| Abstract | The flow fields in and around two versions of a water-cooled gas-sampling probe, situated downstream of a gas turbine combustor, were numerically studied in an elevated pressure and temperature environment. The probes are of triple-walled stainless steel assembly, where the gas sample is transported through a centre tube, while preheated and pressurized cooling water flows through two surrounding annuli. Complex conjugate heat transfers amongst the exhaust mixture, cooling water and probe walls were modelled at a selected operating condition. The numerical results indicate over-heating and possible vaporization of water or cavitation in the upstream tip region of the probe with the original design. This is consistent with the evidence of damage observed in these probes from prolonged testing under similar conditions. For the modified probe, the effectiveness of cooling water is much improved, which is confirmed by long-term combustor rig testing. From this investigation, some recommendations for probe design and operation are provided. Moreover, the present study has proved that the numerical simulation is a valuable tool for probe design and trouble-shooting, and to accurately predict conjugate heat transfers in such flows, the laminar sub-layer in the near-wall region should be adequately resolved. |
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