Detection of particulates in a hot gas flow

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for ensuring that a device--such as a gas turbine--that utilizes gases and will be damaged by particles in the gases greater than the predetermined size, will not be subjected to such particles. A filter, or the like removes particles from the gases, and is connected to the gas utilization device, with a particle concentrating device disposed between the particle remover and turbine. A particle detector is associated with the particle concentrator for detecting an undesirable level of particles above the predetermined size, and an alarm or other device is activated by the particle detecting means in response to an aberrant condition. The particle concentrator comprises a first conduit extending to a branch section, and branching to a second conduit and a third conduit. The second conduit, which may be blind, is a substantial continuation of the first conduit, while the third conduit makes an angle (e.g. about 90.degree.) with respect to the second conduit that is large enough that the vast majority of particles in the first conduit having a size greater than the predetermined size will flow into the second conduit, while gas and smaller particles will flow into the third conduit. The detector may be signal transmitter and receiver, an impact force sensing device, or a filter in the second conduit with a differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure difference on opposite sides of the filter.