| Abstract | The thermodynamic cycle of a proposed inert gas generator has been examined over a wide range of design parameters. The cycle consists of air compression, followed by substantially stoichiometric combustion to reduce the oxygen content to nearly zero, and massive pre-turbine injection of water, which, on evaporation,cools the gases to the lowest temperature for which the cycle will operate.After a further temperature drop on passing through a work turbine, which drives the compressor, the inert gases can be ducted to the burning building.
The proposal has potential space saving and cost advantages over other experimental inert gas generators.
Typically, with an air mass flow of 20 lb./sec., compressor pressure ratio 3 and compressor and turbine efficiency of 0.65 and 0.70 respectively, 14.8 lb./sec. of water spray is required to give 500° K. turbine inlet temperature. The cycle is then stable, with turbine outlet temperature and pressure conditions of 165° C. and 1.2 atm. Subsequent isentropic expansion to atmospheric pressure gives 60,000 ft.³/min. of inert gas at 145° C. |
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