Method for checking TGB lubricating oil nozzle of GE90 engine

Abstract

According to the GE90 engine TGB lubricating oil nozzle inspection method, endoscope equipment is adopted for inspection, and the method comprises the following steps that S1, preparation work before inspection is conducted; s2, finding a fan casing area of the engine; s3, a deflation pipeline grid of the rear frame of the fan casing area is detached; s4, enabling an endoscope probe of endoscope equipment to penetrate through the deflation pipeline to be close to the lower area of the TGB assembly; s5, finding out the lower area of the TGB assembly through an endoscope probe, and finding out a TGB lubricating oil nozzle; and S6, carrying out damage inspection on the TGB lubricating oil nozzle base. Compared with the prior art, the method has the advantages that the lubricating oil nozzle of the GE90 series engine can be quickly checked under the condition that the engine is not dismounted, and the economic cost caused by dismounting of the engine and long-time parking of an airplane can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of civil aircraft engines, and in particular to a method for inspecting a TGB lubricating oil nozzle of a GE90 engine. Background Art

[0002] The GE90 engine is a high-bypass ratio commercial super-thrust turbofan engine developed by GEAE, a subsidiary of General Electric (GE). In ground bench tests, the maximum thrust reached 56.9 tons, making it the world's largest thrust aircraft engine. The engine was officially launched in the commercial operation market in November 1995 and is mainly used in Boeing 777 series wide-body aircraft.

[0003] When the engine is working, the rotating parts move relative to each other at high speed. The friction accelerates the wear of the parts surface and generates a lot of heat, which in turn causes damage to the parts. The main functions of the lubricating oil system are lubrication, cooling and cleaning. The oil film friction replaces the metal friction. The circulating lubricating oil transfers the heat generated by the parts to the cooling medium and washes away the metal debris that may be generated. Therefore, the lubricating oil system is the top priority in the operation of the engine. The lubricating oil nozzle is one of the main components in the lubricating oil system. Its function is to spray the lubricating oil evenly on the friction surface of the relevant parts. The lubricating oil nozzle generally consists of two parts: the nozzle head and the nozzle rod. The nozzle head is usually made of brass or stainless steel. The shape and size vary according to the specific use. The nozzle rod is usually made of aluminum alloy or copper, and there is usually an oil channel inside to transport the lubricating oil from the oil pump to the nozzle head.

[0004] In historical flights, there have been cases of low oil pressure and low oil volume in the air. After the aircraft made an emergency landing, a detailed inspection revealed that the engine TGB (transfer gearbox) oil nozzle fixing seat was broken and the nozzle fell off. In addition, during the actual operation of the aircraft, there is a risk of cracks in the TGB oil nozzle fixing base. In view of the above situation, it is urgent to inspect the TGB oil nozzle for safety hazards. However, since the easily damaged oil nozzle is in the fan rear bulkhead, it is not visually accessible, and the TGB disassembly and assembly procedure is very complicated, it may cause unnecessary maintenance risks. In the prior art, there is a lack of a simple and quick inspection method for the TGB oil nozzle. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method in order to overcome the defects of the above-mentioned prior art.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present invention discloses a method for inspecting a TGB oil nozzle of a GE90 engine, which is inspected by using an endoscope device and comprises the following steps:

[0008] S1. Preparation work before inspection;

[0009] S2. Find the fan casing area of ​​the engine;

[0010] S3, removing the exhaust duct grille of the rear frame of the fan casing area;

[0011] S4, passing the endoscope probe of the endoscope device through the deflation pipe to approach the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly;

[0012] S5. Use the endoscope probe to find the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly and the TGB oil nozzle;

[0013] S6. Check the TGB oil nozzle base for damage.

[0014] Furthermore, the S1 specifically includes the following steps:

[0015] S11. Open the GE90 engine fan cowling;

[0016] S12, turn on the GE90 engine reverse thrust;

[0017] S13, connecting the power supply of the endoscope device;

[0018] S14. Install a direct-view near-focus observation lens on the endoscope probe of the endoscope device.

[0019] Further, the step S4 includes: after the endoscope probe is inserted into the deflation pipe and passes through the pipe outlet, the endoscope probe is turned left to find the bracket and the pipeline structure, and after the endoscope probe is passed through the gap between the bracket and the pipeline structure, it approaches the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly;

[0020] If the stent and pipeline structure are not found, return the endoscope probe to the outlet position of the deflation pipeline, turn it to the left, and search for the stent and pipeline structure again.

[0021] Furthermore, if the endoscopic probe contacts the TGB component when approaching the lower area of ​​the TGB component, the endoscopic probe is retracted and adjusted so that an observation gap is formed between the endoscopic probe and the TGB component when the endoscopic probe is rotated upward.

[0022] Furthermore, if the endoscope device cannot adjust the endoscope probe during the process of approaching the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly in S4, the endoscope probe is withdrawn from the engine, the endoscope probe is straightened and pulled up at both ends to shake, and re-inspection is performed.

[0023] Furthermore, the S4 step includes inserting the customized TGB oil nozzle base inspection catheter through the bleed pipe so that the catheter is close to the wall panel of the left rear area of ​​the bleed pipe, and after passing through the bleed pipe, twisting the catheter counterclockwise so that the catheter continues to approach the lower right area of ​​the TGB assembly toward the right side of the engine, and passing the endoscopic probe through the catheter to approach the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly.

[0024] Furthermore, the damage inspection in S6 includes inspecting the base of the TGB oil nozzle for cracks or oil leakage marks.

[0025] Furthermore, when inspecting the cracks on the TGB oil nozzle base, if it is impossible to distinguish between carbon deposits or cracks on the TGB oil nozzle base, adjust the endoscope probe to the side of the TGB oil nozzle base to observe whether there are cracks on the side of the base. If there are, it is a crack; if not, it is carbon deposits.

[0026] Furthermore, when inspecting the cracks on the TGB oil nozzle base, if it is impossible to distinguish between carbon deposits or cracks on the TGB oil nozzle base, an endoscope lens with a 3D measurement function is used to distinguish between cracks or carbon deposits by measuring the depth.

[0027] Furthermore, the method uses an endoscopic device including a flexible shaft with a diameter of 6MM and a length of more than 1.5M and having a 3D measurement capability.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] (1) The present invention can realize the inspection of TGB lubricating oil nozzles, ensure the safe operation of the aircraft, avoid the situation where the engine stops in the air, and improve the safety of the aircraft.

[0030] (2) The present invention uses an endoscope to complete the inspection without disassembling the TGB, which usually takes two days. The present invention can greatly save maintenance costs and improve production efficiency.

[0031] (3) The present invention uses an endoscopic device for inspection without causing damage to the engine, and can protect aircraft engine-related equipment.

[0032] (4) The inspection method provided by the present invention has a concise process, smooth steps, and the equipment used is easy to obtain. The present invention is easy to operate and does not require complex training. Inspectors with corresponding basic skills can quickly get started and can be quickly promoted and applied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the method flow chart of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the TGB lubricating oil nozzle base of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the air venting duct grille of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the path of the endoscope probe of the present invention entering the lower area of ​​the TGB;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the path nodes of the endoscope probe of the present invention entering the lower area of ​​the TGB;

[0038] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the path of the endoscope probe of the present invention entering the side area of ​​the TGB.

[0039] Figure markings: 1. GE90 engine, 2. TGB assembly, 3. TGB oil nozzle base at 9 o'clock, 4. TGB oil nozzle base at 6 o'clock, 5. Bolts, 6. Nuts, 7. TGB oil nozzle plugging cover, 8. Gasket, 9. Air bleed duct grille at 5 o'clock, 10. Air bleed duct grille at 7 o'clock, 11. Engine bulkhead, 12. Air bleed duct at 7 o'clock, 13. Schematic diagram of air bleed duct at 5 o'clock, 14. Endoscope probe passing through the catheter, 15. Engine body connection bracket structure, 16. Oil pipeline, 17. Inspection bypass channel, 18. Engine internal body bulkhead. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provides a detailed implementation method and specific operation process, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0041] In the engines sent for repair, it was found that some of the engine TGB (transfer gearbox) oil nozzle fixing bases had cracks. However, the manufacturer did not provide a method for detection and maintenance, and the existing technology did not mention how to conduct the inspection.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the area that needs to be inspected is located in the lower area of ​​the leading edge of the TGB casing. There are two TGB oil nozzle bases that need to be inspected. Position 1 is at the 6 o'clock position on the rounded leading edge of the TGB casing, and the oil nozzle at Position 2 is located to the upper right of the nozzle at Position 1 (looking at the engine from the back to the front), at the 9 o'clock position on the rounded leading edge of the TGB casing.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] This embodiment provides a GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method, which uses an endoscope device with 3D measurement capability. The device has a flexible shaft with a diameter of 6MM and a length of more than 1.5M. The method is used to detect the oil nozzle at position 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0045] Step 1: Prepare for the test, including:

[0046] 1. Open the right fan cowling of the GE90 engine;

[0047] 2. Turn on the right thrust reverser of the GE90 engine;

[0048] 3. Connect the power supply of the endoscope equipment;

[0049] 4. Install a direct-view close-focus observation lens on the endoscope probe.

[0050] Step 2: Locate and approach the right side of the engine near the fan case area;

[0051] Step 3: If Figure 4 As shown, find and remove the bleed duct (AirVariable Bleed Valve Duct) grille at the 5 o'clock position on the rear frame of the engine fan case;

[0052] Step 4: Use a flexible shaft endoscope with a diameter of 6MM and a length of more than 1.5M to pass the endoscope probe through the deflation pipe;

[0053] Step 5: After the endoscope probe enters the inner area of ​​the fan casing, turn the probe to the left (looking at the engine from the back to the front), and you will see the following: Figure 5 The bracket and pipeline structure shown in the figure. If the bracket and pipeline structure are not found, the probe needs to be returned to the outlet position of the deflation pipeline, and then the endoscope probe is turned to the left to observe again;

[0054] Step 6: After passing the endoscope probe through the gap between the bracket and the pipeline structure, approach the lower area of ​​the TGB component;

[0055] Step 7: Turn the endoscope probe upwards and find the TGB oil nozzle after a slight adjustment. If the probe directly contacts the TGB component after turning it upwards, retract the endoscope probe appropriately and adjust the endoscope probe so that an observation gap is formed between the endoscope probe and the TGB component when the endoscope probe is turned upwards.

[0056] If the direction of the probe cannot be adjusted during the process of threading the endoscope, especially when approaching the lower part of the TBG assembly, the endoscope probe can be pulled out of the engine, straightened, and then pulled up and slightly shaken at both ends to improve the guiding performance of the endoscope probe;

[0057] Step 8: Check the TGB oil nozzle base for damage and check whether there are cracks or oil leakage on the TGB oil nozzle base. For crack inspection of the TGB oil nozzle base, it is sometimes impossible to distinguish between carbon deposits and cracks on the TGB oil nozzle base. In this embodiment, an endoscope lens with a 3D measurement function is used to inspect the TGB oil nozzle base to distinguish between cracks and carbon deposits. If a raised black line is found, it is carbon deposits; if it is deep, it is a crack.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] This embodiment provides a GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method, which uses an endoscope device with 3D measurement capability. The device has a flexible shaft with a diameter of 6MM and a length of more than 1.5M. The method is used to detect the oil nozzle at position 2, such as Figure 1 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0060] Step 1: Prepare for the test, including:

[0061] 1. Open the left fan cowling of the GE90 engine;

[0062] 2. Turn on the left side thrust reverser of the GE90 engine;

[0063] 3. Connect the power supply of the endoscope equipment;

[0064] 4. Install a direct-view close-focus observation lens on the endoscope probe.

[0065] Step 2: Locate and approach the right side of the engine near the fan case area;

[0066] Step 3: If Figure 4 As shown, find and remove the bleed duct (AirVariable Bleed Valve Duct) grille at the 7 o'clock position on the rear frame of the engine fan case;

[0067] Step 4: Figure 6 As shown, insert the customized TGB oil nozzle base inspection guide tube from the bleed pipe at the 7 o'clock position, and make the guide tube close to the wall plate of the left rear area of ​​the bleed pipe. After passing through the bleed pipe, twist the guide tube counterclockwise to make it continue to move forward to the right side of the engine and approach the lower right area of ​​the TGB assembly (looking at the engine from the back to the front);

[0068] Step 5: Use a flexible shaft endoscope with a diameter of 6MM and a length of more than 1.5M to pass the endoscope probe through the catheter;

[0069] Step 6: After the endoscope probe passes through the catheter, it reaches the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly and continues upward to approach the TGB oil nozzle base on the right side;

[0070] Step 7: Check the TGB oil nozzle base for damage and check whether there are cracks or oil leakage on the TGB oil nozzle base. In the face of being unable to distinguish between carbon deposits and cracks on the TGB oil nozzle base, this embodiment adjusts the probe to the side of the TGB oil nozzle base to observe whether there are cracks on the side of the base to distinguish.

[0071] This inspection method uses an endoscopic device to complete the inspection without disassembling the TGB, which usually takes two days. This method greatly saves maintenance costs and improves production efficiency.

[0072] The preferred specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above. It should be understood that a person skilled in the art can make many modifications and changes based on the concept of the present invention without creative work. Therefore, any technical solution that can be obtained by a person skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning or limited experiments based on the concept of the present invention on the basis of the prior art should be within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method, characterized in that: The examination is performed using an endoscopic device and includes the following steps: S1. Preparation work before inspection; S2. Find the fan casing area of ​​the engine; S3, removing the exhaust duct grille of the rear frame of the fan casing area; S4, passing the endoscope probe of the endoscope device through the deflation pipe to approach the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly; S5. Use the endoscope probe to find the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly and the TGB oil nozzle; S6. Check the TGB oil nozzle base for damage.

2. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The S1 specifically includes the following steps: S11. Open the GE90 engine fan cowling; S12, turn on the GE90 engine reverse thrust; S13, connecting the power supply of the endoscope device; S14. Install a direct-view near-focus observation lens on the endoscope probe of the endoscope device.

3. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The step S4 includes: after the endoscope probe is inserted into the deflation pipe and passes through the pipe outlet, the endoscope probe is rotated to the left to find the bracket and the pipeline structure, and after the endoscope probe is passed through the gap between the bracket and the pipeline structure, it approaches the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly; If the stent and pipeline structure are not found, return the endoscope probe to the outlet position of the deflation pipeline, turn it to the left, and search for the stent and pipeline structure again.

4. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 3, characterized in that: If the endoscopic probe contacts the TGB component when approaching the lower area of ​​the TGB component, the endoscopic probe is retracted and adjusted so that an observation gap is formed between the endoscopic probe and the TGB component when the endoscopic probe is rotated upward.

5. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: If the endoscope device cannot adjust the endoscope probe when approaching the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly, the endoscope probe is withdrawn from the engine, the endoscope probe is straightened and pulled up at both ends to shake, and re-inspection is performed.

6. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The S4 step includes inserting the customized TGB oil nozzle base inspection catheter through the bleed pipe so that the catheter is close to the wall panel of the left rear area of ​​the bleed pipe. After passing through the bleed pipe, twisting the catheter counterclockwise so that the catheter continues to approach the lower right area of ​​the TGB assembly to the right side of the engine, and passing the endoscopic probe through the catheter to approach the lower area of ​​the TGB assembly.

7. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The damage inspection described in S6 includes inspection of cracks or oil leakage marks on the TGB oil nozzle base.

8. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When inspecting the TGB oil nozzle base for cracks, if it is impossible to distinguish between carbon deposits or cracks on the TGB oil nozzle base, adjust the endoscope probe to the side of the TGB oil nozzle base and observe whether there are cracks on the side of the base. If there are, it is a crack; if not, it is carbon deposits.

9. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When inspecting cracks on the base of the TGB lubricating oil nozzle, if it is impossible to distinguish between carbon deposits or cracks on the base of the TGB lubricating oil nozzle, an endoscope lens with a 3D measurement function is used to distinguish between cracks or carbon deposits by measuring the depth.

10. A GE90 engine TGB oil nozzle inspection method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The method uses an endoscopic device including a soft shaft with a diameter of 6MM and a length of more than 1.5M and having a 3D measurement capability.

Images