Fluid pipeline, gas turbine engine, aircraft and fluid leakage detection method

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid pipeline, a gas turbine engine, an aircraft and a fluid leakage detection method. The fluid pipeline comprises an inner-layer pipe and an outer-layer pipe, inner-layer connecting flanges are arranged at the two axial ends of the inner-layer pipe, and the inner-layer connecting flanges extend outwards in the radial direction from the pipe wall of the inner-layer pipe in the radial direction; the outer-layer pipe is located on the radial outer side of the inner-layer pipe, a first outer-layer connecting flange is arranged at one axial end of the outer-layer pipe, and a second outer-layer connecting flange is arranged at the other axial end of the outer-layer pipe; the inner-layer pipe and the inner-layer connecting flange located on the axial connecting section jointly define a fluid channel of the fluid pipeline. The inner wall of the outer-layer pipe, the outer wall of the inner-layer pipe, the first outer-layer connecting flange, the second outer-layer connecting flange and the inner-layer connecting flanges at the two axial ends jointly define a closed cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid pipeline, a gas turbine engine, an aircraft and a fluid leakage detection method. Background Art

[0002] In the aviation field, piping systems and pipe joints are important components of aircraft, mainly transporting fuel, lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, air and other fluids for aircraft and engines (such as gas turbine engines) to ensure the functional requirements of the aircraft and escort the safe flight of the aircraft. Aviation pipelines are arranged in various positions of aircraft and engines. The pipelines are intricate and huge in number. Some pipeline systems operate in poor conditions. Long-term operation may cause mechanical damage, cracks or even rupture of the pipelines. There is a high risk of leakage of fluids inside the pipelines, especially flammable liquids such as fuel, lubricating oil, and hydraulic oil. Once leaked, it may further cause fires in the aircraft or engine, leading to more serious safety accidents.

[0003] Therefore, the art needs a fluid pipeline, a gas turbine engine, an aircraft and a fluid leakage detection method to improve the reliability of fluid pipeline transportation, especially the reliability of the transportation of combustible fluids such as fuel, lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, etc., to improve the safety of gas turbine engines and aircraft. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid pipeline.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gas turbine engine.

[0006] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an aircraft.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid leakage detection method.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fluid pipeline comprises: an inner tube, inner connecting flanges are arranged at both axial ends of the inner tube, and the inner connecting flanges extend radially outward from the tube wall of the inner tube in the radial direction; an outer tube, located radially outside the inner tube, a first outer connecting flange is arranged at one axial end of the outer tube, and a second outer connecting flange is arranged at the other axial end; wherein the inner tube and the inner connecting flange located at the axial connecting section jointly define a fluid channel of the fluid pipeline; the inner wall of the outer tube, the outer wall of the inner tube, and the first outer connecting flange, the second outer connecting flange, and the inner connecting flanges at both axial ends jointly define a closed chamber.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the fluid pipeline, the first outer connecting flange and the second outer connecting flange are respectively a female connector and a male connector, which can be connected to the second outer connecting flange and the first outer connecting flange of the adjacent fluid pipeline in a male-female matching manner.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the fluid pipeline, it also includes a clamp, which is respectively installed on the first outer connecting flange and the second outer connecting flange. When the axially adjacent fluid pipelines are connected, the matching position of the adjacent first outer connecting flange and the second outer connecting flange is located in the accommodating space of the clamp.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the fluid pipeline, the outer wall of the outer tube is provided with a sensing alarm device, which can sense the fluid pressure and / or fluid composition in the closed chamber and send out an alarm signal.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the fluid pipeline, when the axially adjacent fluid pipelines are connected, seals are axially arranged between the adjacent inner layer connecting flanges, and the first outer layer connecting flange and the second outer layer connecting flange, and the seals are clamped on both sides of the axial direction by the inner layer connecting flanges, and the first outer layer connecting flange and the second outer layer connecting flange.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the fluid pipeline, the inner layer connecting flange is connected to the inner layer pipe via a weld structure.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the fluid pipeline, the outer layer pipe is connected to the first outer layer connecting flange and the second outer layer connecting flange through a weld structure.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the fluid pipeline, the fluid transported in the fluid channel includes fuel, lubricating oil, and hydraulic oil.

[0016] A gas turbine engine according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises the fluid pipeline as described in the first aspect.

[0017] An aircraft according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises the fluid pipeline as described in the first aspect.

[0018] A fluid leakage detection method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0019] An inner tube is provided, and inner connecting flanges are provided at both axial ends of the inner tube, and the inner connecting flanges extend radially outward from the tube wall of the inner tube in the radial direction, and the inner tube and the inner connecting flanges located at the axial connecting section jointly define a fluid channel for fluid transportation;

[0020] An outer tube is arranged radially outside the inner tube, a first outer connecting flange is arranged at one axial end of the outer tube, and a second outer connecting flange is arranged at the other axial end; so that the inner wall of the outer tube, the outer wall of the inner tube, the first outer connecting flange, the second outer connecting flange, and the inner connecting flanges at both axial ends jointly define a closed chamber;

[0021] The pressure and / or composition in the closed chamber is monitored in real time, and when the pressure and / or composition in the closed chamber changes, the detection result of fluid leakage is output.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention include but are not limited to one or a combination of the following:

[0023] 1. The double-layer pipeline composed of the inner tube and the outer tube has a leakage protection function. The fluid pipeline composed of the inner and outer double-layer tubes forms a fluid channel and a closed chamber. Once the fluid medium in the fluid channel leaks, it will directly leak into the closed chamber defined by the fluid pipeline, and will not leak to the outside of the pipeline to cause pollution or even fire.

[0024] 2. The closed chamber provided has a leak detection function. The inner and outer double-layer pipelines allow the inner flow channel medium to directly leak into the closed chamber defined by the fluid pipeline once a leak occurs. A corresponding detection device is set on the outer layer of the pipeline. For example, a leak detection light can flash due to the induction of pressure changes, informing the area of ​​the leak and quickly locating the leak location.

[0025] 3. The double-layer pipeline structure design improves the reliability and safety of the pipeline system, especially the aviation pipeline system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a fluid pipeline in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a fluid pipeline in an embodiment from an external perspective.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a connection structure between a fluid pipeline and an adjacent fluid pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figures 4 to 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of each step of the assembly process of the fluid pipeline of an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of multiple fluid pipelines according to an embodiment.

[0032] Reference numerals:

[0033] 100-Fluid pipeline

[0034] 101-Fluid Channel

[0035] 102-Closed Chamber

[0036] 1-Inner connection flange

[0037] 2-Inner tube

[0038] 3-First outer connection flange

[0039] 4- Second outer connection flange

[0040] 5-Outer tube

[0041] 6-Seals

[0042] 7-Clamp

[0043] 8-Induction alarm device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and drawings. More details are elaborated in the following description to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can obviously be implemented in a variety of other ways different from the description herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations and deductions based on actual application situations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific embodiment.

[0045] At the same time, the present application uses specific words to describe the embodiments of the present application, such as "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" to refer to a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present application can be appropriately combined.

[0046] The fluid pipeline 100 introduced in the following embodiment is applied to a gas turbine engine, specifically a turbofan engine as an example, and the applied aircraft is an airplane as an example. The fluid transported in the fluid pipeline 100 is fuel, lubricating oil, and hydraulic oil as an example, but is not limited to these. For example, it can also be a marine gas turbine, a ground gas turbine, etc.

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in some embodiments, Figure 1It is a cross-sectional view of a double-layer pipeline with leakage protection and detection functions. The fluid pipeline 100 includes: an inner layer tube 2, with inner layer connection flanges 1 provided at both axial ends of the inner layer tube 2, and the inner layer connection flanges 1 radially extending outward from the tube wall of the inner layer tube 2; an outer layer tube 5, located radially outside the inner layer tube 2, with a first outer layer connection flange 3 provided at one axial end of the outer layer tube 5, and a second outer layer connection flange 4 provided at the other axial end; wherein the inner layer tube 2 and the inner layer connection flange 1 located at the axial connecting section jointly define a fluid channel 101 of the fluid pipeline 100; the inner wall of the outer layer tube 5, the outer wall of the inner layer tube 2, and the first outer layer connection flange 3, the second outer layer connection flange 4, and the inner layer connection flanges 1 at both axial ends jointly define a closed chamber 102.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, in the structure of the closed chamber 102, one axial end thereof is blocked by the radial dimensions of the inner layer connecting flange 1 and one of the first outer layer connecting flange 3 / the second outer layer connecting flange 4, and the other axial end is blocked by the radial dimensions of the inner layer connecting flange 1 and the other of the first outer layer connecting flange 3 / the second outer layer connecting flange 4, while the axial direction is limited and closed by the axial dimensions of the inner layer connecting flange 1, the first outer layer connecting flange 3, the second outer layer connecting flange 4, the inner layer tube 2, and the outer layer tube 5. Therefore, due to the structure of the closed chamber 102, when the pipeline is normal, the closed chamber 102 is a cavity, and when leakage of the medium occurs in the inner layer tube 2 itself or between the inner layer connecting flange 1 and the inner layer tube 2, the leakage flow direction of the medium can only flow to the closed chamber 102 and it is difficult to flow to other directions. Since the closed chamber 102 is a cavity, changes in pressure and / or composition can be sensitively sensed, so that leakage can be discovered in time.

[0049] The beneficial effects of the scheme introduced in the above embodiment include, but are not limited to, the double-layer pipeline composed of the inner tube and the outer tube has a leakage protection function. The fluid pipeline composed of the inner and outer double-layer tubes forms a fluid channel and a closed chamber. Once the fluid medium in the fluid channel leaks, it will directly leak into the closed chamber defined by the fluid pipeline, and will not leak to the outside of the pipeline to cause pollution or even fire. In addition, the double-layer pipeline structure design improves the reliability and safety of the pipeline system, especially the aviation pipeline system.

[0050] Continue to refer Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the first outer connecting flange 3 and the second outer connecting flange 4 are respectively a female connector and a male connector, which can be connected to the second outer connecting flange 4 and the first outer connecting flange 3 of the adjacent fluid pipeline 100 in a male-female matching manner. Figure 3As shown in , the first outer connecting flange 3 provides a convex body, and the second outer connecting flange 4 provides a groove corresponding to the convex body. Such beneficial effects include simple structure, easy assembly and reliable sealing effect.

[0051] Preferably, continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, when axially adjacent fluid pipelines 100 are connected, a seal 6 is axially arranged between adjacent inner layer connection flanges 1, and the first outer layer connection flanges 3, and the second outer layer connection flanges 4, and the seal is clamped on both sides of the axial inner layer connection flanges 1, and the first outer layer connection flanges 3, and the second outer layer connection flanges 4. The specific structure of the seal 6 can be a metal sealing ring, but it is not limited to this, for example, it can also be a seal of other materials and structures.

[0052] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the structure for connecting axially adjacent fluid pipelines may further include a clamp 7, which is respectively installed on the first outer connecting flange 3 and the second outer connecting flange 4. When the axially adjacent fluid pipelines 100 are connected, the matching position of the adjacent first outer connecting flange 3 and the second outer connecting flange 4 is located in the accommodation space of the clamp 7. The meaning of the clamp 7 is broad here, for example, it may include a clamp, a clamp, a throat clamp and the like. The beneficial effect of this is that it is easy to assemble and the sealing effect is reliable. Through simple operation, the clamp 7 can apply a clamping and sealing force to the adjacent pipelines.

[0053] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer wall of the outer tube 5 is provided with an induction alarm device 8, which can sense the fluid pressure and / or fluid composition in the closed chamber 102 and send out an alarm signal. For example, it can be a pressure-sensitive alarm light. The fluid channel 101 is used as a flow channel for aviation flammable liquids or gases. Once a leak occurs, the aviation medium will leak into the closed chamber 102. On the one hand, it can effectively prevent the medium from leaking to the outside of the pipeline to cause pollution or even fire. On the other hand, the pressure in the closed chamber increases due to the leakage of the medium, and the pressure-sensitive alarm light 8 will light up to warn that the aviation medium leaks here. When the pipeline hardware is replaced for maintenance, it can be found and repaired. The beneficial effect of this is that the closed chamber provided has a leak detection function. The inner and outer double-layer pipelines allow the inner flow channel medium to leak directly into the closed chamber defined by the fluid pipeline once a leak occurs. A corresponding detection device is set on the outer tube, such as a leak detection light, which can flash due to the induction of pressure changes, informing the area of ​​the leak and quickly locating the leak location.

[0054] refer to Figures 4 to 7 The double-layer pipe assembly process is shown in the figure. Figure 4The inner layer connecting flange 1 at one axial end is connected to the inner layer pipe 2 by welding, that is, the weld structure is connected, and the outer layer pipe 5 with the first outer layer connecting flange 3 and the second outer layer connecting flange 4 at the two axial ends is as shown in FIG. Figure 5 Install as shown, the inner layer connecting flange 1 at the other end of the axial direction and the inner layer pipe 2 are as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the first outer connecting flange 3 and the second outer connecting flange 4 are welded. Figure 7 As shown, the axial ends of the outer tube 5 are respectively welded and connected through a weld structure to form a fluid pipeline 100 with a final double-layer pipeline structure.

[0055] Figure 8 1 is an assembly diagram of multiple fluid pipelines 100. Multiple fluid pipelines 100 can be assembled as follows: Figure 8 The assembly is performed in the form shown to realize double-layer pipe transportation of aviation media through multiple pipelines over long distances.

[0056] As described above, the present application further provides a method for detecting fluid leakage, which is characterized by comprising:

[0057] An inner tube 2 is provided, and inner connecting flanges 1 are provided at both axial ends of the inner tube 2. The inner connecting flanges 1 extend radially outward from the tube wall of the inner tube 2 in the radial direction. The inner tube 2 and the inner connecting flanges 1 located at the axial connecting section jointly define a fluid channel 101 for fluid transportation.

[0058] An outer tube 5 is arranged radially outside the inner tube 2, and a first outer connecting flange 3 is arranged at one axial end of the outer tube 5, and a second outer connecting flange 4 is arranged at the other axial end; so that the inner wall of the outer tube 5, the outer wall of the inner tube 2, the first outer connecting flange 3, the second outer connecting flange 4, and the inner connecting flanges 1 at both axial ends jointly define a closed chamber 102;

[0059] The pressure and / or composition in the closed chamber 102 is monitored in real time, and when the pressure and / or composition in the closed chamber 102 changes, the detection result of fluid leakage is output.

[0060] In summary, the beneficial effects of the fluid pipeline, gas turbine engine, aircraft, and fluid leakage detection method described in the above embodiments include but are not limited to:

[0061] 1. The double-layer pipeline composed of the inner tube and the outer tube has a leakage protection function. The fluid pipeline composed of the inner and outer double-layer tubes forms a fluid channel and a closed chamber. Once the fluid medium in the fluid channel leaks, it will directly leak into the closed chamber defined by the fluid pipeline, and will not leak to the outside of the pipeline to cause pollution or even fire.

[0062] 2. The closed chamber provided has a leak detection function. The inner and outer double-layer pipelines allow the inner flow channel medium to directly leak into the closed chamber defined by the fluid pipeline once a leak occurs. A corresponding detection device is set on the outer layer of the pipeline. For example, a leak detection light can flash due to the induction of pressure changes, informing the area of ​​the leak and quickly locating the leak location.

[0063] 3. The double-layer pipeline structure design improves the reliability and safety of the pipeline system, especially the aviation pipeline system.

[0064] Although the present invention is disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fluid pipeline (100), characterized in that: include: An inner layer tube (2), wherein inner layer connecting flanges (1) are arranged at both axial ends of the inner layer tube (2), and the inner layer connecting flanges (1) extend radially outward from the tube wall of the inner layer tube (2); An outer layer tube (5) is located radially outside the inner layer tube (2), and a first outer layer connecting flange (3) is provided at one axial end of the outer layer tube (5), and a second outer layer connecting flange (4) is provided at the other axial end; Wherein, the inner layer tube (2) and the inner layer connecting flange (1) located in the axial connecting section jointly define a fluid channel (101) of the fluid pipeline (100); The inner wall of the outer tube (5), the outer wall of the inner tube (2), the first outer connecting flange (3), the second outer connecting flange (4), and the inner connecting flanges (1) at both axial ends jointly define a closed chamber (102).

2. The fluid pipeline (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outer layer connection flange (3) and the second outer layer connection flange (4) are respectively a female connector and a male connector, and can be connected to the second outer layer connection flange (4) and the first outer layer connection flange (3) of the adjacent fluid pipeline (100) in a male-female matching manner.

3. The fluid pipeline (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a clamp (7) which is respectively installed on the first outer layer connecting flange (3) and the second outer layer connecting flange (4). When the axially adjacent fluid pipelines (100) are connected, the matching position of the adjacent first outer layer connecting flange (3) and the second outer layer connecting flange (4) is located in the accommodating space of the clamp (7).

4. The fluid pipeline (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the outer tube (5) is provided with a sensing alarm device (8) which can sense the fluid pressure and / or fluid composition in the closed chamber (102) and send out an alarm signal.

5. The fluid pipeline (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the axially adjacent fluid pipelines (100) are connected, a seal (6) is axially arranged between the adjacent inner layer connecting flanges (1), and the first outer layer connecting flanges (3) and the second outer layer connecting flanges (4), and the seal is clamped on both sides of the axial direction by the inner layer connecting flanges (1), and the first outer layer connecting flanges (3) and the second outer layer connecting flanges (4).

6. The fluid pipeline (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner layer connecting flange (1) and the inner layer pipe (2) are connected via a weld structure.

7. The fluid pipeline (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer layer tube (5) is connected to the first outer layer connecting flange (3) and the second outer layer connecting flange (4) via a weld structure.

8. The fluid pipeline (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid transported in the fluid channel (101) includes fuel oil, lubricating oil and hydraulic oil.

9. A gas turbine engine, characterized in that: The invention comprises the fluid pipeline (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An aircraft, characterized in that: The invention comprises the fluid pipeline (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A method for detecting fluid leakage, characterized in that: include: An inner layer tube (2) is provided, and inner layer connecting flanges (1) are provided at both axial ends of the inner layer tube (2), and the inner layer connecting flanges (1) extend radially outward from the tube wall of the inner layer tube (2) in the radial direction, and the inner layer tube (2) and the inner layer connecting flanges (1) located at the axial connecting section jointly define a fluid channel (101) for fluid transportation; An outer tube (5) is arranged radially outside the inner tube (2); a first outer connecting flange (3) is arranged at one axial end of the outer tube (5), and a second outer connecting flange (4) is arranged at the other axial end; so that the inner wall of the outer tube (5), the outer wall of the inner tube (2), the first outer connecting flange (3), the second outer connecting flange (4), and the inner connecting flanges (1) at both axial ends jointly define a closed chamber (102); The pressure and / or composition in the closed chamber (102) is monitored in real time, and when the pressure and / or composition in the closed chamber (102) changes, the detection result of fluid leakage is output.

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