Abstract: A device for feeding fuel to a combustion chamber in a turbomachine, the device comprising both an annular fuel feed rail extending around an outer casing of the combustion chamber, and a plurality of injectors fixed to the casing and opening out into the combustion chamber, the injectors being connected to the rail by fuel transport ducts and by support means that are deformable in bending, twisting, and pivoting, allowing the casing to expand thermally in a radial direction relative to the annular rail and providing rigid support for the annular rail.

Abstract: An internal fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises a fuel manifold ring and a fuel inlet assembly fastened thereto. The fuel inlet assembly providing fluid flow communication with the fuel manifold ring and being joined to the fuel manifold ring at an inlet region thereon. The inlet region of the fuel manifold ring is reinforced relative to the remainder of the circumference of the fuel manifold ring.

Abstract: A fuel manifold for a gas turbine engine comprises manifold adaptors each supporting a nozzle for outputting fuel from a fuel supply. The manifold adaptors have a primary conduit and a secondary conduit extending between connection ends of the manifold adaptor. The primary conduit and the secondary conduit are in fluid communication with the nozzle to supply fuel thereto. Transfer units are between adjacent manifold adaptors, and each comprises a primary transfer tube matingly connected at opposite ends to the primary conduits of the adjacent manifold adaptors for fuel circulation between the primary conduits. A secondary transfer tube in each transfer unit is matingly connected at opposite ends to the secondary conduits of the adjacent manifold adaptors for fuel circulation between the secondary conduits. A drain sleeve in each transfer unit is connected at opposite ends to the adjacent manifold adaptors.

Abstract: A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine includes three supports equally spaced apart about the annular fuel manifold, the three supports having at least two pin supports disposed between the fuel manifold and a surrounding gas generator casing. Each pin support includes a radially extending pin co-operating with an aligned ring slidingly disposed around the pin for relative sliding displacement therebetween. The pin supports providing axial constraint while permitting the fuel manifold to radially displace relative to the surrounding gas generator casing due to thermal size change.

Abstract: A fuel manifold for a gas turbine engine having a first peripheral surface having a first channel defined therein and a second peripheral surface having a second channel defined therein, each of the first and second channels being sealingly enclosed to define a corresponding conduit.

Abstract: A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold disposed within a gas turbine engine includes a fuel inlet assembly having a heat shield extending about at least a portion of an inner fuel inlet tube. The heat shield has a distal end engaged with the fuel manifold and has a radially outwardly projecting shoulder proximate an opposed proximal end thereof. The proximal end of the heat shield is received within a bushing disposed within a corresponding opening of a supporting casing. The shoulder of the heat shield retains the bushing in place.

Abstract: A fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises an annular fuel manifold and a plurality of fuel nozzles circumferentially distributed about the fuel manifold. The fuel manifold has at least one fuel conveying passage in fluid flow communication with the plurality of fuel nozzles and defines at least one location susceptible to overheating between two of the plurality of fuel nozzles. A slot extends through the fuel manifold in the susceptible location to reduce heat transfer in the fuel manifold while maintaining the fuel manifold assembly dynamically balanced.

Abstract: A fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises an annular fuel manifold and a plurality of fuel nozzles circumferentially distributed about the fuel manifold. The fuel manifold has at least one fuel conveying passage in fluid flow communication with the plurality of fuel nozzles and defines at least one location susceptible to overheating between two of the plurality of fuel nozzles. A slot extends through the fuel manifold in the susceptible location to reduce heat transfer in the fuel manifold while maintaining the fuel manifold assembly dynamically balanced.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a secondary fuel nozzle in a gas turbine includes axially oriented air slots and a plurality of fuel injection holes disposed between the air slots. The plurality of fuel injection holes include axially oriented injection holes and circumferentially oriented injection holes such that fuel input through the plurality of fuel injection holes is injected in both a circumferential direction and an axial direction to mix with air flowing through the air slots.

Abstract: Duct burner systems configured to utilize low BTU fuel sources are provided in the disclosed embodiments. In certain embodiments, the systems may include a primary duct configured to receive a primary flow stream of exhaust gases from an exhaust duct and a secondary duct configured to receive a secondary flow stream of exhaust gases from the exhaust duct. Primary and secondary variable geometry diverters may be configured to allow and restrict the primary and secondary flow streams, respectively. A combustion system may receive the secondary flow stream, combine it with at least one low BTU fuel source, combust for heating the secondary flow stream, and re-inject the heated secondary flow stream into the primary duct. A blower may be used to blow the secondary flow stream through the combustion system.

Abstract: An ecology valve (EV) fuel return system is provided. In one embodiment, the EV fuel return system includes a housing assembly having a fuel return outlet and a first manifold inlet. The fuel return outlet is fluidly coupled to a fuel supply system, and the first manifold inlet is fluidly coupled to a first manifold of a gas turbine engine (GTE). An ecology valve is disposed in the housing assembly and fluidly coupled to the fuel return outlet and to the first manifold inlet. A fuel routing assembly is fluidly coupled between the first manifold inlet, the fuel return outlet, and the ecology valve. The fuel routing assembly routes fuel: (i) from the first manifold inlet to the ecology valve when the GTE is in a shut-down mode, and (ii) from the ecology valve to the fuel return outlet when the GTE is in an engine start mode.

Abstract: A fuel distribution manifold system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed that includes a plurality of interconnected manifold segments, each manifold segment extending between a pair of fittings, each manifold segment including at least one fuel transfer tube and a sealing tube that surrounds the at least one fuel transfer tube, wherein opposed end portions of the at least one fuel transfer tube are dynamically connected to the fittings and opposed end portions of the sealing tube are statically connected to the fittings.

Abstract: Fuel conduit systems for internal installation in a gas turbine engine are provided which are low cost and easy to manufacture. First and second members co-operate to provide a channel to define a discrete fuel carrying conduit. The direction of fuel flow can be adapted to provide desired cooling effect.

Abstract: A combustion system for an engine, such as a gas turbine engine is provided. The combustion system has a ceramic component, such as ceramic combustor liner, and at least one metal support component, such as a metal ring or a plurality of metal cones, for providing radial and axial support to the ceramic component. The at least one metal support component includes a structure, such as axial slots or radial slots, for minimizing stress and for increasing compliance of the metal support component with respect to the ceramic component.

Abstract: A multiple conduit system for a gas turbine engine, the multiple conduit system extending between a plurality of conduit inlet and outlets. A channel, adapted for conveying fuel flow, is formed in a surface of a gas turbine engine component. The channel includes at least a first discrete conduit and a second discrete conduit. The first and second discrete conduits are each adapted to direct an independent fluid flow from respective inlets to respective outlets.

Abstract: A fuel supply assembly for a gas turbine engine including a manifold portion with a transfer conduit, a fuel nozzle with an entry conduit and disconnectable means for retaining the transfer and entry conduits in mating engagement with one another.

Abstract: Valve systems for controlling a flow of fuel in a gas turbine engine and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the valve system includes a supply conduit, a proportional valve portion, and a pulsating valve portion. The supply conduit is adapted and configured for receiving and carrying a flow of fuel. The proportional valve portion is in fluid connection with the supply conduit adapted and configured to gradually adjust a pressure drop thereacross and thus a flow rate of fuel flowing therethrough. The pulsating valve portion is in fluid connection with the supply conduit, in parallel with the proportional valve portion, and is adapted and configured to rapidly adjust a pressure drop thereacross and thus a flow rate of fuel flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an internal manifold of a gas turbine engine including machining an annular channel in a ring by a turning process, and varying a position of a tool bit relative to the surface of the ring as a function of a relative circumferential location of the tool bit around the ring such that the channel has a cross-sectional area that varies around a circumference of the ring.

Abstract: A feed arm for a multiple circuit fuel injector of a gas turbine engine. The feed arm includes an elongated tubular sleeve having a central bore with an interior wall defining an inner diameter, and an elongated fuel tube positioned within the bore of the tubular sleeve. The fuel tube includes a tubular wall defining an outer diameter, which is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the central bore. A primary fuel flow passage is formed within the tubular wall of the fuel tube and bounded by the interior wall of the tubular sleeve, and the primary fuel flow passage circumferentially extends around the fuel tube at least once along the axial length of the fuel tube. A secondary fuel flow passage extends through a central portion of the fuel tube, and the fuel tube is configured to facilitate heat transfer by conduction and/or convection.

Abstract: An apparatus for internally mounting a fuel manifold within a surrounding casing in a gas turbine engine which includes a fuel manifold and support pins which are displaceable relative to mounting portions on the fuel manifold between a retracted position, wherein the fuel manifold is able to be inserted within a casing of the engine, and an extended position, wherein the support pins project outwardly from the fuel manifold for engagement with the casing.

Abstract: A fuel manifold segment (34) for gas turbine engines comprises a polymer tube (48) surrounded by a metallic braid layer (50). A hydrostatic flow barrier (56) is provided for preventing the polymer material of the tube (48) from flowing through the metallic braid layer (50) at with a location of a joint with a tube fitting (42) under an elevated temperature and compressed condition.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly for enclosing a portion of a fuel delivery system of an engine, such as a portion of a fuel nozzle body that extends away from the engine, is disclosed herein. The enclosure assembly includes a nozzle body cover portion operable to enclose a fuel nozzle body. The enclosure assembly also includes a fuel line cover portion unitary with the nozzle body cover portion and operable to enclose a portion of a fuel supply line connected to the fuel nozzle body. Both the nozzle body cover portion and the fuel line cover portion are defined by a first and second half-shells operable to cooperate together in a clam shell arrangement.

Abstract: A fuel manifold of gas turbine engines comprises a tube for fluid communication with a fuel source and for connection with at least one fuel nozzle tip to thereby define a fuel conveying passage. A redundant seal is provided around the tube and covers substantially an entire length thereof to reduce a risk of fuel leakage of the fuel conveying passage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat shield for a manifold ring of a gas turbine engine, comprising forming a tubular portion of heat shield material with an arcuate longitudinal axis, deforming the tubular portion such that a cross-section thereof defines a profile corresponding to at least two complementary heat shield portions configured to cooperate to significantly surround at least a circumferential portion of the manifold ring, and cutting the tubular portion to divide the tubular portion into each of the heat shield portions.

Abstract: A fuel injection system comprises a fuel conveying member and a nozzle tip assembly threadably engaged thereto. A pair of sealing elements is engaged in a fuel passage between the fuel conveying member and the nozzle tip for sealing the junction therebetween. The pair of sealing elements includes a first and a second sealing element located proximate each other and having different cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine internal fuel manifold assembly including an annular fuel distribution member defining at least one fuel flow passage therein, and a plurality of fuel nozzles having spray tips mounted to the fuel distribution member. the spray tips are in fuel flow communication with the fuel flow passage, and each fuel nozzle has at least one core airflow passage extending through a center thereof between the spray tip and an air inlet defined in the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine comprising a casing with at least one air tapping outlet situated at the chamber inlet, a fuel supply device with a plurality of fuel injectors in the chamber distributed annularly of which at least one is situated close to said tapping outlet. The chamber is characterized in that the fuel supply device comprises a means for reducing the fuel flow rate in said injector situated close to the tapping outlet relative to the other fuel injectors. Thanks to the invention, the hot spots downstream of the combustion chamber caused by the tappings are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved multi-point injector for use in a gas turbine engine or other types of combustors. The multi-point fuel injector has a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two arrays such as concentric rings. The injector further has different fuel circuits for independently controlling the fuel flow rate for the nozzles in each of the arrays. Each of the nozzles include a fluid channel and one or more swirler vanes in the fluid channel for creating a swirling flow within the fluid channel. A method for injecting a fuel/air mixture into a combustor stage of a gas turbine engine is also described. At least one zone has a flame hot enough to stabilize the entire combustor flame.

Abstract: A toroidal ring manifold for effectively dispersing premixing fuel with air in the secondary fuel nozzle of a combustor for a Dry Low NOx (DLN) gas turbine, thereby providing stable combustion with low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The toroidal ring manifold is centered around a centerbody hub of a secondary fuel nozzle assembly in a premixing volume between the nozzle centerbody hub body and a centerbody cap. The ring manifold receives fuel from the nozzle body and dispenses premix fuel from a plurality of rows of individual holes on its downstream surface into an axial airstream. The number and location of the rows, the number, size and spacing of holes in each row, and the radial position of the toroidal ring manifold within the premixing volume are optimized to promote premixing.

Abstract: An inlet tube supplies fuel to a manifold of a combustor in a gas turbine engine, the manifold defining a manifold plane. The inlet tube comprises a tube body having a channel providing fluid flow communication between first and second ends of the tube body. At least a portion of the channel defines a tube body plane which is spaced apart from the manifold plane.

Abstract: A method for operating a combustion chamber (1) for a gas turbine. The combustion chamber (1) has a combustion space (2) and a plurality of burners (3), which are each arranged at an inlet (13) of the combustion space (2). The burners (3) are divided into two burner groups (4I, 4II). A common oxidant supply (5) is provided for all the burners (3). A common first fuel supply (7) is provided for the burners (3I) belonging to the first burner group (4I). A common second fuel supply (9) and a common additional fuel supply (11) are provided for the burners (3II) belonging to the second burner group (4II). A first fuel stream (8) is fed to the burners (3I) belonging to the first fuel group (4I), in such a manner that a lean fuel/oxidant mix is established. A second fuel stream (10) is fed to the burners (3II) belonging to the second burner group (4II) in such a manner that a lean fuel/oxidant mix is established.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor burns a fuel mixture at a high combustion efficiency and a low NOx emission, is simple in construction and exercises improved ignition performance, and an ignition method can efficiently igniting a fuel mixture in the gas turbine combustor. A gas turbine combustor provided with fuel nozzles each having a pilot fuel injection nozzle and a main fuel injection nozzle, and fuel nozzles each having a pilot fuel injection nozzle and a main fuel injection nozzle. The fuel nozzle disposed close to an igniter is provided with a local fuel injection port through which fuel is jetted out from a predetermined position in an air passage in the main fuel injection nozzle to create a combustible fuel mixture zone in the vicinity of the igniter at least while the igniter is in an ignition operation.

Abstract: A mounting system supporting and positioning an internal fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine includes at least a heat shield surrounding a fuel inlet of the fuel manifold, the heat shield bearing at least a portion of a load to support the fuel manifold.

Abstract: A fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine fuel system comprises a fuel manifold at least partly enclosed by a heat shield, the internal manifold being made of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the heat shield being made of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A fuel manifold for a gas turbine engine having a first peripheral surface having a first channel defined therein and a second peripheral surface having a second channel defined therein, each of the first and second channels being sealingly enclosed to define a corresponding conduit.

Abstract: An internal fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises a fuel manifold ring and a fuel inlet assembly fastened thereto. The fuel inlet assembly providing fluid flow communication with the fuel manifold ring and being joined to the fuel manifold ring at an inlet region thereon. The inlet region of the fuel manifold ring is reinforced relative to the remainder of the circumference of the fuel manifold ring.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a gas turbine engine having a manifold ring, a plurality of spray tip assemblies and a heat shield including at least two heat shield segments cooperating to at least substantially surround a cross-section of the manifold ring around a circumference of the manifold ring, and detachably retained around the manifold ring through a plurality of removable fasteners.

Abstract: A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold disposed within a gas turbine engine includes a fuel inlet assembly having a heat shield extending about at least a portion of an inner fuel inlet tube. The heat shield has a distal end engaged with the fuel manifold and has a radially outwardly projecting shoulder proximate an opposed proximal end thereof. The proximal end of the heat shield is received within a bushing disposed within a corresponding opening of a supporting casing. The shoulder of the heat shield retains the bushing in place.

Abstract: A fuel injection system comprises a fuel conveying member and a nozzle tip assembly threadedly engaged thereto. A sealing element is engaged in a first fuel passage between the fuel conveying member and the nozzle tip for sealing a first junction therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises an annular fuel manifold having at least one fuel conveying passage and defining at least one slow fuel flowing location. A heat shield at least partly encloses the fuel manifold and a plurality of intermittent joints attach the heat shield to the fuel manifold. The joints are circumferentially distributed about the fuel manifold as far away from the slow flowing location as possible while maintaining the fuel manifold dynamically balanced.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel conveying member in fluid flow communication with at least one fuel nozzle, the fuel conveying member having at least first and second member portions sealingly engaged to one another, and means for conveying fuel defined at a junction between the first and second member portions. The means for conveying fuel is defined by at least part of two different walls of each of the first and second member portions.

Abstract: A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine includes three supports equally spaced apart about the annular fuel manifold, the three supports having at least two pin supports disposed between the fuel manifold and a surrounding gas generator casing. Each pin support includes a radially extending pin co-operating with an aligned ring slidingly disposed around the pin for relative sliding displacement therebetween. The pin supports providing axial constraint while permitting the fuel manifold to radially displace relative to the surrounding gas generator casing due to thermal size change.

Abstract: In a gas turbine engine, a fuel inlet tube comprising a body, a channel defined in the body and in fluid communication with a manifold, and a side inlet in fluid communication with the channel, such that fuel entering the side inlet is delivered to the manifold through the channel with a pressure generally directed along a radial axis of the body. Also, a fuel inlet tube comprising a heat shield surrounding at least part of a body, a chamber defined between the heat shield and the body and in fluid communication with fuel leak sources, a drain channel defined in the body in fluid communication with the chamber, and a drain hole defined in the body in fluid communication with the drain channel, such that a leak produces fuel received in the chamber and safely directed through the channel and the hole to allow detection of the leak.

Abstract: In a gas turbine engine, a fuel inlet tube comprising a body, a channel defined in the body and in fluid communication with a manifold, and a side inlet in fluid communication with the channel, the side inlet being sealingly isolated by at least two annular sealing members concentric with each other and disposed about the tube body at longitudinally spaced part points thereon.

Abstract: An end cover for a gas turbine combustor that eliminates the use of braze joints within the plate portion of the end cover is disclosed. The end cover comprises a plate and a plurality of fluid inlets with the fluid inlets directing fluids to first and second manifolds machined into the end cover. The fluids within the end cover are kept separate proximate each of the plurality of first openings by a wall that is integrally formed from a portion of the end cover plate.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustion system having: a plurality of combustion chambers; a plurality of fuel nozzles for each of combustion chamber; a plurality of manifolds for supplying fuel to at least one fuel nozzle in each of the combustion chambers; each of the manifolds having fuel trim control valves for the fuel nozzles, wherein the fuel trim control valves are mounted on the multiple manifolds for metering the fuel to the fuel nozzles in the combustion chambers, and a trim valve controller automatically actuates one or more of the fuel trim valves to adjust fuel to the fuel nozzles based on gas turbine operating conditions.

Abstract: A turbine fuel ring assembly includes a fuel distribution ring, at least one fuel supply tube attached to the fuel distribution ring and at least one attachment leg connected to the fuel distribution ring. The fuel ring has a hollow interior and a plurality of apertures for expelling a fluid. The attachment leg is configured to allow flexibility due to thermal expansion induced under certain load conditions such as during engine start-up or shut-down. Further, the configuration of the attachment legs provides improved stress distribution characteristics. The fuel supply tube includes a rectangular passage and a round passage that are disposed substantially transverse to each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the hollow interior of the fuel distribution ring. The rectangular passage and the round passage have substantially identical cross-sectional areas. The fuel supply tube is configured to avoid structural interferences with neighboring components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple manifold fuel metering system with a separate motor, pump, and shut-off/purge valve for each manifold. The present invention may be used for metering fuel to any engine, especially a gas turbine engine. The fuel metering system of the present invention has the capability of independently controlling fuel flow during transitions in engine operation or allowing fuel to flow simultaneously through all manifolds to prevent blowout, optimizing combustion temperature distributions, or minimizing combustion emissions. Brushless DC variable speed electric motors may be used to drive pumps with highly accurate speed control to accurately control fuel flow rate to each of a plurality of manifolds of a fuel metering system. With brushless DC motors, motor speed may be controlled within a revolution for smoothing fuel delivery to an engine.

Abstract: The gas turbines of the present invention have multiple combustion chambers, and within each chamber are multiple fuel nozzles. Each nozzle has its own fuel control valve to control the fuel flowing to the nozzles. To minimize the pressure drop through the fuel control valves, multiple manifolds are employed. Each manifold supplies at least one fuel nozzle in multiple combustion chambers with fuel. The fuel control valves are mounted on the manifolds such that the weight of the fuel control valves and nozzles are carried by the manifolds, not the multiple combustion chambers. A plurality of thermocouples for measuring exhaust gas from said multiple combustion chambers are employed to sense gas exhaust temperature. In carrying out the methods of the present invention for tuning a gas turbine, it is essential to note that the most efficient gas turbine is one which has the least nitrous oxides, the least amount of unburned hydrocarbons, and the least amount of carbon monoxide for a specified energy output.

Abstract: In a fuel injector circuit for a gas turbine engine, a fuel staging valve assembly for distributing fuel into multiple zones in the combustor, the staging valve assembly, including a pilot valve operatively interconnected with at least one main valve, having high pressure and no leak capabilities, which are used to open, close and modulate the mass flow rate volume of fuel within the fuel injection circuit, with the position of the normally-closed valve being controlled by the pressure difference between the nozzle fuel supply circuit and a separately supplied signal circuit. As long as the desired pressure differential is maintained, fuel flow may be modulated without affecting the position of the valve, with the valve seats and valve seals being so configured as to prevent fuel leakage into the downstream nozzle circuit under these conditions.