HOW IT WORKS

Turbo jet engines work by utilizing large amount of air and ejecting that mass at high speed and at high temperature due to combustion

A test cell utilizes ambient air as a means of cooling the engine exhaust gases and, hence, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and pressure are all factors that affect the performance testing environment.

As expected, weather conditions impose certain limitations and test methodology strictly prohibits testing under conditions that can potentially cause damage to the engine and the integrity of the test cell.

The IDM is targeted for weather-related restrictions where there is potential for icing formation at the engine’s intake. It is especially suited whenever anti-ice bleed air from the compressor is not allowed, which is typically the case when the outside air temperature is 8 ͦC or less, and rain, snow, or fog conditions exist.

Icing formation at the engine’s intake is possible when humid air begins to precipitate, and temperature decreases to freezing levels as it approaches the first stage of compression. If not monitored, the ice can reach a substantial thickness, break free from the intake, and cause engine damage or Foreign Object Damage (FOD).

Integrated Icing Solution’s IDM allows the operator to monitor in real-time and make adjustments so that ice formation is well below set limits. It is comprised of an ICE MONITOR and FOUR SENSORS. The sensors are mounted in different locations without modification of the test cell equipment: in the engine control room, on the engine adapter, near the sensor array, and outside by the test cell intake air.

AIR IS DRAWN through the Ice Monitor via a large fan and accelerated, causing pressure and temperature to drop. In the TEST SECTION, six probes that are constantly monitoring ice, pressure, and temperature, relay to the operator when ICE POTENTIAL is detected. The operator then sets airflow to the engine inlet conditions.