Flexible shield for fluid connectors
A flexible shield for fluid connectors of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The flexible shield may comprise a flexible sleeve adapted to surround the fluid connector, and a coupling configured to secure the flexible sleeve onto a fluid tube proximate the fluid connector. A gas turbine engine employing such a flexible shield is also disclosed, as is a method of enclosing a fluid connector in a gas turbine engine using such a flexible shield.
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The present disclosure generally relates to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, relates to fluid connectors within gas turbine engines.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREA gas turbine engine commonly includes a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor, and a turbine section axially aligned sequentially through the engine. Typically, a fuel system delivers to the engine combustor a uniform flow of clean fuel at the proper pressure and in the necessary quantity to operate the engine. Despite widely varying operational conditions, the fuel supply must be adequate and continuous to meet the demands of the engine.
A typical fuel system for gas turbine engines may comprise a fuel pumping arrangement, a common manifold that extends from the pumping arrangement across the top or side of the engine, and individual fuel lines that extend from the manifold to individual fuel injectors in the combustor. Further, a number of fuel delivery tubes and components that must be connected together by fuel line connections are sometimes disposed near the hot portions of the gas turbine engine.
During operation, the main fuel delivery tube is pressurized and supplies fuel to the other fuel delivery tubes en route to the combustor. Since the fuel is delivered under considerable pressure, all fuel line connectors must be able to withstand continued exposure to such high fuel pressure. Any fuel undesirably exiting through such connectors will degrade engine performance. The release of fuel from such fuel line connectors near hot portions of the engine is particularly important to avoid.
In addition, the lubricant system for gas engines may also include lubricant line connectors which must consistently contain and prevent exit of same for similar reasons. Such fluid connectors in an engine may be provided in any number of different forms such as, but not limited to, ferrules, B-Nuts, and other couplings. Such fluid connectors may be welded or otherwise secured onto fluid transferring tubes, such as, for example, the aforementioned fuel lines or lubricant lines, etc.
The prior art has typically employed metallic spray shields at such connectors to prevent fuel, lubricant, or other fluids unexpectedly exiting from such fluid connectors from contacting hot portions of the engine. These metallic spray shields are typically custom-made and individually installed. Not only are these metallic spray shields expensive, they also require proper installation, special tooling, and considerable time and special skills to make/install. Moreover, the nacelle in current engine designs is substantially reduced in size and thus increases the level of difficulty in properly positioning and attaching such rigid metallic spray shields onto the fluid line systems. This situation is made even more challenging given the tight tolerances under which such systems are manufactured, and the high number of parts used in dense locations around the fluid connectors.
To better answer the challenges raised by the gas turbine industry to produce reliable and high-performance gas turbines engines, it can therefore be seen that improvements in such fluid line connectors are needed.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREIn accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible shield for a fluid connector of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fluid connector may communicate fluid therethrough and connect first and second fluid tubes. The flexible shield may comprise a flexible sleeve surrounding the fluid connector, and a coupling securing the flexible sleeve to at least one of the fluid tubes.
In a refinement, the flexible sleeve may be configured to withstand a temperature of about 1,300° F. (704° C.).
In another refinement, the flexible sleeve may be configured to withstand a pressurized spray of about 1,500 psi.
In another refinement, the coupling may include adhesive tape and a clamp.
In another refinement, the flexible shield may be made of ceramic material.
In another refinement, the flexible sleeve may be made from ceramic oxide fibers.
In still another refinement, the flexible sleeve may include an outer layer and an inner layer.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The engine may include a compressor section, a combustor downstream of the compressor section, a turbine section downstream of the combustor, at least one fluid line connector associated with the compressor section, combustor and turbine section, and a flexible shield surrounding the fluid connector and including a flexible sleeve and a coupling.
In a refinement, the flexible sleeve of the engine may be configured to withstand a temperature of about 1,300° F. (704° C.).
In another refinement, the flexible sleeve of the engine may be configured to withstand pressurized spray of about 1,500 psi.
In another refinement, the coupling of the engine may include adhesive tape and a clamp.
In another refinement, the flexible sleeve of the engine may be made of ceramic material.
In another refinement, the flexible sleeve of the engine may be made from ceramic oxide fibers.
In still another refinement, the flexible sleeve of the engine may include an outer layer and an inner layer.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of enclosing a fluid connector in a gas turbine engine using a flexible shield is disclosed. The fluid connector may communicate a fluid therethrough and connect first and second fluid tubes while the flexible shield may include a flexible sleeve and a coupling. The method may comprise sliding the flexible sleeve over the fluid connector such that the flexible sleeve surrounds the fluid connector, positioning the coupling around the flexible sleeve and at least one of the fluid tubes, and attaching the flexible sleeve to the fluid tube using the coupling.
In a refinement, the coupling may include a clamp and attaching the flexible sleeve to the fluid tube may further involve tightening the clamp.
In another refinement, the coupling may further include adhesive tape, and attaching the flexible sleeve to the fluid tube may further involve wrapping the adhesive tape around the flexible sleeve and fluid tube prior to tightening the clamp.
In yet another refinement, the method may further include folding the flexible sleeve into a double-layered structure prior to sliding the flexible sleeve over the fluid connector.
In another refinement, the method may further include configuring the flexible sleeve to withstand temperatures of about 1,300° F. (704° C.) and pressurized sprays of about 1,500 psi.
In still another refinement, the method may further include manufacturing the flexible sleeve from ceramic oxide fibers.
Further forms, embodiments, features, advantages, benefits, and aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following drawings and descriptions provided herein.
Before proceeding with the detailed description, it is to be appreciated that the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses thereof. In this regard, it is to be additionally appreciated that the described embodiment is not limited to use in conjunction with a particular type of flexible shield or gas turbine. Hence, although the present disclosure is, for convenience of explanation, depicted and described as shown in certain illustrative embodiments, it will be appreciated that it can be implemented in various other types of embodiments and equivalents, and in various other systems and environments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSUREReferring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to
In the example shown in
The gas turbine engine 10 may also have various components, such as gears and bearings, which benefit from lubrication and cooling. A lubricant supply system (not shown) provides oil, or other lubricating fluid, to such components to provide such lubrication and cooling. The lubricant supply system also commonly includes lubricant line connectors which must be maintained to prevent lubricant from contacting hot portions of the engine 10. In sum, there may be many fluid connectors in the gas turbine engine 10, all of which need to be maintained in fluid tight manner, and some of which may be in the vicinity of hot engine components.
Turning now to
As can also be seen from
Given the drawbacks of such a conventional approach, the inventors have conceived of the present disclosure, one embodiment of which is shown in
As also shown in
Turning now to
Once the sleeve 102 is cut, sleeve 102 may be inverted or folded such that the first frayed end 124 of the outer layer 118 is positioned over the second frayed end 126 of the inner layer 120. In so doing, a double-layered structure is formed with the fold 122 (which may be the approximate middle point of the cut sleeve) at one end of the sleeve 102 and a frayed opening 128 at the other end. The frayed opening 128 may include the aforementioned first frayed end 124 and second frayed end 126. After the double-layer structure is formed, the sleeve 102 may be slid over the fluid connection 106 to be protected and positioned so as to fully enclose the fluid connector 106. Further, the sleeve 102 may partially enclose the fluid tube 110 which is connected with the fluid connection 106. The frayed opening 128 may then be connected and substantially sealed to the fluid tube 110 with the coupling 104. More specifically, the adhesive tape 112 may then be wrapped around the sleeve 102 and the fluid tube 110, and once so secured, the clamp 114 may be positioned around the tape 112 and tightened using the screw 116. Once installed, the flexible shield 100 ensures that any fluid exiting the fluid connector 106 is contained and does not contact undesired portions, such as hot portions, of the engine 10.
In one embodiment, the flexible sleeve 102 may withstand temperatures of, for example, about 1,300° F. (704° C.) or about 1,500° F. (816° C.); and pressurized sprays of, for example, about 1,500 psi. In addition, the flexible sleeve 102 may be made from ceramic fibers such as, for example, continuous filament ceramic oxide fibers that can be readily converted into ceramic textile products. The flexible sleeve 102 may meet demanding performance requirements in high-temperature operating environments. Furthermore, the fibers may have low elongation and shrinkage at high operating temperatures, and offer good chemical resistance, low thermal conductivity, thermal shock resistance, low porosity, and unique electrical properties as well.
One commercial version of such ceramic oxide fibers is 3M®Nextel™ Continuous Ceramic Oxide Fibers 312, but other similar materials constructed using refractory fiber technology are available. Such fibers contain about 62% of Al2O3, about 24% of SiO2, and about 14% B2O3, existing in the crystal type of 9 Al2O3·2B2O3 in addition to amorphous SiO2. Because B2O3 is present, this fiber composition has both crystalline and glassy phases, the latter of which helps the fiber retain strength after exposure to high temperatures because the glassy phase slows the growth of crystalline phases which weaken the fiber. The fibers and fabrics made thereof are compatible with silicone, epoxy, phenolic, and polyimide materials. Therefore, a coating of suitable polymers on the outward layer 118 of the flexible sleeve 102 is possible. Furthermore, fire barriers constructed using the fibers (density about 2.70 g/cc) are lighter weight than some metallic materials. In one embodiment, the ceramic fiber sleeve of the present disclosure is made from a ceramic oxide fiber sock, for example, a 3M® Nextel™ Continuous Ceramic Oxide Fibers 312 sock.
Other flexible sleeves which may withstand high temperatures of, for example, about 1,300° F. (704° C.) or about 1,500° F. (816° C.), and prevent a pressurized spray of, for example, about 1,500 psi impinging a hot engine case may be used as part of the flexible sleeve 102. A preliminary test using the fiber materials in a simulation test at the above-mentioned temperature and pressure ranges may be used to select the appropriate materials. Even though a double-layer structure is used when constructing the flexible sleeve 102 of the depicted embodiment, other structures including single layer or multiple layers beyond two are possible. In addition, even though the fold 122 depicted is not frayed, one or more frayed ends may initially be provided and weaved together at fold 122. Alternatively, or additionally, coatings, adhesives or heat treatments may be used so that frayed ends will not dissemble or fray further during the operation of the engine 10.
Turning to the adhesive tape 112, any adhesive tape which can withstand temperatures of, for example, about 1,300° F. (704° C.) or about 1,500° F. (816° C.) may be used. For instance, the adhesive white tape used for MED KITS™ may be suitable. Other adhesives, such as, for example, epoxy-based adhesive tapes, may be possible. When applying the adhesive tape 112 over the frayed opening 128, the tape may be rolled over the opening 128 multiple times in such a way that both frayed ends 124 and 126 are fully covered and substantially sealed by the tape 112 so that in operation, the two frayed ends 124 and 126 are not easily dissembled or frayed further.
Referring now to the clamp 114, any clamp which can withstand temperatures of, for example, about 1,300° F. (704° C.) or about 1,500° F. (816° C.) may be used. Conventional clamps used for gas turbine engines are typically made of suitable metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, or Inconel which are selected for use in the engine depending upon the temperature of the individual installation location. For example, such locations may be relatively cool near the fan of the engine, or relatively hot near the combustor and turbines. The clamp 114 may be made of metals, alloys, composites, polymers, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. The clamp used in the present disclosure may be, but is not limited to, a hose clamp, an alligator P-clamp, a P-clamp with a rubber coating, or other suitable clamps to hold the flexible sleeve 102 onto the fluid tube 110.
Even though both the adhesive tape 112 and the clamp 114 are used as the coupling 104 in
Although not depicted, it is to be understood that the shape of the flexible shield 100 and its components may be curved or contoured to fit the geometries of the fluid connection 106 and the fluid tube 110. This is a significant departure from prior art shields which were manufactured from rigid materials, typically metal, and thus were not malleable, or easily adjustable so as to be used in multiple locations throughout the engine. Furthermore, even though
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure describes a flexible shield for fluid connectors. Such flexible shields may find industrial applicability in many applications including, but not limited to, aerospace applications such as gas turbine engines employed on aircraft for providing thrust or auxiliary power.
By employing a flexible sleeve and securing same with a coupling able to withstand high temperatures, the present disclosure provides an adaptable and reliable shield which is able to prevent passage of fluids undesirably exiting from a fluid connector to other parts of the engine. Since the flexible sleeve may be easily cut to the desired length, and then be folded into the desired shape over the fluid connection, the present disclosure provides a novel and inexpensive alternative to construct shields for fluid connectors within gas turbine engines. Furthermore, since the shield is flexible, it can be secured to both straight and curvilinear fluid tubes without doing significant structural modification of the shield. This is in contrast to the conventional metallic spray shield designs which are rigid and which require different shields for each of the afore-mentioned scenarios. Moreover, using the novel shield according to the present disclosure to build gas turbine engines opens up new possibilities for gas turbine engines which may reduce costs associated with time-consuming, expensive, and custom-built metallic spray shields.
While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A flexible shield for fluid connectors of a gas turbine engine, the fluid connector communicating fluid therethrough and connecting first and second fluid tubes, the flexible shield comprising:
- a flexible sleeve surrounding the fluid connector and having a first and second end, the first and second end each being tubular, the flexible sleeve being a fabric sleeve that is folded into a double-layered structure; and a coupling securing the first and second end of the flexible sleeve to at least one of the fluid tubes.
2. The flexible shield of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve is configured to withstand a temperature of about 1,300° F. (704° C.).
3. The flexible shield of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve is configured to withstand a pressurized spray of about 1,500 psi.
4. The flexible shield of claim 1, wherein the coupling includes adhesive tape and a clamp.
5. The flexible shield of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve is made of ceramic material.
6. The flexible shield of claim 5, wherein the flexible sleeve is made from ceramic oxide fibers.
7. The flexible shield of claim 1, wherein the double-layered structure includes an outer layer, and inner layer, a first frayed end associated with the outer layer, and a second frayed end associated with the inner layer.
8. A gas turbine engine, comprising:
- a compressor section;
- a combustor downstream of the compressor section;
- a turbine section downstream of the combustor;
- at least one fluid line connector associated with the compressor section, combustor, and turbine section, the connector communicating fluid therethrough and connecting first and second fluid tubes; and
- a flexible shield surrounding the fluid connector and including a flexible sleeve having a first and second end, the first and second end each being tubular, and a coupling, the flexible sleeve being a fabric sleeve that is folded into a double-layered structure, the coupling securing the first and second end of the flexible sleeve to at least one of the fluid tubes.
9. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the flexible sleeve is configured to withstand a temperature of about 1,300° F. (704° C.).
10. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the flexible sleeve is configured to withstand a pressurized spray of about 1,500 psi.
11. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the coupling includes adhesive tape and a clamp.
12. The gas turbine engine of claim 8, wherein the flexible sleeve is made of ceramic material.
13. The gas turbine engine of claim 12, wherein the flexible sleeve is made from ceramic oxide fibers.
14. A method of enclosing a fluid connector in a gas turbine engine using a flexible shield, the fluid connector communicating a fluid therethrough and connecting first and second fluid tubes, the flexible shield including a flexible sleeve having a first and second end, the first and second end each being tubular, and a coupling, the method comprising:
- manually folding a fabric sleeve into a double-layered structure to provide the flexible sleeve;
- sliding the flexible sleeve over the fluid connector such that the flexible sleeve surrounds the fluid connector;
- positioning the coupling around the flexible sleeve and at least one of the fluid tubes; and
- attaching the flexible sleeve to the fluid tube using the coupling, the coupling securing the first and second end of the flexible sleeve to at least one of the fluid tubes.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the coupling includes a clamp and attaching the flexible sleeve to the fluid tube further involves tightening the clamp.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the coupling further includes adhesive tape, and attaching the flexible sleeve to the fluid tube further involves wrapping the adhesive tape around the flexible sleeve and fluid tube prior to tightening the clamp.
17. The method of claim 14, further including configuring the flexible sleeve to withstand temperatures of about 1,300° F. (704° C.), and pressurized sprays of about 1,500 psi.
18. The method of claim 15, further including manufacturing the flexible sleeve from ceramic oxide fibers.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Sep 28, 2012
Date of Patent: Feb 2, 2016
Patent Publication Number: 20140215997
Assignee: United Technologies Corporation (Hartford, CT)
Inventors: Raphael Lior (Brookline, MA), Robert J. DeRosa (Tolland, CT)
Primary Examiner: Phutthiwat Wongwian
Assistant Examiner: Marc Amar
Application Number: 13/630,932
International Classification: F02C 7/25 (20060101); F02C 7/24 (20060101); F23R 3/60 (20060101); F16L 57/00 (20060101); F02C 7/22 (20060101);