A system and method of monitoring for sand plugging in a gas turbine engine includes sensing differential pressure across a combustor during engine operation. The sensed differential pressure is processed to determine an amount of sand plugging of combustor cooling holes, and an alert is generated when the amount of sand plugging exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Systems and methods for reducing NO.sub.x and CO emissions in a natural draft heater are disclosed. For example, the disclosure provides embodiments of systems and methods for controlling a draft value within a heater shell to deliver an amount of excess air to a burner to thereby maintain at least one of NOx emissions not exceeding 0.025 lb/MMBtu (HHV) and CO emissions not exceeding 0.01 lb/MMBtu (HHV) in a natural draft heater.

A motor controller for a blower in a gas-burning appliance. The motor controller includes a processor configured to receive a measured pressure differential measured by a sensor disposed in an airflow generated by the blower. The processor is configured to compute a motor speed based on the measured pressure differential and a pressure differential set-point for the gas-burning appliance. The processor is configured to operate the blower at the motor speed to drive the measured pressure differential toward the pressure differential set-point.

Described is a device (11) for controlling the combustion of a burner (1), comprising: first means (12) for measuring the fuel flow rate (Vg); second means 13 for measuring the flow rate of the comburent (Va) first operator means (14) for controlling the opening of an inlet valve (5) as a function of the quantity of fuel to be supplied to the burner (1); second operator means (15) for controlling the comburent flow regulator means (8) as a function of the quantity of comburent to be supplied to the burner (1); According to this invention, the device (11) comprises a unit (16) for controlling the first operator means (14) and the second operator means (15) as a function of the values measured by the first measuring means (12) and by the second measuring means (13).

An oven appliance and a method of operating the same are provided. The oven appliance includes a heating element, such as a cooktop gas burner and/or a gas heating element within a cooking chamber, which generate heat by burning a flow of fuel. A fuel regulating device, such as a bimetal or solenoid valve, is operably coupled to the heating element to selectively provide the flow of fuel to the heating element. A controller is configured for obtaining a fuel type of the flow of fuel and adjusting the operation of the fuel regulating device based at least in part on the fuel type of the flow of fuel.

A device for controlling a fuel-oxidizer mixture for a premix gas burner, comprises: an intake duct for admitting the mixture into the burner; an injection duct, connected to the intake duct to supply the fuel; a monitoring device for checking the state of combustion in the burner; a gas regulating valve; a fan located in the intake duct; a control unit for controlling the speed of rotation of the fan between a first and a second rotation speed, corresponding to a minimum flow rate of oxidizer (Qmin) and a maximum flow rate of oxidizer (Qmax), respectively; a regulator coupled to the intake duct and having a first aperture, adjustable through a first shutter, and a second aperture, adjustable through a second shutter. The control unit is configured to drive the gas regulating valve in real time.

A specialized miniature housing installable between a source of gas and gas burners provides an aftermarket safety system for a gas grill. The system prevents accidental accumulation of gas in an enclosed volume within or around an unignited grill, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of explosion. The housing includes a microcontroller coupled to an internal flow sensor, an external temperature sensor, and a valve. In response to signals received from the sensors, the microcontroller commands the valve to remain open only when positive flow through the housing is coincident with sufficient temperature at the burners. Otherwise, or upon loss of power, the valve closes to cut off gas supply to the grill.

A combustion air proving system is provided for a burner assembly having a burner for providing heat to a location, a controller, and a back plate. Outside air is fed to the burner via a conduit, and is connected to an inlet of the system. An outlet of the system is connected to the burner via the back plate. A damper within the system is translatable between open and closed positions for allowing and blocking air flow, respectively. A sensor measures an air flow parameter of air flow to the burner. The sensor communicates with the controller, which shuts down the burner if the parameter measured by the sensor meets a predetermined threshold value. An assembly installer may test for proper sensor and controller functions by translating the damper to the closed position and blocking outside air flow.

A combustion air proving (CAP) system for a burner assembly having a burner for providing heated air to a location, a controller, and a back plate, where outside air is fed to the burner via a conduit. The CAP system is connected to an inlet of the system. An outlet of the system is connected to the burner via the back plate. A damper within the system is translatable between open and closed positions for allowing and blocking air flow, respectively. A sensor measures an air flow parameter of air flow to the burner. The sensor communicates with the controller, which shuts down the burner if the parameter measured by the sensor meets a predetermined threshold value. An assembly installer may test for proper sensor and controller functions by translating the damper to the closed position and blocking outside air flow.

Methods and systems for controlling a gas valve assembly and/or combustion appliance may include identifying a flow rate of gas to a burner of a combustion appliance and determining if the flow rate is sufficient for a burner load of the combustion appliance. If the flow rate is sufficient for a burner load, a position of the valve member of the valve assembly and/or the burner load may be adjusted such that the flow rate of gas meets a target flow rate of gas for the current burner load. If the flow rate is insufficient to meet the current burner load, the valve member of the valve assembly may be positioned in a fully open position to at least partially meet the current burner load. If the flow rate is below a minimum flow rate threshold, the valve member may be moved to a fully closed position.