Sealing clamp assembly and method for purging and leak testing fuel lines of gas turbine fuel supply system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a seal clamp assembly and method for purging and leak testing a fuel line of a gas turbine fuel supply system. A clamp assembly (600) is provided for selectively blocking flow when purging and leak testing fuel lines (402, 404) of a fuel supply system (100) of a gas turbine (10). The clamp assembly (600) includes a clamp body (620) configured to surround a flange joint (400) of a fuel line (402, 404). The seal (601) is rotatably retained between portions of the clamp body (620) and includes a hollow ear (608, 610) in fluid communication with a central bore (605) of the seal (601). The seal (601) includes a tab or pin (616) with which the seal (601) is rotatable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In the unsealed position A, the hollow ear (608, 610) is aligned with the vent (628), and in the sealed position B, the hollow ear (608, 610) is blocked by the inner surface (607) of the clamp body (620). Embodiments include a locking assembly allowing the seal (601) to be locked in one and / or both of an unsealed position A and a sealed position B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to clamps and seals for gaseous fuel circuits. In particular, the present disclosure relates to clamps and seals for testing gaseous fuel circuits of a gas turbine fuel supply system. Background Art

[0002] Turbines are used for energy transfer purposes in a variety of industries and applications. For example, a gas turbine engine typically includes, in serial flow order, a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section. The compressor section gradually increases the pressure of the working fluid and supplies this compressed working fluid to the combustion section. The compressed working fluid and fuel (e.g., natural gas) are mixed within the combustion section and burned in a combustion chamber to generate high-pressure and high-temperature combustion gases. The combustion gases flow from the combustion section into the turbine section, where the combustion gases expand to do work. For example, the expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine section can cause a rotor shaft connected to, for example, a generator to rotate to generate electricity. The consumed combustion gases then leave the gas turbine as exhaust via the exhaust section.

[0003] A gas turbine fuel system delivers gaseous fuel to the combustion section for combustion to generate electricity. The fuel system typically includes a gas delivery manifold and piping, gas control valves, gas stop ratio valves, and electrical components housed within a fuel module enclosure. Thus, the fuel module enclosure typically includes a ventilation system for venting any gas leaks within the enclosure. Additionally, a separate leak detection system is used to detect any possible fuel leaks from components within the enclosure.

[0004] Gaseous fuel is transported through fuel delivery components within the enclosure, such as pipes, manifolds, connecting flanges, and / or valves, for delivery to the combustion section of the gas turbine engine. Fuel lines are typically "blown" after installation or repair to remove debris, such as dirt, dust, soot, metal or plastic shavings, etc., from the lines. In the blowing procedure, multiple fuel lines are sealed while air is blown through other fuel lines that are kept open. The lines that have been blown are then capped, and another set of lines is blown, and so on, until all fuel lines have been blown. Additionally, after installation or repair, and typically after the blowing procedure, portions or the entirety of the fuel delivery system may be tested for leaks. In both leak testing and blowing, the sealed lines are capped using blind seals, which must be bolted to the flanges of the lines, which can be time-consuming, especially during the blowing procedure, and especially for systems having twelve or more fuel lines. In some cases, the seals used for blowing are not suitable for use in leak testing, which results in replacing the seals when leak testing is to be performed after blowing, thus adding more time and labor to the job. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the fixture assembly and fuel supply system in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the technology. All aspects, examples, and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a fixture assembly for selectively blocking the flow of a flange joint of a fuel line from a gas turbine fuel supply system. The fixture assembly includes: a fixture body configured to surround the flange joint of the fuel line, the fixture body including an outer wall having a first vent formed therethrough; and a seal movably mounted in and supported by the fixture body, the seal including: a central opening defined in the top of the seal and in fluid communication with the interior of the seal; and a first outlet passage defined in the seal and in fluid communication with the interior and the exterior of the seal, wherein the seal is movable between an unsealed position and a sealed position, in the unsealed position, the central opening is in fluid communication with the exterior of the fixture assembly through the first outlet passage and the first vent, and in the sealed position, fluid communication from the central opening through the first outlet passage to the exterior of the fixture body is blocked by the fixture body.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and wherein in response to the seal being in the unsealed position, the first outlet passage is aligned with the first vent, and wherein in response to the seal being in the sealed position, the first outlet passage is completely covered by the outer wall of the fixture body.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the seal includes a first ear projecting radially from the seal body and defining at least a portion of the first outlet passage.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the seal includes a second outlet passage defined in the seal body and in fluid communication with the interior and the exterior of the seal; wherein the fixture body further includes a second vent passing through the outer wall of the fixture body; and wherein in response to the seal being in the unsealed position, the second outlet passage is aligned with the second vent, and in response to the seal being in the sealed position, the second outlet passage is completely covered by the outer wall of the fixture body of the fixture body.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the seal further includes a second ear circumferentially spaced from the first ear, and each of the first ear and the second ear projects radially from the seal body and defines at least a portion of the first outlet passage and the second outlet passage, respectively.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the clamp body further includes a first portion connected to a second portion.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are pivotally connected and are movable between an open clamp position and a closed clamp position, in the open clamp position, at least one of the first portion or the second portion is disengaged from the seal; and in the closed clamp position, the first portion and the second portion engage the seal and are configured to retain the clamp assembly on the flange joint.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein each of the first portion and the second portion includes a respective outer wall section, opposite end walls extending radially inward from the respective outer wall section as a top wall and a bottom wall, and a tongue extending from an end of the respective first portion or second portion.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the opposite end walls are sized and configured to retain the clamp assembly on the flange joint.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the tongue of the first portion is positioned between the end walls of the second portion adjacent to the first portion; and wherein the first portion and the second portion are pivotally connected by a pivot pin extending through corresponding holes formed through the tongue of the first portion and through the end wall of the second portion adjacent to the tongue of the first portion.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein when the clamp assembly is in the closed clamp position: the tongue of the second portion is positioned between the end walls of the first portion adjacent to the second portion at a position circumferentially spaced from the pivot pin; and a removable locking pin extends through corresponding holes formed through the tongue and through the end wall of the first portion adjacent to the tongue of the second portion.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects and further includes an actuator that is accessible from the exterior of the clamp assembly and is operable to move the seal between an unsealed position and a sealed position, in which the interior of the seal is in fluid communication with the exterior of the clamp assembly through the first outlet passage and the first vent port in the unsealed position, and in which fluid communication from the interior of the seal through the first outlet passage to the exterior of the clamp body is blocked in the sealed position.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the actuator extends from the seal to the exterior of the clamp assembly.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the actuator further includes a locking plate that interacts with a feature on the clamp body to selectively retain the seal in each of the unsealed position and the sealed position.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the locking plate includes a detent means that interacts with the feature on the clamp body; wherein the feature on the clamp body that interacts with the detent means is a pivot pin that joins the first portion and the second portion when the seal is in the sealed position; and wherein the feature on the clamp body that interacts with the detent means is a locking projection that extends from the clamp body and is circumferentially spaced from the pivot pin when the seal is in the unsealed position.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the outer wall is substantially annular and the seal is substantially toroidal.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method that includes: removing a flexible line of a fuel line of a fuel supply system of a gas turbine engine from its respective flange joint, thereby exposing its respective flange; mounting a respective clamp assembly on each flange, each clamp assembly having a first state that permits flow through the flange and a second state that blocks flow through the flange; selecting a set of fuel lines to be purged; placing the respective clamp assemblies of all fuel lines other than the set of fuel lines to be purged in the second state; placing the respective clamp assemblies of the set of fuel lines to be purged in the first state; purging the set of fuel lines; repeating the selection of a set of fuel lines, placing the respective clamp assemblies in the appropriate first or second state, and purging the fuel lines in groups until all fuel lines have been purged; removing the clamp assemblies; and reattaching the flexible lines to the flanges.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects, and wherein placing the respective fixture assembly in at least one of the first state or the second state includes locking the respective fixture assembly.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the foregoing aspects and further includes: after all fuel lines have been purged and before removing the fixture assembly, performing a leak test by: placing all fixture assemblies in the second state; pressurizing the fuel supply system; checking the fuel supply system for leaks; addressing each detected leak, if any; repeating the checking and addressing until no leaks are detected; depressurizing the system; removing the fixture assembly; and reattaching the flexible hose to the flange.

[0025] Two or more aspects described in the present disclosure (including those described in this summary section) may be combined to form specific implementations not specifically described herein.

[0026] Details of one or more specific implementations are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of various aspects of the present disclosure in connection with the drawings that depict embodiments of the present disclosure, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A turbine (e.g., a gas turbine engine) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A fuel supply system of a gas turbine engine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown;

[0030] Figure 3 A combustor can is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having a flange connection to a fuel circuit (such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 the fuel circuit shown in);

[0031] Figure 4 Shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 a perspective view of a prior art flange joint used in the fuel supply system of;

[0032] Figure 5 Shown Figure 2An additional aspect of the fuel circuit shown, and an enlarged perspective view of a prior art seal assembly that can be used therewith during a purge / venting procedure;

[0033] Figure 6 As shown Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view showing two examples of flange joints as seen therein, but with a seal clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed in place of Figure 5 the prior art seal assembly;

[0034] Figure 7 A perspective view showing the seal of a seal clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 A perspective view showing a seal clamp assembly with the clamp body open according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 A perspective view showing a seal clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the clamp body is closed and the seal is in an unsealed position / state;

[0037] Figure 10 A perspective view showing a seal clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the clamp body is closed and the seal is in a sealed position / state;

[0038] Figures 11 to 14 A schematic top view showing a seal clamp assembly with one vent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figures 15 to 18 A schematic top view showing a seal clamp assembly with two vents according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 19 Showing a method of an embodiment of a seal clamp assembly according to the present disclosure using Figures 7 to 12 ;

[0041] Figure 20 Showing Figure 5 a fuel supply system, but with a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed in place of Figure 5 the prior art seal assembly shown therein.

[0042] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the present disclosure and should not therefore be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like numbers represent like elements between the drawings. Detailed Description

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of a seal fixture assembly and method for purging and leak testing a fuel line of a gas turbine fuel supply system, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explaining the technology of the present invention, rather than a limitation of the technology of the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the technology of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the technology of the present invention as protected by the claims. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield yet another embodiment. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0044] First, to clearly describe this disclosure, it will be necessary to select certain terms when referring to and describing relevant machine components within the illustrative application of a seal fixture assembly and method for purging and leak testing a fuel line of a gas turbine fuel supply system. In doing so, if possible, common industry terms will be used and adopted in a manner consistent with their accepted meanings. Unless otherwise stated, such terms should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the scope of the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that several different or overlapping terms can typically be used to refer to a particular component. An object described herein as a single part can include multiple components and be referred to in another context as being composed of multiple components. Alternatively, an object described herein as including multiple components can be referred to elsewhere as a single part.

[0045] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any particular implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be understood as being preferred or advantageous over other particular implementations. Additionally, unless otherwise specifically stated, all implementations described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0046] Furthermore, several descriptive terms can be regularly used herein, and it should prove helpful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. Unless otherwise stated, these terms and their definitions are as follows. As used herein, "downstream" and "upstream" are terms indicating directions relative to the direction of fluid flow, such as the working fluid passing through a turbine, or for example, the air flow through a burner or the fuel through one of the fuel supply lines of a turbine. The term "downstream" corresponds to the direction of fluid flow, and the term "upstream" refers to the direction opposite to the flow. In the absence of any additional particularity, the terms "front" and "rear" refer to directions, where "front" or "forward" refers to the front end or compressor end of the turbine, and "rearward" or "rear" refers to the rear end or turbine end of the turbine.

[0047] Parts that are at different radial positions relative to a central axis are typically described. The term "axial" refers to movement or positioning parallel to the axis (e.g., the axis of a turbine). The term "radial" refers to movement or positioning perpendicular to the axis (e.g., the axis of a turbine). In such cases, if a first component resides closer to the axis than a second component, this document will state that the first component is "radially inward" or "inner" of the second component. On the other hand, if a first component resides farther from the axis than a second component, this document may state that the first component is "radially outward" or "outer" of the second component. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or positioning around the axis, such as the circumferential inner surface of a housing extending around the axis of a turbine. As described above, it should be understood that such terms can be applied relative to the axis of a turbine.

[0048] In addition, several descriptive terms may be regularly used in this document, as described below. The terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the individual components.

[0049] The terms used in this document are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in the specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequent described event or circumstance may or may not occur, or the subsequent described component or element may or may not be present, and the description includes instances where the event occurs or the component is present and instances where the event does not occur or the component is not present.

[0050] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on another element or layer,” “engaged to another element or layer,” “connected to another element or layer,” “coupled to another element or layer,” or “mounted to another element or layer,” it can be directly on, engaged to, connected to, coupled to, or mounted to the other element or layer, or there can be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there can be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The verb forms “couple” and “mount” are used interchangeably herein.

[0051] The term “fluid” can be a gas or a liquid. The term “fluidly connected” means that fluid can make a connection between specified regions.

[0052] Terms with approximate meanings (such as “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and “essentially”) are not limited to the specified exact value. In at least some cases, the approximate language can correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. In at least some cases, the approximate language can correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, the approximate language can refer to within a tolerance of 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of an individual value, a range of values, and / or the end values defining a range of values. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater than or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “substantially vertical” or “essentially vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0053] As used herein, the term “line” can refer to a fluid-carrying conduit, such as a pipe, manifold, hose, fitting, or other suitable fluid-carrying conduit.

[0054] Herein and throughout the specification and claims, in embodiments where range limitations can be combined and interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all subranges subsumed therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein include the end values, and the end values of overlapping ranges can be independently combined with each other.

[0055] Now referring to the drawings, Figure 1FIG. shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a turbine, which in the illustrated embodiment is a gas turbine engine 10. Although an industrial or land-based gas turbine is shown and described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to industrial and / or land-based gas turbines unless otherwise specified in the claims. For example, the components and systems described herein can be used in any type of turbine, including but not limited to steam turbines, aircraft gas turbines, or marine gas turbines.

[0056] As shown, the gas turbine engine 10 generally includes an inlet section 12, a compressor section 14 disposed downstream of the inlet section 12, a plurality of burners (not shown) within a combustion section 16 disposed downstream of the compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 disposed downstream of the combustion section 16, and an exhaust section 20 disposed downstream of the turbine section 18. Additionally, the gas turbine engine 10 can include one or more shafts 22 coupled between the compressor section 14 and the turbine section 18.

[0057] The compressor section 14 generally can include a plurality of rotor disks 24 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 26 that extend radially outward from the respective rotor disks 24 and are connected to the respective rotor disks. Each rotor disk 24 in turn can be coupled to or form an upstream portion of a shaft 22 that extends through the compressor section 14.

[0058] The turbine section 18 generally can include a plurality of rotor disks 28 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 30 that extend radially outward from the respective rotor disks 28 and are interconnected to the respective rotor disks. Each rotor disk 28 in turn can be coupled to or form a downstream portion of a shaft 22 that extends through the turbine section 18. The turbine section 18 also includes an outer casing 31 that circumferentially surrounds the downstream portion of the shaft 22 and the rotor blades 30, thereby at least partially defining a hot gas path 32 through the turbine section 18.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the gas turbine engine 10 can also include a fuel supply system 100 fluidly coupled to the combustion section 16. The fuel supply system 100 can supply a gaseous fuel (such as natural gas, hydrogen, or other gaseous fuels) to the combustion section 16.

[0060] During operation, a working fluid such as air flows through the inlet section 12 and into the compressor section 14, where the air is gradually compressed to provide pressurized air to the burners of the combustion section 16. The pressurized air is mixed with fuel (e.g., gaseous fuel from the fuel supply system 100) and burned within each burner to produce combustion gases 34. The combustion gases 34 flow from the combustion section 16 through the hot gas path 32 and into the turbine section 18, where energy (kinetic and / or thermal energy) is transferred from the combustion gases 34 to the rotor blades 30, causing the shaft 22 to rotate. Then, the mechanical rotational energy can be used, for example, to power the compressor section 14 and / or generate electricity. Then, the combustion gases 34 leaving the turbine section 18 can be exhausted from the gas turbine engine 10 as exhaust gases via the exhaust section 20.

[0061] Now referring Figure 2 , a schematic diagram of a fuel supply system 100 for a gas turbine engine 10 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the fuel supply system 100 can be fluidly coupled to the combustion section 16 of the gas turbine engine 10. For example, the combustion section 16 can include a plurality of combustion cans 17 arranged in a substantially circular array around the shaft 22, and the fuel supply system 100 can be fluidly coupled to each of the plurality of combustion cans 17, as discussed below.

[0062] The fuel supply system 100 can include a fuel supplier 102, an accessory system 104, a housing 106, and a fuel circuit 108 disposed at least partially within the housing 106. The fuel supplier 102 can be a tank, container, reservoir, pipeline, or other fuel source (such as natural gas, hydrogen, diesel, gasoline, or other fuels). The fuel supplier 102 can be fluidly coupled to the fuel circuit 108 via an inlet line 110, and the fuel circuit 108 can be fluidly coupled to the accessory system 104 via an outlet line 111. Additional components, such as a manifold 118 and branch lines 120, can be interposed between the inlet line 110 and the outlet line 111 and can be disposed within the housing 106.

[0063] The housing 106 can include a wall 107 that collectively surrounds most of the fuel circuit 108. The housing 106 can be disposed on a floor plate 101 (such as the ground or a concrete pad). In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 106 can define an interior 105 (e.g., the interior can be collectively defined by the wall 107 and / or the floor plate 101). The various components of the fuel circuit 108 can be disposed within the interior 105 of the housing 106.

[0064] The accessory system 104 is fluidly connected to each of the plurality of combustion cans 17. For example, the accessory system 104 may include a connection pipeline 112 and a distribution ring 114. The connection pipeline 112 may extend between a connection flange 116 and the distribution ring 114. The connection pipeline 112 may be fluidly connected to an outlet pipeline 111 of the fuel circuit 108 outside the housing 106. That is, the outlet pipeline 111 may extend through the wall 107 of the housing and be fluidly connected to the connection pipeline 112 of the accessory system 104. The distribution ring 114 may extend around the axial centerline of the gas turbine engine 10 and be fluidly connected to each combustion can 17.

[0065] Figure 3 FIG. shows a combustion can 17 having a flange joint 400 connecting a combustion side pipeline 408 and a fuel pipeline 402 of a fuel circuit (such as Figure 2 the distribution ring 114 shown in Figure 4 FIG. Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the flange joint 400 within the dashed circle IV shown in Figure 4 FIG. As specifically visible in

[0066] Figure 5 FIG., each fuel pipeline 402 may be connected to the combustion side pipeline 408 via a respective flange joint 400. The flange joint 400 may include a first flange 403 at the end of the fuel pipeline 402 and a second flange 409 at the end of the combustion side pipeline 408. For operation, a seal assembly 410 may be inserted and held between the first and second flanges 403, 409 to prevent fuel leakage into the surrounding environment. The fuel pipeline 402 may include or take the form of a flexible pipeline connected to the first flange 403.

[0066] Figure 5 FIG. shows additional aspects of the fuel circuit during a purging procedure Figure 2 FIG. As seen in Figure 5 FIG., each of the plurality of fuel pipelines 402 may connect the distribution ring 114 to a respective combustion can 17 ( Figure 3 ). During the stage of the purging or cleaning procedure shown in Figure 5 FIG., most of the fuel pipelines 402 are sealed fuel pipelines 404, while a group of fuel pipelines 406 to be purged are unsealed. Such a procedure is typically performed after installing the fuel pipelines 402 to remove dirt, soot, metal shavings, and / or other debris, and will be described in more detail below.

[0067] The sealed fuel pipelines 404 are typically capped or sealed by blind seals 500 as shown in the Figure 5 [[ID={29}]]enlarged inset of Figure 5 FIG., and once the opened pipelines 406 are purged, they are capped and a group of sealed fuel pipelines 404 are opened. This process is repeated until all fuel pipelines 402 have been purged. As shown in Figure 5As shown in the illustration, the blind seal 500 generally includes a first seal 502 having a first lip 504 shaped to engage the first flange 403 or the second flange 409. The first lip 504 may include a first hole 505 therethrough that is blocked by a first wall 506. Thus, upon installation, the first wall 506 prevents flow through the blind seal 500. The first wall 506 may be a bottom wall of the first seal 502, a top wall flush with the top of the first lip 504, or some other arrangement that may be suitable or desirable. The blind seal 500 may include a second seal 502' having a corresponding second lip 504' and a corresponding second wall 506', but the second wall 506' may be omitted.

[0068] In a typical purging or scavenging procedure for a gas turbine fuel line or fuel supply system, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the fuel line 402 is disconnected from the flange joint 400 and can be sealed using a corresponding blind seal 500, as shown for the sealed line 404. A set of lines 406 to be tested is opened by removing the corresponding blind seal 500, air is blown through the set of lines 406 to be tested, and the blind seal 500 is repositioned. These steps are repeated for the next set of lines to be tested. The opening, blowing, and sealing steps are repeated on multiple sets of lines 406 until all fuel lines 402 are purged, at which point all fuel lines 402 can be reconnected via the flange joint 400 to the combustion side line 408 of the tank 17.

[0069] When switching groups, the removal and installation of the blind seal 500 takes a significant amount of effort and time. After all fuel lines 402 have been purged and before the fuel lines 402 are reattached to the combustion side line 408, a leak test of each fuel line 402 can be performed. However, a typical blind seal 500 cannot be used for leak testing, so the blind seal 500 must be removed and other seals dedicated to this purpose must be employed for the leak test, which adds more time and labor to the task. Additionally, the operator must maintain an inventory of two types of seals for the purging process and the subsequent leak test, thus increasing cost and complexity.

[0070] Embodiments of the present sealing fixture assembly can reduce the time and effort required for the purging / scavenging procedure by remaining in place throughout the procedure. Additionally, embodiments can be configured to be strong enough to further be used for leak testing, which allows the embodiments to remain in place after the purging / scavenging procedure and during the leak test. Figure 6 Shown is an embodiment according to the present disclosure capable of being used with a Figures 2 to 4 fuel supply system and replacing Figure 5Perspective views of two examples of a seal fixture assembly 600 for a prior art blind seal. Broadly, an exemplary embodiment may include a fixture assembly 600 for selectively blocking flow through flanges 403, 409 of a flange joint 400 of a gas turbine fuel supply system 100( Figures 1 to 3 ). The fixture assembly 600 may be installed between a fuel line 402 and a combustion side line 408 to selectively block flow between the fuel line 402 and the combustion side line 408. A fixture body 620 of the fixture assembly 600 may engage flanges 403, 409 of the flange joint 400 between the fuel line 402 and the combustion side line 408 (shown in Figure 4 and hidden by the fixture body 620 in Figure 4 ) to retain the fixture assembly 600 thereon and to retain a seal 601( Figure 6 ) therebetween, as will be described. The fixture body 620 may include one or more vents 628 for providing an outlet from the fixture assembly 600 when needed, as will also be described. Figure 7

[0071] Now turning to Figure 7 , the seal 601 may be held in the fixture body 620( Figure 6 ) and may enable selective sealing of the flange joint 400( Figure 6 ). The seal 601 may have a generally toroidal shape that includes a seal sidewall 602 connecting a seal top wall 603 and a seal bottom wall 606. A first lip 604 may project from the seal top wall 603 and may define a hole 605 therethrough to an interior 609 of the seal 601. The first lip 604 and the seal top wall 603 may be sized and shaped to sealingly engage corresponding openings of a flange of the flange joint, such as the first flange 403 or the second flange 409 of the flange joint 400 of Figure 4 . A second lip 604' may project from the seal bottom wall 606 and may define a hole 605 therethrough to the interior 609 of the seal 601( Figure 7 not shown). The second lip 604' and the seal bottom wall 606 may be sized and shaped to sealingly engage corresponding openings of a flange of the flange joint, such as the first flange 403 or the second flange 409 of the flange joint 400 of Figure 4 .

[0072] As Figure 7 shows, compared to the prior art blind seal 500( Figure 5 ​)In contrast, the seal 601 may include at least one ear 608, 610 that projects radially outward from the seal 601 (such as from the seal sidewall 602), and includes corresponding outlet passages 612, 614 that are defined through it to the exterior of the seal 601. The hole 605, the inner surface 607 of the seal bottom wall 606, the interior 609 of the seal 601, and the one or more outlet passages 612, 614 together may form a passageway, where the hole 605 is the inlet of the passageway. As will be described, in the unsealed position of the seal 601, the outlet passages 612, 614 of the passageway are in fluid communication with the corresponding vent openings 628( Figure 6 )such as by alignment of each ear 608, 610 and / or the outlet passages 612, 614 with the corresponding vent openings 628( Figure 6 ). In the sealed position of the seal 601, the fluid communication between the outlet passages 612, 614 and the vent openings 628( Figure 6 )is blocked. It should be noted that although two ears 608, 610 are shown, embodiments may employ a single ear, outlet passage, and vent opening (e.g., as shown in Figures 11 to 14 ) or more than two ears, outlet passages, and vent openings. In the case of using two or more ears, the ears are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[0073] The seal 601 may include an actuator 616, such as a first pin, which may be used to move the seal 601 between the unsealed position and the sealed position, as will be described. The actuator 616 need not be in the form of a pin, but may have any suitable and / or desired shape. Additionally, the seal 601 may include a locking assembly on the actuator 616 that may retain the seal 601 in one or both of the unsealed position and the sealed position. For example, a lock plate 617 may be mounted on the end of the actuator 616 and may have a latching device, such as a hole 618, that may selectively engage a corresponding feature on the fixture body 620( Figures 8 to 10 )to retain the actuator 616.

[0074] With further reference to Figures 8 to 10 , the seal 601 of the fixture assembly 600 may be supported by the fixture body 620. Figure 8 A perspective view of the seal fixture assembly 600 is shown, where the fixture body 620 is in an open position / state for installation on or removal from a flange joint. Figure 9 A perspective view of the seal fixture assembly 600 is shown, where the fixture body 620 is in a closed position / state, such as when installed on a flange joint, and the seal 601 is in the unsealed position A. Figure 10A perspective view of a seal fixture assembly 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, where the fixture body 620 is in a closed position / state, such as when mounted on a flange joint, and the seal 601 is in a sealed position / state B.

[0075] As Figure 8 shown, the fixture body 620 may include a first part 630 connected to a second part 650 such that when assembled in the closed position, the first part 630 and the second part 650 slidably hold the seal 601. The first part 630 may include a first outer wall section 632 and opposite end walls 634, 635 that extend radially inward from the first outer wall section 632 as a top wall 634 and a bottom wall 635. Similarly, the second part 650 may include a second outer wall section 652 and opposite end walls 654, 655 that extend radially inward from the top and bottom of the second outer wall section 652 as a top wall 654 and a bottom wall 655. Thus, each of the first part 630 and the second part 650 may include respective outer wall sections 632, 652 that together form the fixture outer wall of the fixture body 620. Similarly, each of the first part 630 and the second part 650 may include respective two opposite end walls 634, 635, 654, 655 that project inward from the respective outer wall sections 632, 652 to form a fixture top wall and a fixture bottom wall. In an embodiment, the fixture top wall and the fixture bottom wall are sized to hold the fixture assembly 600 on a flange, such as the first or second flange 403, 409 of the flange joint 400 ( Figure 4 , Figure 6 ).

[0076] Also as Figure 8 shown, the first part 630 and the second part sixty-five zero may be pivotally connected by a pivot pin 640 that extends through corresponding holes 638 through the first part 630 and the second part 650. For example, a first tongue 636 extending from an end of the second part 650 and the end walls 634, 635 of the first part 630 may have corresponding holes 638 therethrough for receiving the pivot pin 640. This connection of the first part 630 and the second part 650 is also shown in Figure 12 and Figure 16 , but the bottom walls 635, 655 are not visible due to the top view. Similarly, as Figure 8 shown, a second tongue 656 extending from an end of the first part 630 and the end walls 654, 655 of the second part 650 may have corresponding holes 658 therethrough for receiving a locking pin 670 ( Figure 9 ). The height of the first tongue 636 and the second tongue 638 in the radial direction may be equal to or less than the span between the innermost surfaces of the end walls 634, 635, 654, 655.

[0077] To retain the fixture body 620 in the closed position, corresponding holes 658 for receiving the locking pin 670 (as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown) may be formed through the second tongue 656 and the end walls 654, 655. The locking pin 670 need not be a pin per se, but may be in any suitable form, such as a bolt, a padlock latch, a wire, etc. In an embodiment, the first tongue 636 may be formed on one of the first part 630 and the second part 650, and the second tongue 656 may be formed on the other of the first part 630 and the second part 650. Also referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the fixture assembly 600 may further include one or more vent holes 628 that extend radially through the respective outer wall sections 632, 652 of the first part 630 and the second part 650. In the Figures 11 to 14 exemplary embodiment shown, a single vent hole may be used. In the Figures 15 to 18 other embodiments shown, two vent holes may be used.

[0078] Constructed thus, the first part 630 and the second part 650 may be pivotally connected by a pivot pin 640 between the Figure 8 shown open fixture position and the Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown closed fixture position. In the open fixture position, at least one of the first part 630 or the second part 650 is disengaged from the seal 601. In the closed fixture position, the first part 630 and the second part 650 engage the seal 601, and the end walls 634, 635, 654, 655 of the first part 630 and the second part 650 are sized to retain the fixture assembly 600 on the flange joint 400 ( Figure 4 and Figure 6 ), wherein the second tongue 656, the opposing end walls 654, 655, and the locking pin 670 act as a locking assembly.

[0079] When the seal 601 is in the sealed position B, the sealing of the outlet passages 612, 614 can be carried out in a variety of ways. For example, the outer wall of the clamp body 620 can be used in various ways to block the flow of fluid through the outlet passages 612, 614. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the clamp body 620 can be sized such that the inner surface of the outer wall of the clamp body 620 slidably engages the outer edges of the ears 608, 610 of the seal 601. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the clamp body 620 can be sized to slidably engage the outer surface of the side wall 602 of the seal 601, and a groove can be formed in the inner surface of the outer wall of the clamp body 620 to accommodate the ears 608, 610 at the sealed position B, at the unsealed position A, and therebetween. Additionally, the actuator 616 can be formed or placed on the seal 601 such that its radial extent remains within the outer diameter of the seal 601. These are only non-limiting examples, and other ways of sealing the outlet passages 612, 614 fall within the scope of the embodiment. It should also be noted that the plurality of ears 608, 610, outlet passages 612, 614, and vents 628 should be selected and sized to safely accommodate a desired volume of air over a desired period of time.

[0080] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of the clamp assembly 600 is shown, where the first pin 616 is in a first position corresponding to the seal 601 occupying the unsealed position A. In this position, the outlet passages 612, 614 of the ears 608, 610 of the seal 601 are aligned with the vents 628 through the outer wall of the clamp such that the holes 605( Figure 7 ) are in fluid communication with the exterior of the clamp assembly 600. In this position, when the sealed clamp assembly 600 is installed on the end of the fuel line 402, the fluid in the fuel line 402 can pass through the passage of the seal 601 to the surrounding environment. That is, the fluid in the fuel line 402 can pass through the hole 605 to the interior of the seal 601, along the inner surface 607 of the bottom wall 606 of the seal, through at least one of the ears 608, 610 and the corresponding outlet passages 612, 614, and through at least one corresponding vent 628 in the outer wall of the clamp to the exterior of the sealed clamp assembly 600.

[0081] In contrast, Figure 10 An exemplary embodiment of the sealed clamp assembly 600 is shown, where the actuator 616 is in a second position corresponding to the seal 601 occupying the sealed position B. In this position, the fluid communication between the outlet passages 612, 614 and the exterior of the sealed clamp assembly 600 is blocked, such as by the outer wall of the clamp. Thus, the fluid in the fuel line 402 will be prevented from escaping because the fluid cannot pass through the seal passage to the exterior of the sealed clamp assembly 600, such as during the blowing step of a purge or scavenging procedure, or during pressurization for a leak test.

[0082] Figures 11 to 18 Provide additional illustrations of the elements and configurations of an embodiment of the fixture assembly 600. In the embodiment, the first part 630 may be constructed similarly to the second part 650, particularly at its ends. As Figures 11 to 14 shown, in the embodiment, the seal body 601 may include an ear 608, and the outlet passage 612 is defined through the ear 608. In such an embodiment, the fixture body 620 may include a vent 628, such as through an outer wall section 632 of the first part 630 of the fixture body 620. In Figure 11 , the seal fixture assembly is shown partially disassembled to illustrate the relationship between the seal 601 and the first and second parts 630, 650 of the fixture body 620. In Figure 12 , the pivot pin 640 has been inserted into the hole 638 to connect one side of the first part 630 and the second part 650. In Figure 13 , the first and second parts 630, 650 have been closed around the seal 601 and are held closed by the locking pin 670. In Figure 13 , the seal 601 is shown in the unsealed position A, where the outlet passage 612 is aligned with the vent 628, thereby providing fluid communication between the interior of the seal 601 and the exterior of the fixture assembly 600. The seal 601 is Figure 14 shown in the sealed position B, where the outer wall of the fixture body, such as the outer wall section 632 of the first part 630, blocks the outlet passage 612 and thus blocks fluid communication between the interior of the seal 601 and the exterior of the fixture assembly 600. It should be noted that the vent 628 and / or the ear 608 may occupy any suitable position and may be sized to accommodate the needs of a specific installation.

[0083] Figures 15 to 18 An embodiment is shown in which the seal 601 has a first ear 608 and a second ear 610 with respective outlet passages 612, 614. In this embodiment, a second vent 628 is formed through an outer wall section 652 of the second part 650. As in the previous example, Figure 16 shows the first part 630 and the second part 650 pivotally connected by the pivot pin 670, and Figures 17 to 18 shows the first part 630 and the second part 650 held closed by the locking pin 670. Similar to Figures 11 to 14 the single-ear embodiment shown, the two-ear embodiment may occupy the unsealed position A ( Figure 17 ), where the outlet passages 612, 614 are aligned with the respective vents 628, thereby providing fluid communication between the interior of the seal 601 and the exterior of the fixture assembly 600. Similarly, the seal 601 may occupy the sealed position B ( Figure 18), wherein outer wall sections 632 of the fixture body outer wall such as the first section 630 and 652 of the second section 650 each block the respective outlet passages 612, 614 and thus block fluid communication between the interior of the seal 601 and the exterior of the fixture assembly 600. As noted above, it should be pointed out that the vent 628 and / or the ears 608, 610 can occupy any suitable position and can be sized to accommodate the needs of a particular installation. Additionally, it should be clear that, if appropriate and / or desirable, embodiments can include more than two ears.

[0084] Return to Figure 9 and Figure 10 and further reference Figure 7 , in certain embodiments, the lock plate 617 can extend from the end of the actuator 616 (here the first pin), and can include a detent device 618 ( Figure 7 ), such as a hole, which is sized to receive the first locking projection (here, for example, the pivot pin 640) and / or the second locking projection 660. The first locking projection / pivot pin 640 can be removed from the seal fixture assembly 600, as described above, while the second locking projection 660 is fixedly mounted to the second section 650 of the fixture body 620 and extends radially outwardly beyond the end wall 654. The first locking projection / pivot pin 640 and the second locking projection / pin 660 are circumferentially spaced from each other.

[0085] The lock plate 617 can be mounted on the first pin 616 (actuator) via a suitable hole formed in the lock plate 617 to allow the lock plate 617 to slide along and / or rotate about the first pin 616. Thus, for the example shown ( Figure 9 ), when the seal body 601 is in the unsealed position A, the first pin 616 is in the corresponding position, and the lock plate 617 can be rotated to allow the first locking projection / pivot pin 640 to be inserted through the hole 618 to retain the first pin 616, which in turn retains the seal 601 in the unsealed position B. Similarly, when the seal 601 is in the sealed position B ( Figure 10 ), the first pin 616 is in the corresponding position, and the lock plate 617 can be rotated to allow the second locking projection 660 to be inserted through the hole 618 to retain the first pin 616, which in turn retains the seal 601 in the sealed position B. The actuator pin 616 and its lock plate 617 and detent device 618 can thus form an effective and easy-to-use locking assembly for the seal 601 with the fixture body 620 when selectively engaging the pivot pin 640 and the locking projection / pin 660, which can ensure that the seal 601 remains in the desired state during use of the seal fixture assembly 600.

[0086] By embodiments in accordance with the disclosure herein, and with reference to Figure 19, a method 700 for performing a purge and / or leak test on a fuel line of a fuel supply system of a gas turbine engine can be executed, which can save a significant amount of time and labor compared to the prior art. Method 700 may include installing a fuel line (P702) of the fuel supply system of the gas turbine engine, removing the flexible line of the fuel line from its corresponding flange joint to expose its corresponding flange (P704), and installing a corresponding clamp assembly 600 on each flange (P706), each clamp assembly having a first state (unsealed position A) allowing flow through the flange and a second state (sealed position B) blocking flow through the flange. When installing each corresponding clamp assembly 600, it has been found advantageous to close the clamp assembly 600 (P708) on the combustion side of the fuel line.

[0087] Method 700 may further include selecting a group of fuel lines to be purged (P710), ensuring that the corresponding clamp assemblies of all fuel lines except the group to be purged are in the second state (P712), and placing the corresponding clamp assemblies of the group of fuel lines in the first state (P714). This is also shown in Figure 20 where the upper illustration shows the clamp assemblies in the second (sealed) state on most of the lines, and the lower illustration shows the clamp assemblies in the first (unsealed) state on a group of lines to be purged. For a clamp assembly including a suitable locking assembly as described above, placing the clamp assembly in the first state or the second state may include locking the clamp assembly in that state. The group of fuel lines can be purged (P716), such as by blowing compressed air through these fuel lines, in which case a pressure of at least 100 psi may be preferred in an embodiment. Selecting a group of fuel lines (P710), opening the corresponding clamp assemblies (P714), and purging (P716) can be repeated until all fuel lines have been purged. That is, if all fuel lines have not been purged (P718), the clamp assemblies of the group can be closed (P720), and the clamp assemblies of a new group can be opened (P714) and purged (P716) until all fuel lines are purged (P720).

[0088] Of particular note is that when a group of lines has been purged, the clamp assemblies remain in place and change from one state to another (closed to open or vice versa). This saves time and labor compared to the prior art and / or equipment, where blocking seals must be installed on the first group to be purged, removed from the first group after the purge procedure, and installed on the second group to be purged, etc., as groups of lines are purged sequentially.

[0089] When all fuel lines have been purged in method 700, if a leak test is not to be performed, all clamp assemblies (P724) may be removed and all flexible hoses (P726) may be reattached. However, if a leak test (P722) is to be performed, method 700 may include ensuring that all clamp assemblies are closed (P728), pressurizing the system (P730), checking for leaks (P732), and releasing pressure from the system (P734). If no leaks are detected (P736), all clamp assemblies (P724) may be removed and the flexible lines (P726) may be reattached. If any leaks are detected (P736), the leaks may be addressed (P738), and the steps of pressurizing (P730), checking for leaks (P732), and releasing pressure (P734) may be repeated until no leaks are detected. Implicit in this leak test portion of method 700 is the fact that the clamp assemblies 600 used in the blow / purge portion of method 700 are left in place for use during the leak test, which is a significant difference from the prior art. Accordingly, the time and labor associated with removing seals used in the blow / purge procedure and installing prior art seals suitable for leak testing are eliminated, as well as the costs associated with prior art seals.

[0090] As can be appreciated, the technical effect of the embodiments disclosed herein is to reduce the time, labor, and potential cost associated with changing seals on a gas turbine fuel line during a blow / purge procedure. Another technical effect of the embodiments disclosed herein is to reduce the time, labor, and cost associated with performing a leak test after the blow / purge procedure has been performed, as the clamp assemblies of the present invention used during the blow / purge procedure remain installed for use during the leak test procedure.

[0091] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ in substance from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A fixture assembly (600) for selectively blocking the flow of a flange joint (400) of a fuel line (402) from a gas turbine fuel supply system (100), the fixture assembly (600) comprising: A fixture body (620) configured to surround the flange joint (400) of the fuel line (402), the fixture body (620) including an outer wall (632) having a first vent opening (628) formed therethrough; And A seal (601) movably mounted in and supported by the fixture body (620), the seal (601) comprising: A central opening in the top of the seal (601) and in fluid communication with the interior (609) of the seal (601); and A first outlet passage (612, 614) defined in the seal (601) and in fluid communication with the interior (609) of the seal (601) and the exterior of the seal (601), Wherein the seal (601) is movable between an unsealed position and a sealed position, in the unsealed position, the central opening of the seal (601) is in fluid communication with the exterior of the fixture assembly (600) through the first outlet passage (612, 614) and the first vent opening (628), and in the sealed position, the fluid communication from the central opening through the first outlet passage (612, 614) to the exterior of the fixture body (620) is blocked by the fixture body (620).

2. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 1, wherein in response to the seal (601) being in the unsealed position, the first outlet passage (612, 614) is aligned with the first vent opening (628), and wherein in response to the seal (601) being in the sealed position, the first outlet passage (612, 614) is completely covered by the outer wall (632) of the fixture body (620).

3. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 1, wherein the seal (601) includes at least one first ear (608, 610) that projects radially from the body of the seal (601) and defines at least a portion of the first outlet passage (612, 614).

4. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 3, wherein the seal (601) includes a second outlet passage (612, 614) defined in the body of the seal (601), the second outlet passage being in fluid communication with the interior (609) of the seal (601) and the exterior of the seal (601); wherein the fixture body (620) further includes a second vent (628) (628) passing through the outer wall (632) of the fixture body (620); and wherein in response to the seal (601) being in the unsealed position, the second outlet passage (612, 614) is aligned with the second vent (628) (628), and in response to the seal (601) being in the sealed position, the second outlet passage (612, 614) is completely covered by the outer wall (632) of the fixture body (620).

5. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 4, wherein the seal (601) further includes second ears (608, 610) circumferentially spaced from the first ears (608, 610), and each of the first ears (608, 610) and the second ears (608, 610) projects radially from the body of the seal (601) and defines at least a portion of the first outlet passage (612, 614) and the second outlet passage (612, 614), respectively.

6. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 1, wherein the fixture body (620) further includes a first portion (630) pivotally connected to a second portion (650), wherein the first portion (630) and the second portion (650) are pivotally connected and are capable of moving between an open fixture position and a closed fixture position, in the open fixture position, at least one of the first portion (630) or the second portion (650) is disengaged from the seal (601); and in the closed fixture position, the first portion (630) and the second portion (650) engage the seal (601) and are configured to retain the fixture assembly (600) on the flange joint (400).

7. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 6, wherein each of the first portion (630) and the second portion (650) includes a respective outer wall section (632, 652), opposite end walls (654, 655) that extend radially inwardly from the respective outer wall section (632, 652) as a top wall (634, 654) and a bottom wall (635, 655), and a tongue extending from an end of the respective first portion or second portion (650), wherein the opposite end walls (654, 655) are sized and configured to hold the fixture assembly (600) on the flange joint (400).

8. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 7, wherein the tongue of the first part (630) is positioned between the end walls (654, 655) of the second part (650) adjacent to the first part (630); and wherein the first part (630) and the second part (650) are pivotally connected by pivot pins (640, 670) extending through corresponding holes (638, 658) formed through the tongue of the first part (630) and through the end walls (654, 655) of the second part (650) adjacent to the tongue of the first part (630).

9. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 8, wherein when the fixture assembly (600) is in the closed fixture position: the tongue of the second part (650) is positioned between the end walls (634, 635) of the first part (630) adjacent to the second part (650) at a position circumferentially spaced from the pivot pin (640); and the removable locking pin (670) extends through a corresponding hole (638) formed through the tongue and through the end wall (634, 635) of the first part (630) adjacent to the tongue of the second part (650).

10. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 1, the fixture assembly further comprising an actuator (616) that is accessible from the exterior of the fixture assembly (600) and operable to move the seal (601) between an unsealed position and a sealed position, in the unsealed position, the interior (609) of the seal (601) is in fluid communication with the exterior of the fixture assembly (600) through the first outlet passages (612, 614) and the first vent port (628), in the sealed position, fluid communication from the interior (609) of the seal (601) through the first outlet passages (612, 614) to the exterior of the fixture body (620) is blocked.

11. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 10, wherein the actuator (616) further comprises a lock plate (617) that interacts with features on the fixture body (620) to selectively retain the seal (601) in each of the unsealed position and the sealed position.

12. The fixture assembly (600) according to claim 11, wherein the lock plate (617) includes a latching device (618) that interacts with the feature on the fixture body (620); wherein when the seal (601) is in the sealed position, the feature on the fixture body (620) that interacts with the latching device (618) is the pivot pin (640) that couples the first part (630) and the second part (650); and wherein when the seal (601) is in the unsealed position, the feature on the fixture body (620) that interacts with the latching device (618) is a locking protrusion that extends from the fixture body (620) and is circumferentially spaced from the pivot pin (640).

13. A method (700), the method comprising: Removing the flexible line (406) of the fuel line (402) of the fuel supply system (100) of the gas turbine engine (10) from its respective flange joint (400), thereby exposing its respective flange (403, 409); Installing a respective fixture assembly (600) on each flange (403, 409), each fixture assembly (600) having a first state that allows flow through the flange (403, 409) and a second state that blocks flow through the flange (403, 409); Selecting a set of fuel lines (402) to be purged (406); Placing the respective fixture assemblies (600) of all fuel lines (402) other than the set of fuel lines (402) to be purged (406) in the second state; Placing the respective fixture assemblies (600) of the set of fuel lines (402) in the first state; Purging the set of fuel lines (402); Repeating the selection of a set of fuel lines (402), placing the respective fixture assemblies (600) in the appropriate first or second state, and purging the fuel lines (402) in groups until all fuel lines (402) have been purged (406); Removing the fixture assemblies (600); and Reattaching the flexible line (406) to the flange (403, 409).

14. The method (700) according to claim 13, wherein placing the respective fixture assembly (600) in at least one of the first state or the second state includes locking the respective fixture assembly (600).

15. The method (700) according to claim 13, the method further comprising: After all fuel lines (402) have been purged and before removing the fixture assemblies (600), perform a leak test by the following steps: Placing all fixture assemblies (600) in the second state; Pressurizing the fuel supply system (100); Checking the fuel supply system (100) for leaks; If any, addressing each detected leak; Repeating the checking and addressing until no leaks are detected; Depressurizing the system; Removing the fixture assemblies (600); and Reattach the flexible pipeline (406) to the flange (403, 409).

Images