Scientists summarised a four-year research and development project, which received PLN 1 million from the National Centre for Research and Development.

R&D project "Capacitive Computed Tomography System for flame visualization" was funded by the National Centre for Research and Development due to its innovative and unique nature. In 2008-2012, the awarded funds were used to develop a new measurement system, modernize the lab and test the system capabilities to monitor the performance of industrial burners and turbine-jet engines.

According to Prof. Wolański and Dr. Gut, the system consists of three main modules: computer, measuring system and a sensor unit. The sensor unit consists of a set of electrodes mounted symmetrically around the test area, where the combustion process will run. Each pair of electrodes is an air capacitor. The measuring system measures changes in electrical capacitance between electrode pairs. The computer has two functions: it controls the operation of the measuring system and uses the results for tomographic image reconstruction, and analyses the results.

Gas and oil burner and heating system manufacturer Weishaupt is interested in the Polish technology. Aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney co-financed some of the work.

"Of course we are looking for other entities, where the new research equipment will offer new possibilities and improve the quality of manufactured equipment. In addition, the results will allow to offer businesses modern research and development services with international standard, which will lead to the strengthening of cooperation between R&D sphere and the industry. We hope that the creation of the unit for the commercialisation of research results will stimulate cooperation of science and industry" - said the head of the project, Prof. Wolański.

Institute of Heat Engineering of Warsaw University of Technology is the only research unit in Poland, which conducts research of this kind. Similar work has recently started in the world, but with more than a decade of experience, the Polish team is the world leader in the use of Capacitive Computed Tomography in monitoring of combustion processes.

Several research stations equipped with industrial burners and a station containing GTD-350 engine compartment have been prepared for the project. They allow to demonstrate the system capabilities. They are used during courses for students, for engineering work and Master\'s projects. Many employees of the Institute, as well as graduate and postgraduate students have been involved in the work on the system.

" The possibility of developing a globally unique +on-site and in-situ+ method for diagnostics of flames was particularly attractive" - said Prof. Wolański. He added that the Institute’s Combustion Laboratory is the world leader in the field of combustion research. It specializes in conducting tests studies both in industrial burners as well as piston and jet engines, and transfers this knowledge to Warsaw University of Technology students.

The principle of the system can not be patented. Methods of measurement in this solution are well described in many publications and it has been used for several years by various research centres. However, it is possible to apply for a patent for industrial application, use of existing knowledge for a particular solution.

Capacitive Computed Tomography is currently used primarily to monitor the flow of two-phase gas/oil flows in the refining industry and compressed air transport. The research shows that it also allows imaging of combustion processes. The main users of the system will be industrial burner manufacturers. Scientists hope to attract interest of energy and oil industry. The system can be adapted to existing heating systems. Manufacturers of aircraft engines interested in applications are welcome to invest in the further development of the research.

PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland

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