A research and development project has recently been carried out to develop ceramic thermocouple probes (CTPs) capable of measuring temperatures up to 2000°C and rugged enough to withstand extended service in high-temperature gas turbine environments. Existing metallic thermocouple technology cannot withstand such conditions for sustainable periods of time. Following initial laboratory studies, CTP trials were carried out in power generation boilers (Farrell and Higginbottom, 1995). Prototype CTPs were subsequently developed for evaluation in gas turbine (GT) combustors (at atmospheric and elevated pressures) and in a Spey engine (Patent, 1996). The CTPs performed well under the harsh conditions imposed, demonstrating their mechanical integrity and consistency/sustainability of signal output. Initial studies have also been carried out with a view to applying ‘thin-layer’ ceramic thermocouples directly onto thermal barrier coatings to give surface temperatures on stator or other hot gas surfaces, and are briefly mentioned. Rowan Technologies and TÜV Energy Services are currently looking for companies interested in exploiting this new ceramic thermocouple technology.

Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) utilizing solid and unconventional liquid fuels has now reached commercial stage as evidenced by their world wide construction and successful operation. The proposed ASME Performance Test Code 47 (PTC47) provides the users and owners of these new power plants, the guidance and procedures on conducting a performance test and evaluate the deviation from the performance guarantees. This paper reports the use of PTC47 codes in evaluating the test correction factors for the Wabash River IGCC Power Plant.