Patent ID: 7010923
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: F23D,F23R

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a gas turbine engine to facilitate reducing an amount of emissions from a combustor including a mixer assembly including a pilot mixer, a main mixer, and a centerbody extending therebetween, the pilot mixer including a pilot fuel nozzle and a plurality of main swirlers, the main mixer including a main swirler and a plurality of fuel injection ports, said method comprising: injecting fuel into the combustor through the pilot mixer, such that the fuel is discharged downstream from the pilot mixer axial swirlers; and directing flow exiting the pilot mixer with a lip extending from the centerbody into a pilot flame zone downstream from said pilot mixer; wherein the centerbody includes a divergent portion, a radial aft portion, and a lip that projects therebetween, directing flow exiting the pilot mixer further comprises directing flow into the pilot flame zone with the centerbody lip.