The RS‑FS‑9009‑03 is a dry silicon carbide (SiC) UV flame detector developed by Reuter‑Stokes, a subsidiary of GE. Designed specifically for flame monitoring in heavy-duty gas turbine combustors, it utilizes a silicon carbide photodiode for highly sensitive long-wave ultraviolet detection. Its hot-cold separated structure completely eliminates the need for water cooling. The detector outputs a standard 4–20 mA signal, holds explosion-proof certification, and features high temperature and pressure resistance, vibration resistance, and maintenance-free operation. It is widely compatible with F‑class and E‑class gas turbines, serving as a high-performance alternative to traditional probes such as Geiger‑Müller tubes.

Positioning & Design Principle

Detection Principle

Structural Innovation: Hot End & Cold End Separation

• Hot End: Installed in the combustor observation tube, resistant to high temperatures
• Cold End: Located in the low-temperature area below the turbine, housing sensitive electronic componentsSignal is transmitted via mineral-insulated cable. No water cooling or air cooling is required throughout operation, enabling long-term continuous service.

Output Mechanism

Key Technical Specifications (RS‑FS‑9009‑03)

1. Electrical Performance

• Sensor: Silicon Carbide (SiC) photodiode
• Sensitivity: >5 mA @ 1×10¹⁰ photons/in²/sec @ 310 nm
• Output Signal: 4–20 mA (max < 21 mA)
• Response Time: <175 ms
• Power Supply: 12–30 VDC (typical 24 VDC)
• Wiring: 2-wire system; white = positive, black = negative, green = ground

2. Environmental & Mechanical

Temperature Range

• Hot End: -51°C to 325°C
• Cold End: -51°C to 140°C (short-term up to 150°C)
• Cable: -51°C to 250°C
• Pressure Rating: 400 psig (2.8 MPa)
• Humidity: 100% RH
• Material: Fully sealed 300-series stainless steel, argon-purged
• Mounting: Hot End – 3/4” NPT female thread; Cold End – 2‑1/2” clamp mounted on channel steel
• Connector: MIL‑DTL‑38999 Series III, 5-pin

3. Explosion Protection & Certifications

• Certifications: ETL, ATEX, IECEx, CE, China Ex, EAC (Customs Union), Korea KTL, Brazil INMETRO
• Explosion Rating: Class I Div.2 Gr.ABCD T3; II 3G Ex nA IIC T3 Gc
• Application: Safe for use in Zone 2 hazardous areas

Structural Components

Hot End

• SiC sensing chip + sapphire window
• 3/4” NPT mounting with 2‑1/4” union nut
• Extends directly into the combustor observation tube, withstands maximum temperature zone

Cold End

• Signal amplification and automatic gain control circuit
• Mounted in low-temperature zone below the turbine
• 5-pin military-grade connector for dedicated interconnection cable

Dedicated Interconnection Cable (RS‑E2‑0285PXXX)

• 3-core stranded, shielded, with optional armoring
• 18–22 AWG, max 300 Vrms
• Available lengths: 60/70/120 ft, etc.
• Optional elbow/straight connectors

Core Advantages

• Uncooled Long-Term Operation: Hot-cold separation combined with high-temperature SiC completely eliminates water cooling, reducing maintenance and failure points.
• Ultra-High Immunity: Detects only flame UV, ignores furnace wall thermal radiation and background light, resulting in extremely low false alarm rate.
• Ultra-Fast Response: <175 ms, much faster than conventional probes, enabling rapid detection of flameout and deflagration risks.
• Wide Operating Condition Compatibility: Operates normally with multi-fuel, steam injection, and water-wash cycles.
• High Reliability & Maintenance-Free: Fully sealed stainless steel, vibration and pressure resistant, no moving parts, non-intrusive maintenance.
• Standard Interface: 2-wire 4–20 mA, compatible with control systems including GE Mark V/VI, for plug-and-play installation.

Installation & Commissioning Guidelines

• Pre-installation Inspection: No cracks on the window, intact threads, no prior disassembly
• Cable Routing: Minimum bend radius 6 inches, secured every 3 feet, routed through grounded conduit
• Cold End: 2‑1/2” clamp fixed to channel steel; hand-tighten connector until red and blue marks align
• Hot End: Apply small amount of anti-seize compound to threads; tighten with double wrenches; union nut torque 120 ft‑lbs
• Wiring: White positive, black negative; single-point grounded shield; green wire to ground
• Functional Verification: 3.6–4.25 mA in dark / no-flame condition; >8 mA under incandescent lamp / UV torch

Maintenance Specifications

• Do not disassemble or repair; unit must be replaced if seal is damaged
• Regular sapphire window cleaning: Wipe with isopropyl alcohol until residue-free
• Clean window if signal drops noticeably compared to initial value
• Only handle union nut and external hex fitting during removal/installation; never twist the sensor body

FAQ (Q&A)

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