Check valve assembly

Abstract

A check valve assembly for a supply tube. The check valve assembly includes a hinge pin, a first flapper, and a second flapper. The first flapper is pivotally coupled to the second flapper by the hinge pin. The check valve assembly also includes a stopper positioned between the first flapper and the second flapper. The stopper is configured to limit movement of the first flapper and the second flapper. The check valve assembly also includes a plate assembly positioned downstream of the stopper. The plate assembly is configured to disrupt a vortex formed in a fluid flow through the first flapper and the second flapper.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to check valve assemblies. In particular, the present disclosure relates to check valve assemblies for gas turbine engines. BACKGROUND

[0002] Gas turbine engines utilize check valves in supply pipes, such as air and fuel supply pipes. Check valves in supply pipes can prevent fluid loss in the event of a pipe rupture. Conventional check valves can include a flapper configured to open and close a passageway through the pipe. SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a check valve assembly for a supply pipe can include a hinge pin, a first flapper and a second flapper pivotally coupled to the first flapper by the hinge pin, a stopper between the first flapper and the second flapper, the stopper configured to limit movement of the first flapper and the second flapper, and a plate assembly downstream of the stopper, the plate assembly configured to disrupt a vortex formed in a fluid flow through the first flapper and the second flapper.

[0004] According to an embodiment, a pipe for a gas turbine engine can include a check valve having two flappers hingedly coupled by a pin, and a perforated plate downstream of the check valve, the perforated plate aligned parallel to a direction of a fluid flow through the pipe, and the perforated plate configured to disrupt a vortex formed in the fluid flow through the pipe.

[0005] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth by the detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are of a few examples of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of various exemplary embodiments of the application, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0007] Figure 1 A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a pipe with a check valve taken along a centerline of the pipe is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A A schematic view of a pipe with a check valve assembly is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2BA schematic view of a plate for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3A A schematic view of a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 3B A schematic view of a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 5A A perspective view of a tube with a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 5B A perspective view of a tube according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown. Figure 5A

[0015] Figure 5C A partial exploded view of a tube according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown. Figure 5A

[0016] Figure 6 A perspective view of a housing for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 7A A perspective view of a housing for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 7B A schematic view of a plate for a housing for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 7C A schematic view of a plate for a housing for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 7D A schematic view of a plate for a housing for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 7E A schematic view of a plate for a housing for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 8A A perspective view of a housing for a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 8B A perspective view of a housing according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown. Figure 8A ​​​

[0024] Figure 8C shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8A

[0025] Figure 9A shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 9B shows a perspective view of a housing of a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9A

[0027] Figure 10A shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 10B shows a perspective view of a housing of a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10A

[0029] Figure 11A shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 11B shows a perspective view of a housing of a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11A

[0031] Figure 12A shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 12B shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12A

[0033] Figure 12C shows a perspective view of a housing of a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12A

[0034] Figure 13A shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 13B shows a perspective view of a housing of a check valve assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 13A

[0036] Figure 14A ​​​​​​​A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 14B A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14A An enlarged view of a housing of the check valve assembly of

[0038] Figure 15A A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 15B A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15A An enlarged view of a housing of the check valve assembly of

[0040] Figure 16A A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 16B An enlarged view of a tube with a check valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16A A partial perspective cross-sectional view of a tube with a check valve assembly taken along a centerline of the tube is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Various embodiments are discussed in detail below. Although certain embodiments are discussed, this is merely for illustration. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0043] The check valve assembly of the present disclosure can include two flappers that are pivotally coupled by a pin. The check valve assembly of the present disclosure can include a plate assembly to reduce flapper chatter. Flapper chatter can be the oscillation or chatter of the flappers in a check valve. The plate assembly can thus extend the life of the check valve by reducing flapper wear caused by flapper chatter. The check valve assembly of the present disclosure can reduce vortex shedding and pressure fluctuations in the flow that exist at the flappers of a check valve. The check valve assembly of the present disclosure can include one or more perforated plates that are fixed to the inside of a tube. The perforated plates can reduce vortex shedding and pressure fluctuations in the flow. Various retention systems for fixing the perforated plates within a tube are described herein.

[0044] Figure 1A pipe 10 with a check valve 12 is shown. The pipe 10 can be a supply pipe or other pipe in a gas turbine engine. The check valve 12 can include a flapper 14 and a pin 16. The flapper 14 can include two half-circular portions 18: a first half-circular portion 18a and a second half-circular portion 18b. The half-circular portions 18 can also be referred to as flaps, such that the first half-circular portion 18a is a first flap and the second half-circular portion 18b is a second flap. The flapper 14 can be coupled or directly connected to the pin 16 and can pivot about the pin 16. Although described as a pin, the pin 16 can be any hinging device that allows the half-circular portions 18 to pivot or rotate. The check valve 12 can be movable or positionable between a closed position (not shown) that blocks flow through a passage 20 of the pipe 10 and an open position shown that allows flow through the passage 20. Figure 1

[0045] Flow through the pipe 10 can cause the flapper 14 (e.g., each of the first and second half-circular portions 18a, 18b) to flutter. For example, the two half-circular portions 18 can oscillate back and forth due to the fluid flow past the two half-circular portions 18. The flutter on the flapper 14 can cause wear of the flapper. The wear of the flapper 14 can cause failure of the check valve 12 and / or failure of the pin 16. The flutter can exist in two main forms. First, in steady state operation of the engine, the flapper flutter can exist as a vortex shedding. That is, at the distal end of the curved side of the two half-circular portions 18, a vortex can form that causes the flapper 14 to flutter. The second form can exist as a transient manifold pressure imbalance and / or rebalancing during transient engine conditions.

[0046] The check valve assembly described herein can include a plate assembly that can reduce flutter by reducing vortex shedding. The perforated plate of the plate assembly can disrupt the vortex that forms at the end of the flapper, thereby reducing pressure fluctuations across the flapper (e.g., the two half-circular portions 18). The perforated plate can allow for a reduction in pressure fluctuations in the two half-circular portions downstream of the check valve due to the plate assembly of the present disclosure. In some examples, the reduction in pressure fluctuations can be up to 57%. In some examples, the pressure reduction can be greater than 40%, greater than 50%, or greater than 60%.

[0047] Figure 2A A schematic view of a pipe 100 of the present disclosure is shown. The pipe 100 can include a check valve assembly 102. The check valve assembly 102 can include a check valve 112, a stopper 140, and a plate assembly 150. The check valve 112 can be the same as or similar to the check valve 12. For example, the check valve 112 can include a flapper 214 and a pin 216. The stopper 140 can be a cylindrical or rod-shaped component. The stopper 140 can limit movement of the flapper 214 and can operate to prevent the flapper 214 from opening beyond a predetermined position. That is, when the flapper 214 is in a maximum open position (e.g., the two half-circular portions 18a, 18b are fully open), the stopper 140 can prevent the flapper 214 from opening further. Figure 2A ​The inner surface of each semicircular portion of the baffle 214 can contact the check 140 to prevent further movement thereof when the check 140 is in the position shown.

[0048] With continued reference to Figure 2A , the plate assembly 150 can include a first plate 152 and a second plate 154. The plate assembly 150 can be disposed downstream of the check valve 112. That is, the fluid flow A can first pass through the pipe 100 past the check valve before the plate assembly 150. Although longitudinal overlap between the distal ends 214a of the semicircular portions of the baffle 214 and the first and second plates 152, 154 is shown, there can be no longitudinal overlap. That is, in some examples, the first and second plate upper surfaces 152a, 154a can be spaced apart a distance from the distal ends 214a of the semicircular portions of the baffle 214. The first and second plates 152, 154 can be fixed to the inner surface of the pipe 100 at their distal ends. The first and second plates 152, 154 can be placed to have longitudinal axes parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the check 140. The plate assembly 150 can be fixed to the wall of the pipe 100. Exemplary methods and systems for fixing the plate assembly 150 to the pipe 100 are described herein.

[0049] Figure 2B An exemplary plate 251 is shown. The plate 251 can be provided in the plate assembly 150 as the first plate 152, the second plate 154, or both the first and second plates 152, 154. The plate 251 can include openings 253. The openings 253 can extend vertically and horizontally through the plate 251 in an array. The openings 253 can define the plate 251 as a perforated plate. Thus, the first and / or second plates 152, 154 can be defined as perforated plates. The openings 253 can be aligned in a direction parallel to the flow A along the plate 251 Figure 2B ). This can also be described as having a central longitudinal axis of the openings 253 perpendicular to the flow A Figure 2B . Referring back to Figure 2A , the orientation of the openings 253 parallel to the flow A is shown.

[0050] The plate 251 (e.g., perforated plate) can destroy vortices when formed in the flow traveling through the plate 251. The plate 251 can reduce transient imbalances in pressure present in the flow. Thus, the plate 251 can allow for a reduction in or prevent shedding of vortices through the baffle 214. The plate 251 can reduce instability and fluctuations in the fluid flow through the pipe 100. This can provide wear resistance to the baffle 214 and extend the life of the baffle 214, and thus the check valve 112. Shedding of vortices through the baffle 214 can be prevented by using a flat perforated plate (e.g., plate 251). The plate 251 can be a thin plate with holes (e.g., openings 253). The plate 251 can be welded to the inner surface of the pipe 100 at the distal end of the plate 251.

[0051] Figures 3A to 16B Exemplary plate assemblies and retention systems for coupling plate assemblies to tubes are shown. Any portion of a plate assembly and / or retention system described herein, or all of a plate assembly and / or retention system described herein, can be used with any portion or all of a plate assembly, retention system, and / or tube described herein. Figure 2B Perforated plates described in the Background section, such as plate 251, can be employed in any plate assembly described herein.

[0052] Figure 3A and 3B A schematic view of check valve assembly 302 is shown. Check valve assembly 302 can be the same as or similar to any check valve assembly described herein. That is, check valve assembly 302 can include check valve 312, limit stop 340, and plate assembly 350, any of which can be the same as or similar to similar components described herein. Plate assembly 350 can include first plate 352 and second plate 354. In Figure 3A In some embodiments, first plate 352 and second plate 354 can be parallel. In Figure 3B In some embodiments, first plate 352 and second plate 354 can not be parallel. Figure 3B First plate 352 and second plate 354 of plate assembly 350 can converge. That is, a downstream end of first plate 352 and a downstream end of second plate 354 can be angled toward each other. Other arrangements of plate assembly 350 can be considered, such as those embodiments shown in Figures 7B to 7E

[0053] Figure 4 An exemplary view of tube 400 with check valve assembly 402 secured therein is shown. Check valve assembly 402 can be the same as or similar to any check valve assembly described herein. Plate assembly 450, to which check valve assembly 402 can be secured, can be such that the plates extend perpendicular to fluid flow A through interior 401 of tube 400. Interior 401 can also be referred to as a bore or passage. Plate assembly 450 can be welded to an inner surface of tube 400. For example, each plate of plate assembly 450 can be welded to an inner surface of tube 400 at each distal end of the plate. Each plate of plate assembly 450 can have a first surface 450a. First surface 450a can be the surface on which a plurality of perforations or openings 453 are located. First surface 450a can be oriented such that first surface 450a, and thus openings 453, are aligned in the direction of flow. A side surface 450b of each plate of plate assembly 450 can be oriented perpendicular to fluid flow A.

[0054] Figures 5A to 5C ​A tube 500 is shown with a check valve assembly 502 secured therein. The check valve assembly 502 can be the same as or similar to any of the check valve assemblies described herein. That is, the check valve assembly 502 can include a check valve 512, a stopper 540, and a plate assembly 550, any of which can be the same as or similar to similar components described herein. The plate assembly 550 can include a perforated plate (e.g., Figure 2B the plate 251 of Figure 6 552) connected to a housing 556 Figure 6 and inserted into a downstream end of the tube 500, e.g., an end of the tube downstream of the check valve 512.

[0055] The plate assembly 550 is shown in more detail in Figure 6 . The plate assembly 550 can include a first plate 552, a second plate 554, and a housing 556. The first plate 552 and the second plate 554 can be secured within the housing 556. The first plate 552 and the second plate 554 can be arranged in parallel. Alternatively, the first plate 552 and the second plate 554 can be arranged in other configurations, such as those shown in Figures 7B to 7E . The first plate 552 can include a plurality of perforations, also referred to as a plurality of openings 553. The second plate 554 can include a plurality of openings 553. The plurality of openings 553 can be aligned in the direction of fluid flow A.

[0056] With continued reference to Figure 6 , the housing 556 can be cylindrical or tubular in shape. The housing 556 can be a split housing or a split ring. For example, the housing 556 can include an opening 557 in a wall of the housing 556. The opening 557 can allow for a split housing arrangement to create a pre-strain for the plate assembly 550. The pre-strain can allow for the housing 556 to be secured within the tube 500 by a press fit. The housing 556 can include a first cutout 558 and a second cutout 560. The first cutout 558 and the second cutout 560 Figure 6 ) can be arranged to accommodate opposite ends of the stopper 540. The first cutout 558 and / or the second cutout 560 can be anti-rotation features that lock the stopper 540 to ensure a parallel orientation between the stopper 540 and the first plate 552 and the second plate 554.

[0057] With reference again to Figure 5C , the housing 556 can be inserted into an opening 562 of the tube 500 downstream of the check valve 512. The first cutout 558 and the second cutout 560 can be aligned with the opposite distal ends of the stopper 540. In an installed position (e.g., Figure 5A ), the distal ends of the stopper 540 can rest or sit within the first cutout 558 and the second cutout 560.

[0058] Figure 7AA plate assembly 550 is shown having parallel plates, e.g., a first plate 552 is parallel to a second plate 554. Other arrangements of plates are contemplated, such as Figures 7B to 7E depicted, which depicts a schematic view of a plate arrangement, as shown from an end view of the plates. In Figure 7B the first plate 552 and the second plate 554 can be curved to direct flow through the tube. The first plate 552 and the second plate 554 can each be curved toward and away from a central longitudinal axis of the plate assembly 550 to form a flow directing plate. Figure 7C A first plate 552 and a second plate 554 are shown converging and diverging from one another to form a converging / diverging plate assembly as shown in Figure 7C . Figure 7D A first plate 552 and a second plate 554 are shown arranged at an angle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the plate assembly 550. The first plate 552 and the second plate 554 can be arranged as an angled baffle. In Figure 7E the first plate 552 and the second plate 554 can together form a funnel baffle. Although described as an alternative to the first plate 552 and the second plate 554 of Figure 7A , the alternative shown in Figures 7B to 7E may be applied to other plate assemblies described herein. The alternatives shown in Figures 7B to 7E may be combined.

[0059] Figures 8A to 8C A plate assembly 650 is shown. The plate assembly 650 and its subcomponents can be similar to the plate assembly 550 shown in Figure 5C . In the plate assembly 650, the shell can form a tubular or cylindrical shape to form a cylindrical shell 656. The cylindrical shell 656 can include an opening 657 in the cylindrical shell 656 between a first plate 652 and a second plate 654. In Figure 6 the opening 557 is a narrow slit and the wall of the shell 556 extends past the radially innermost surface of each of the first plate 552 and the second plate 554. In Figures 8A to 8C the opening 657 is larger than the opening 557. The opening 657 is formed by the first plate 652 and the second plate 654 such that each of the first plate 652 and the second plate 654 forms a wall of the cylindrical shell 656. A cutout 658 can be present in the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical shell 656. The cutout 658 can be configured to receive one end of a check valve assembly’s stopper, similar to that shown in Figure 5A .

[0060] Figure 9A and 9BA plate assembly 750 coupled to a tube 700 with a retention system 769 is shown. The plate assembly 750 can be the same as or similar to any of the plate assemblies described herein. The retention system 769 can include a first retention device 770 on the plate assembly 750 and a second retention device 780 on the tube 700. The first retention device 770 can be configured to secure the plate assembly 750 to the tube 700. The first retention device 770 can include one or more notches 772 in an outer surface of the shell 756 of the plate assembly 750. The first retention device 770 can engage or interact with a corresponding second retention device 780 on the tube 700. The second retention device 780 can include one or more protrusions 782 on an inner surface of the tube 700. When assembled, the notches 772 can receive the protrusions 782 such that the shell 756 of the plate assembly 750 is secured to the tube 700. Although two notches 772 and two protrusions 782 are shown, more or fewer can be provided. The number of notches 772 can be equal to the number of protrusions 782.

[0061] In Figure 10A and 10B examples, the notches 772 and the protrusions 782 of the retention system 769 can have reversed positions. In this way, the first retention device 770 of the plate assembly 750 includes protrusions 782 on an outer surface of the plate assembly 750, and the second retention device 780 on the tube 700 includes notches 772 on an inner surface of the tube 700. When assembled, the notches 772 can receive the protrusions 782 such that the shell 756 of the plate assembly 750 is secured to the tube 700.

[0062] Figure 11A and 11B An exemplary retention system 869 for coupling a plate assembly 850 to a tube 800 is shown. Figure 11B An enlarged portion 810 of the retention system 869 is shown. The plate assembly 850 can be the same as or similar to any of the plate assemblies described herein. The retention system 869 can include a first surface 871 on the tube 700 and a second surface 873 on the shell 856 of the plate assembly 850. The first surface 871 can be an upper surface of a shoulder on the tube 800. The second surface 873 can be a lower surface on the shell 856 of the plate assembly 850. When assembled, the second surface 873 can rest or contact the first surface 871. In this way, the shell 856 of the plate assembly 850 can be maintained or secured within the tube 800 due to the interaction between the first surface 871 and the second surface 873.

[0063] Figures 12A to 12CAn exemplary retention system 969 for coupling a plate assembly 950 to a tube 900 is shown. The plate assembly 950 can be the same as or similar to any of the plate assemblies described herein. The retention system 969 can include a ring 971 on the shell 956 of the plate assembly 950. The retention system 969 can include a stopper 940. The stopper 940 can be received or fit within an opening 973 of the ring 971. When assembled, the opening 973 can receive the stopper 940 such that the plate assembly 950 can be maintained or secured within the tube 900 due to the interaction between the ring 971 and the stopper 940. Thus, the shell 956 of the plate assembly 950 can be maintained or secured within the tube 900 due to the interaction between the ring 971 and the stopper 940.

[0064] Figure 13A and 13B An exemplary retention system 1069 for coupling a plate assembly 1050 to a tube 1000 is shown. Figure 13B An enlarged portion 1010 of the retention system 1069 is shown. The plate assembly 1050 can be the same as or similar to any of the plate assemblies described herein. The retention system 1069 can include a groove or slot 1073 in the tube 1000. The retention system 1069 can include a retaining ring 1071. The retention system 1069 can include a surface 1059 on the shell 1056 of the plate assembly 1050. When assembled, the retaining ring 1071 can be received within the slot 1073. The surface 1059 can be a lower surface of the shell 1056. The surface 1059 can rest on an upper surface of the retaining ring 1071. Thus, the shell 1056 of the plate assembly 1050 can be maintained or secured within the tube 1000 due to the interaction between the retaining ring 1071 and the surface 1059.

[0065] Figure 14A and 14B An exemplary retention system 1169 for coupling a plate assembly 1150 to a tube 1100 is shown. Figure 14B An enlarged portion 1110 of the retention system 1169 is shown. The plate assembly 1150 can be the same as or similar to any of the plate assemblies described herein. The retention system 1169 can include a groove or slot 1173 in the tube 1100. The retention system 1169 can include an O-ring 1171. The retention system 1169 can include a surface 1159 on the shell 1156 of the plate assembly 1150. When assembled, the O-ring can be received within the slot 1173. The surface 1159 can be a lower surface of the shell 1156. The surface 1159 can rest on an upper surface of the O-ring 1171. Thus, the shell 1156 of the plate assembly 1150 can be maintained or secured within the tube 1100 due to the interaction between the O-ring and the surface 1159.

[0066] Figure 15A and 15BAn exemplary retention system 1269 for coupling a plate assembly 1250 to a tube 1200 is shown. Figure 15B An enlarged portion 1210 of the retention system 1269 is shown. The plate assembly 1250 can be the same as or similar to any of the plate assemblies described herein. The retention system 1269 can include a tapered surface 1271 on the tube 1200. The retention system 1269 can include a cylindrical surface 1273 on the shell 1256 of the plate assembly 1250. The tapered surface 1271 can be formed by a portion of the tube 1200 that gradually increases in thickness. The cylindrical surface 1273 can be a constant diameter and can be non-tapered. The tapered surface 1271 can engage the cylindrical surface 1273 such that an interference fit is established between the shell 1256 of the plate assembly 1250 and the tube 1200. Thus, the shell 1256 of the plate assembly 1250 can be maintained or secured within the tube 1200 due to the interaction between the tapered surface 1271 and the cylindrical surface 1273.

[0067] Figure 16A and 16B An exemplary retention device for a check valve assembly 1302 in a tube 1300 is shown. The check valve assembly 1302 can include a check valve 1312 and a stopper 1340. The retention device can include a flange 1304 having a through hole 1306 on the tube 1300. The retention device can include a flange 1308 having a hole 1310. When assembled, the flange 1304 can be aligned with the flange 1308 such that the through hole 1306 is aligned with the hole 1310. In this manner, the flange 1304 can be secured to the flange 1308.

[0068] Although the embodiments herein describe plate assemblies having two plates, more or fewer plates can be provided. The orientation, angle, and / or orientation of each plate can be selected based on the desired flow through the tube. The perforations or openings provided in the plates can take the form of other surface features, such as grooves, protrusions, notches, dimples, etc. The plates herein are described as perforated plates. However, the plates can include a wire mesh or can not include perforations. The shells described herein can be secured within the tube without welding.

[0069] The plates of the present disclosure can be arranged in a manner that is parallel to the stoppers and the baffles. For example, the long axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis) of the plates can be aligned parallel to the check valve hinge pin and the longitudinal axis of the stoppers and baffles. The plates are described herein as rectangular, but can be hexagonal, oval, or other shapes. The shells and plates can be formed from a single sheet of metal.

[0070] The check valve assemblies of the present disclosure can be employed in gas turbine engines, other engines, or other systems that cause liquid to flow through a pipe. For example, the check valve assemblies of the present disclosure can be present in a compressor supply pipe, a fourth stage and / or seventh stage compressor supply pipe, and / or a cooling air supply pipe. The check valve assemblies of the present disclosure can reduce component scrap rates (e.g., reduce the need to replace or scrap components due to part wear life limitations). The check valve assemblies of the present disclosure can include a plate assembly that can be retrofitted or attached to a pipe after the check valve and / or pipe are manufactured. That is, the design and manufacture of the check valve need not be altered to accommodate the plate assembly of the present disclosure.

[0071] The check valve assemblies of the present disclosure can present an aerodynamic solution that reduces vortex shedding, can be a simple design that does not require alteration of existing check valve arrangements, and / or can be easily installed and / or secured in the field.

[0072] For purposes of the present disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” “couple” can include direct connection between components and / or indirect connection between components (e.g., connection between two components through one or more intermediary components). A coupling can include a fluidic coupling. For example, in some embodiments of the plate assemblies of the present disclosure, the coupling of the plate assembly to a supply pipe can be a direct coupling such that the plate assembly is directly connected to the supply pipe without intervening parts. In another example of the plate assemblies of the present disclosure, the coupling of the plate assembly to a supply pipe can be an indirect coupling such that the plate assembly is indirectly connected to the supply pipe through one or more intervening parts.

[0073] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0074] A check valve assembly for a supply pipe, the check valve assembly can include a hinge pin, a first flap and a second flap, the first flap pivotally coupled to the second flap by the hinge pin, a stopper between the first flap and the second flap, the stopper configured to limit movement of the first flap and the second flap, and a plate assembly downstream of the stopper, the plate assembly configured to disrupt a vortex formed in a fluid flow through the first flap and the second flap.

[0075] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the plate assembly includes a cylindrical shell, a first perforated plate, and a second perforated plate, wherein the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate each include a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stopper.

[0076] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the first perforated plate includes a first plurality of openings and the second perforated plate includes a second plurality of openings, and the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings are aligned parallel to a direction of the fluid flow.

[0077] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the first perforated plate is arranged parallel to the second perforated plate.

[0078] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate are converging, diverging, angular baffles, deflector baffles, funnel baffles, or a combination thereof.

[0079] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate are each secured to an inner surface of the cylindrical shell.

[0080] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cylindrical shell includes an anti-rotation feature configured to prevent rotation of the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate within the supply pipe.

[0081] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cylindrical shell is a split shell.

[0082] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cylindrical shell includes a retention system configured to maintain the cylindrical shell within the supply pipe.

[0083] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the retention system includes at least one notch on the cylindrical shell configured to receive at least one protrusion on the supply pipe.

[0084] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the retention system includes at least one protrusion on the cylindrical shell configured to receive at least one notch on the supply pipe.

[0085] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the retention system includes a shoulder on the supply pipe having an upper surface configured to receive a lower surface of the cylindrical shell.

[0086] The check valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the retention system includes a ring on the cylindrical shell including an opening configured to receive the check valve.

[0087] The check valve assembly according to any preceding clause, the retention system comprising a groove on the supply pipe and a retention ring or O-ring configured to receive a lower surface of the cylindrical shell on an upper surface of the retention ring or O-ring.

[0088] The check valve assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises a tapered surface on the supply pipe configured to provide an interference fit with an outer surface of the cylindrical shell.

[0089] The check valve assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises a flange.

[0090] The check valve assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the first and second perforated plates each comprise a flat sheet having a plurality of openings.

[0091] The check valve assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein a distal end of each of the first and second baffles overlaps an upper end of each of the first and second perforated plates.

[0092] The check valve assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein a distal end of each of the first and second baffles is spaced a distance from an upper end of each of the first and second perforated plates.

[0093] A tube for a gas turbine engine, the tube can comprise: a check valve having two baffles coupled by a pin hinge; and a perforated plate downstream of the check valve, the perforated plate aligned parallel to a direction of fluid flow through the tube, and the perforated plate configured to disrupt vortices formed in the fluid flow through the tube.

[0094] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the perforated plate comprises a plurality of perforated plates.

[0095] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of perforated plates are welded to an inner surface of the tube.

[0096] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the perforated plate comprises a first perforated plate and a second perforated plate, and the first perforated plate is arranged parallel to the second perforated plate.

[0097] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the perforated plate comprises two perforated plates that are converging, diverging, angular baffle, deflector, funnel baffle, or a combination thereof.

[0098] The tube according to any preceding clause, further comprising a shell, wherein the perforated plate is secured to an inner surface of the shell and the shell is positioned within the tube at a location downstream of the check valve.

[0099] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the shell comprises an anti-rotation feature configured to prevent rotation of the perforated plate within the tube.

[0100] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the shell is a split shell.

[0101] The tube according to any preceding clause, further comprising a retention system configured to maintain the shell within the tube.

[0102] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises at least one notch on the shell configured to receive at least one protrusion on the tube.

[0103] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises at least one protrusion on the shell configured to receive at least one notch on the tube.

[0104] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises a shoulder on the tube having an upper surface configured to receive a lower surface of the shell.

[0105] The tube according to any preceding clause, further comprising a stopper configured to limit movement of the two flappers, the stopper being located between the two flappers, wherein the retention system comprises a ring on the shell, the ring comprising an opening configured to receive the stopper.

[0106] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises a groove on the tube and a retaining ring or O-ring configured to receive a lower surface of the shell on an upper surface of the retaining ring or the O-ring.

[0107] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises a tapered surface on the tube configured to provide an interference fit with an outer surface of the shell.

[0108] The tube according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention system comprises a flange.

[0109] The tube according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a stopper configured to limit movement of the two baffles, the stopper being located between the two baffles, wherein the longitudinal axis of the perforated plate is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the baffles.

[0110] The tube according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the perforated plate comprises a flat sheet having a plurality of openings.

[0111] The tube according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the distal end of each of the two baffles overlaps the upper end of the perforated plate.

[0112] The tube according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the distal end of each of the two baffles is spaced apart from the upper end of the perforated plate by a distance.

[0113] While the foregoing description has been directed to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications will be apparent from this disclosure, and can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, features described in conjunction with one embodiment can be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A check valve assembly for a supply pipe, characterized in that, The check valve assembly includes: Hinge pin; A first baffle and a second baffle, wherein the first baffle is pivotally connected to the second baffle via the hinge pin; A limiter, located between the first baffle and the second baffle, configured to restrict movement of the first baffle and the second baffle; and A plate assembly, located downstream of the limiter and configured to disrupt vortices formed in a fluid flow passing through the first and second baffles, the plate assembly including a perforated plate having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the limiter.

2. The check valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The perforated plate is a first perforated plate, and the plate assembly further includes a cylindrical shell and a second perforated plate, the second perforated plate having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the limiter.

3. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The first perforated plate includes a first plurality of openings, and the second perforated plate includes a second plurality of openings, wherein the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings are aligned parallel to the direction of the fluid flow.

4. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The first perforated plate is arranged parallel to the second perforated plate.

5. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The first perforated plate and the second perforated plate are converging, diverging, angle baffles, guide plates, funnel baffles or combinations thereof.

6. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The first perforated plate and the second perforated plate are each fixed to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell.

7. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The cylindrical shell includes an anti-rotation feature configured to prevent the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate from rotating within the supply tube.

8. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The cylindrical shell is a split shell.

9. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The cylindrical shell includes a holding system configured to hold the cylindrical shell within the supply tube.

10. The check valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The retaining system includes at least one notch on the cylindrical shell, the at least one notch being configured to receive at least one protrusion on the supply tube.

11. The check valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The retaining system includes at least one protrusion on the cylindrical shell, the at least one protrusion being configured to receive at least one notch on the supply tube.

12. The check valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The holding system includes a shoulder on the supply tube, the shoulder having an upper surface configured to receive the lower surface of the cylindrical shell.

13. The check valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The retaining system includes a ring on the cylindrical shell, the ring including an opening configured to receive the limiter.

14. The check valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The retaining system includes a groove on the supply tube and a retaining ring or O-ring, the retaining ring or O-ring being configured to receive the lower surface of the cylindrical shell on the upper surface of the retaining ring or O-ring.

15. The check valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The retaining system includes a tapered surface on the supply pipe, the tapered surface being configured to provide an interference fit with the outer surface of the cylindrical shell.

16. The check valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The retaining system includes a flange.

17. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The first perforated plate and the second perforated plate each comprise a flat thin plate having a plurality of openings.

18. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The distal end of each of the first baffle and the second baffle overlaps with the upper end of each of the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate.

19. The check valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The distal end of each of the first baffle and the second baffle is spaced apart from the upper end of each of the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate by a certain distance.

20. A pipe for a gas turbine engine, characterized in that, The tube includes: A check valve having two baffles connected by a pin hinge; A limiter, the limiter being located between the two baffles; and A perforated plate, located downstream of the limiter, is aligned parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the pipe and configured to disrupt vortices formed in the fluid flow through the pipe. The perforated plate has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the limiter.

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