Patents Issued in March 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180058198
    Abstract: Zonal isolation devices including sensing and wireless telemetry and methods of utilizing the same are disclosed herein. The zonal isolation devices include an isolation body, a sensor, and a wireless telemetry device. The zonal isolation devices may be incorporated into a hydrocarbon well that also includes a wellbore and a wireless data transmission network. The methods include methods of conveying a wireless signal within a well. The methods include detecting a property of the well, transmitting a wireless output signal, conveying the wireless output signal, and receiving the wireless output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Mehmet Deniz Ertas, Paul E. Pastusek, Mark M. Disko
  • Publication number: 20180058199
    Abstract: A near-bit constant-power wireless short-distance transmission apparatus includes a transmitting portion and a receiving portion. The transmitting portion is connected to a near-bit measurement sub while the receiving portion is connected to a measurement while drilling system. The transmitting portion processes data received by the bit measurement sub and then transmits it to the receiving portion. The receiving portion further processes the information and then transmits it to the measurement while drilling system. An insulating sub is inserted in the transmitting portion and separates the transmitting portion into a transmitting positive pole and a transmitting negative pole, which become electrically isolated from each other. Another insulating sub is inserted in the receiving portion and separates the receiving portion into a receiving positive pole and a receiving negative pole, which become electrically isolated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yuntao SUN, Wenxuan CHEN, Wenxiu ZHANG, Yongyou YANG, Jian ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20180058200
    Abstract: A receiving apparatus for downhole near-bit wireless transmission emission includes an electrical isolation drill collar and an internal electrical isolation short tube. The insulating subs are serially connected and disposed in the middle of the electrical isolation drill collar and the internal electrical isolation sub to realize electric isolation. The electrical isolation drill collar is electrically coupled with the internal electrical isolation short tube through a lantern stabilizer. The receiving apparatus further includes a wireless transmission receiving unit. The electrical isolation drill collar and the internal electrical isolation short tube of the receiving apparatus both have an electrical isolation function. The insulating subs in the electrical isolation drill collar and the internal electrical isolation short tube are non-detachable, and can meet downhole requirements for high torsion and high-pressure sealing property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jian ZHENG, Qingyun DI, Wenxuan CHEN, Yuntao SUN, Wenxiu ZHANG, Yongyou YANG
  • Publication number: 20180058201
    Abstract: A apparatus for downhole near-bit wireless transmission includes a bit connecting housing, a mud motor connecting housing, an insulating sub made of an insulating material. The insulating sub is serially connected between the bit connecting housing and the mud motor connecting housing to electrical insulate the bit connecting housing and the mud motor connecting housing from each other. The bit connecting housing and the mud motor connecting housing respectively form an electromagnetic transmitting positive pole and an electromagnetic transmitting negative pole. The mechanical apparatus further includes measurement units, which are configured to acquire parameters measured near the bit and a data transmitting unit, which is configured to realize wireless transmission; and the data transmitting unit is configured to receive and transmit the parameters measured near the bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jian ZHENG, Wenxuan CHEN, Qingyun DI, Yuntao SUN, Yongyou YANG, Wenxiu ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20180058202
    Abstract: A system for reservoir formation characterization with a downhole wireless telemetry system, including at least one sensor disposed along a tubular body; at least one sensor communications node placed along the tubular body and affixed to a wall of the tubular body, the sensor communications node being in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to receive signals therefrom; a topside communications node placed proximate a surface; a plurality of intermediate communications nodes spaced along the tubular body and attached to a wall of the tubular body, wherein the intermediate communications nodes are configured to transmit signals received from the at least one sensor communications node to the topside communications node in substantially a node-to-node arrangement; a receiver at the surface configured to receive signals from the topside communications node; and a topside data acquisition system structured and arranged to communicate with the topside communications node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Mark M. Disko, Limin Song
  • Publication number: 20180058203
    Abstract: Methods of acoustically communicating and wells that utilize the methods are disclosed herein. The methods generally utilize an acoustic wireless network including a plurality of nodes spaced-apart along a length of a tone transmission medium. In some embodiments, the methods include methods of communicating when the acoustic wireless network is spectrum-constrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Scott William Clawson, Limin Song, Yibing Zhang, Henry Alan Wolf
  • Publication number: 20180058204
    Abstract: Methods of acoustically communicating and wells that utilize the methods are disclosed herein. The methods generally utilize an acoustic wireless network including a plurality of nodes spaced-apart along a length of a tone transmission medium and include determining a major frequency of a received acoustic tone transmitted via the tone transmission medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Scott William CLAWSON, Limin Song, Yibing Zhang, Henry Alan Wolf
  • Publication number: 20180058205
    Abstract: Methods of acoustically communicating acoustically within a wellbore and wells that utilize the methods are disclosed herein. The methods generally utilize an acoustic wireless network including a plurality of nodes spaced-apart along a length of a tone transmission medium. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes methods of conserving power in the acoustic wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Scott William CLAWSON, Limin Song, Yibing Zhang, Henry Alan Wolf
  • Publication number: 20180058206
    Abstract: Communication networks, relay nodes for communication networks, and methods of transmitting data among a plurality of relay nodes utilizing non-dispersive guided acoustic waves are disclosed herein. The communication networks include an elongate tubular body and a wireless data transmission network including a plurality of relay nodes. The relay nodes include an electro-acoustic transmitter array and an electro-acoustic receiver. The methods include inducing a first acoustic wave within the elongate tubular body with a first relay node, conveying the first acoustic wave along the elongate tubular body to a second relay node, and receiving the first acoustic wave with the second relay node. The methods further include inducing a second acoustic wave within the elongate tubular body with the second relay node, conveying the second acoustic wave along the elongate tubular body to a third relay node, and receiving the second acoustic wave with the third relay node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yibing Zhang, Limin Song, Mark M. Disko
  • Publication number: 20180058207
    Abstract: An electro-acoustic communications node system and method for downhole wireless telemetry, the system including a housing for mounting to or with a tubular body; a receiver transducer positioned within the housing, the receiver transducer structured and arranged to receive acoustic waves that propagate through the tubular member; a transmitter transducer and a processor, positioned within the housing and arranged to retransmit the acoustic waves to another acoustic receiver in a different housing, using the tubular member for the acoustic telemetry. In some embodiments, the transducers may be piezoelectric transducers and/or magnetostrictive transducers. Included in the housing is also a power source comprising one or more batteries. A downhole wireless telemetry system and a method of monitoring a hydrocarbon well are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Limin Song, Yibing Zhang, Katie M. Walker, Henry Alan Wolf
  • Publication number: 20180058208
    Abstract: A hybrid electro-acoustic system for extending battery life of a downhole wireless telemetry system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Limin Song, Yibing Zhang, Scott William Clawson, Katie M. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180058209
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for in-situ zonal assessment of multiphase fluid flow in one or more production zones of a production well, including for at least one production zone sensing one or more fluid flow parameters via at least one sensor disposed in a production zone; at least one sensor communications node being in electrical communication with an associated sensor, the at least one sensor communications node positioned along a tubular body in the production zone proximate an associated at least one sensor, and receiving signals from the associated at least one sensor; sending the acoustic signals from the at least one sensor communications node to a receiver at a surface via a series of intermediate communications nodes, node-to-node, the signals being indicative of one or more fluid flow parameters, the series of intermediate communications nodes being spaced along the tubular and configured to transmit acoustic waves; assessing one or more fluid flow parameters for the one or more production z
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Limin Song, Yibing Zhang, Mark M. Disko, Scott William Clawson, Katie M. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180058210
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an object in a borehole in an earthen formation includes a body configured to be conveyed along the borehole and a plurality of linear actuators disposed in the body and operatively connected to the object. The plurality of linear actuators applies a translational and rotational movement to the object. A related method includes applying a translational and rotational movement to the object using the plurality of linear actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel RADTKE, Thomas D. HERRMANN
  • Publication number: 20180058211
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring measurement values from at least two different types of downhole tools disposed in a portion of a bore in a formation; selecting formation parameters for joint inversion; building a near-bore fluid flow model of at least a portion of the formation that includes at least the portion of the bore; simulating fluid flow based at least in part on the near-bore fluid flow model and the selected formation parameters to generate simulated measurement values; comparing the acquired measurement values and the simulated measurement values; based at least in part on the comparing, revising at least one of the selected formation parameters to generate revised formation parameters and simulating fluid flow based at least in part on the near-bore fluid flow model and the revised formation parameters to generate revised simulated measurement values; and outputting at least the revised formation parameters to characterize the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Lin Liang, Aria Abubakar, Tarek M. Habashy
  • Publication number: 20180058212
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluation of an earth formation including evaluating a core sample obtained from the formation. Methods include using a change in measurements of at least one stress parameter of the core sample, such as radial strain, axial stress, and acoustic emission counts, over time responsive to an applied stress to estimate imminent rock failure in the core sample. This may include estimating the imminent rock failure using differences between portions of a curve generated based on the measurements. A method employing calculating a rate of change between a plurality of measurements of at least one stress parameter of the core sample over time responsive to an applied stress; and determining a point of imminent failure using the rate of change in the plurality of measurements of the at least one stress parameter is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: SYED SHUJATH ALI, ALI AL DHAMEN, GUODONG JIN
  • Publication number: 20180058213
    Abstract: A formation fluid sampling bottle having a first chamber and a first piston slidably disposed within the first chamber and dividing the first chamber into first and second portions. The sampling bottle has a second chamber and a second piston slidably disposed within the second chamber and dividing the second chamber into third and fourth portions. The third portion of the second chamber is fluidly connected with the second portion of the first chamber, and the fourth portion of the second chamber is fluidly connected with a space external to the sampling bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Juan Jose Jaramillo
  • Publication number: 20180058214
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, a stabiliser, a recycler or a surface miner, comprising a drive means which is configured such that the milling machine performs translatory and/or rotatory movements on the ground, and a working means which is configured such that the ground is machined. The invention also relates to a method for operating a milling machine of this type. The milling machine according to the invention has a control unit 15 to input drive parameters and work parameters. The control unit 15 is distinguished by a selection unit 15C to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes. The control and processing unit 20 has a memory 20A which stores at least one predetermined drive parameter which is assigned to the operating mode, and/or at least one predetermined work parameter which is assigned to the operating mode, for each operating mode of the plurality of operating modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Andreas Vogt, Thomas Lehnert, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20180058215
    Abstract: A drilling and cutting device for both drilling and cutting through large objects is provided. The drilling and cutting device provides a plurality of cutting elements spaced apart and connected along a cutting chain that is operatively connected to a driven gear. The cutting chain is mounted along a periphery of a guide bar adapted to force the cutting chain to move on a certain path laterally, longitudinally or rotatably when selectively engaged to a mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Huthaifa Eilouti
  • Publication number: 20180058216
    Abstract: A coupler device is described for joining together two adjacent members 7,17 and in particular structural members which may for example may be tunnel segments, well segments, building segments, precast concrete members, preformed panels and other items used in but not limited to the construction industry. The coupler device has an elongate body 2 carrying spaced apart first and second projecting portions 6,16, wherein each of the first and second projecting portions is configured to be received within a complementarily recessed portion 8,18 in a face of a respective member and thereby in use to join together the two respective members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: Technical Tunnelling Components Limited, Ozengi Associates Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm CHAPPELL, Anthony HARDING
  • Publication number: 20180058217
    Abstract: Concrete is formed by providing a wet layer of a first concrete 4, applying a second wet layer 6 of concrete on the first layer 4 of wet concrete and setting the layers 4 and 6 to provide a composite concrete structure, wherein at least one of the layers comprises, AACM (Alkali-Activated Cementitious Material). An ionic bond 2 is formed between the two layers. The AACM layer may comprise a reinforcement structure and cathodic protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Graeme Jones
  • Publication number: 20180058218
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid pump includes a drive assembly and a pumping assembly. The drive assembly includes a cylinder. The cylinder includes an annular dump channel formed in and extending about an interior wall of the cylinder. A piston is reciprocatable within the cylinder between a first and second position. A hydraulic pressure chamber is defined by the cylinder and the piston. The piston includes an axial spill passage in communication with the pressure chamber and a transverse spill passage in communication with the axial spill passage. The transverse spill passage includes a piston dump port which is sealed to the cylinder in the first position and in the second position unsealed to the cylinder to permit fluid exit from the pressure chamber. The second position includes an over travel state and the dump area of the piston dump port when unsealed to the cylinder increases as the piston advances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sunil J. Bean, Alan R. Stockner, Mingchun Dong
  • Publication number: 20180058219
    Abstract: A rotor disk of a rotor, in particular of a gas turbine, which has serrations, at least on one side, for torque transmission, having a plurality of teeth distributed over the circumference, the tooth flanks of which are aligned opposite with respect to a respective central plane, wherein the tooth flanks have a course that deviates from a radial direction in a cross section perpendicular to the rotor axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kevin Kampka, Karsten Kolk, Roger Matthews
  • Publication number: 20180058220
    Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for the stator of a compressor of an axial-flow turbine engine, such as a low-pressure compressor of the turbojet engine also known as a booster. The assembly comprises: a first annular array of first vanes of the stator extending radially in the axial flow; and a second annular row of second vanes of the stator, with controlled orientation, also known as variable-pitch vanes or VSV. In addition, the assembly comprises an external monobloc shroud on which the first vanes and the second vanes are mounted in a pivoting manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Morgan Vyvey
  • Publication number: 20180058221
    Abstract: An air foil includes a body and a filler. The body may include a chamber formed therein and includes a first metallic material. The filler may at least partially occupy the chamber of the body and may include a second metallic material. The second metallic material may have a comparatively more negative electrode potential than the first metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: DANIEL BERNARD KUPRATIS, MARY COLBY, PAUL R. HANRAHAN, FREDERICK M. SCHWARZ
  • Publication number: 20180058222
    Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine that separates a cooling air plenum from a heated gas environment. The component defines a hot section surface adjacent to the heated gas environment having a plurality of cooling apertures fluidically connecting the cooling air plenum to the heated gas environment to allow a cooling air to flow from the cooling air plenum to the heated gas environment through the plurality of cooling apertures. The plurality of cooling apertures each have an aperture diameter of less than about 3 millimeters (mm) and an average surface roughness of less than about 1 micrometer (1 ?m).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce Edward Varney
  • Publication number: 20180058223
    Abstract: A gas turbine has a combustion chamber and a turbine nozzle guide vane ring. The combustion chamber includes an outer and inner combustion chamber walls with heat shield tiles. The guide vane ring has airfoils, and outer and inner platforms. The outer and/or inner platforms form a radial step towards a main flow path such that the upstream end of the outer platform is arranged radially outside and upstream of the downstream end of the heat shield tiles of the outer combustion chamber wall, and/or the upstream end of the inner platform is arranged radially inside and upstream of the downstream end of the heat shield tiles of the inner combustion chamber wall, so that the outer platform and the heat shield tiles of the outer combustion chamber wall and/or the inner platform and heat shield tiles of the inner combustion chamber wall overlap in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Knut LEHMANN, Christian KERN
  • Publication number: 20180058224
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine blade includes a platform that has an inner side and an outer side, a root that extends outwardly from the inner side, and an airfoil that extends outwardly from a base at the outer side to a tip end. The airfoil includes a leading edge and a trailing edge and a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall join the leading edge and the trailing edge and at least partially define one or more cavities in the airfoil. The airfoil has a span from the base to the tip end, with the base being at 0% of the span and the tip end being at 100% of the span. The first side wall includes an axial row of cooling holes at 90% or greater of the span.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy J. Jennings, David A. Niezelski, James Tilsley Auxier
  • Publication number: 20180058225
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a core structure comprising a trailing edge section including a plurality of rib-forming apertures (126) defined by a plurality of radially-extending channel elements (130) and axially-extending passage elements (128) and a radially outer low flow framing channel element (134) located adjacent to a radially outer edge (124). The core structure may be used for casting a gas turbine engine airfoil (11). The radially outer framing channel element (134) comprises a plurality of notches (14) extending radially inwardly from the radially outer edge (124). A distal portion (144a) of the notches (140) overlaps in an axial direction with the rib-forming apertures (126) of a first axially-aligned outer row (138a). A radial height of at least one of a first and a second axially-extending passage element (148a, 148b, 150) is greater than a prevalent radial height of other axially-extending passage elements (128) in the core structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jan H. Marsh, Wayne J. McDonald, Matthew J. Golsen
  • Publication number: 20180058226
    Abstract: An air cooled component for a gas turbine engine including a first wall and a second wall having opposing inner surfaces to define a gap therebetween, and a lattice of intersecting elongate ribs extending longitudinally along the first and second walls and transversely between the inner surfaces of the first and second walls to provide a plurality of cells. One or more portions of the ribs include an aperture to provide a flow path between adjacent cells so that the cells are in fluid communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. TUCKER, Simon L. JONES
  • Publication number: 20180058227
    Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine includes a platform having an outer surface and an inner surface. A cover plate can be positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the platform. The outer surface of the platform can include a pocket and the cover plate is positioned relative to the pocket to establish a platform cooling channel therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Lawrence J. WILLEY, Matthew S. GLEINER, Russell DEIBEL
  • Publication number: 20180058228
    Abstract: A gas turbine component for use in a gas turbine engine includes a substrate a ceramic-based thermal barrier coating (TBC), and a diffusion chromide bond coat between the base material and the TBC. A thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer can be formed on the bond coat prior to application of the TBC. The TBC and the TGO include a common metal oxide. The oxide can be sacrificially in use and soluble in a molten sulfate salt, make the coating system particularly suitable for use in a marine environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Clifford BERGER, David John WORTMAN
  • Publication number: 20180058229
    Abstract: A component retaining assembly includes a housing including a circumferential slot. A component is mated to the housing. The component includes a first face including at least two tabs. The at least two tabs extending at outward from the first face at least partially past a portion of the circumferential slot. A retaining ring is disposed within the circumferential slot and abuts the first face of the component. The at least two tabs overlap a portion of the retaining ring. A gas turbine engine and a method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Conway Chuong, Ross Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180058230
    Abstract: A chamfered stator vane rail is provided. The chamfered stator vane rail may comprise a forward rail and an aft rail axially opposite the forward rail. The aft rail may comprise a leading edge and a trailing edge located axially opposite and aft of the leading edge. The aft rail may comprise a chamfered edge on a radially outer surface. The chamfered edge may be oriented at an angle relative to an axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Roger Gates, David Richard Griffin, James Tilsley Auxier
  • Publication number: 20180058231
    Abstract: An inner ring (14) for an annular guide vane assembly (10) of a turbomachine, which inner ring enables variable guide vanes (12) to be rotatably supported is provided. The inner ring (14) includes a first and a second securing ring (16a, 16b) which are connected together by at least one securing element (18) extending axially with respect to a centerline (M) of the inner ring (14). The at least one securing element (18) includes a vane bearing (20) which projects radially with respect to the centerline (M) and which corresponds to an associated guide vane (12) and is adapted for rotatably supporting the same. A method for manufacturing an annular guide vane assembly (10) of a turbomachine using such an inner ring (14) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph TOMSIK
  • Publication number: 20180058232
    Abstract: A segment 31 for a sealing device according to the present invention is used in a sealing device 28 provided between a turbine rotor 12 and a stationary body 14 that covers the turbine rotor 12. The segment 31 for the sealing device is characterized by including a base 32 that engages with the turbine rotor 12 and a free-cutting layer 34 that covers a stationary body opposed surface 37, which is a surface of the base 32 opposed to the stationary body 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Shinji OIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180058233
    Abstract: Apparatus for insertion into a cavity of an object, the apparatus comprising: a first tube comprising a first end, a second end, a first cavity extending between the first end and the second end, and an aperture at the second end; a member positioned within the first cavity of the first tube and adjacent the aperture of the first tube, the member being configured to enable an action to be performed; a plug coupled to the second end of the first tube; and an actuator configured to move the first tube relative to the object between a first position in which the plug seals the member from the cavity of the object, and a second position in which the member is exposed to the cavity of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Andrew D. NORTON, James KELL, Adam G A Rushworth, Amir Rabani
  • Publication number: 20180058234
    Abstract: In a gas turbine in which a seal member seals a gap between a transition piece and a nozzle end wall in a turbine first stage, the transition piece and the nozzle end wall has a seal groove. The seal member includes a hook portion that slides in the turbine radial direction with respect to the flange and a seal plate portion inserted in the groove. The groove and the portion are configured to include a surface contact region in which a surface of the groove and the portion are in surface contact with each other, a non-contact region disposed on a side closer to the transition piece than the region, and a hole provided at the portion so as to face the surface in the groove across a gap in the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yasuhiro HORIUCHI, Shinichi HIGUCHI, Hisato TAGAWA, Kenji SHINGAI, Takemitsu MIURA
  • Publication number: 20180058235
    Abstract: There is disclosed an axial flow machine (10) comprising an annular flow path (23); a stator ring (38) comprising a plurality of stators mounted at their radially outer ends and extending into the annular flow path (23); a non-rotating body (24) axially adjacent the stator ring (38); and an annular shroud (42) disposed between the radially inner end of the stator ring (38) and the body (24). The shroud (42) is supported on the stator ring (38) and moveable relative the body (24); and the shroud (42) cooperates with the body (24) to inhibit a flow through a clearance pathway (78) therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Alan R. JONES, Gareth J. JONES, Gary EADON
  • Publication number: 20180058236
    Abstract: A rim seal for a rotor of a gas turbine engine includes a seal portion extending circumferentially across a rim cavity of a rotor, the sealing portion configured to seal the rim cavity and a first foot portion extending radially inwardly from a first end of the sealing portion. A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a rotor disc and a plurality of rotor blades secured to the rotor disc defining a rim cavity between the rotor disc and a rim portion of the plurality of rotor blades. A rim seal is located in the rim cavity and includes a seal portion extending circumferentially across the rim cavity, the sealing portion configured to seal the rim cavity. The seal portion has an increasing radial thickness with increasing distance from a first end of the rim seal and from a second end opposite the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Anton G. Banks, Christopher Corcoran, Bryan P. Dube
  • Publication number: 20180058237
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an engine comprising: a first structure, a second structure configured to rotate relative to the first structure, and a floating, non-contact seal that interfaces the first structure and the second structure, where the seal includes: a shoe, a first beam coupled to the shoe, and a second beam coupled to the shoe, where during a non-operational state of the engine a reference point of the shoe is substantially centered within a range of radial deflections of the reference point of the shoe over the operating range of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ross Wilson, Conway Chuong, Dwayne K. Mecklenburg
  • Publication number: 20180058238
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a floating, non-contact seal comprising: a shoe, a first beam coupled to the shoe, and a second beam coupled to the shoe, where the first beam is oriented at a first angle with respect to the shoe, the first angle having a first value that is greater than five degrees. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an engine comprising: a first structure, a second structure configured to rotate relative to the first structure, and a floating, non-contact seal that interfaces the first structure and the second structure, where the seal includes: a shoe, a first beam coupled to the shoe, and a second beam coupled to the shoe, where the first beam is oriented at a first angle with respect to the shoe, the first angle having a first value that is greater than five degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Joey Wong, Conway Chuong
  • Publication number: 20180058239
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a floating, non-contact seal comprising: a shoe, and at least three beams, each beam having a first axial end and a second axial end, where the first axial ends are coupled to the shoe and the second axial ends are coupled to a ring structure. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an engine comprising: a first structure, a second structure configured to rotate relative to the first structure, and a floating, non-contact seal that interfaces the first structure and the second structure, where the seal includes: a shoe, and at least three beams, where each beam has a first axial end and a second axial end, where the first axial ends are coupled to the shoe and the second axial ends are coupled to a ring structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jose R. Paulino, Conway Chuong, Joey Wong, Christopher J. Peters, Ross Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180058240
    Abstract: A seal assembly includes an annular base, a spring, a shoe, a first channel, a seal cover, and a seal. The spring includes a beam and is connected to the annular base. The shoe is disposed radially inward of the annular base and connected to the spring. The shoe includes an upstream portion, a downstream portion, and a lip connected to and extending radially outward from the upstream portion of the shoe. The spring extends from the annular base to the shoe. The first channel is positioned between the shoe and the beam of the spring. The seal is disposed between the seal cover and the shoe such that a downstream face of the seal is in contact with an upstream face of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Conway Chuong, Joey Wong, Ross Wilson, Christopher J. Peters
  • Publication number: 20180058241
    Abstract: A seal for a rotary machine includes a flexible element extending circumferentially about a rotating component and extending generally radially from a first end to a free second end. The flexible element is coupled proximate the first end for rotation with the rotating component. The seal also includes a retaining plate having a stop face that orients the flexible element at a first angle when the rotating component is operating at less than a critical speed and under the including of pressure loading, such that a clearance gap is defined between the free second end and a stationary component. The flexible element extends at substantially a second angle when the rotating component is operating at a speed greater than the critical speed, such that the flexible element forms a dynamic seal between the rotating component and the stationary component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Neelesh Nandkumar Sarawate, Deepak Trivedi, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Publication number: 20180058242
    Abstract: The invention concerns land-based gas turbine plants with a multi-spool gas turbine arrangement for generating electrical power to supply a load (200). The invention comprises at least three spools (10a-10c). Each of the at least three spools (10a-10c) comprises a shaft (11a-11c), a compressor (C1-C3) and a turbine (T1-T3). Each one of the shafts (11a-11c) of the at least three spools (10a-10c) are independently rotatable with respect to each other. The invention further comprises electrical generators (G1-G3) mounted on each of the shafts (11a-11c) of the at least three spools (10a-10c), the output power of the generators being independently controllable and at least 60 percent of a total output power supplied to said load (200) in a form of electrical and rotational power is generated by the at least three generators (G1-G3) in the form of electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: AURELIA TURBINES OY
    Inventors: Matti Malkamäki, Jari Backman, Juha Honkatukia, Ahti Jaatinen-Värri
  • Publication number: 20180058243
    Abstract: A turbine engine is described that includes an intake, an inlet duct configured to receive fluid from the intake, and an outer bypass duct configured to receive fluid from the intake. The turbine engine further includes a drive shaft, a tower shaft mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, and an electric generator mechanically coupled to the tower shaft. The electric generator is located between the inlet duct and the outer bypass duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley Eugene Auker, Edward Claude Rice
  • Publication number: 20180058244
    Abstract: System for electrical energy generation from steam comprising at least one stage, each stage including: a steam-driven rotating toroidal ring; a housing comprising a toroidal cavity for containing the rotating toroidal ring, the housing further comprising at least one steam inlet, the housing further comprising a plurality of steam outlets for removing pressurized steam from the channels for at least a second portion of rotation of the rotating toroidal ring within the toroidal cavity; at least one bearing arrangement comprised by or attached to the housing within the toroidal cavity; and at least one pair of electrical coils, each electrical coil located on the outer surface of the housing at locations diagonally opposite from the other coil of each pair across the axis of the minor radius of the toroidal cavity and within the specific region where a time-varying magnetic field will occur as the rotating toroidal ring rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Lovejoy Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20180058245
    Abstract: The present application provides a method of evaluating valve tightness in a turbine by a data acquisition system. The method may include the steps of receiving a number of operating parameters from a number of sensors, wherein the operating parameters may include rotor acceleration and rotor speed, comparing the rotor acceleration and the rotor speed to predetermined values, and altering one or more of the operating parameters and/or initiating repair procedures if the rotor acceleration and/or the rotor speed is increasing and/or exceeds predetermined values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Reigl
  • Publication number: 20180058246
    Abstract: A variable vane mechanism for adjusting the angle of stator vanes in a gas turbine engine is provided. The mechanism includes a circumferentially extending unison ring that is driven circumferentially around a casing by an actuator. The unison ring is connected to the stator vanes via levers such that the angle of the vanes changes with circumferential movement of the unison ring. The unison ring and the casing are each provided with at least one rigging hole in order to set the initial angle of the vanes. At least one of the unison ring and the casing are each provided with at least two rigging holes, so that the initial angle of the vanes can be adjusted by selecting different combinations of rigging holes. This may allow accumulations in tolerances to be compensated for and/or may allow the engine to be tested at different initial vane angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Michael P. KEENAN
  • Publication number: 20180058247
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a turbine comprising a lower ring, a upper ring, a plurality of vanes, wherein each of the vanes comprises a vane post mechanically coupling the lower ring and the upper ring to the vane, and a vane actuator comprising an actuator ring constructed and arranged to operate the vanes uniformly based on movement of the actuator ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Aliihsan Karamavruc, Roland Roth, Clement Kiefer