Method and apparatus to enhance combustion rates and extend extinction limits in high speed propulsion units
US5394685A · kind A · utility
14Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A stream of hydrocarbon fuel is catalytically decomposed to produce hydrogen and lower molecular weight fuel fragments, which may separated by molecular size. The hydrogen and low molecular weight fuel fragments are introduced along with a stream of nondecomposed hydrocarbon fuel into the combustor of a high speed propulsion unit. The method results in a wider combustor operating range, with higher combustion rates and increased flame stability, achieved through more rapid diffusional mixing. The process effectively extends the operating limits of gas turbines, and especially ramjet and scramjet combustors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.