Ignition system for a combustor

Abstract

A combustor ignition system includes an igniter assembly adapted for installation at least partially inside a combustor. A first ignition lead is electrically connected to the igniter assembly and includes a terminal end remote from the igniter assembly. A second ignition lead is electrically connected to the first ignition lead. The combustor ignition system further includes means for releasably connecting the first and second ignition leads.

1 . A combustor ignition system, comprising:
 a. an igniter assembly adapted for installation at least partially inside a combustor;   b. a first ignition lead electrically connected to said igniter assembly, wherein said first ignition lead comprises a terminal end remote from said igniter assembly;   c. a second ignition lead electrically connected to said first ignition lead; and   d. means for releasably connecting said first and second ignition leads.   
     
     
         2 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 1 , further comprising an exciter electrically connected to said second ignition lead. 
     
     
         3 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 1 , wherein said means for releasably connecting said first and second ignition leads comprises a ferrule surrounding said terminal end. 
     
     
         4 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of said second ignition lead surrounds said ferrule. 
     
     
         5 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 3 , further comprising a threaded engagement between said ferrule and said second ignition lead. 
     
     
         6 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 3 , further comprising an insulator between said ferrule and said terminal end. 
     
     
         7 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 1 , further comprising means for biasing at least a portion of said second ignition lead toward at least a portion of said first ignition lead. 
     
     
         8 . A combustor ignition system, comprising:
 a. an igniter assembly adapted for installation at least partially inside a combustor;   b. a first ignition lead electrically connected to said igniter assembly, wherein said first ignition lead comprises a terminal end remote from said igniter assembly;   c. a ferrule surrounding said terminal end; and   d. a second ignition lead releasably connected to said ferrule.   
     
     
         9 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 8 , further comprising an exciter electrically connected to said second ignition lead. 
     
     
         10 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of said second ignition lead fits inside said ferrule. 
     
     
         11 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of said second ignition lead surrounds said ferrule. 
     
     
         12 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 8 , further comprising a threaded engagement between said ferrule and said second ignition lead. 
     
     
         13 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 8 , further comprising an insulator between said ferrule and said terminal end. 
     
     
         14 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 8 , further comprising means for biasing at least a portion of said second ignition lead toward at least a portion of said first ignition lead. 
     
     
         15 . An ignition system, comprising:
 a. a combustor;   b. an igniter assembly adapted for installation at least partially inside said combustor;   c. a first ignition lead electrically connected to said igniter assembly, wherein said first ignition lead comprises a terminal end remote from said igniter assembly;   d. a ferrule surrounding said terminal end; and   e. a second ignition lead releasably connected to said first ignition lead.   
     
     
         16 . The ignition system as in  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of said second ignition lead fits inside said ferrule. 
     
     
         17 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of said second ignition lead surrounds said ferrule. 
     
     
         18 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 15 , further comprising a threaded engagement between said ferrule and said second ignition lead. 
     
     
         19 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 15 , further comprising an insulator between said ferrule and said terminal end. 
     
     
         20 . The combustor ignition system as in  claim 15 , further comprising means for biasing at least a portion of said second ignition lead toward at least a portion of said first ignition lead.