COLLECTOR OF AT LEAST ONE LIQUID FOR AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to a collector (20) comprising: - a first compartment (22) having a first liquid inlet (23), - a second compartment (24) having a second liquid inlet (25), - a liquid discharge line (41) comprising a second liquid outlet (42) opening outside the enclosure (21), characterized in that the discharge line (41) is configured to discharge liquid from the first compartment (22) outside the enclosure (21) when the liquid level in the first compartment (22) is above a first threshold level (S1) of liquid in the first compartment (22), and to discharge liquid from the second compartment (24) outside the enclosure (21) when the liquid level in the second compartment (24) is above a second threshold level (S2) of liquid in the second compartment (24). (Short figure: 2)

Description

Title of the invention: COLLECTOR OF AT LEAST ONE LIQUID FOR AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of collectors of at least one liquid, for an aircraft turbomachine. Technical background

[0002] A turbomachine, particularly an aircraft turbomachine, generally extends along and around a longitudinal axis. In the case of a twin-spool, twin-flow turbomachine, it comprises a gas generator which typically includes, from upstream to downstream in the direction of gas flow in the turbomachine, a low-pressure compressor, a high-pressure compressor, a gas combustion chamber, a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine.

[0003] The rotor of the low-pressure compressor is typically connected to the rotor of the low-pressure turbine via a low-pressure shaft. The rotor of the high-pressure compressor, on the other hand, is connected to the rotor of the high-pressure turbine via a high-pressure shaft.

[0004] The turbomachine further comprises a fan located upstream of the gas generator and driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis by a fan shaft. In certain types of high bypass ratio turbomachines, the fan shaft may be connected to the low-pressure shaft via a speed reducer.

[0005] The high- and low-pressure shafts are guided in rotation by means of guide bearings that must be lubricated with lubricating oil to ensure their proper operation. In order to protect the associated components of the turbomachine from this lubricating fluid, the bearings and gears of the speed reducer, for example, are typically arranged in lubrication chambers. Each lubrication chamber is connected to a lubrication circuit that supplies the chamber with lubricating oil. In addition, each lubrication chamber is delimited by sealing systems comprising seals that limit leakage of lubricating oil outside the lubrication chambers.

[0006] Furthermore, the combustion chamber and certain hydraulic actuators of the turbomachine are supplied with fuel. To this end, the turbomachine typically includes a fuel circuit that supplies fuel to the combustion chamber and / or hydraulic actuators.

[0007] Lubrication chambers, fuel and lubrication circuits may experience fluid leaks, including fuel and / or lubricating oil leaks. Although these leaks occur at a rate considered normal, they represent potential sources of environmental pollution. Also, fuel from the combustion chamber is typically drained to limit the risk of coking.

[0008] For this purpose, the turbomachine typically includes at least one drainage circuit for at least one liquid, such as oil and / or fuel.

[0009] In order to limit environmental pollution caused by this drained fluid, the turbomachine typically includes a collector for this fluid. The collector typically includes a housing defining an internal cavity for receiving the fluid and a first inlet for this fluid into the internal cavity. The collector further includes a first outlet for this fluid opening outside the housing.

[0010] Leaks can also result from abnormal operation of the fuel or lubrication circuits or from a rupture of the sealing systems of the lubrication chambers, for example. In such a case, the fluid leakage rate is abnormal, and the fluid inlet flow rate in the manifold is significantly greater than the outlet flow rate, causing the fluid to accumulate in the internal cavity. To collect such abnormal leaks and ensure their evacuation from the chamber, the manifold typically includes a fluid discharge line configured to discharge the fluid from the chamber when the fluid level in the chamber exceeds a threshold level in the internal cavity. This discharge line thus includes a second fluid inlet located in the internal cavity and a second fluid outlet opening outside the manifold chamber.The second inlet is typically located at a height equal to the liquid threshold level in the internal cavity so that the liquid flows into the drain pipe by overflow.

[0011] Such leaks could reduce the turbomachine's shutdown margin or the availability margin of the turbomachine's emergency operating modes. It is therefore important for operators to be able to detect these abnormal leaks.

[0012] In this context, in order to detect and signal an abnormal fluid leak in the turbomachine, the manifold typically includes a threshold level detection and signaling device. Such a detection and signaling device is, for example, connected to the discharge line and includes a detection and signaling element for observing and / or signaling fluid in the discharge line, such as a sight glass or an indicator light. The detection of fluid in this discharge line indicates, overall, an abnormal fluid leak and therefore a failure of a fuel or lubrication circuit or of the seals of the lubrication chambers.

[0013] However, such a collector is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the collector does not allow the source of the leak to be identified, so it is necessary to carry out a search campaign to locate the leak(s). Only after such a search campaign is it possible to address and resolve the leak.

[0014] However, such a search campaign requires the installation of segregation and leak detection equipment on the turbomachine, followed by ground testing of the turbomachine for several tens of minutes to determine the leakage rates of each circuit. Such search campaigns are lengthy and tedious for operators, and require the turbomachine to be out of service. Consequently, the aircraft cannot be put into service during the campaign, significantly impacting its availability.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need to provide a collector for at least one liquid for an aircraft turbomachine, which makes it possible to detect and highlight the origin of abnormal leaks in the turbomachine, in a simple and rapid manner in order to reduce the workload of operators, facilitate maintenance operations and improve aircraft availability. Summary of the invention

[0016] To this end, the invention proposes a manifold for at least one liquid for an aircraft turbomachine, the manifold comprising:

[0017] - an enclosure,

[0018] - a first compartment located within the enclosure and having a first entrance to liquid,

[0019] - a second compartment located within the enclosure and having a second entrance to liquid, the second compartment being independent of the first compartment,

[0020] - a first liquid outlet opening outside the enclosure and connected fluid- only to the first and second compartments,

[0021] - a liquid drain pipe located within the enclosure, the pipe evacuation system including a second liquid outlet opening outside the enclosure, the evacuation line being fluidly connected to the first and second compartments.

[0022] The manifold is remarkable in that the discharge pipe is configured to discharge liquid from the first compartment outside the enclosure when the liquid level in the first compartment is above a first threshold level, and to discharge liquid from the second compartment compartment outside the enclosure when the liquid level in the second compartment is above a second threshold level of liquid in the second compartment, the first and second threshold levels being measured along a height of the enclosure and being different from each other.

[0023] Thus, according to the invention, the internal cavity of the collector is divided into several compartments, each compartment having its own liquid inlet. In particular, each liquid inlet can be connected to a drainage circuit.

[0024] Also, the drain line is configured to drain the liquid from the first compartment when the liquid height in this first compartment is greater than or equal to the first threshold level and to drain the liquid from the second compartment when the liquid height in this second compartment is greater than or equal to the second threshold level which is different and independent of the first threshold level.

[0025] Thus, when the liquid level in the first compartment reaches the first threshold level, it is discharged through the drain pipe. This indicates an abnormal leak in the drainage circuit connected to the first compartment.

[0026] It is therefore possible, thanks to the configuration of the collector, in particular the segregation of the internal cavity of the collector into several compartments having an inlet of clean liquid and a threshold level of clean liquid for its evacuation, to directly identify the origin of a leak by simply detecting from which compartment the evacuation of the fluid comes through the second outlet.

[0027] Thanks to the invention, it is therefore possible to eliminate the need for segregation and leak detection equipment during leak detection campaigns, which are lengthy and tedious. Thanks to the invention, the availability of the turbomachine and the aircraft is improved.

[0028] The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other:

[0029] - the first and second compartments are annular and mounted around each other the other and around the same longitudinal axis,

[0030] - the first and second compartments extend longitudinally between a the first end of the enclosure and a second, opposite end of the enclosure,

[0031] - the drain pipe is centered on the longitudinal axis, the first and second compartments being located around the drain pipe,

[0032] - a detection and reporting device configured to detect and report the first and second threshold levels,

[0033] - the detection and signaling device comprises a detection and signaling element The signaling system is configured to detect and report the first and second level thresholds independently of each other.

[0034] - the detection and signaling device includes first and second indicator lights illuminated, connected respectively to the first and second compartments, the first and second indicator lights being configured to emit first and second colours respectively when the first and second threshold levels are reached respectively,

[0035] - a third compartment located within the enclosure and having a third entrance of liquid, the third compartment being fluidly connected to the drain line, the drain line being configured to evacuate the liquid from the third compartment outside the enclosure when the liquid level in the third compartment is above a third threshold level of liquid in the third compartment, the first, second and third threshold levels being different and distributed along the height of the collector,

[0036] - the third compartment is annular and mounted with the first and second compartments compartments around the longitudinal axis,

[0037] - the collector is manufactured by additive manufacturing,

[0038] — the detection and reporting device further includes first and second signaling columns connected to the signaling device, in particular respectively to the first and second indicator lights and respectively to the first and second compartments,

[0039] — the first and second reporting columns are linked to the first and second compartments via first and second detection passes respectively,

[0040] — the first and second detection passes extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis,

[0041] — the first and second detection passes are located at a corresponding height at a detection level significantly lower than, or below, the height corresponding to the respective threshold level of the first and second compartments,

[0042] — the first and second reporting columns are annular and centered on the longitudinal axis,

[0043] — the first and second columns of the signal extend longitudinally within the enclosure, preferably from the first end to an axially opposite base of the enclosure,

[0044] — the first and second reporting columns are arranged radially between the evacuation pipe and the first and second compartments 22, 24, 26. Brief description of the figures

[0045] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of an aircraft turbomachine according to the invention,

[0047] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a collector according to the invention,

[0048] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the collector of [Fig.2]. Detailed description of the invention

[0049] An example of an aircraft turbomachine 1, according to the invention, is shown in [Fig. 1]. The turbomachine 1 is, for example, a turbofan engine. The turbomachine 1 may have any other architecture and may, for example, be in the form of a turboprop engine.

[0050] The turbomachine 1 is modular. It comprises a plurality of modules assembled together.

[0051] The turbomachine 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X. A gas flow F flows into the turbomachine 1.

[0052] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are understood in relation to the direction of flow of the gas flow F in the turbomachine 1. The gas flow F flows in particular from left to right in Figures 1 and 2.

[0053] The turbomachine 1 comprises, from upstream to downstream, a blower 2 and a gas generator. The gas generator comprises, from upstream to downstream, a low-pressure compressor 3, a high-pressure compressor 4, a combustion chamber 5, a high-pressure turbine 6, a low-pressure turbine 7 and a gas exhaust nozzle 70.

[0054] Each compressor 3,4 comprises a compressor rotor 3a, 4a and each turbine 6, 7 comprises a turbine rotor 6a, 7a. The compressor rotors 3a, 4a and the turbine rotors 6a, 7a are composed of a plurality of stages, each comprising a bladed wheel.

[0055] The compressor rotor 3a of the low pressure compressor 3 is connected to the turbine rotor 7a of the low pressure turbine 7 by a low pressure shaft 8. They form a low pressure body.

[0056] The compressor rotor 4a of the high-pressure compressor 4 is connected to the turbine rotor 6a of the high-pressure turbine 6 by a high-pressure shaft 9. They form a high-pressure body.

[0057] The low pressure shafts 8 and high pressure shafts 9 are centered on the longitudinal axis X and are free to rotate about the longitudinal axis X. The high pressure shaft 9 is arranged coaxially around the low pressure shaft 8.

[0058] The gas flow F passes through the blower 2 and splits into a primary air flow Fl passing through a primary channel v1 and a secondary air flow F2 passing through a secondary channel v2 surrounding the primary channel. The primary air flow Fl passes through the com Low-pressure compressors 3 and high-pressure compressors 4. The compressed primary airflow Fl then passes through the combustion chamber 5 where it is mixed with fuel. The combustion gases thus pass through the high-pressure turbines 6 and low-pressure turbines 7. The energy of the gases is transformed by the turbine rotor 7a of the low-pressure turbine 7 into mechanical energy, driving the low-pressure shaft 8 and consequently, the low-pressure compressor 3.

[0059] The fan 2 comprises a rotating disk about the longitudinal axis X and blades 2a carried by the disk and evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis X. In the example of [Fig. 1], the fan 2 is surrounded by a fan housing 2b. The fan 2 is of the enclosed type. The fan housing 2b carries a nacelle 2c and together they define a fan compartment 2d.

[0060] According to another example not shown, the blower 2 is of the non-faired type.

[0061] The blower disc 2 is driven in rotation by a blower shaft 10. In the example described, and therefore optionally, the blower shaft 10 is connected to the low-pressure shaft 8 via a speed reducer 11. The speed reducer 11 is of the mechanical type. It is, for example, an epicyclic or planetary gear train.

[0062] The speed reducer 11 allows the blower shaft 10 to be driven at a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed of the low-pressure shaft 8. This makes it possible to increase the dilution ratio of the turbomachine 1.

[0063] The turbomachine 1 further comprises an inter-compressor housing 12 arranged axially between the low-pressure compressor 3 and the high-pressure compressor 4. The inter-compressor housing 12 comprises, for example, an inner shell and an outer shell which are centered on the longitudinal axis X. The inner and outer shells are, for example, connected by arms.

[0064] The turbomachine 1 may further include an inlet casing 13. The inlet casing 13 is arranged axially between the fan 2 and the low-pressure compressor 3. The inlet casing 13 includes, for example, an inner shell and an outer shell which are centered on the longitudinal axis X. The inner and outer shells are, for example, connected by arms.

[0065] The turbomachine 1 may further include an inter-turbine casing 14. The inter-turbine casing 14 is arranged axially between the high-pressure turbine 6 and the low-pressure turbine 7.

[0066] The turbomachine 1 may further include an inter-vein compartment v3 located between the primary vein vl and the secondary vein v2.

[0067] The turbomachine 1 comprises at least one bearing 15. In particular, the fan shaft 10 is guided in rotation by a first bearing 15a and advantageously a second bearing 15b. The first and second bearings 15a, 15b are arranged radially between the shaft of blower 10 and the inlet housing 13.

[0068] The low-pressure shaft 8 is guided in rotation by at least a third and fourth bearing 15c, 15d. The third bearing 15c is arranged radially between the inlet housing 13 and the low-pressure shaft 8. The fourth bearing 15d is arranged radially between the inter-compressor housing 12 and the low-pressure shaft 8.

[0069] The high-pressure shaft 9 is guided in rotation by a fifth bearing 15e. The fifth bearing 15e is, for example, arranged radially between the high-pressure shaft 9 and the inter-turbine housing 14.

[0070] The low-pressure shaft 8 can be guided in rotation downstream by a sixth bearing 15f arranged radially between a downstream end of the low-pressure shaft 8 and the inter-turbine housing 14 for example.

[0071] Each bearing unit includes, for example, a bearing. The bearing is, for example, at least one row of balls or rollers.

[0072] The bearings 15 and the optional speed reducer 11 are lubricated to ensure their proper operation. To prevent oil contamination of related components of the turbomachine 1, the bearings 15 and the speed reducer 11 are arranged in lubrication chambers. The lubrication chambers can also be used to lubricate other components of the turbomachine 1, such as gears and bearings.

[0073] For this purpose, the turbomachine 1 further comprises at least one lubrication chamber, in particular a first upstream chamber 17 in which the first, second and third bearings 15a, 15b, 15c and the speed reducer 11 are arranged, a second upstream lubrication chamber 18 in which the fourth bearing 15d is arranged and a downstream lubrication chamber 19 in which the fifth and sixth bearings 15e, 15f are arranged.

[0074] Depending on the configuration of the turbomachine 1, the number of bearings 15 and lubrication chambers 16 may vary.

[0075] Each lubrication chamber 16 is annular. Each lubrication chamber 16 is delimited externally by a fixed wall such as a housing and internally by a movable wall such as a shaft.

[0076] For example, the first upstream lubrication chamber 17 is located in the inner shell of the inlet housing 13 and is internally delimited by the blower shaft 10. The second upstream lubrication chamber 18 is located in the inner shell of the inter-compressor housing 12 and is internally delimited by the low-pressure shaft 8 and the downstream lubrication chamber 19 is located in the inner shell of the inter-turbine housing 14 and is internally delimited by the high-pressure shaft 9.

[0077] The lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19 are supplied by at least one lubrication circuit. The lubrication circuit includes an oil outlet opening into the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19 and an oil inlet connected for example to a reservoir for supplying the lubrication circuit.

[0078] The reservoir typically includes lubricating oil.

[0079] To limit oil leakage outside the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19, each lubrication chamber 17, 18, 19 includes sealing gaskets at the terminals of the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19. The sealing gaskets are each located radially between the fixed wall and the moving wall of the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19. The sealing gaskets are advantageously of the dynamic type. A dynamic type of gasket is understood as an assembly that limits the leakage of a fluid between the fixed wall and the moving wall. Preferably, the sealing gaskets are labyrinth seals.

[0080] The turbomachine 1 further includes a fuel supply circuit for the combustion chamber 5.

[0081] Despite the sealing of the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19, lubricating oil leaks may occur. Therefore, the fuel from the combustion chamber 5 must be evacuated to limit the risk of coking. Fuel or oil leaks may also occur from certain hydraulic actuators of the turbomachine 1.

[0082] In this context, the turbomachine 1 further comprises at least one drainage circuit. Advantageously, the turbomachine 1 comprises a first drainage circuit from the combustion chamber 5, for example, a second drainage circuit from the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19, for example, and a third drainage circuit from a hydraulic actuator, for example. The drainage circuits thus drain at least one fluid from the combustion chamber 5 and / or the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19 or any other component of the turbomachine 1, such as lubricating oil and / or fuel.

[0083] In order to limit the risk of environmental pollution, the turbomachine 1 includes a manifold 20. The manifold 20 is configured to collect at least one liquid and advantageously a second liquid. The first and second liquids are, for example, lubricating oil and / or fuel from the turbomachine 1 drained by the drainage circuits.

[0084] Preferably, the collector 20 is produced by additive manufacturing. The collector is a single piece.

[0085] With reference to [Fig.2], the collector 20 comprises a housing 21, at least a first compartment 22 having a first inlet 23 of liquid, a second compartment 24 having a second inlet 25 of liquid, optionally a third compartment 26 having a third inlet 27 of liquid and a first outlet 28 of this liquid.

[0086] Advantageously, the enclosure 21 is annular and has a longitudinal axis HAS.

[0087] In the following description, the terms "lower" and "upper" are understood relative to the gravity flow of the liquid in the collector 20. Thus, the term "upper" refers to an element relatively closer to the first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27, and the term "lower" refers to an element relatively further away from the first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27. In [Fig. 2], the liquid flows by gravity from top to bottom.

[0088] In the following description, the terms "longitudinal", "longitudinally", "radial", "radially" are understood in relation to the longitudinal axis A of the collector 20.

[0089] The enclosure 21 has a height h such that it is measured along a direction parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid in the enclosure 21. In the present example, this height h is measured along the longitudinal axis A.

[0090] The enclosure 21, for example, has a circular or polygonal cross-section. The enclosure 21 advantageously extends between a first end 29, also called the upper end, and a second opposite end 30, also called the lower end. The first and second ends 29, 30 are closed.

[0091] The first end 29 is closed, for example, by a lid or a top wall 29a. The second end 30 is closed by an enclosure bottom 30a.

[0092] Advantageously, the enclosure 21 further comprises a base 31 attached to the second end 30 of the enclosure 21. The base 31 is annular and centered on the longitudinal axis A. The base 31 is separated from the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 by the bottom of the enclosure 30a.

[0093] The first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 are independent of each other. By "independent", it is understood that the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 are not fluidically connected to each other.

[0094] The first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 are advantageously annular and centered on the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first compartment 22 is located coaxially around the second and third compartments 24, 26 and the second compartment is arranged radially between the first and third compartments 22, 26.

[0095] The first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 are located in the enclosure 21 and advantageously extend longitudinally in the enclosure 21 between the first and second ends 29, 30 of the enclosure 21. In particular, the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 extend longitudinally between an upper end 22a, 24a, 26a and a lower end 22b, 24b, 26b.

[0096] The first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 also have each has an internal passage 22c, 24c, 26c for fluid circulation. Each internal passage 22c, 24c, 26c extends longitudinally between the upper and lower ends 22a, 24a, 26a, 22b, 24b, 26b of the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26.

[0097] Each first, second, and third compartment 22, 24, 26 comprises first, second, and third liquid inlets 23, 25, 27, respectively. The first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27 open respectively into the internal passage 22c, 24c, 26c of the first, second, and third compartments 22, 24, 26.

[0098] The first, second and third inlets 23, 25, 27 are located at the first end 29 of the enclosure 21 and are, for example, provided on the cover 29a. The first, second and third inlets 23, 25, 27 are thus opposite the second end 30 of the enclosure 21.

[0099] The first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27 are, for example, annular. According to the example in [Fig. 2], the first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27 each have an axis Al parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the collector 20. Each axis Al is offset from the longitudinal axis A of the collector 20.

[0100] The first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27 are connected to the drainage circuit. For example, the first inlet 23 is connected to the first drainage circuit, the second inlet 25 is connected to the second drainage circuit, and the third inlet 27 is connected to the third drainage circuit. The liquid from each drainage circuit thus flows respectively into each compartment 22, 24, 26 by gravity through the first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27.

[0101] Advantageously, each first, second and third compartment 22, 24, 26 further comprises respectively first, second and third axial outlet passages 32, 33, 34 of liquid, first, second and third radial outlet passages 35, 36, 37 of liquid and first, second and third detection passages 38, 39, 40.

[0102] The first, second and third axial outlet passages 32, 33, 34 are connected to the first outlet 28 of the collector 20 and open respectively into the internal passage 22c, 24c, 26c of each first, second and third compartment 22, 24, 26. The first, second and third axial outlet passages 32, 33, 34 are located at the second end 30 of the enclosure 21 and are for example provided on the lower end 22b, 24b, 26b of the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26.

[0103] The first, second, and third axial outlet passages 32, 33, 34 are annular and each has an axis A2 parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the collector 20. The axis A2 of each first, second, and third axial outlet passage 32, 33, 34 is preferably aligned respectively with the axis A1 of each first, second, and third entries 23, 25, 27.

[0104] The first, second and third radial exit passages 35, 36, 37 and the first, second and third detection passages 38, 39, 40 open respectively into the internal passage 22c, 24c, 26c of each first, second and third compartment 22, 24, 26. They each have an axis A3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0105] The first, second, and third radial outlet passages 35, 36, 37 and the first, second, and third detection passages 38, 39, 40 are axially offset from one another. Preferably, the first radial outlet passage 35 and the first detection passage 38 are relatively closer to the first end 30 of the enclosure 21 than, respectively, the second and third radial outlet passages 36, 37 and the second and third detection passages 39, 40. The radial outlet and detection passages 36, 39 are located axially between the first radial outlet passage 35 and the third radial outlet passage 37.

[0106] Furthermore, the first outlet 28 opens outside the enclosure 21. The first outlet 28 is thus configured to discharge the liquid outside the enclosure 21. The first outlet 28 is, for example, located at the second end 30 and is therefore opposite the first end 29. The first outlet 28 is therefore axially opposite the first, second and third inlets 23, 25, 27.

[0107] The first outlet 28 is fluidly connected to each compartment, therefore to the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26. Preferably, the first outlet 28 is connected to the internal passage 25c, 24c, 26c of the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 via the first, second and third axial outlet passages 32, 33, 34.

[0108] According to the example of [Fig.2], the first outlet 28 has an axis A4 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the collector 20.

[0109] The first outlet 28 is, for example, connected to an ejector (not shown) linking the manifold 20 to the nozzle 70, for example. This allows the liquid to be burned and ejected from the turbomachine 1 through the nozzle 70.

[0110] In certain cases, particularly in the event of a rupture of the seals in the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19, the fuel supply circuit, or the lubrication circuit, the fluid inlet flow rate into the manifold 20 through the first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27 exceeds a standard flow rate. In this case, the fluid level in the first, second, and third compartments 22, 24, 26 increases, and it is necessary to drain this fluid.

[0111] In this context, the manifold 20 further includes a liquid drain line 41. The drain line 41 is configured to drain liquid from the first compartment 22 outside the enclosure 21 when the liquid level in the first compartment 22 is above a first threshold level SI of liquid in the first compartment 22, to evacuate liquid from the second compartment 24 outside the enclosure 21 when the liquid level in the second compartment 24 is above a second threshold level S2 of liquid in the second compartment 24, and to evacuate liquid from the third compartment 26 outside the enclosure 21 when the liquid level in the third compartment 26 is above a third threshold level S3, the first, second and third threshold levels S1, S2, S3 being measured along the height h of the enclosure 21 and being different from each other.

[0112] The first, second, and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3 are each above a predetermined standard level for each type of leak. This predetermined standard level typically corresponds to a standard liquid inlet flow rate in each compartment 22, 24, 26. This standard liquid level in each compartment can be considered normal, since it does not reach the threshold level, i.e., the level of an alert threshold that would characterize an abnormal flow rate.

[0113] Preferably, the third threshold level S3 is lower than the first and second threshold levels SI, S2 and the second threshold level S2 is located between the first and third threshold levels SI, S3.

[0114] The drain line 41 is fluidically connected to each of the first, second, and third compartments 22, 24, 26. Advantageously, the first, second, and third radial outlet passages 35, 36, 37 respectively connect the first, second, and third compartments 22, 24, 26 to the drain line 4L

[0115] In particular, the first, second, and third radial outlet passages 35, 36, 37 are located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and passing respectively through the first, second, and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3. In particular, the first, second, and third radial outlet passages 35, 36, 37 are located at a height equal to the respective heights of the first, second, and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3 in the enclosure 21. Thus, when the liquid level in each compartment 22, 24, 26 reaches the respective threshold level SI, S2, S3, the liquid overflows into the discharge pipe 41 through the first, second, and third radial outlet passages 35, 36, 37.

[0116] The discharge pipe 41 further includes a second liquid outlet 42 opening outside the enclosure 21.

[0117] The second outlet 42 has an axis A5 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the collector 20. The second outlet 42 is, for example, provided in the base 31 of the collector 20. The second outlet 42 is, for example, radially opposite to the first outlet 28.

[0118] The discharge pipe 41 is preferably annular and centered on the longitudinal axis A. The first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 are arranged coaxially around the discharge pipe 41. According to one embodiment, the discharge pipe 41 has an L-shape in longitudinal section. The discharge pipe 41 thus comprises a first axial portion 43a extending longitudinally in the enclosure 21 and a second transverse portion 43b extending transversely in the enclosure 21. The first axial portion 36a is fluidly connected to the first, second and third radial outlet passages 35, 36, 37 and the second transverse portion 43b connects the first axial portion 46a to the second outlet 42.

[0119] Advantageously, the collector 20 further comprises a detection and signaling device 44 for when the liquid level in each compartment 22, 24, 26 reaches the first, second, and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3, independently of each other. The detection and signaling device 44 is configured to detect and signal when the first, second, and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3 of liquid are reached in each of the first, second, and third compartments, respectively.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection and signaling device 44 includes a signaling element 45 configured to independently signal the first, second and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3.

[0121] The signaling device 45 includes, for example, a first indicator light signaling the first threshold level SI in the form of a first color, a second indicator light signaling the second threshold level S2 in the form of a second color which is different from the first color, and a third indicator light signaling the third threshold level S3 in the form of a third color different from the first and second colors.

[0122] The detection and signaling device 40 further includes first, second and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 connected to the signaling unit 45. In particular, the first, second and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 are connected respectively to the first, second and third indicator lights.

[0123] The first, second and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 are fluidly connected respectively to the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26. Preferably, the first, second and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 are connected to the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26 via the first, second and third detection passages 38, 39, 40.

[0124] The first, second, and third detection passages 38, 39, 40 are thus located at a height corresponding to a detection level SI 1, S22, S33 substantially lower than or below the height corresponding to the respective threshold level SI, S2, S3 of each compartment 22, 24, 26. Thus, when the liquid level in each compartment If compartment 22, 24, 26 reaches the respective detection level SI 1, S22, S33, the liquid overflows into the first, second and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 through the first, second and third detection passages 38, 39, 40.

[0125] The first, second and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 are preferably annular and centered on the longitudinal axis A of the enclosure 21. They extend longitudinally in the enclosure 21 from the first end 29 to the base 31.

[0126] For example, the first, second and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 are arranged radially between the evacuation pipe 41 and the first, second and third compartments 22, 24, 26.

[0127] The operation of the collector 20 according to the invention will now be described.

[0128] Fluid leaks from the lubrication chambers 17, 18, 19, the fuel supply circuit, or the lubrication circuit, for example, are drained through the first, second, and third drainage circuits. The fluid drained from the first, second, and third drainage circuits enters the manifold 20 through the first, second, and third inlets 23, 25, 27, respectively, at a standard flow rate. The fluid then flows by gravity into each compartment 22, 24, 26. The fluid from each compartment 22, 24, 26 is discharged from the manifold 20 through the first outlet 28 at a standard outlet flow rate. The discharged fluid can be returned to the reservoir, for example.

[0129] In some cases, the flow rate of liquid entering each compartment 22, 24, 26 may exceed the standard flow rate and the outlet flow rate. The liquid level in each compartment 22, 24, 26 may accumulate and reach the first, second, and third detection levels SI 1, S22, S33, or even the respective first, second, and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3. The liquid in each compartment 22, 24, 26 overflows into the respective first, second, and third signaling columns 46, 47, 48 and the discharge pipe 41 when the respective first, second, and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3 are reached.

[0130] The detection and reporting device 40 then detects the first, second and third threshold levels SI, S2, S3 independently. Depending on the indicator light, the operator is alerted to a leak and its origin.

[0131] Thanks to the invention, the source of the leak is directly detected without a lengthy and time-consuming search operation. The availability of the turbomachine 1 and the aircraft is improved.

Claims

Demands

1. A manifold (20) for at least one liquid for an aircraft turbomachine (1), the manifold (20) comprising: - a housing (21), - a first compartment (22) located in the housing (21) and having a first liquid inlet (23), - a second compartment (24) located in the housing (21) and having a second liquid inlet (25), the second compartment (24) being independent of the first compartment (22), - a first liquid outlet (28) opening outside the housing (21) and fluidically connected to the first and second compartments (22, 24), - a liquid discharge line (41) located in the housing (21), the discharge line (41) comprising a second liquid outlet (42) opening outside the housing (21), the discharge line (41) being fluidly connected to the first and second compartments (22, 24),characterized in that the discharge pipe (41) is configured to discharge liquid from the first compartment (22) outside the enclosure (21) when the liquid level in the first compartment (22) is above a first threshold level (SI) of liquid in the first compartment (22), and to discharge liquid from the second compartment (24) outside the enclosure (21) when the liquid level in the second compartment (24) is above a second threshold level (S2) of liquid in the second compartment (24), the first and second threshold levels (SI, S2) being measured along a height (h) of the enclosure (21) and being different from each other.

2. Collector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second compartments (22, 24) are annular and mounted around each other and around the same longitudinal axis (A).

3. Collector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second compartments (22, 24) extend longitudinally between a first end (29) of the enclosure (21) and a second opposite end (30) of the enclosure (21).

4. A collector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the discharge pipe (41) is centered on the longitudinal axis (A), the first and second compartments (22, 24) being located around the drain pipe (41).

5. Collector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a detection and signaling device (44) configured to detect and signal the attainment by the liquid level of the first and second threshold levels (SI, S2).

6. Collector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the detection and signaling device (44) comprises a detection and signaling element (45) configured to detect and signal the attainment by the liquid level of the first and second threshold levels (SI, S2) independently of each other.

7. Collector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the detection and signaling member (45) comprises first and second indicator lights connected respectively to the first and second compartments (22, 24), the first and second indicator lights being configured to emit first and second colours respectively when the first and second threshold levels (SI, S2) of liquid are respectively reached.

8. Collector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a third compartment (26) located in the enclosure (21) and having a third liquid inlet (27), the third compartment (26) being fluidly connected to the discharge line (41), the discharge line (41) being configured to discharge the liquid from the third compartment (26) outside the enclosure (21) when the liquid level in the third compartment (26) is above a third threshold level (S3) of liquid in the third compartment (26), the first, second and third threshold levels (S1, S2, S3) being different and distributed along the height (h) of the collector (20).

9. Collector according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the third compartment (26) is annular and mounted with the first and second compartments (22, 26) around the longitudinal axis (A).

10. Collector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made by additive manufacturing.

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