Kistler has added the world’s first high temperature accelerometer to its pressure sensor for the monitoring of gas turbines. Both the new accelerometers and pressure sensors are designed for long-term use at up to 700°C and are certified in accordance with the European ATEX guide lines for explosion prevention (Ex-nA and Ex-ia). The piezoelectric accelerometer is not pyroelectric and does not show any moisture-induced stress (popcorn effect) offering manufacturers and operators of gas turbines new options for monitoring the combustion stability.
The efficient and secure operation of gas turbines relies upon stable combustion processes. These have to comply with increasingly strict regulations, including flexible operation on different fuels and minimal emissions. At the same time, there is an associated risk of unstable combustion processes and pressure pulsations. Reliable and continuous monitoring systems are required to monitor and control these combustion processes.
Reliable, long-term monitoring thanks to long lifespan
The new high temperature accelerometer from Kistler is the only accelerometer designed for permanent operation with a lifespan of three to five years at temperatures up to 700° C. The patented PiezoStar crystal technology from Kistler used in the new sensor is neither pyroelectric nor does it produce any popcorn effects. As a result, the sensor is highly reliable and generates high-quality signals for the interference-free monitoring of combustion dynamics.
A certified comprehensive program for thermoacoustic applications
The Swiss-made sensor completes the modular thermoacoustic portfolio from Kistler, including pressure sensors and accelerometers for long-term monitoring of gas turbines and combustion dynamics in high temperature surroundings. Both high temperature sensors from Kistler are certified in accordance with the European ATEX guide- lines for explosion prevention (Ex-nA and Ex-ia).