Patent ID: 9341412
Filing Date: 2016-05-17
CPC Classification: C04B,F01D,F02C,F23R,F26B

Claim Text:
1. A method of reducing silica recession, comprising: compressing air with an air compressor; exposing a silicon-containing ceramic or silicon-containing ceramic composite to a high temperature combustion gas environment provided by a combustor, wherein the combustor receives a first portion of compressed air from the compressor through a first pathway; and contacting a target surface of the silicon-containing ceramic or silicon-containing ceramic composite with a dehumidified gas mixture, thereby reducing silica recession of the target surface, wherein the dehumidified gas mixture comprises a second portion of compressed air from the compressor through a second pathway treated with a moisture removal agent effective to remove moisture from the second portion of compressed air, the method further comprising injecting silicon into the second portion of compressed air at a location proximate the target surface, wherein the silicon is injected into the second portion of compressed air before, after, or both before and after dehumidifying the second portion of compressed air.