Title of Invention | A SYSTEM FOR TESTING FUNCTIONALITY OF FLAME DETECTOR DEPLOYED FOR MONITORING OF BURNER FLAMES |
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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). |
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00249-kol-2008-correspondence others.pdf
00249-kol-2008-description complete.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-EXAMINATION REPORT.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-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf
249-KOL-2008-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT1.1.pdf
Patent Number | 249931 | ||||||||||||
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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:
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PCT International Classification Number | G01J1/42; G08B17/12 | ||||||||||||
PCT International Application Number | N/A | ||||||||||||
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PCT Conventions:
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