Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring gas turbine engines are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: monitoring lubrication oil at multiple locations of the gas turbine engine to detect a presence of debris in the oil; determining a characteristic of the debris in the oil; and correlating the characteristic of the debris with the location of detection to determine, while the gas turbine engine is operating, whether the engine is operating within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A fitting or adapter for attaching connecting an oil feed tube to a bearing housing of a turbocharger includes a body having a cylindrical sidewall with a central through-channel and an annular groove on an outside thereof for holding a seal ring, such as an O-ring. The sidewall has a plurality of radial holes, the holes spaced apart around a circumference of the cylindrical body and each connecting the central channel and the groove. The radial holes each can have a diameter of between ¼ and ? of a width of the groove taken along an axial direction of the cylindrical sidewall.

Abstract: A support shaft provides lubrication to a journal bearing during windmilling operation of a gear set. A primary oil pump provides oil from an oil supply during driven operation of the fan, and a secondary oil pump provides oil from an internal sump during windmilling operation of the fan. During driven operation of the fan, oil is pumped with the primary oil pump through a primary oil flow path to an outer surface of the support shaft. During windmilling fan operation, oil is pumped from an internal sump with a secondary oil pump through the secondary oil flow path. The secondary oil flow path has a smaller flow capacity, and the secondary oil pump is a smaller capacity pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scavenging lubricant is disclosed herein. In the invention, a rotating structure is encircled within a sump housing and subjected to lubrication. The sump housing collects high-momentum lubricant flow and low-momentum lubricant flow. The interior of the sump housing is separated into a plurality of chambers with at least one dynamic seal. The at least one dynamic seal extends between the sump housing and the rotating structure to isolate the high-momentum lubricant flow from the low-momentum lubricant flow.

Abstract: A lubricant arrangement is provided for multiple feed pipes to bearings lubrication system. In order to ensure a feed pipe remains substantially full of lubricant fluid, a drainage restrictor configuration is provided. This configuration typically comprises an anti siphon tube, accumulator, a fluid head between a supply pipe and the feed pipe as well as a final loop in the feed pipe formed by limbs. In such circumstances, drainage of lubricant fluid from other feed pipes for other bearings does not siphon lubricant fluid from the feed pipe which may be subject to potential coking as a result of high temperatures and air.

Abstract: A system for controlling lubricant displacement from a machine during turbomachine shutdown sequence includes a motor, a pump, a control valve, and a motor control unit. The motor is selectively energized from a power bus to rotate at a rotational speed and supply a drive force to the pump. The pump, in response to the drive force, draws fluid from a fluid and supplies the fluid to the machine. The control valve is movable between at least a first position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a lubrication fluid source, and a second position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a gaseous fluid source. During the shutdown sequence, the motor control unit controllably energizes the motor from the power bus to thereby control its rotational speed in accordance with a schedule that will displace at least a substantial volume of lubricant in the rotating machine with fluid from the gaseous fluid source.

Abstract: A bearing oil supply assembly includes (a) a plate member with opposed first and second sides, the plate member having a first bore formed in the first side which is adapted to receive a first bearing; (b) an annular manifold attached to the plate member such that the plate member and the manifold cooperatively define an annular oil gallery; and (c) a plurality of passages formed in the manifold, the passages cooperating with the plate member to define a plurality of generally axially-directed pathways in fluid communication with the first bore and the oil gallery. The passages are substantially evenly spaced around the circumference of the manifold. The oil supply assembly may be used to supply oil to two bearings carrying separate shafts running at different speeds.

Abstract: A journal bearing provides lubrication to planetary gears during windmilling operation of a fan section. A primary oil pump provides oil from an oil supply during driven operation of the fan and a secondary oil pump driven by a generator provides oil during windmilling operation of the fan. The generator acts as a dynamic brake when the aircraft is grounded to prevent windmilling. A switch selects between the primary and secondary oil pump and controls the brake application.

Abstract: An active air pressure control apparatus for a bearing sump cavity in a gas turbine engine includes a bearing assembly supporting a rotatable shaft that connects a rotatable power turbine and a rotatable compressor. The active air pressure control apparatus also includes a sump cavity surrounding the bearing assembly, a sump pressurization cavity in flow communication with a source of pressurized air and in flow communication with the sump cavity, and a sump vent tube in flow communication with the sump cavity and an air/oil separator. The active air pressure control apparatus includes an adjustable valve in the sump vent tube, and a controllable blower in flow communication with the sump vent tube.

Abstract: An exemplary center housing rotating assembly includes a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel, a center housing with a through bore extending from a compressor end to a turbine end, a lubricant inlet and a lubricant outlet, a pair of bearings disposed at least partially in the through bore of the center housing, a bearing spacer and a shaft rotatably supported by the bearings and having a rotational axis coincident with a rotational axis of the turbine wheel and a rotational axis of the compressor wheel where the center housing includes bearing lubricant paths to direct lubricant from the lubricant inlet to the pair of bearings and a shaft lubricant path to direct lubricant from the lubricant inlet to the shaft in a manner dependent on rotational position of the bearing spacer in the through bore of the center housing. Various other exemplary devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine engine having at least one electric machine associated therewith, the engine having an oil system communicating with an electric oil pump, at least one bearing cavity of the engine and a coolant passage of the electric machine, the method comprising the step of pumping oil intermittently to the oil system to cool the electric machine.

Abstract: A sump housing for scavenging lubricant is disclosed herein. The sump housing includes an outer wall defining a chamber. A lubricated structure operable to rotate can be disposed within the sump housing. The sump housing also includes an out-take for lubricant scavenging. The out-take extends across a chordal arc of the chamber. The out-take includes an upstream first portion of the outer wall diverging away from the chordal arc at a first rate. The out-take also includes a downstream second portion of the outer wall opposite the first portion. The second portion diverges away from the chordal arc toward the first portion at a second rate greater than said first rate to define a blunt wall facing the first portion for reducing the likelihood that windage will limit lubricant scavenging.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a lubrication system in a closed circuit provided with a valve comprising a first position and a second position, as well as an IN inlet, a first BP outlet and a second M outlet, said IN inlet being connected to the outlet of the feed pump, the first BP outlet being connected to the bypass circuit and the second M outlet being connected to the feed circuit. In the first position of the valve, the flow entering via the IN inlet is diverted to the first BP outlet and in the second position, the incoming flow is diverted to the second M outlet, said valve switching from the first position to the second position and vice versa, when the incoming flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold upwards and downwards respectively.

Abstract: A pump system for lubricating a bearing in a gear system includes an auxiliary pump connected to the gear system. The auxiliary pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through an auxiliary supply passage and to a reservoir through an auxiliary scavenge passage. An auxiliary valve is fluidically connected to the auxiliary supply passage for transferring liquid from the auxiliary pump to the bearing when a pressure in the auxiliary supply passage downstream of the auxiliary valve is less than a particular threshold and for transferring liquid from the auxiliary pump to the reservoir when the pressure in the auxiliary supply passage downstream of the auxiliary valve is greater than the particular threshold. A method for circulating liquid is also included.

Abstract: A lubrication scavenge system is disclosed herein. The lubrication scavenge system includes a structure disposed for high-speed rotation about an axis. The lubrication scavenge system also includes a sump housing with an inwardly-facing surface substantially encircling the structure for receiving and directing lubricant expelled from the structure. A volume is defined between the structure and the inwardly-facing surface. The lubrication scavenge system also includes an open cell metal foam body disposed in the volume and tightly encircling the structure to substantially reduce windage.

Abstract: A recirculating bearing lubrication system for a gas turbine engine that comprises a housing for the engine that serves as a primary static structural support, a rotor shaft for mounting rotational components of the engine, at least two bearings for supporting the rotor shaft within the housing and an air intake for supplying engine air comprises a generally annular lubricant source mounted about the engine intake to cool lubricant for the bearings; a solenoid that seals the lubricant from air contamination during storage of the engine and unseals it upon starting the engine; a lubricant pump that circulates the lubricant; at least one lubricant spray jet that receives circulating lubricant and sprays lubricant onto the bearings; and a sump for collecting excess lubricant sprayed on the bearings.

Abstract: A flow restrictor is provided for a lubrication circulation system. The flow restrictor comprises a body configured to obstruct a flow of lubricant within the lubricant circulation system. The body has one or more through holes communicating with upstream and downstream portions of the lubrication circulation system. Each of the one or more holes has a cross-sectional area sufficiently small, and a length sufficiently long, to prevent turbulent lubricant flow therethrough at temperatures below a first predetermined reference temperature. The one or more holes have sufficient aggregate cross-sectional area to allow a desired lubricant flow rate through the body at temperatures at or above a second predetermined reference temperature.

Abstract: A method for treating an airflow, laden with oil, flowing in a tube communicating with a rolling bearing enclosure of a gas turbine engine, wherein the airflow is made to travel into a coking box associated with a heating mechanism, in which the air is heated to a sufficient temperature to coke the oil particles contained in the airflow. Preferably, the solid residues produced by the coking are collected in the coking box.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a fluid includes an auxiliary reservoir inside a main reservoir. The auxiliary reservoir includes an auxiliary reservoir shell with a fill passage at or near its bottom. The auxiliary reservoir shell also has a vent passage at or near its top. The fill passage and the vent passage fluidically connect the auxiliary reservoir to the main reservoir. A fluid inlet is located inside the main reservoir and outside of the auxiliary reservoir. A fluid outlet located inside the auxiliary reservoir between the fill passage and the vent passage.

Abstract: An assembly includes a reservoir for holding a fluid, and a scavenge passage connected to the reservoir at a reservoir inlet. The scavenge passage returns the fluid from a delivery location to the reservoir. A bleed passage is connected in fluid communication between the reservoir and the scavenge passage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lubricant scavenge arrangement provided on a chamber having an outer wall and configured to house a lubricated rotative component for rotation about an axis. The scavenge arrangement comprises: a substantially elongate channel provided in a substantially arcuate region of the wall, the channel being open to the chamber over substantially its entire length between an inlet end and an outlet end, said inlet end and said outlet lo end being angularly spaced apart around said longitudinal axis. The scavenge arrangement is particularly suited to use on bearing chambers in gas turbine engines.

Abstract: A gas laser apparatus including a laser oscillating section including a blower forcibly circulating a medium gas in a medium circuit, and a blower monitoring section monitoring a maintenance state of the blower. The blower includes a lubricant storage chamber storing a lubricant, and a lubricant monitoring chamber connected to the lubricant storage chamber to ensure fluidic communication therebetween at a position lower than an oil level of a lubricant having a predetermined appropriate volume and stored in the lubricant storage chamber.

Abstract: A lubricant scoop is disclosed herein. The lubricant scoop comprises an annular body encircling a central axis. The annular body is operable to rotate about the central axis in a first direction. The lubricant scoop also comprises a plurality of lubricant passageways defined in the annular body. Each of the plurality of passageways extends radially inward toward the central axis from respective entry ports to respective exit ports. The lubricant scoop also comprises an entry plenum defined in the annular body. The entry plenum is upstream of and fluidly communicates with each of the plurality of passageways. The entry plenum has an upstream opening operable to receive lubricant from a lubricant spray nozzle.

Abstract: A support shaft provides lubrication to a journal bearing during windmilling operation of a gear set. A primary oil pump provides oil from an oil supply during driven operation of the fan, and a secondary oil pump provides oil from an internal sump during windmilling operation of the fan. During driven operation of the fan, oil is pumped with the primary oil pump through a primary oil flow path to an outer surface of the support shaft. During windmilling fan operation, oil is pumped from an internal sump with a secondary oil pump through the secondary oil flow path. The secondary oil flow path has a smaller flow capacity, and the secondary oil pump is a smaller capacity pump.

Abstract: A method and a system for lubricating a turbomachine including an oil tank, an oil feed pump, an oil/air separator, and at least two enclosures closed by air flow rate seals, each including a low outlet and housing shaft-supporting rolling bearings. The method injects oil from the tank into the enclosures by the pump to lubricate the bearings, introduces compressed air at a low flow rate into the enclosures via the seals to pressurize the enclosures, recuperates all of the air and the oil introduced into the enclosures via their low outlet, uses gravity and the pressurization of the enclosures to convey the oil/air mixture as recovered in this way to the oil/air separator, separates the oil and the air of the mixture by the oil/air separator, returns the oil to the tank, and exhausts the air to outside the turbomachine.

Abstract: Gas turbine engines systems and methods involving oil flow management are provided. In this regard, a oil pressure analysis system for a gas turbine engine is operative to: receive information corresponding to measured oil pressure and rotational speed during a start up of the engine; correlate the information into data sets, each of the data sets containing a measured oil pressure and a corresponding rotational speed; and determine whether the oil flow valve is functioning properly based on the information contained in the data sets.

Abstract: A gas turbine oil supply system and a method for the operation of a bearing oil supply system for a gas turbine includes an oil tank 1 and a supply line 2 branching off from the oil tank 1. An electric oil pump 3 is arranged in the supply line 2. A first controllable valve 4, by which the oil flow can be recirculated into the oil tank 1 via a return line 5, is arranged downstream of the oil pump 3. If a temperature of the oil is below a predetermined value prior to turbine start-up, the oil is diverted from supplying the bearings and recirculated through the tank to heat the oil to a desired level.

Abstract: The turbojet has a bearing which supports, in rotation and in thrust, a low-pressure compressor shaft of axis Z-Z of the engine. The bearing is lubricated with oil by means of two nozzles. A feed tube is fastened to the nose cone of the engine. This tube connects the low-pressure compressor shaft to the engine nose cone. A skin lines the wall of the engine nose cone, leaving a passage for the circulation of oil. A plurality of radial oil return tubes are placed between the most eccentric part of the skin relative to the Z-Z axis and the bearing, for returning the oil to the bearing. The return of the oil into the bearing is located at a distance R from the Z-Z axis larger than the radius r of the feed tube.

Abstract: A turbine combustion chamber is provided with deflectors on the cold side generating vortices in a secondary gas flow into the chamber, thereby confining the flame front under variable operating conditions and cooling the chamber walls. The high-speed cantilever shaft has a longitudinal duct and an array of fine orifices in the wall of the shaft for directing pressurized oil jets that impinge on the shaft bearings with little relative speed to increasing wetting of the bearing components. Oil is supplied to the duct by means of a positive-displacement pump directly driven by the output shaft. The pump output pressure is monitored to signal the end of the start-up sequence when the turbine reaches sufficient speed. The turbo-engine further includes devices for decoupling vibrations between the three systems thereof, including a loosely-mounted removable spline pivotable at both ends for coupling the high-speed shaft to the step-down gearbox.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine that delivers fuel to a combustor of the engine and lubricates bearings of the engine with fuel, comprising: a tank for storing the fuel; a pump for delivering a continuous flow of fuel from the tank to the combustor by way of a combustor inlet stream and the engine bearings by way of a bearing lubrication stream; a pressurized container for storing fuel lubrication additive under pressure; and a flow valve for controlling flow of fuel lubrication additive that flows from the pressurized container into the bearing lubrication inlet stream to mix with the fuel delivered to the engine bearings.

Abstract: Systems are provided for supplying oil from an oil source to a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly including a cage having a forward rail and an aft rail, and at least one bearing disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying a uniform application of an appropriate quantity of lubricant to the internal threads of a pipe. In general, the apparatus includes a high pressure supply of lubricant and a high speed, rotating centrifugal applicator for evenly applying the lubricant to internal threads. The system also includes a dosing system to regulate the distribution of lubricant by dispensing a consistent volume of lubricant at each application. Potential advantages of the embodiments include the repeatability and consistency of amount of lubricant on pipe threads (e.g. thickness).

Abstract: The pump system extracts motive power from oil in the pressurized oil circuit to power a scavenge pump mounted on a scavenge oil circuit.

Abstract: A thermal management system and method for a miniature gas turbine engine includes a forward cover having a filter portion along an axis of rotation of a gas turbine engine, a first lubrication passage and a second lubrication passage.

Abstract: An oil supply system for a gearbox in a gas turbine engine includes a holding container which holds a quantity of oil to be delivered to a pump. The holding container includes a flexible barrier.

Abstract: A method and system for carrying out vapor-phase lubrication of a component, such as a bearing for example, is disclosed herein. The method and apparatus can be applied to a turbine engine. The method includes the step of directing a first stream of fluid containing atomized lubricant to the component at a first velocity. The system provides a first fluid injection system for performing the first step. The system also provides a lubricant injection system communicating with the first fluid injection system upstream of the sump cavity and operable to atomize lubricant in the first stream. The method also includes the step of directing a second stream of fluid at a second velocity less than the first velocity to the component. The second stream is for controlling a temperature of the component. The system provides a second fluid injection system for performing the second step. Both of the directing steps are carried out concurrently.

Abstract: A system and method for precisely controlling lubricant supply flow to one or more rotating machines in an aircraft includes a motor, a pump, and a motor control unit. The motor is coupled to receive motor speed commands and, in response to the commands, rotates at the commanded motor speed and supplies a drive force to the pump. The pump, upon receipt of the drive force, draws lubricant from a lubricant source and supplies it to a rotating machine. The motor control unit determines a scheduled lubricant supply pressure based at least in part on lubricant temperature, rotating machine rotational speed, and one or more aircraft operating conditions, and to supplies the motor speed commands to the motor that cause the pump to supply lubricant at the scheduled lubricant supply pressure.

Abstract: A bearing housing for a gas turbine engine comprises: a bearing housing body having a bearing cavity defined therein and at least one of a built-in lubricant nozzle and a built-in scavenge hole defined therein and in fluid communication with the bearing cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deoiling device. It comprises a tube (46), a first bearing (16) and a second bearing (18), the first and second bearings being placed in an oil chamber (20) in which an oil fog is maintained by rotation of the bearings. A deoiler (30) is provided in one wall of the oil chamber. The deoiler centrifuges oil in suspension in air and allows a deoiled air flow to pass inside the tube. The tube (46) comprises a closing cap (48) fitted with one or several outlet orifices (50) in its upper part designed to evacuate air, and an oil drain orifice (52) in its lower part.

Abstract: A method of oil flow management for a gas turbine engine includes moving oil from a tank to a compartment using a pressure pump, moving oil from the compartment to the tank using a scavenge pump, and at least temporarily increasing a rate at which oil is moved with the scavenge pump by a greater amount than a rate at which oil is moved with the pressure pump to create at least a partial vacuum to negatively pressurize the compartment to reduce oil leakage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air-oil separator comprising a first region having a mixture of air and oil, a second region wherein separation of at least some of the oil from the air-oil mixture occurs and at least one multi-directional injector plug located on a rotating component in flow communication with the first region and the second region, the multi-directional injector plug having a discharge head that is oriented such that at least a part of the air-oil mixture discharged therefrom has a component of velocity that is tangential to the direction of rotation of the rotating component.

Abstract: A method for scavenging oil in a gas turbine engine comprises using a driving fluid flow to drive a flow of a fluid collected in an oil system of the engine to pass through an ejector and then the driven flow of the fluid is directed to be discharged into an oil tank.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling lubricant displacement from a lubrication system and a rotating machine includes supplying a gaseous fluid to the lubrication supply system to displace the lubricant. The gaseous fluid is preferentially directed through a first section of the lubrication supply system and to the rotating machine, and is at least inhibited from flowing through a second section of the lubrication supply system. As a result, the gaseous fluid displaces the lubricant in the rotating machine and in the first section of the lubrication supply system, while the second section of the lubrication supply system remains at least substantially full of lubricant.

Abstract: A recirculating lubrication system for a gas turbine engine comprises: a storage reservoir for storing a quantity of lubrication oil for the engine; an operating reservoir for supplying lubrication oil for the engine; a transfer valve with an inlet coupled to an outlet of the storage reservoir and an outlet coupled to an inlet of the operating reservoir to transfer the quantity of lubrication oil from the storage reservoir to the operating reservoir before starting the engine; and a pump for circulating the transferred lubrication oil through at least one engine bearing and back to the operating reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing a flow of ambient air into a bearing lubricating oil system are provided. The system includes a lubricating oil bearing cover that is stationary with respect to the bearing wherein the bearing is configured to support a portion of a rotatable machine shaft. The cover includes a first end cap extending radially inwardly towards the shaft such that a cavity surrounding the bearing is formed by the cover and the first end cap and a set of seal rings positioned substantially concentric with the shaft and forming a seal against lubricating oil flow. The seal rings include a plurality of wire bristles extending radially inwardly from the end cap wherein the wire bristles are configured to extend to a surface of the shaft when assembled and the bristles are configured to present a tortuous flow path to gas infiltrating the cavity.

Abstract: The air exit hole of the vent line (6) connected to a venting apparatus for the lubricating oil system of a jet engine is arranged behind the nozzle throat (2) on the periphery of the exiting engine jet (4). The exit hole is tangentially arranged on the periphery of the engine jet, or slightly enters the rim area of the engine jet. The vent line extends under the protection of an aerodynamically shaped fairing (5, 11). This arrangement of the air exit, while being simply designed, cost-effective and weight-saving, provides for clean, invisible discharge of air from the oil venting apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring gas turbine engines are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: monitoring lubrication oil at multiple locations of the gas turbine engine to detect a presence of debris in the oil; determining a characteristic of the debris in the oil; and correlating the characteristic of the debris with the location of detection to determine, while the gas turbine engine is operating, whether the engine is operating within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A turbocharger system for a combustion engine and method of installing a turbocharger system includes a turbocharger having an oil inlet and an oil outlet configured for being coupled to an oiling system. An oil pump is connected to the oil outlet of the turbocharger and is further connected to the oiling system. The turbocharger system also includes mounting hardware for mounting the turbocharger to an exhaust pipe away from the engine at or below the oil level of the oiling system. In one embodiment, the method of installing the turbocharger system includes removing an existing muffler from the vehicle and mounting the turbocharger at or near the location of the existing muffler.

Abstract: A lubrication control system includes an accumulator to store oil. The accumulator can be filled with oil during operation of an engine. A control valve can be selectively operated to allow oil stored in the accumulator to flow to a turbocharger. At least one control module can control operation of a hybrid electric vehicle and determine an operating condition of the engine and command the control valve to open and close based on the operating condition.

Abstract: An electric motor thermally associated with a liquid reservoir of an aircraft engine is selectively operated to generate heat for pre-heating a liquid in a reservoir prior to engine start.