FLAME SENSING

摘要

A flame sensor detects the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits light. The flame sensor includes a body connectable with the combustion system. A photodetector is supported in the body. The photodetector responds to light emitted by the flame and generates an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of the light. A window is supported in the body and located between the combustion system and photodetector. The window is susceptible to contamination from the combustion system and the contamination may decrease sensitivity of the photodetector. A light source is supported in the body. The light source emits light so that a predetermined amount of the light emitted by the light source reflects into the photodetector when contamination is present on the window and the photodetector generates a signal indicative of contamination on the window.

主权项

1. A flame sensor for detecting the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits electromagnetic radiation, the flame sensor comprising:
a body disposed proximate to the combustion system; a photodetector supported in the body, the photodetector configured to generate an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of electromagnetic radiation; a window supported in the body and located between the combustion system and the photodetector; and a source supported in the body, the source emitting electromagnetic radiation toward the window, wherein at least some of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source reflects back toward the photodetector when contamination is present on the window.