Method and system for using exhaust temperature anomalies to detect fugitive fueling of a reciprocating internal combustion engine

A method for detecting fugitive fueling of an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• measuring a bulk exhaust temperature;
• comparing the measured value of the bulk exhaust temperature with a predetermined threshold value indicative of an exhaust temperature anomaly caused by fugitive fueling;
• and
• if the measured value of the bulk exhaust temperature exceeds said threshold value, taking remedial action to mitigate engine damage from fugitive fueling.

A method for detecting fugitive fueling of an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• measuring the bulk exhaust temperatures of a plurality of separate cylinder banks of the engine;
• determining the arithmetic differences between the measured values of the bulk exhaust temperatures for said plurality of cylinder banks;
• and
• if any of said arithmetic differences exceeds a predetermined threshold value indicative of an exhaust temperature anomaly caused by a precondition leading to fugitive fueling, taking remedial action to mitigate engine damage from fugitive fueling.

A system for detecting fugitive fueling of an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• a controller for monitoring at least one exhaust temperature attribute which is a function of the combustion of fugitive fuel within the engine;
• a comparator for comparing the value of said at least one temperature attribute with a predetermined threshold value indicative of an exhaust temperature anomaly caused by a pre-condition to fugitive fueling;
• and
• with the controller taking remedial action directed toward fugitive fueling if the value of said at least one temperature attribute exceeds said threshold value.