Conax

Conax Buffalo Technologies’ Fiber Optic Temperature System revolutionizes temperature measurement in gas turbine engines.
Conax’s new optical sensor system operates directly in the turbine inlet, withstanding temperatures and gas flow rates far beyond the capability of conventional sensor technology. This provides considerable improvement over traditional thermocouple technology that measures exhaust gas temperature.
Efficiency and power output improvements in gas turbine systems have produced increases in turbine inlet temperatures to well over 1000oC for base load operation. At such elevated temperatures and in gas flow velocities, Conax's patented technology has been proven superior for the measurement of turbine inlet and inter-turbine temperatures. As power generation facilities seek more efficient methods of operation, Conax fiber optic systems play a key role in the control solution for advanced gas turbine.

Sensing Element and Probe Housing
The Conax Buffalo Technologies Fiber Optic Temperature sensor technology is based on thermal radiation. An optically emissive material is inserted into the flow path where it is heated by the gas stream and produces thermal radiation. This optical energy is transmitted down a sapphire light guide which is supported in a probe housing.

Fiber Optic Cable
A flexible optical fiber within the cable transmits the thermal radiation from the probe to the signal processor. The rugged construction is derived from cable assemblies designed for the harsh military aircraft engine environment, allowing the cable to survive the temperature and vibration associated with the turbine engine case environment.

Opto-Electronic Signal Processor
Optical radiation produced by the probe is detected by the signal processor and converted to a digital value corresponding to the probe tip temperature.