Drain plug comprising a device for measuring a fluid parameter

Abstract

A drain plug (47) of a filter cartridge (31) of an aircraft circuit configured to circulate a fluid (25), characterized in that the drain plug comprises a measuring device (61) configured to measure at least one parameter of the fluid (25) circulating in the filter cartridge (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the quality monitoring of oil or fuel in turbines.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to the monitoring of the quality of oil or fuel in a turbine, without altering the properties of the oil or fuel due to other components present in the oil or fuel.

[0003] Generally, this invention is applicable to all types of oil or fuel circuits in aircraft. Background Technology

[0004] Turbines (such as aircraft turbines) consist of rotating elements that require a system containing lubricating oil to dissipate heat and reduce friction and wear on the surfaces of the contacting elements.

[0005] Lubricating oil carries particles and chemical components that indicate the wear condition of components in contact with the lubricating oil, thus indicating the overall condition of the turbine.

[0006] In addition, lubricating oil itself has heat dissipation and lubrication properties, which change and deteriorate over time.

[0007] Currently, the circuit in which the lubricating oil circulates includes multiple sensors to monitor certain properties of the oil. These parameters include, for example, oil level, temperature, and oil pressure.

[0008] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the oil circuit 1 of the turbine 3 of the aircraft 5. This oil circuit 1 includes a reservoir 7, a supply pump 9, a filter cartridge 11, an air / oil heat exchanger 13, and a collector 15, also referred to as the oil sump. In this embodiment, temperature and pressure sensors 17 are located in the middle of the oil circuit 1, specifically upstream of the oil collector 15 and downstream of the air / oil heat exchanger 13. This positioning is not ideal for measuring drastic temperature changes upstream of the heat exchanger 13 or for removing debris present in the oil.

[0009] In addition, it can detect debris contained in the oil, but it cannot directly detect the quality of the oil itself within the oil circuit.

[0010] Currently, during maintenance tasks on certain turbines, oil quality is sampled and tested in the laboratory through chemical analysis. Parameters reflecting oil quality, such as density, dynamic viscosity, permittivity, and conductivity, are studied. Therefore, oil quality issues cannot be detected during aircraft flight. Furthermore, laboratory measurements require grounding the aircraft, collecting complex samples that are as homogeneous as possible and free of any external contaminants, and waiting several weeks for results.

[0011] Meanwhile, the oil in the turbine is periodically drained and replaced with new oil, and its quality is usually unknown before the draining, which may result in oil that is still of good quality being discarded. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide a means for measuring the parameters of a fluid (e.g., oil or fuel) directly in the loop of a fluid circulation, while ensuring reliable and uncontaminated measurements in order to plan the aging and replacement of the fluid.

[0013] The present invention relates to a discharge plug for a filter cartridge in an aircraft circuit configured to circulate fluid, characterized in that the discharge plug includes a measuring device configured to measure at least one parameter of the fluid circulating in the filter cartridge.

[0014] Therefore, the measuring device provides an airborne measurement solution that requires no added weight and can be easily replaced in case of failure. Furthermore, it allows for the measurement of fluid parameters after impurities have been filtered out of the fluid using a filter cartridge. In the long run, the measuring device allows for reduced measurement costs and optimized time intervals between fluid changes.

[0015] Advantageously, the measuring device includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the fluid circulating in the filter cartridge.

[0016] Advantageously, the measuring device includes a fluid mass sensor configured to measure the density and / or dynamic viscosity, and / or permittivity and / or conductivity of the fluid circulating in the filter cartridge.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fluid quality sensor includes a quartz crystal type resonator comprising two metal sensing elements configured to extend parallel to each other within a chamber defined by the filter cartridge when the drain plug is positioned to block the drain orifice of the filter cartridge, such that the sensing elements contact the fluid circulating in the filter cartridge.

[0018] Advantageously, the discharge plug includes a protective tube extending longitudinally around the sensing element, the protective tube including at least one opening configured to allow contact between the fluid circulating in the filter cartridge and the sensing element.

[0019] Advantageously, the discharge plug also includes means for wirelessly transmitting data output by the measuring device and / or for wirelessly powering the measuring device, preferably a radio frequency identification chip.

[0020] In one particular embodiment, the wireless transmission and / or power supply device is located at the longitudinal end of the discharge plug such that the wireless transmission and / or power supply device is located outside the chamber defined by the filter cartridge, and the discharge plug includes an electrically insulating material located between the wireless transmission and / or power supply device and the remainder of the discharge plug.

[0021] Advantageously, the measuring device is configured to measure at least one parameter of oil and / or fuel.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a filter cartridge for an aircraft circuit configured for circulating fluid, the filter cartridge including a discharge plug as described above.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is a turbine comprising an aircraft circuit configured to circulate fluid, the aircraft circuit including a filter cartridge for filtering the fluid, the filter cartridge including a discharge plug as described above.

[0024] The present invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a turbine as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 As already mentioned, it is a schematic diagram of an aircraft including a turbine, the turbine including an oil circuit including temperature and pressure sensors according to the prior art;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an aircraft including a turbine, the turbine including an oil circuit, the oil circuit including a filter cartridge according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 According to Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge;

[0029] Figure 4 According to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the filter cartridge's discharge plug; and

[0030] Figure 5 According to Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the RFID chip. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 2 The aircraft 19 is schematically shown, which includes a turbine 21, which includes an aircraft circuit 23 configured to circulate fluid 25 (e.g., fuel or oil, preferably oil).

[0032] The circuit 23 includes a liquid reservoir 27, a supply pump 29, a filter cartridge 31, an air / fluid heat exchanger 33, and a liquid collector 35, and is connected to... Figure 1 The circuit shown is similar to loop 1.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a filter cartridge 31 (e.g., tubular) is shown. The filter cartridge 31 includes a filtration radial wall 37 that allows fluid 25 entering through the entire radial wall 37 to be filtered, and then the fluid is directed to a first longitudinal end 39 of the filter cartridge 31.

[0034] The filter cartridge 31 also includes a transverse wall 41 located at the second longitudinal end 43, the transverse wall 41 including a discharge hole 45.

[0035] The filter cartridge 31 also includes a removable drain plug 47, which is configured to be arranged across a drain hole 45 in the transverse wall 41 of the filter cartridge 31, thereby blocking the drain hole 45.

[0036] The discharge plug 47 includes a first portion 49 configured to be inserted into a chamber 51 defined by the radial wall 37 and the transverse wall 41 of the filter cartridge 31. The discharge plug 47 also includes a second portion 53 configured to remain outside the chamber 51 defined by the radial wall 37 and the transverse wall 41 of the filter cartridge 31.

[0037] The drain plug 47 also includes an O-ring 55 configured to be located in the drain hole 45 to prevent fluid 25 from leaking from the circuit 23.

[0038] In one embodiment, the discharge hole 45 is defined by an internal thread 57 made of metal and used to engage with a tap 59 of a first portion 49 of the discharge plug 47, the tap 59 being made of metal, for example.

[0039] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 Transparent view of the discharge plug 47 shown.

[0040] Advantageously, the discharge plug 47 includes a measuring device 61 configured to measure at least one parameter of the fluid 25 circulating in the filter cartridge 31.

[0041] Specifically, the measuring device 61 includes, for example, a temperature sensor 63 configured to measure the temperature of the fluid 25 circulating in the filter cartridge 31.

[0042] In one particular embodiment, the measuring device 61 includes a fluid mass sensor 65 configured to measure the density and / or dynamic viscosity, and / or permittivity (e.g., by measuring the dielectric constant), and / or conductivity (also known as resistivity) of a fluid circulating in the filter cartridge 31, preferably measuring at least conductivity and dynamic viscosity.

[0043] The combination of temperature sensor 63 and oil quality sensor 65 has the advantage of being able to take into account the effect of temperature on the viscosity of the fluid 25.

[0044] Furthermore, temperature measurement at filter cartridge 31 improves the fault monitoring model on fluid loop 23.

[0045] For example, the fluid quality sensor 65 includes a quartz crystal type resonator comprising two metallic sensing elements 67 configured to extend parallel to each other within a chamber defined by the filter cartridge 31 when the drain plug 47 is positioned to block the drain orifice 45 of the filter cartridge 31, such that the sensing elements 67 are in contact with the fluid 25 circulating within the filter cartridge 31. This type of sensor allows for the measurement of fluid parameters such as density and / or dynamic viscosity, and / or permittivity, and / or conductivity. Therefore, filtration by the filter cartridge 31 allows for analysis of the fluid 25 unaffected by metallic, ceramic, or plastic particles that increase the fluid's viscosity, density, and dielectric constant, thereby distinguishing the aging effects of the fluid from damage to components of the circuit 23 in which the fluid 25 flows.

[0046] Advantageously, the first portion of the discharge plug 47 includes a protective tube 69 extending longitudinally around the sensing element 67, the protective tube 69 including at least one opening 71 configured to allow contact between the fluid 25 circulating in the filter cartridge 31 and the sensing element 67.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second portion 53 of the discharge plug 47 includes a screw head 73 for screwing the discharge plug 47 into the discharge hole 45, and a means 75 for wirelessly transmitting data output by the measuring device and / or for wirelessly powering the measuring device 61. The means is preferably located at the longitudinally distal end of the sensing element 67, such that the wireless transmission and / or power supply means 75 is located outside the chamber 51 defined by the filter cartridge 31, so as to avoid temperature and pressure conditions present in the chamber 51 as much as possible.

[0048] For example, the device 75 used for wirelessly transmitting data output by the measuring device and / or for wirelessly powering the measuring device is a radio frequency identification chip 75, commonly referred to as an RFID chip. The RFID chip 75 is configured to power the measuring device 61 in response to receiving a signal sent by the RFID reader of the turbine 21, and is configured to transmit data output by the measuring device 61 to the RFID reader of the turbine 21.

[0049] Figure 5 An RFID chip 75 is schematically shown. The RFID chip 75 is connected to a temperature sensor 63 on one side and a fluid quality sensor 65 on the other side. The RFID chip 75 includes an antenna 77, an RF transmission module 79 connected to the antenna 77, a power supply module 81, a memory module 83, modules 85 for conditioning the signals received by the temperature sensor 63 and the fluid quality sensor 65, respectively, and a microcontroller 87 that allows electronic management of each module.

[0050] Therefore, in such an implementation, the operator uses a mobile RFID reader, or the turbine 21 includes an integrated and powered RFID reader and memory for connection to the measuring device 61 for power supply, communication, and data storage, such as measuring parameters like temperature, and / or density and / or dynamic viscosity, and / or permittivity, and / or conductivity.

[0051] In one particular embodiment, the discharge plug 47 includes an electrically insulating material 89 located between the wireless transmission and / or power supply device 75 and the remainder of the discharge plug 47, for example, between the screw head 73 and the wireless transmission and / or power supply device 75. The electrically insulating material 89 enables the isolation of the wireless transmission and / or power supply device 75 from the metal portion of the discharge plug 47 (more generally, from the metal portion of the filter cartridge 31) to avoid interfering with the normal operation of the antenna 77 and to maximize the communication readout range.

[0052] In an alternative not shown, the discharge plug 47 includes a wired transmission and power supply device, although this would increase weight and connectivity.

Claims

1. A discharge plug (47) for a filter cartridge (31) of an aircraft circuit (23), said aircraft circuit being configured to circulate fluid (25), characterized in that, The discharge plug includes a measuring device (61) configured to measure at least one parameter of the fluid (25) circulating in the filter cartridge (31), the measuring device (61) including a fluid mass sensor (65) configured to measure at least one parameter of the fluid (25) circulating in the filter cartridge (31) selected from density, dynamic viscosity, permittivity and conductivity.

2. The discharge plug (47) according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device (61) includes a temperature sensor (63) configured to measure the temperature of the fluid (25) circulating in the filter cartridge (31).

3. The drain plug (47) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fluid quality sensor (65) comprises a quartz crystal type resonator comprising two metal sensing elements (67) configured to extend parallel to each other in a chamber (51) defined by the filter cartridge (31) when the drain plug (47) is positioned to block the drain hole (45) of the filter cartridge (31), such that the sensing elements (67) contact the fluid (25) circulating in the filter cartridge (31).

4. The discharge plug (47) according to claim 3, comprising a protective tube (69) extending longitudinally around the sensing element (67), the protective tube (69) including at least one opening (71) configured to allow contact between fluid (25) circulating in the filter cartridge (31) and the sensing element (67).

5. The discharge plug (47) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further includes means (75) for wirelessly transmitting data output by the measuring device (61) and / or for wirelessly powering the measuring device (61), preferably a radio frequency identification chip (75).

6. The discharge plug (47) according to claim 5, wherein the wireless transmission and / or power supply device (75) is located at the longitudinal end of the discharge plug (47) such that the wireless transmission and / or power supply device (75) is located outside the chamber (51) defined by the filter cartridge (31), the discharge plug (47) comprising an electrically insulating material (89) disposed between the wireless transmission and / or power supply device (75) and the remainder of the discharge plug (47).

7. The discharge plug (47) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the measuring device (61) is configured to measure at least one parameter of oil and / or fuel.

8. A filter cartridge (31) for an aircraft circuit (23) configured to circulate fluid (25), the filter cartridge (31) comprising a discharge plug (47) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A turbine (21) comprising a circuit (23) configured to circulate fluid (25), the circuit (23) comprising a filter cartridge (31) for filtering the fluid (25), the filter cartridge comprising a discharge plug (47) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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