Cyclone ring component

Abstract

A cyclone ferrule assembly includes a radial cyclone, a ferrule, a fuel nozzle, and surface features. The radial cyclone includes a primary cyclone vane having a primary air passage and a secondary cyclone vane having a secondary air passage. The ferrule may be connected to the radial cyclone. The surface features may be located on the primary cyclone vane and / or the ferrule. The surface features may be configured to direct airflow through the primary air passage away from a recirculation zone located upstream of the primary cyclone vane. The surface features have a rear end and a distal end, and the fuel nozzle is axially aligned with the rear end of the surface features or is located axially downstream of the rear end of the surface features. The surface features may have a plurality of grooves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a swirler for an engine. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a swirler ferrule assembly. Background Art

[0002] A burner of an engine may include a swirler and a ferrule for centering a fuel nozzle within the swirler. The swirler and the ferrule may introduce an air flow into the burner to mix with a fuel flow from the fuel nozzle. The swirler may be a radial swirler. The swirler may include primary swirler vanes and secondary swirler vanes. The primary swirler vanes may include primary air channels and the secondary swirler vanes may include secondary swirler channels. Air may flow through each of the primary swirler channels, the secondary swirler channels, and a purge air channel through the ferrule. The air flow may mix with the fuel flow through the fuel nozzle. The fuel-air mixture may be provided to the burner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, a swirler ferrule assembly includes a radial swirler that includes: (a) primary swirler vanes having primary air channels; and (b) secondary swirler vanes having secondary air channels; a fuel nozzle configured to deliver fuel to a burner; a ferrule connected to the radial swirler and configured to center the fuel nozzle within the radial swirler; and a surface feature having a rear end and a distal end, the surface feature being located on the primary swirler vanes and configured to direct an air flow away from a recirculation zone upstream of the primary swirler vanes through the primary air channels. The fuel nozzle is axially aligned with the rear end of the surface feature or is axially downstream of the rear end of the surface feature.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a swirler ferrule assembly includes a radial swirler that includes: (a) primary swirler vanes having primary air channels; and (b) secondary swirler vanes having secondary air channels; a fuel nozzle configured to deliver fuel to a burner; a ferrule connected to the radial swirler and configured to center the fuel nozzle within the radial swirler; and a surface feature including a plurality of grooves, the surface feature being located on the radial swirler or the ferrule and configured to direct a primary air flow away from a recirculation zone upstream of the primary swirler vanes through the primary air channels.

[0005] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Further, it should be understood that the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed present disclosure. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following more particular description of various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals generally represent like, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 FIG. shows a schematic perspective view of a cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cyclone ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 of the cyclone ferrule assembly.

[0013] Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 of the cyclone ferrule assembly.

[0014] Figure 8 FIG. shows a schematic view of the surface of a cyclone vane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 9 FIG. shows a schematic view of the surface of a cyclone vane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 10 FIG. shows a schematic view of the surface of a cyclone vane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 11 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cyclone ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the cyclone ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 12Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a swirler ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the swirler ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 13 Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a swirler ferrule assembly taken along the centerline of the swirler ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0020] Various embodiments are discussed in detail below. Although specific embodiments are discussed, this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] The swirler ferrule assembly of the present disclosure can reduce the interaction between the ferrule air flow and the primary swirler vane air flow by providing surface features in the swirler and / or ferrule. This can reduce flow instability within the swirler. Additionally, the surface features can limit or prevent the fuel-air mixture from flowing into the low-velocity region formed between the inner diameter of the forward face of the primary swirler and the ferrule plate, thereby reducing the risk of auto-ignition and flame holding. The surface features can include a curved surface on the primary swirler vane that can direct the air flow. The surface features can include a plurality of grooves on the primary swirler vane and / or ferrule that can direct the air flow. The fuel nozzle can be positioned at least in alignment with the trailing edge of the surface feature or can be positioned downstream of the trailing edge of the surface feature to eliminate the recirculation zone within the swirler.

[0022] Figure 1 The swirler 10 is shown. The fuel nozzle 12 can be centered within the swirler 10 using the ferrule 14. The swirler 10, fuel nozzle 12, and ferrule 14 can form a swirler ferrule assembly 11. The fuel nozzle 12 can supply a fuel flow to the swirler 10. The swirler 10 can supply an air flow to mix with the fuel flow to provide a fuel-air mixture flow to a passage 26 that is provided to a burner (not shown) located downstream of the rear side of the swirler 10. The swirler 10 can include a primary swirler vane 16 and a secondary swirler vane 18. The primary swirler vane 16 can include a primary air passage 20, and the secondary swirler vane 18 can include a secondary air passage 22. The ferrule 14 can include a plurality of passages 24. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the rearward direction can be understood as being downstream of the swirler 10 and the forward direction can be understood as being upstream of the swirler 10.

[0023] Airflow A P can flow through the primary air passage 20 of the primary swirler vane 16. Airflow A S can flow through the secondary air passage 22 of the secondary swirler vane 18. The swirler 10 can be a radial-radial swirler because airflow A Pand the air stream A S can enter the swirler 10 in the radial direction. When the air stream A P and the air stream A S enter the swirler 10 and flow into the channel 26, the curved lip 19 can separate the primary air channel 20 from the secondary air channel 22. The curved lip 19 can be a Venturi tube or a diverter. The air stream A F can flow through the plurality of channels 24 of the ferrule 14. The air stream A passing through the ferrule 14 F can be an axial purge air stream.

[0024] Due to the air stream A passing through the ferrule 14 F and the fuel flow through the fuel nozzle 12 interacting with the air stream A passing through the primary swirler vanes 16 P there may be instabilities 28 in the resulting flow. The instabilities 28 may create dead zones in the flow, e.g., zones with a very low flow rate compared to the flow rates through the swirler 10 and the ferrule 14. The instabilities 28 can create local vortex structures that may be inherently aerodynamically unstable. Due to the interaction of the ferrule flow and the primary vane flow and the geometric features, there may be a recirculation bubble generated behind (e.g., in front of) the air stream A P . The recirculation zone or bubble may draw fuel into the recirculation zone, which may cause fuel combustion in the recirculation zone, thereby reducing the life of the swirler components of the burner. The recirculation zone can be the area between the outlet of the primary swirler vanes 16 and the outlets of the plurality of channels 24 (e.g., the outlet of the purge air stream). Due to the interaction of the swirling air stream A P and the axial air stream A F this recirculation zone causes instabilities.

[0025] Figure 2Shows a swirler 110 and a ferrule 114. The ferrule can center the fuel nozzle 112 within the swirler 110. The swirler 110, the ferrule 114, and the fuel nozzle 112 can form a swirler-ferrule assembly 111. The swirler 110 can supply an air stream to mix with the fuel stream from the fuel nozzle 112 to provide a fuel-air mixture stream to a passage 126 that is provided to a burner (not shown) downstream of the rear side of the swirler 110. The swirler 110 can include primary swirler vanes 116 and secondary swirler vanes 118. The primary swirler vanes 116 can include primary air channels 120 and the secondary swirler vanes 118 can include secondary air channels 122. A lip 119 can separate the primary air channel 120 from the secondary air channel 122. The lip 119 can form a venturi surface over which air can flow. The ferrule 114 can be connected to or integral with the swirler 110. The ferrule 114 can include a plurality of channels 124. The plurality of channels 124 can be axial purge air channels. The plurality of channels 124 can be omitted. As Figure 1 shown, an air flow A P and A S can flow through the swirler 110, and the air flow A F can flow through the ferrule 114.

[0026] Continuing to refer Figure 2 to, the primary swirler vanes 116 can include a first inner surface 121 and a second inner surface 123. The primary air channel 120 can pass between the first inner surface 121 and the second inner surface 123. The first inner surface 121 of the primary swirler vanes 116 can be a ramp. The first inner surface 121 can curve radially inwardly and axially in a rearward direction from a first point 121a to a second point 121b. Each of the plurality of channels 124 extending through the ferrule 114 can intersect and exit at the first inner surface 121 between the first point 121a and the second point 121b. The first point 121a can be the rear end of a surface feature 125 and the second point 121b can be the distal end of the surface feature 125.

[0027] The first inner surface 121 of the primary swirler vanes 116 can be the surface feature 125. The second point 121b can be the axially last point of the surface feature 125 and the radially innermost point of the surface feature 125. That is, the second point 121b can be axially behind the first point 121a and the second point 121b can be radially inside the first point 121a. The air flow A through the primary swirler vanes 116 P can be guided by the surface feature 125 into the passage 126. The surface feature 125 guides the air flow A P over the venturi surface of the lip 119. This can eliminate the recirculation zone that exists behind the primary swirler vanes 116.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the swirler 210 and the ferrule 214. The ferrule 214 can center the fuel nozzle 212 within the swirler 210. The swirler 210, the ferrule 214, and the fuel nozzle 212 can form a swirler-ferrule assembly 211. The swirler 210 can supply an air flow to mix with the fuel flow from the fuel nozzle to provide a fuel-air mixture flow to a passage 226 that is provided to a burner (not shown) downstream of the rear side of the swirler 210. The swirler 210 can include primary swirler vanes 216 and secondary swirler vanes 218. The primary swirler vanes 216 can include primary air channels 220 and the secondary swirler vanes 218 can include secondary air channels 222. A first lip 219 can separate the primary air channels 220 from the secondary air channels 222. The first lip 219 can be a venturi or a diverter. The ferrule 214 can be connected to or integral with the swirler 210. The ferrule 214 can include a plurality of channels 224. As Figure 1 shown, an air flow A S can flow through the secondary swirler vanes 218 and the air flow A F can flow through the ferrule 214. The air flow A P1 and A P2 can flow through the primary swirler vanes 216.

[0029] Continuing to refer to Figure 3 , the primary swirler vanes 316 can include a first inner surface 221 and a second inner surface 223. The primary air channels 220 can pass between the first inner surface 221 and the second inner surface 223. The first inner surface 221 of the primary swirler vanes 216 can be a ramp. The first inner surface 221 can bend radially inward in the forward direction from a first point 221a (e.g., the rear end) to a second point 221b (e.g., a midpoint), and can bend axially inward in the forward direction from the first point 221a (e.g., the rear end) to the second point 221b (e.g., a midpoint). From the second point 221b to a third point 221c (e.g., the distal end), the first inner surface 221 can bend radially inward in the rearward direction and axially bend in the rearward direction. Each of the plurality of channels 224 extending through the ferrule 214 can intersect the first inner surface 221 between the first point 221a and the third point 221c and can exit the first inner surface 221 between the first point 221a and the third point 221c. Each of the plurality of channels 224 extending through the ferrule 214 can exit at or near the second point 221b.

[0030] The first inner surface 221 of the primary swirler vane 216 may be a surface feature 225. The surface feature 225 may gradually expand the primary air passage 220 toward the end of the fuel nozzle (not shown). The third point 221c may be axially forward of the first point 221a and axially rearward of the second point 221b. The third point 221c may be the radially innermost point of the surface feature 225. The air flow A through the primary swirler vane 216 P1 may be guided by the surface feature 225 (e.g., by the first inner surface 221) into the passage 226. The air flow A P2 may enter the passage 226 in a manner similar to or the same as the air flow A Figure 1 flowing through the primary swirler vane 16. The surface feature 225 may gradually expand to the end of the fuel nozzle, which may eliminate the recirculation zone behind the primary swirler vane 216. The surface feature 225 may generate a flow A that sweeps along or flows along the first inner surface 221 P to prevent the fuel flow from entering the recirculation zone behind the primary swirler vane 216 and burning in the recirculation zone behind the primary swirler vane 216. P2

[0031] Figure 4 The swirler 310 and the ferrule 314 are shown. The ferrule 314 may center the fuel nozzle 312 within the swirler 310. The swirler 310, the ferrule 314, and the fuel nozzle 312 may form a swirler ferrule assembly 311. The swirler 310 may supply an air flow to mix with the fuel flow from the fuel nozzle to provide a fuel-air mixture flow to the passage 326, which is provided to a burner (not shown) located downstream of the rear side of the swirler 310. The swirler 310 may include a primary swirler vane 316 and a secondary swirler vane 318. The primary swirler vane 316 may include a primary air passage 320, and the secondary swirler vane 318 may include a secondary air passage 322. The first lip 319 may separate the primary air passage 320 from the secondary air passage 322. The first lip 319 may be a venturi or a diverter. The ferrule 314 may be connected to or integral with the swirler 310. As Figure 4 shown, the air flow A P1 and the air flow A P2 may flow through the primary swirler vane 316, while the air flow A S may flow through the secondary swirler vane 318. Although not shown, similar to those described in the above discussion regarding Figures 1 to 3 there may be a plurality of passages (e.g., purge air passages) with air flow through them in the ferrule 314. Alternatively, the purge air passages may be omitted.

[0032] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, the primary cyclone vane 316 may include a first inner surface 321 and a second inner surface 323. The primary cyclone vane 316 may include a second lip 327 extending between the first inner surface 321 and the second inner surface 323. The second lip 327 may separate the air flow A P1 and the air flow A P2 . The primary air passage 320 may be separated by the second lip 327 into a first primary air passage 320a and a second primary air passage 320b. The first primary air passage 320a and the second primary air passage 320b may pass between the first inner surface 321 and the second inner surface 323. The first inner surface 321 of the primary cyclone vane 316 may be radially curved inward in the backward direction from a first point 321a to a second point 321b and may be axially curved in the backward direction from the first point 321a to the second point 321b. The second lip 327 may be radially curved inward in the backward direction and axially curved in the backward direction. The second lip 327 may be curved with the same radius as the first inner surface 321.

[0033] The first inner surface 321 of the primary cyclone vane 316 and the second lip 327 may together form a surface feature 325. Both the first inner surface 321 and the second lip 327 may guide the air flow through the primary cyclone vane 316. That is, the first inner surface 321 may guide the air flow A P1 from the cyclone inlet to the passage 326. The second lip 327 may guide the air flow A P1 on the front surface 327a and may guide the air flow A P toward the passage 326 on the rear surface 327b.

[0034] The second point 321b may be the axially last and the radially innermost point of the first inner surface 321. The terminal 327c of the second lip 327 may be the axially last point and the radially innermost point of the second lip 327. The second point 321b may be the radially innermost point of the surface feature 325. The terminal 327c may form the axially last point of the surface feature 325. That is, the second point 321b may be radially inside the first point 321a and the second lip 327. The terminal 327c may be axially behind the second point 321b. The surface feature 325 may guide the air flow A P2 , the second inner surface 323 may be the venturi surface of the first lip 319. The surface feature 325 may enable the air flow A P1 to control the fuel flow into the recirculation zone and / or return upstream toward the primary cyclone vane 316. The second lip 327 may operate as a diverter on the primary cyclone vane 316. The second lip 327 may help to separate the high-swirl primary air flow (e.g., A P2) Is isolated from a lower swirl air flow (e.g., A) that is intended to purge the fuel flow at the end of the fuel nozzle P1 ) Isolate.

[0035] Figures 2 to 4 Any swirler of can be combined with a three-dimensional flow path surface. The three-dimensional flow path surface can exist within the swirler and / or at the outlet of the swirler. The three-dimensional flow path surface can provide an aerodynamic flow path that can eliminate unstable recirculation zones. Figures 2 to 4 The swirler of provides a contoured surface to eliminate recirculation zones, eliminate purge air channels and holes, direct the primary swirler vane air flow to sweep the outlet surface of the purge air channel, eliminate recirculation zones where there are no purge air channels, or any combination thereof.

[0036] Figures 5 to 7 Shows a swirler 410 and a ferrule 414. The ferrule 414 can center the fuel nozzle 412 within the swirler 410. The swirler 410, the ferrule 414, and the fuel nozzle 412 can form a swirler ferrule assembly 411. The swirler 410 can supply an air flow to mix with the fuel flow from the fuel nozzle to provide a fuel-air mixture flow to a passage 426 that is provided to a burner (not shown) downstream of the rear side of the swirler 410. The swirler 410 can include primary swirler vanes 416 and secondary swirler vanes 418. The primary swirler vanes 416 can include primary air channels 420 and the secondary swirler vanes 418 can include secondary air channels 422. A first wall 415 and a first lip 419 can separate the primary air channel 420 from the secondary air channel 422. The first lip 419 can be a venturi or a diverter. A second lip 427 can extend radially inward from a second wall 417 of the primary swirler vane 416.

[0037] The ferrule 414 can be connected to or integral with the swirler 410. As Figure 1 Shown, an air flow A P Can flow through the primary swirler vanes 416, while an air flow A S Can flow through the secondary swirler vanes 418. Although not shown, there can be multiple channels (e.g., purge air channels) in the ferrule 414 through which air flows, similar to those described with respect to Figures 1 to 3 Or, the purge air channels can be omitted.

[0038] The primary swirler vane 416 may include a first wall 415 and a second wall 417, with a primary air passage 420 extending therebetween. The second wall 417 may include a front surface 417a. The front surface 417a may include surface features 413 thereon. Although shown on the front surface 417a, the surface features 413 may be present on the rear surface of the second wall 417, the front surface of the first wall 415, the rear surface of the first wall 415, the front surface of the third wall 421, the rear surface of the ferrule 414, or any combination thereof. The surface features 413 may include a plurality of grooves 423 between flat portions 425 of the front surface 417a.

[0039] The plurality of grooves 423 may be tangential grooves on the forward face (e.g., the front surface 417a) of the swirler 410. The plurality of grooves 423 may create a tangential flow across the front surface 417a. This may avoid low-velocity regions in the cavity formed between the ferrule plate and the front surface 417a of the swirler 410. The flow created by the plurality of grooves 423 may suppress the unsteady flow in the recirculation zone. The plurality of grooves 423 may be any one of the plurality of grooves 423 described Figures 8 to 10 therein.

[0040] The second lip 427 may be a wedge-shaped lip. The second lip 427 may relieve the flow interaction between the ferrule 414 and the primary swirler vane 416 at the outlet of the primary swirler vane 416. This may avoid the spontaneous combustion of the fuel-air mixture. For example, the second lip 427 may deflect the air flow from the ferrule to delay the interaction with the primary air flow A P thereof. The length of the second lip 427 may be a percentage of the distance between the inner diameter of the ferrule 414 and the inner diameter of the primary swirler vane 416.

[0041] The rear surface of the ferrule 414 (e.g., the surface of the ferrule plate) and / or the front surface 417a (e.g., the surface on which the surface features 413 are present) may include an anti-wear coating.

[0042] Figures 8 to 10 Various orientations of the plurality of grooves 423 and the flat portions 425 on the front surface 417a showing the surface features 413 are shown. As Figure 8 shown, the plurality of grooves 423 may be tangential grooves. That is, the plurality of grooves 423 may extend from the radially inner surface 417b to the radially outer surface 417c of the second wall 417 in a tangential direction. Consider other angles of the plurality of grooves 423. As Figure 9 shown, the plurality of grooves 423 may be radially extending grooves. That is, the plurality of grooves 423 may extend from the radially inner surface 417b to the radially outer surface 417c of the second wall 417 in a radial direction. As Figure 10As shown, the plurality of grooves 423 can be tangential grooves and can include an annular gap 430 between the radially inner surface 417b of the second wall 417 and the radially inner surface 417d where the plurality of grooves 423 begin. As Figure 8 shown, the plurality of grooves 423 can extend to the radially outer surface 417c.

[0043] Figures 8 to 10 The plurality of grooves 423 in [[reference]] can be semi-circular in shape, but other shapes are also conceivable. The number of the plurality of grooves 423 can be selected to maintain a desired or predetermined flow rate. As the number of the plurality of grooves 423 increases, the width of each of the plurality of grooves 423 can be decreased to maintain the flow rate, and vice versa. Thus, the number of the plurality of grooves 423 and the width of each of the plurality of grooves 423 are directly related to the flow rate through the surface feature 413.

[0044] Figure 11 A swirler 510 and a ferrule 514 are shown. For clarity, the fuel nozzle is omitted. However, the fuel nozzle can be the same as or similar to Figure 1 the fuel nozzle 12 shown. The swirler 510, the fuel nozzle, and the ferrule 514 can form a swirler-ferrule assembly 511. The swirler 510 can supply an air flow to mix with the fuel flow from the fuel nozzle to provide a fuel-air mixture flow to a passage 526, which is provided to a burner (not shown) located downstream of the rear side of the swirler 510. The swirler 510 can include a primary swirler vane 516 and a secondary swirler vane 518. The primary swirler vane 516 can include a primary air passage 520 and the secondary swirler vane 518 can include a secondary air passage 522. A first wall 515 and a first lip 519 can separate the primary air passage 520 from the secondary air passage 522. The first lip 519 can be a venturi or a diverter.

[0045] The ferrule 514 can be connected to or integral with the swirler 510. As Figure 1 shown, the air flow A P can flow through the primary swirler vane 516, while the air flow A S can flow through the secondary swirler vane 518. Although not shown, there can be a plurality of channels (e.g., purge air channels) in the ferrule 514 through which air flows, similar to those described above with respect to Figures 1 to 3 Or, the purge air channels can be omitted.

[0046] The primary swirler vane 516 may include a first wall 515 and a second wall 517, with a primary air passage 520 extending therebetween. The second wall 517 may include a front surface 517a. The front surface 517a may include surface features 513 thereon. Although shown on the front surface 517a, the surface features 513 may be present on the rear surface of the second wall 517, the front surface of the first wall 515, the rear surface of the first wall 515, the front surface of the third wall 521, the rear surface of the ferrule 514, or any combination thereof. The surface features 513 may include a plurality of grooves 523 between flat portions 525 of the front surface 517a. The surface features 513 may be arranged in any manner as Figures 8 to 10 described. The rear surface of the ferrule 514 (e.g., the surface of the ferrule plate) and / or the front surface 517a (e.g., the surface on which the surface features 513 are present) may include an anti-wear coating. A lip (e.g., the second lip 427) extending from the primary swirler vane 516 may be omitted.

[0047] Figure 12 A swirler 610 and a ferrule 614 are shown. The fuel nozzle 612 may be centered within the swirler 610 using the ferrule 614. The swirler 610, the fuel nozzle, and the ferrule 614 may form a swirler-ferrule assembly 611. The swirler 610 may supply an air flow to mix with the fuel flow from the fuel nozzle 612 to provide a fuel-air mixture flow to a passage 626 that is provided to a burner (not shown) downstream of the rear side of the swirler 610. The swirler 610 may include a primary swirler vane 616 and a secondary swirler vane 618. The primary swirler vane 616 and the secondary swirler vane 618 may include a first lip, an air passage, and an air flow as previously described herein. The rear surface 614a of the ferrule 614 may be provided with surface features 613. The surface features 613 may be any surface features as Figures 8 to 10 described. The rear surface 614a of the ferrule 614 (e.g., the rear surface of the ferrule plate and the surface on which the surface features 613 are located) and / or the front surface of the primary swirler vane 616. Although not shown, the ferrule 614 may include a plurality of passages for providing a purge air flow to the passage 626, such as those Figures 1 to 3 described.

[0048] Figure 13The cyclone 710 and the ferrule 714 are shown. The fuel nozzle 712 can be centered within the cyclone 710 by the ferrule 714. The cyclone 710, the fuel nozzle 712, and the ferrule 714 can form a cyclone-ferrule assembly 711. The cyclone 710 can supply an air stream to mix with the fuel stream from the fuel nozzle 712 to provide a fuel-air mixture stream to a passage 726, which is provided to a burner (not shown) downstream of the rear side of the cyclone 710. The cyclone 710 can include primary cyclone vanes 716 and secondary cyclone vanes 718. The primary cyclone vanes 716 and the secondary cyclone vanes 718 can include a first lip, an air passage, and an air flow as previously described herein.

[0049] The ferrule 714 can include a plurality of channels 724 for providing a purge air stream A to the passage 726 F . Each of the plurality of channels 724 can include an axial portion 724a and an inclined portion 724b. The axial portion 724a can extend through the ferrule 714 from the front side of the ferrule 714 to the rear side of the ferrule 714 in a generally axial direction. The inclined portion 724b can extend radially inward from the outlet of the axial portion 724a. The inclined portion 724b can be defined between an inclined surface 727a of a lip 727 and an outer surface 712a of the fuel nozzle 712. The inclined portion 724b can be oriented in a tangential manner. Thus, the air stream A through the ferrule 714 F can have an axial direction at the inlet and a tangential or radial (or other angled) direction at the outlet (e.g., through the inclined portion 724b). This can reduce the direct flow impact of the axial ferrule flow on the primary cyclone vane flow. That is, the lip 727 can deflect the air stream from the plurality of channels 724 of the ferrule 714 to delay the interaction with the primary air stream through the primary cyclone vanes 716.

[0050] Although not shown, surface features can be present on the front surface of the wall of the primary cyclone vanes, the rear surface of the wall of the primary cyclone vanes, the front surface of the wall of the secondary cyclone vanes, the rear surface of the wall of the secondary cyclone vanes, the rear surface of the ferrule, or any combination thereof. The surface features can be arranged in Figures 8 to 10 any manner described therein. Alternatively, the surface features can be omitted.

[0051] Figures 5 to 13 The cyclone-ferrule assembly of can include a tangential groove and a lip on the forward face of the cyclone to relieve the flow interaction between the ferrule and the primary cyclone vane flow at the outlet of the primary cyclone vane flow. Figures 5 to 13The swirler ferrule assembly may include tangential grooves on the forward face of the swirler and may also include a wedge lip feature on the inner diameter of the forward face of the swirler. This can avoid or prevent the formation of low-velocity regions in the cavity formed between the ferrule plate and the forward face of the swirler (such as the front surface 417a). This can reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion.

[0052] Figures 5 to 13 The swirler ferrule assembly may include a wedge lip feature on the inner diameter of the forward face of the swirler, which can avoid the low-velocity region between the rear face of the ferrule plate and the inner diameter of the forward face of the swirler, thereby avoiding the entrainment of the fuel-air mixture in the low-velocity region to avoid spontaneous combustion and flame holding.

[0053] Figures 5 to 13 The swirler ferrule assembly may be provided with one or more grooves. The grooves may be located on the rear face of the ferrule plate, may be independently located on the swirler without including the wedge lip, may be radial, may cut directly through the forward face of the swirler, may form a cavity at the outlet of the ferrule plate and the forward face of the swirler such that the flow exits through the annulus, or any combination thereof. The one or more grooves may be of any shape. The one or more grooves may have a radial flow direction at the inlet and may change to a tangential direction as the flow leaves and enters the venturi region. The one or more grooves may be located on the inner diameter of the ferrule plate such that the axial flow from the ferrule (e.g., the purge air flow) can be directed away from the primary swirler vane air flow.

[0054] Figures 5 to 13 The swirler ferrule assembly may include a combination of a wedge lip on the forward face of the swirler and an axial ferrule flow. This may deflect the flow from the axial ferrule to the center of the venturi. Figures 5 to 13 The swirler ferrule assembly may include protrusions on the rear surface of the ferrule plate and / or on the face of the forward face of the swirler. This can allow for positive flow between the forward face of the swirler and the rear face of the ferrule plate.

[0055] The swirler of the present disclosure may be a radial-radial (e.g., rad-rad) swirler. That is, the air flow may enter and leave the primary swirler vanes and the secondary swirler vanes in the radial direction. An axial air flow purge system (e.g., through axial channels in the ferrule) may be provided in combination with the radial-radial swirler.

[0056] In the swirler ferrule assembly of the present disclosure, the fuel nozzle may be downstream of the rear end of the surface feature. That is, the rearmost surface of the distal side of the fuel nozzle may be located at the same axial position as the rear end of the surface feature or at a downstream axial position (e.g., behind).

[0057] Any surface feature of the present disclosure and / or the surface on which the surface feature is present may include an anti-wear coating. The anti-wear coating may be provided on the ferrule plate (e.g., the rearward or forward face of the ferrule plate) and / or on the forward face of the swirler. The anti-wear coating may increase the life of the ferrule and / or increase the life of the ferrule, swirler, and / or ferrule-swirler assembly.

[0058] Compared to a swirler without the surface feature, the swirler ferrule assembly of the present disclosure may reduce the interaction between the ferrule air flow and the primary swirler vane air flow by providing surface features within the swirler and / or ferrule. This may reduce flow instability within the swirler venturi region. Additionally, the surface features may limit or prevent the fuel-air mixture from flowing into the low-velocity region formed between the inner diameter of the forward face of the primary swirler and the ferrule plate, thereby reducing the risk of auto-ignition and flame holding.

[0059] A further aspect of the present disclosure is provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0060] A swirler ferrule assembly, comprising: a radial swirler including: (a) primary swirler vanes having primary air channels; and (b) secondary swirler vanes having secondary air channels; a fuel nozzle configured to deliver fuel to a burner; a ferrule connected to the radial swirler, the ferrule configured to center the fuel nozzle within the radial swirler; and a surface feature having a rear end and a distal end, the surface feature located on the primary swirler vanes and configured to direct air flow through the primary air channels away from a recirculation zone upstream of the primary swirler vanes, wherein the fuel nozzle is axially aligned with the rear end of the surface feature or is axially downstream of the rear end of the surface feature.

[0061] The swirler ferrule assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising an anti-wear coating on the surface feature.

[0062] The swirler ferrule assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the surface feature is a ramp that is radially inwardly curved and axially curved in a rearward direction from the rear end to the distal end of the surface feature.

[0063] The swirler ferrule assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the ferrule includes a plurality of purge air channels, each of the plurality of purge air channels configured to intersect the surface feature between the rear end and the distal end.

[0064] According to any of the preceding items of the swirler ferrule assembly, further comprising a lip having a venturi surface, the lip extending between the primary air passage and the secondary air passage, wherein the surface features are configured to direct the air flow through the primary air passage towards the venturi surface.

[0065] According to any of the preceding items of the swirler ferrule assembly, wherein the surface feature is a ramp that curves radially inwards in the forward direction and axially in the forward direction from the rear end of the surface feature to a midpoint, and curves radially inwards in the rearward direction and axially in the rearward direction from the midpoint to the distal end.

[0066] According to any of the preceding items of the swirler ferrule assembly, the ferrule includes a plurality of purge air passages, each of the plurality of purge air passages being configured to intersect the surface feature between the rear end and the distal end.

[0067] According to any of the preceding items of the swirler ferrule assembly, wherein the surface feature is a first lip that extends within the primary swirler vane and curves radially inwards in the rearward direction and axially in the rearward direction from the rear end of the surface feature to the distal end of the surface feature, and wherein the primary swirler vane includes a ramp surface.

[0068] According to any of the preceding items of the swirler ferrule assembly, further comprising a second lip having a venturi surface, the second lip extending between the primary swirler vane and the secondary swirler vane, wherein the first lip divides the air flow through the primary swirler vane into a first air flow guided along the ramp surface of the primary swirler vane and a second air flow guided along the venturi surface.

[0069] A swirler ferrule assembly comprising: a radial swirler including: (a) a primary swirler vane having a primary air passage; and (b) a secondary swirler vane having a secondary air passage; a fuel nozzle configured to deliver fuel to a burner; a ferrule connected to the radial swirler, the ferrule configured to center the fuel nozzle within the radial swirler; and surface features including a plurality of grooves located on the radial swirler or the ferrule and configured to direct primary air flow away from a recirculation zone upstream of the primary swirler vane through the primary air passage.

[0070] According to any of the preceding items of the swirler ferrule assembly, characterized in that it further comprises a lip having a venturi surface, the lip extending between the primary swirler vane and the secondary swirler vane.

[0071] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, wherein the plurality of grooves are oriented in the radial direction.

[0072] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, wherein the ferrule has a rear surface and the surface features are located on the rear surface.

[0073] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, wherein the plurality of grooves are oriented in the tangential direction.

[0074] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, wherein the primary cyclone vane has a first wall and a second wall, the primary air passage extends between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the surface features are located on the front surface of the second wall, and the surface features further include an annular gap between a first radially inner surface of the second wall and a second radially inner surface where the plurality of grooves begin.

[0075] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, wherein the primary cyclone vane has a first wall and a second wall, the primary air passage extends between the first wall and the second wall, and the surface features are located on the front surface of the second wall.

[0076] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, further comprising a lip extending from the second wall, wherein the lip is configured to deflect the air flow from the ferrule away from the primary air flow.

[0077] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, the lip extends radially inward from the inner diameter of the second wall and terminates radially outside the inner diameter of the ferrule.

[0078] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, further comprising a plurality of purge air channels, wherein each of the plurality of purge air channels includes an axial portion defined in the ferrule and a tangential portion defined between the lip and the outer surface of the fuel nozzle.

[0079] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, further comprising a lip extending from the primary cyclone vane, wherein the lip is configured to deflect the air flow from the ferrule away from the primary air flow.

[0080] According to any of the cyclone ferrule assemblies described in the preceding items, it is characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of purge air channels, wherein each of the plurality of purge air channels comprises an axial portion defined in the ferrule and a tangential portion or a radial portion defined between the lip and the outer surface of the fuel nozzle.

[0081] Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments, it should be noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, features described in connection with one embodiment may be used in combination with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A cyclone ferrule assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A radial swirler, the radial swirler comprising: (a) A primary swirler vane having a front wall, a rear wall, and a primary air passage defined between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the front wall defines a surface feature; and (b) A secondary swirler vane having a secondary air passage; A fuel nozzle configured to deliver fuel to a burner; A ferrule connected to the radial swirler and configured to center the fuel nozzle within the radial swirler; and The surface feature having a rear end and a distal end and configured to direct air flow through the primary air passage away from a recirculation zone upstream of the primary swirler vane, wherein the fuel nozzle is axially aligned with the rear end of the surface feature.

2. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Wherein the surface feature is a ramp that radially inwardly curves and axially curves in a backward direction from the rear end to the distal end of the surface feature.

3. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The ferrule includes a plurality of purge air passages, each of the plurality of purge air passages configured to intersect the surface feature between the rear end and the distal end.

4. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The rear wall further includes a lip having a venturi surface that extends between the primary air passage and the secondary air passage, wherein the surface feature is configured to direct the air flow through the primary air passage toward the venturi surface.

5. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Wherein the surface feature is a ramp that radially inwardly curves and axially curves in a forward direction from the rear end to a midpoint of the surface feature, and radially inwardly curves and axially curves in a backward direction from the midpoint to the distal end.

6. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ferrule includes a plurality of purge air passages, each of the plurality of purge air passages configured to intersect the surface feature between the rear end and the distal end.

7. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Wherein the surface feature is a first lip that extends within the primary swirler vane and radially inwardly curves and axially curves in a backward direction from the rear end to the distal end of the surface feature, and wherein the primary swirler vane includes a ramp surface.

8. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 7, wherein, Further comprising a second lip having a venturi surface that extends between the primary swirler vane and the secondary swirler vane, wherein the first lip divides the air flow through the primary swirler vane into a first air flow directed along the ramp surface of the primary swirler vane and a second air flow directed along the venturi surface.

9. A hydrocyclone ferrule assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A radial swirler, the radial swirler comprising: (a) A primary swirler vane having a first wall, a second wall, and a primary air passage extending between the first wall and the second wall; and (b) A secondary swirler vane having a secondary air passage; A fuel nozzle configured to deliver fuel to a burner; A ferrule connected to the radial swirler and configured to center the fuel nozzle within the radial swirler; and Surface features, said surface features including a plurality of grooves, said surface features being located on the axially facing front surface of the second wall and configured to direct primary air flow through the primary air passage away from a recirculation zone upstream of the primary swirler vanes, wherein each of the plurality of grooves extends radially from the radially inner surface to the radially outer surface.

10. The cyclone ring assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, Further comprising a lip having a venturi surface, said lip extending between the primary swirler vanes and the secondary swirler vanes.

11. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 9, wherein, Wherein the plurality of grooves are semi-circular.

12. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 9, wherein, Further comprising a second surface feature on the axially facing rear surface of the ferrule, said surface feature being located on the axially facing rear surface.

13. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 9, wherein, Wherein the plurality of grooves are oriented in a tangential direction from the radially inner surface to the radially outer surface.

14. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 13, wherein, Wherein the surface feature further includes an annular gap between a first radially inner surface of the second wall and a second radially inner surface where the plurality of grooves begin.

15. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, Further comprising a lip extending from the second wall, wherein said lip is configured to deflect the air flow from the ferrule away from the primary air flow.

16. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The lip extends radially inwards from the second wall inner diameter and terminates radially outside the ferrule inner diameter.

17. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 15, wherein, Further comprising a plurality of purge air passages, wherein each of the plurality of purge air passages includes an axial portion defined in the ferrule and a tangential portion defined between the lip and the outer surface of the fuel nozzle.

18. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 9, wherein, Further comprising a lip extending from the primary swirler vanes, wherein said lip is configured to deflect the air flow from the ferrule away from the primary air flow.

19. The cyclone ferrule assembly according to claim 18, wherein, Further comprising a plurality of purge air passages, wherein each of the plurality of purge air passages includes an axial portion defined in the ferrule and a tangential portion or a radial portion defined between the lip and the outer surface of the fuel nozzle.

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