct the
functional test of a flame detector apparatus.


The US Patent 6719443 titled 'Electrically illuminated flame simulator' by Gutstein
,et al. discloses an electrically powered flame simulator where an integrated
circuit connected to the light sources intermittently illuminates one of the two
light sources to provide the effect of a flickering flame.The invented system
markedly differs from the said patent in that the flame simulation is by
mechanical means rather than electrical means dealt with in the Gulstein patent.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a testing method for the flame detector
apparatus adaptable to boilers .
Another object of the invention is to provide a testing system for the flame
detector apparatus that ascertains its functionality more accurately than the
prior- art systems.
A still another object of the invention is to provide a testing system for the flame
detector apparatus that can log the testing data for future reference and
traceability
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a testing system for the flame
detector apparatus that can clearly identify the nature of the fault present in the
apparatus.


A further object of the invention is to provide a testing system for the flame
detector apparatus that can annunciate the nature of fault present in the flame
detector apparatus for further corrective action of the fault present.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a testing system which
simplifies the testing procedure and reduces the time to conduct the functional
test of a flame detector apparatus.
A still another object of the invention is to provide a testing system which is
capable of automatically performing the functional tests of a flame detector
apparatus.
Yet further object of the invention is to provide a testing system which is capable
of simulating flame condition in the furnace for performing the functional test of
a flame detector apparatus.
Another object of the invention is to provide a testing system capable for
sequential testing of at least four flame detector head assemblies at a time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly there is provided a testing system for the flame detector apparatus
adaptable to a boiler system for monitoring of burner flames, the apparatus
comprising: atleast one testing mount, arranged in line of sight of a light source;
atleast one intensity variator including its drive and controller, atleast one
frequency variator including its drive and controller; a light source with its


housing and controller, and atleast one data logging means interfaced to the
testing system. The flame detector head is connected via a signal cable to the
signal processing module, and mounted onto the testing mount The signal
processing module processes the electric signal transmitted by the detector
head. The atleast one frequency variator and the atlesat one intensity variator is
arranged in line of sight between the light source and the testing mount so as to
alter the charactrisitcs of the light emanating from the light source and incident
on the detector head located on the testing mount.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Figure 1 - Shows a schematic block diagram of the Testing system for the flame
detector apparatus according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFFERED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
Figure 1 shows the testing system for flame detector apparatus has four means.
The first means constitute a testing mount(l) for the scanner head. The mount
(1) is suitable to receive the scanner head which typically consists of a lens tube,
fiber optic cable and head electronics. The testing is performed for one scanner
head at a time.


The second means constitute an intensity variator(3) for changing the intensity
of the light incident on the flame detector head (2) that is located on the testing
mount(l). The intensity variator consists of a drive (4) and a controller to control
the drive(5).
The third means comprise a frequency variator(6). Each frequency variator(6)
consists of a chopper, containing a plurality of blades, a shaft on which the
blades are mounted and a drive means(7) with a controller(8) for varying the
speed of the chopper.
The fourth means comprise a light source(9) along with a housing (10) and a
controller (11) so arranged as to launch the light on to said flame detector head
(2) located on the testing mount(l). The light traverses the frequency variator(6)
and intensity variator(3) on its way before being incident on the flame detector
head (2) located on the testing mount(l).
In case of a typical testing process with the invented system, the testing
mount(l) is so arranged to receive the light emanating from the light source(9).
The flame detector head (2) to be tested is fitted on to the testing mount(l).
The signal from the light transducer is interfaced to the signal processing
modules of the apparatus.
The signal processing modules of the known flame detectors indicate the
ascertaining flame including the values for intensity and flicker frequency of the
flame as detected by the flame detector.


With the testing mount(l) (carrying the flame detector head) arranged in the line
of sight of the light source (9), the frequency variator(6) and intensity variator(3)
are arranged so as to interfere the light emanating from the light source(9)
before it is being incident on the flame detector head (2).
Thus, the light received at the detector head (2) on the testing mount(l) is
controlled for the intensity and frequency using the intensity and frequency
variators (3,6).The known intensity and frequency variations introduced on to the
light incident upon the flame detector(2) are logged in a data logging means(12)
interfaced to the testing system. Simultaneously the intensity and frequency
response of the flame detector (2) is also logged in the data logging means(12)
interfaced to the testing system. From the deviation between the introduced
variations & sensed response, the functioning of the flame detector apparatus is
tested including validating the sensitivity and accuracy of the apparatus.


WE CLAIM
1. A system for testing functionality of fame detector deployed for
monitoring of burner flames, the system comprising:
- at least one testing mount (1), to hold in place a sensor head of
the flame detector apparatus under test;
- at least one intensity variator (3) having a drive (4) and a controller
(5) to alter the intensity of the light emanating from a light source
(9);
- at least one frequency variator (6) having a drive (7) and a
controller (8) to alter the frequency of the light emanating from the
light source (9);
- at least one light source (9) including a housing and a controller, to
generate light that is received at the testing mount (1);
- at least one data logging means (12) interfaced to a signal
processing module of the flame detector apparatus, and further to
the testing system (1); characterized in that
the light received at the detector head (2) on the testing mount (1)
is controlled for the intensity and frequency using the intensity and
frequency variators (3, 6) when the known intensity and frequency
variations introduced on to the light incident upon the flame
detector (2) are logged in a data logging means (12) interfaced to
the testing system; wherein the intensity and frequency response
of the flame detector (2) is also logged in the data logging means
(12) interface to the testing system when from the deviation
between the introduced variations and sensed response, the
functioning of the flame detector apparatus is tested including
validating the sensitivity and accuracy of the apparatus.


2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the testing mount(l) is so
arranged to receive the light emanating from the light source (9), and
wherein the flame detector head (2) is fitted on the testing mount (1).
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intensity variator (3) is
enabled to interface the light emanating the light source (9) and alter the
intensity of the light emanating from the light source (9) before being
incident on the flame detector head (2).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frequency variator (6) is
so disposed to alter the frequency of the light emanating from the light
source (9).
5. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the
flame detector apparatus comprises a lens tube , a fibre optic cable , and
atleast one electronic head.
6. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the
intensity variator (3) is enabled to optically alter the intensity of the light
passing through it either continuously or discretely.
7. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the
frequency variator(6) is enabled to optically alter the frequency of the
light passing through it either continuously or discretely.


8. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the light
source (9) is capable of generating light in visible, UV and IR regions of
the electromagnetic spectrum.
9. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the light
source (9) is stimulatable to generate light in visible, UV and IR regions of
the electromagnetic spectrum.
10.The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the light
from the stimulated light source (9) is allowed to pass through the
intensity variator (3).
11.The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the data
logging means (12) interfaced to the apparatus is configured to log the
variations in intensity, frequency including the signal measured at the
flame detector apparatus.
12. A method of testing functionality of flame detector apparatuses as claimed
in claim 1 deployed in boiler, comprising the steps of:
- providing a testing system having a testing mount (1), a light
source (9) with a housing (10) and a controller (11), an intensity
variator with controls (3), a frequency variator with controls (5),
and a data logging means (12);


- fixing the flame detector head (2) of the apparatus on the testing
mount (1) and disposing the assembly (1,2) such that light from
the light source (9) is incident on the flame detector head (2) via
the intensity and frequency variators (3,6) which constitutes an
intensity-and-frequency-controlled light;
- introducing a known intensity and frequency variation onto the light
incident upon the flame detector head (2);
- logging the intensity and frequency response from the flame
detector head (2) in the data logging means (12);
- logging the known intensity and frequency variation introduced in
the data logging means (12);
- ascertaining the functionality of the flame detector apparatus based
on the deviation between the introduced variations and the sensed
response.
13. The method as claimed claim 12, wherein the data variations in intensity,
frequency including the signal measured at the flame detector(2) enables
determining the functioning of the flame detector(2).

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the deviations between the
modulations introduced into the light incident on the flame detector head
(2) mounted onto the testing mount (1) and the corresponding variations
measured by the testing system enables to identify the nature of the fault
in the flame detector apparatus..
15. A system for testing functionality of flame detector deployed for
monitoring of burner flames, as substantially described herein with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. A method of testing functionality of flame detector apparatuses deployed
in boiler, as substantially described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings.


This invention relates to a system for testing functionality of flame detector
deployed for monitoring of burner flames, the system comprising atleast one
testing mount (1), to hold in place a sensor head of the flame detector apparatus
under test; atleast one intensity variator (3) having a drive (4) and a controller
(5) to alter the intensity of the light emanating from a light source (9); atleast
one frequency variator (6) having a drive (7) and a controller (8) to alter the
frequency of the light emanating from the light source (9); atleast one light
source (9) including a housing and a controller, to generate light that is received
at the testing mount (1) atleast one data logging means (12) interfaced to a
signal processing module of the flame detector apparatus, and further to the
testing system (1).

Documents:

00249-kol-2008-abstract.pdf

00249-kol-2008-claims.pdf

00249-kol-2008-correspondence others.pdf

00249-kol-2008-description complete.pdf

00249-kol-2008-drawings.pdf

00249-kol-2008-form 1.pdf

00249-kol-2008-form 2.pdf

00249-kol-2008-form 3.pdf

00249-kol-2008-gpa.pdf

249-KOL-2008-ABSTRACT-1.1.pdf

249-KOL-2008-ABSTRACT.pdf

249-KOL-2008-AMANDED CLAIMS-1.1.pdf

249-KOL-2008-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

249-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

249-KOL-2008-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE)-1.1.pdf

249-KOL-2008-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

249-KOL-2008-DRAWINGS.pdf

249-KOL-2008-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

249-KOL-2008-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

249-KOL-2008-FORM 1.pdf

249-KOL-2008-FORM 18.1.pdf

249-kol-2008-form 18.pdf

249-KOL-2008-FORM 2-1.1.pdf

249-KOL-2008-FORM 2.pdf

249-KOL-2008-FORM 3.pdf

249-KOL-2008-FORM-27.pdf

249-KOL-2008-GPA.pdf

249-KOL-2008-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

249-KOL-2008-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

249-KOL-2008-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

249-KOL-2008-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

249-KOL-2008-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

249-KOL-2008-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

249-KOL-2008-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

249-KOL-2008-OTHERS.pdf

249-KOL-2008-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

249-KOL-2008-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT1.1.pdf

abstract-00249-kol-2008.jpg


Patent Number 249931
Indian Patent Application Number 249/KOL/2008
PG Journal Number 47/2011
Publication Date 25-Nov-2011
Grant Date 23-Nov-2011
Date of Filing 13-Feb-2008
Name of Patentee BHARAT HEAVY ELECTRICALS LIMITED
Applicant Address REGIONAL OFFICES AT REGIONAL OPERATIONS DIVITIONS (ROD), PLOT NO: 9/1, DJBLOCK 3RD FLOOR, KARUNAMOYEE, SALT LAKE CITY, KOLKATA-700091, HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE AT BHEL HOUSE, SIRI FORT, NEW DELHI-110049, INDIA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SIVANANDAM DHARMALINGAM HIGH PRESSURE BOILER PLANT BHARAT HEAVY ELECTRICALS LIMITED, TIRUCHI-620014
2 KALYANARAMAN KARTHIKEYAN HIGH PRESSURE BOILER PLANT BHARAT HEAVY ELECTRICALS LIMITED, TIRUCHI-620014
3 ARUMUGHAM SHANMUGAM HIGH PRESSURE BOILER PLANT BHARAT HEAVY ELECTRICALS LIMITED, TIRUCHI-620014
PCT International Classification Number G01J1/42; G08B17/12
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 NA