NASA Detector Could Help Prevent Gas Explosions

Researchers at NASA Langley Research Center have developed an optical flameout detection system for monitoring the combustor in the research center's propulsion test air tunnel. The fast-responding (less than 100 ms) detection process monitors light in spectral bands between 200 and 600 nm with two independent photomultiplier tube optical detectors. Light produced by the combustion process is optically coupled to the detectors through a pair of 20-ft-long, 0.0626-in.-diameter fiber optic probes. NASA is seeking partners in industry to apply the technology to detecting pilot lights, welding flames and furnace burners.