Sealing clamp assembly for clearing and leak testing fuel line of gas turbine fuel supply system and method for the same

Abstract

To provide a sealing clamp assembly for clearing and leak testing a fuel line of a supply system and a method.SOLUTION: A clamp assembly (600) for selectively blocking flow while clearing and leak testing a fuel line of a gas turbine fuel supply system includes a clamp body (620) configured to surround a joint with a flange of the fuel line. A seal (601) is rotatably held between the clamp body portions and includes a hollow ear (610) in fluid communication with a center hole (605) of the seal. The seal includes a tab or pin (616) with which the seal can be rotated between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In the unsealed position A, the hollow ear is aligned with a vent (628), and in the sealed position B, the hollow ear is blocked by internal surfaces of the clamp body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to clamps and seals for gas fuel circuits, and more particularly to clamps and seals for testing gas fuel circuits in gas turbine fuel supply systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Turbomachines are used in various industries and applications for energy transfer. For example, a gas turbine engine typically includes a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section, arranged in serial flow order. The compressor section gradually increases the pressure of a working fluid and supplies the compressed working fluid to the combustion section. The compressed working fluid and fuel (e.g., natural gas) are mixed in the combustion section and combusted in a combustion chamber to generate high-pressure, high-temperature combustion gases. From the combustion section, the combustion gases flow into the turbine section, where they expand to produce work. For example, the expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine section rotates a rotor shaft connected to, for example, a generator, generating electricity. The spent combustion gases leave the gas turbine as exhaust gases via the exhaust section.

[0003] A gas turbine fuel system delivers gaseous fuel to the combustion section, where it is burned to generate electricity. The fuel system typically includes gas conveying manifolds and piping, gas control valves, gas stop ratio valves, and electrical components housed in a fuel module enclosure. Therefore, the fuel module enclosure typically includes a ventilation system to exhaust any gas leaks within the enclosure. Additionally, a separate leak detection system is used to detect potential fuel leaks from components within the enclosure.

[0004] Gaseous fuel is transported to the combustion section of a gas turbine engine through fuel delivery components within the enclosure, such as piping, manifolds, connecting flanges, and / or valves. Fuel piping is typically "air-blown" after installation or repair to remove dirt, dust, soot, metal or plastic shavings, and other debris. The air-blown procedure involves sealing some fuel lines while leaving others open and blowing air through them. Once air-blown, the fuel line is capped, and another fuel line is air-blown. Additionally, part or all of the fuel delivery system is leak-tested after installation or repair. In both leak testing and air-blown, sealed lines are capped using blind seals that must be bolted to the line flanges, which can be time-consuming, especially during the air-blown procedure, especially for systems with 12 or more fuel lines. The seals used for air blowing may not be suitable for leak testing, and if a leak test is performed after air blowing, the seals will have to be replaced, which takes additional time and effort. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the clamp assembly and fuel delivery system according to the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, or will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the art. All aspects, examples, and features described below may be combined in any manner technically possible.

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

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

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal includes a first ear projecting radially from the seal body and that defines at least part of the first exit passage.

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

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal further includes a second ear circumferentially spaced from the first ear, each of the first ear and the second ear project radially from the seal body and define at least part of the first exit passage and the second exit passage, respectively.

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

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

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion includes a respective outer wall section, opposed 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 or second portion.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the opposed end walls are sized and configured to hold the clamp assembly on the flanged joint.

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

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

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

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

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the actuator further includes a lock 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 of the preceding aspects, wherein the lock plate includes a detent that interacts with the feature on the clamp body, when the seal is in the sealed position, the feature on the clamp body that interacts with the detent is a pivot pin coupling the first portion and the second portion, and when the seal is in the unsealed position, the feature on the clamp body that interacts with the detent is a lock projection extending from the clamp body and circumferentially spaced from the pivot pin.

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

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method, comprising the steps of removing flex lines of fuel lines of a fuel supply system of a gas turbine engine from respective flanged joints thereof, thereby exposing respective flanges thereof, and installing a respective clamp assembly on each flange, each clamp assembly having a first state in which flow through the flange is permitted and a second state in which flow through the flange is blocked.each clamp assembly having a first state in which flow through the flange is allowed and a second state in which flow through the flange is blocked; selecting a group of fuel lines to be cleared; placing the respective clamp assemblies of all fuel lines other than the group of fuel lines to be cleared in the second state; placing the respective clamp assemblies of the group of fuel lines in the first state; clearing the group of fuel lines; and repeating the steps of selecting a group of fuel lines, placing the respective clamp assemblies in an appropriate first state or second state, and clearing the fuel lines, on a group-by-group basis, until all fuel lines are cleared.and clearing the fuel lines in groups until all fuel lines have been cleared; removing the clamp assemblies; and reattaching the flex lines to the flanges.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein placing the respective clamp assemblies in at least one of the first state or the second state includes locking the respective clamp assemblies.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, further including performing a leak test after all fuel lines have been cleared and before removing the clamp assemblies, the leak test being performed by: placing all clamp assemblies in the second state; pressurizing the fuel supply system; inspecting the fuel supply system for leaks; addressing each detected leak, if any; repeating examining and addressing until no leaks are detected; depressurizing the system; removing the clamp assemblies; and reattaching the flex hoses to the flanges.

[0025] Two or more aspects described in this disclosure may be combined to form an embodiment not specifically described herein, including those described in this Summary.

[0026] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a turbomachine (e.g., a gas turbine engine) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic of a fuel supply system for a gas turbine engine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 4 illustrates a combustion can having a flanged connection to a fuel circuit as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prior art flanged joint used in the fuel delivery system of FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 5] 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of an additional prior art seal assembly of the fuel circuit shown in FIG. 2 and usable therewith during an air blow / clear procedure. [Figure 6] 5 is an enlarged perspective view of two examples of flanged joints such as those seen in FIG. 4, but with a sealing clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed in place of the prior art seal assembly of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seal of a seal clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seal clamp assembly with a clamp body in an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a seal clamp assembly with the clamp body closed and the seal in a non-sealing position / state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a seal clamp assembly with the clamp body closed and the seal in a sealing position / state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having one vent port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having one vent port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having one vent port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having one vent port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having two vents, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having two vents according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having two vents according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic top view of a seal clamp assembly having two vents according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 illustrates a method of using the embodiment of the seal clamp assembly of FIGS. 7-12, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 5 shows the fuel delivery system of FIG. 5, but with a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed in place of the prior art seal assembly shown in FIG.

[0028] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like numbers represent like elements between the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Next, embodiments of a seal clamp assembly and method for clearing and leak testing fuel lines in a gas turbine fuel supply system are described in detail. Each example is provided for purposes of explanation, not limitation. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] As an initial matter, in order to clearly explain this disclosure, it is necessary to select specific terminology when referring to and describing relevant machine components within the exemplary application of a seal clamp assembly and method for clearing and leak testing fuel lines in a gas turbine fuel supply system. In doing so, common industry terminology will be used, where possible, and employed in a manner consistent with its accepted meaning. Unless otherwise specified, such terms should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that certain components are often referred to using several different or overlapping terms. Something described herein as a single part may include and be referred to as being made up of multiple parts in other contexts. Alternatively, something described herein as including multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single part.

[0031] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0032] Additionally, several descriptive terms may be used periodically herein, and it may be useful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. These terms and their definitions are as follows, unless otherwise noted: As used herein, "downstream" and "upstream" are terms that indicate a direction relative to the flow of a working fluid through a turbomachine, or a fluid, such as, for example, the flow of air through a combustor or the flow of fuel through one of the turbomachine's fuel supply lines. The term "downstream" corresponds to the direction of fluid flow, and the term "upstream" refers to the opposite direction to the flow. The terms "forward" and "aft," without further specification, refer to directions, with "forward" or "fore" referring to the forward or compressor end of the turbomachine and "aftward" or "aft" referring to the aft or turbine end of the turbomachine.

[0033] It is often necessary to describe components at different radial locations relative to a central axis. The term "axial" refers to movement or location parallel to an axis, e.g., the axis of a turbomachine. The term "radial" refers to movement or location perpendicular to an axis, e.g., the axis of a turbomachine. In such cases, if a first component is closer to the axis than a second component, the first component is said to be "radially inward" or "inboard" of the second component. Conversely, if a first component is farther from the axis than the second component, the first component may be said to be "radially outward" or "outboard" of the second component. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or location around an axis, e.g., the circumferential inner surface of a casing extending about the axis of a turbomachine. As indicated above, it will be understood that such terms may be applied in relation to the axis of a turbomachine.

[0034] Furthermore, certain descriptive terms may be regularly used herein, as explained below: The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to imply the location or importance of the individual components.

[0035] The terms used herein 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 unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that as used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. "Optionally" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, or the subsequently described component or element may or may not be present, and that the description includes instances in which the event occurs or the element is present as well as instances in which the event does not occur or the element is not present.

[0036] When an element or layer is referred to as "resting," "engaged," "connected," "coupled," or "attached" to another element or layer, it may be directly resting, engaged, connected, coupled, or attached to the other element or layer, and intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly resting," "directly engaged," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" on another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items. The verb forms "couple" and "mount" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0037] A "fluid" may be a gas or a liquid. "Fluid communication" means that a fluid can communicate between designated areas.

[0038] Approximate terms such as "about," "approximately," "generally," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, the approximate language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring a value or the precision of a method or machine for constructing or manufacturing a component and / or system. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring a value or the precision of a method or machine for constructing or manufacturing a component and / or system. For example, it may refer to being within a margin of 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 percent for an individual value, a range of values, and / or any of the endpoints defining the range of values. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include a range of 10 degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally perpendicular" or "substantially perpendicular" includes an orientation within 10 degrees of perpendicular in any direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0039] As used herein, the term "line" may refer to a fluid-carrying conduit such as a pipe, manifold, hose, tube, or other suitable fluid-carrying conduit.

[0040] Throughout this specification and claims, in embodiments where range limitations can be combined and interchanged, unless the context or language indicates otherwise, such ranges are specified and include all subranges contained therein. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints of overlapping ranges are independently combinable with each other.

[0041] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a turbomachine, which in the illustrated embodiment is a gas turbine engine 10. Although industrial or land-based gas turbines are 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 assemblies and systems described herein may be used with any type of turbomachine, including, but not limited to, steam turbines, aircraft gas turbines, or marine gas turbines.

[0042] As shown, the gas turbine engine 10 generally includes an inlet section 12, a compressor section 14 disposed downstream from the inlet section 12, a plurality of combustors (not shown) in a combustion section 16 disposed downstream from the compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 disposed downstream from the combustion section 16, and an exhaust section 20 disposed downstream from the turbine section 18. Additionally, the gas turbine engine 10 may include one or more shafts 22 coupled between the compressor section 14 and the turbine section 18.

[0043] Compressor section 14 may generally include a plurality of rotor disks 24 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 26 extending radially outward from and coupled to each rotor disk 24. Each rotor disk 24 may, in turn, be coupled to or form an upstream portion of a shaft 22 that extends through compressor section 14.

[0044] Turbine section 18 may generally include a plurality of rotor disks 28 (one of which is shown) and a plurality of rotor blades 30 extending radially outward from and interconnected to each rotor disk 28. Each rotor disk 28, in turn, may be coupled to or form a downstream portion of a shaft 22 extending through turbine section 18. Turbine section 18 further includes an outer casing 31 circumferentially surrounding shaft 22 and the downstream portions of rotor blades 30, thereby at least partially defining a hot gas path 32 through turbine section 18.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment, gas turbine engine 10 may further include a fuel supply system 100 fluidly coupled to combustion section 16. Fuel supply system 100 may supply a gaseous fuel (such as natural gas, hydrogen, or other gaseous fuel) to combustion section 16.

[0046] During operation, a working fluid, such as air, enters the compressor section 14 through the inlet section 12, where it is progressively compressed, thereby providing compressed air to the combustors in the combustion section 16. The compressed air is mixed with fuel (e.g., gaseous fuel from the fuel supply system 100) and combusted in each combustor to generate combustion gases 34. The combustion gases 34 flow from the combustion section 16 through the hot gas path 32 to 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. The mechanical rotational energy can then be used, for example, to power the compressor section 14 and / or generate electricity. The combustion gases 34 exit the turbine section 18 as exhaust gases from the gas turbine engine 10 through the exhaust section 20.

[0047] 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 may be fluidly coupled to the combustion section 16 of the gas turbine engine 10. For example, the combustion section 16 may include a plurality of combustion cans 17 in a generally circular array centered on the shaft 22, and the fuel supply system 100 may be fluidly coupled to each of the plurality of combustion cans 17, as described below.

[0048] The fuel supply system 100 may include a fuel supply 102, an accessory system 104, an enclosure 106, and a fuel circuit 108 at least partially disposed within the enclosure 106. The fuel supply 102 may be a tank, container, reservoir, pipeline, or other fuel source (such as natural gas, hydrogen, diesel, gasoline, or other fuel). The fuel supply 102 may be in fluid communication with the fuel circuit 108 via an inlet line 110, and the fuel circuit 108 may be in fluid communication with the accessory system 104 via an outlet line 111. Additional components, such as a manifold 118 and branch lines 120, may be interposed between the inlet line 110 and the outlet line 111 and may be disposed within the enclosure 106.

[0049] Enclosure 106 may include walls 107 that collectively enclose a majority of fuel circuit 108. Enclosure 106 may be positioned on floor 101 (such as the ground or a concrete pad). In an exemplary embodiment, enclosure 106 may define interior 105 (e.g., the interior may be collectively defined by walls 107 and / or floor 101). Various components of fuel circuit 108 may be disposed within interior 105 of enclosure 106.

[0050] The accessory system 104 is fluidly coupled to each combustion can 17 of the plurality of combustion cans 17. For example, the accessory system 104 may include a connecting line 112 and a distribution ring 114. The connecting line 112 may extend between a connecting flange 116 and the distribution ring 114. The connecting line 112 may be fluidly coupled to an outlet line 111 of the fuel circuit 108 outside the housing 106. That is, the outlet line 111 may extend through the wall 107 of the housing and be fluidly coupled to the connecting line 112 of the accessory system 104. The distribution ring 114 may extend relative to an axial centerline of the gas turbine engine 10 and be fluidly coupled to each of the combustion cans 17.

[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a combustion can 17 with a flanged joint 400 connecting a fuel line 402 to a combustion-side line 408 of a fuel circuit, such as the distribution ring 114 shown in FIG. 2 . An enlarged perspective view of the flanged joint 400 within dashed circle IV in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4 . As particularly seen in FIG. 4 , each fuel line 402 can be connected to a combustion-side line 408 via a respective flanged joint 400. The flanged joint 400 can include a first flange 403 at the end of the fuel line 402 and a second flange 409 at the end of the combustion-side line 408. For operation, a seal assembly 410 can be interposed between the first and second flanges 403, 409 to prevent fuel leakage to the surroundings. The fuel line 402 can include or take the form of a flex line connected to the first flange 403.

[0052] Figure 5 shows additional aspects of the fuel circuit shown in Figure 2 during an air blow procedure. As seen in Figure 5, each of a plurality of fuel lines 402 can connect the distribution ring 114 to a respective combustion can 17 (Figure 3). At the stage of the air blow or clearing procedure shown in Figure 5, the majority of the fuel lines 402 are sealed fuel lines 404, and a group of fuel lines 406 to be cleared are unsealed. Such a procedure is typically performed after installation of the fuel lines 402 to remove dirt, soot, metal filings, and / or other debris, and is described in more detail below.

[0053] The sealed fuel lines 404 are typically capped or sealed with a blind seal 500, shown in the enlarged inset of FIG. 5 , and once the open lines 406 are cleared, they are capped and the group of sealed fuel lines 404 is opened. As seen in the inset of FIG. 5 , the blind seal 500 typically includes a first seal 502 with a first lip 504 configured to engage the first flange 403 or the second flange 409. The first lip 504 may include a first hole 505 blocked by a first wall 506. Thus, when installed, the first wall 506 blocks 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 any other suitable or desirable arrangement. The blind seal 500 may include a second seal 502' having a respective second lip 504' and a respective second wall 506', although the second wall 506' may be omitted.

[0054] In a typical air blowing or clearing procedure for a gas turbine fuel line or fuel supply system, referring to Figures 4 and 5, fuel lines 402 are disconnected from flanged joints 400 and may be sealed using respective blind seals 500, as illustrated by sealed lines 404. A group of lines 406 to be tested is opened by removing each blind seal 500, blowing air through the group of lines 406 to be tested, and replacing the blind seal 500. This procedure is repeated with the next group of lines to be inspected. The opening, blowing, and sealing steps are repeated with each group of lines 406 until all fuel lines 402 are cleared, at which point all fuel lines 402 may be reconnected to the combustion side lines 408 of the cans 17 via flanged joints 400.

[0055] When switching groups, removing and installing the blind seals 500 requires considerable labor and time. After all fuel lines 402 are blown, a leak test can be performed on each fuel line 402 before reattaching the fuel line 402 to the combustion-side line 408. However, because typical blind seals 500 cannot be used for leak testing, the blind seals 500 must be removed and other seals specialized for this purpose must be used for leak testing, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, operators must maintain an inventory of two types of seals for the air blow process and subsequent leak testing, which increases cost and complexity.

[0056] Embodiments of the seal clamp assembly of the present invention can reduce the time and effort required for the air blow / clear procedure by remaining in place throughout the procedure. Additionally, embodiments can be configured to be strong enough to be used for further leak testing, allowing the embodiment to remain in place after the air blow / clear procedure and during the leak test. FIG. 6 shows perspective views of two example seal clamp assemblies 600 that can be used in place of the prior art blind seal of FIG. 5 in conjunction with the fuel delivery system of FIGS. 2-4 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Broadly, the exemplary embodiment can include a clamp assembly 600 for selectively blocking flow through flanges 403, 409 ( FIG. 4 ) of flanged joint 400 of gas turbine fuel delivery system 100 ( FIGS. 1-3 ). Clamp assembly 600 can be installed between fuel line 402 and combustion side line 408 to selectively block flow between fuel line 402 and combustion side line 408. The clamp body 620 of the clamp assembly 600 can engage the flanges 403, 409 (shown in FIG. 4 and hidden in FIG. 6 by the clamp body 620) of the flanged joint 400 between the fuel line 402 and the combustion side line 408 to retain the clamp assembly 600 thereon and, as will be described, retain the seal 601 ( FIG. 7 ) therebetween. The clamp body 620 can also include one or more vents 628 to provide an outlet from the clamp assembly 600 when desired, as will be described.

[0057] Turning now to FIG. 7 , a seal 601 can be retained in a clamp body 620 ( FIG. 6 ) and can enable selective sealing of the flanged joint 400 ( FIG. 6 ). The seal 601 can have a generally toroidal shape including a seal side wall 602 connecting a seal top wall 603 and a seal bottom wall 606. A first lip 604 can protrude from the seal top wall 603 and define a through-hole 605 to an interior 609 of the seal 601. The first lip 604 and the seal top wall 603 can be sized and shaped to sealingly engage corresponding openings in a flange of a flanged joint, such as the first or second flanges 403, 409 of the flanged joint 400 of FIG. 4 . A second lip 604′ can protrude from the seal bottom wall 606 and define a through-hole 605 (not shown in FIG. 7 ) to the interior 609 of the seal 601. The second lip 604' and sealing bottom wall 606 may be sized and shaped to sealingly engage corresponding openings in a flange of a flanged joint, such as the first or second flanges 403, 409 of the flanged joint 400 of FIG.

[0058] As seen in FIG. 7 , in contrast to prior art blind seal 500 ( FIG. 5 ), seal 601 may include at least one ear 608, 610 that projects radially outward from seal 601, such as from seal sidewall 602, and includes respective outlet passages 612, 614 defined therethrough to an exterior of seal 601. Together, hole 605, inner surface 607 of seal bottom wall 606, interior 609 of seal 601, and one or more of outlet passages 612, 614 may form a channel with hole 605 being the channel's inlet. As will be explained, in the non-sealing position of seal 601, channel outlet passages 612, 614 are in fluid communication with respective vents 628 ( FIG. 6 ), such as by each ear 608, 610 and / or outlet passages 612, 614 being aligned with respective vents 628 ( FIG. 6 ). In the sealing position of seal 601, fluid communication between outlet passages 612, 614 and vent 628 (FIG. 6) is blocked. It should be noted that while two ears 608, 610 are shown, embodiments can employ a single ear, outlet passage, and vent (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 11-14), or two or more ears, outlet passages, and vents. If two or more ears are used, the ears are circumferentially spaced from one another.

[0059] The seal 601 may include an actuator 616, such as a first pin, that can be used to move the seal 601 between the non-sealing and sealing positions, as described. The actuator 616 need not take the form of a pin and may have any suitable and / or desired shape. Additionally, the seal 601 may include a locking assembly on the actuator 616 that can retain the seal 601 in one or both of the non-sealing and sealing positions. For example, a locking plate 617 may be attached to the end of the actuator 616 and may have a detent, such as a hole 618, that can selectively engage a corresponding feature on the clamp body 620 ( FIGS. 8-10 ) to retain the actuator 616.

[0060] 8-10 , the seal 601 of the clamp assembly 600 can be supported by the clamp body 620. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the seal clamp assembly 600 with the clamp body 620 in an open position / state for installation or removal from a flanged joint. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the seal clamp assembly 600 with the clamp body 620 in a closed position / state, such as when installed in a flanged joint, and the seal 601 in an unsealed position A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the seal clamp assembly 600 with the clamp body 620 in a closed position / state, such as when installed in a flanged joint, and the seal 601 in a sealed position / state B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] 8 , the clamp body 620 includes a first portion 630 coupled to a second portion 650 such that, when assembled in a closed position, the first portion 630 and the second portion 650 can slidably retain the seal 601. The first portion 630 can include a first outer wall portion 632, opposing end walls 634, 635 extending radially inward from the first outer wall portion 632 as a top wall 634 and a bottom wall 635. Similarly, the second portion 650 can include a second outer wall portion 652, opposing end walls 654, 655 extending radially inward from the top and bottom of the second outer wall portion 652 as a top wall 654 and a bottom wall 655. Accordingly, first portion 630 and second portion 650 may each include a respective outer wall section 632, 652 that together form the outer clamp wall of clamp body 620. Similarly, first portion 630 and second portion 650 may each include two opposing end walls 634, 635, 654, 655 that project inwardly from the respective outer wall sections 632, 652 to form the clamp top wall and the clamp bottom wall. In an embodiment, the clamp top wall and the clamp bottom wall are sized to retain clamp assembly 600 on a flange, such as first or second flanges 403, 409 of flanged joint 400 (FIGS. 4, 6).

[0062] As also seen in FIG. 8 , the first portion 630 and the second portion 650 can be pivotally connected by a pivot pin 640 extending through a corresponding hole 638 through the first and second portions 630, 650. For example, a first tongue 636 extending from the end of the second portion 650 and the end walls 634, 635 of the first portion 630 can have a corresponding hole 638 therein for receiving the pivot pin 640. This connection between the first portion 630 and the second portion 650 is also shown in FIGS. 12 and 16 , although the bottom walls 635, 655 are not visible due to the top views. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8 , a second tongue 656 extending from the end of the first portion 630 and the end walls 654, 655 of the second portion 650 can have a corresponding hole 658 therein for receiving a locking pin 670 ( FIG. 9 ). The first tongue 636 and the second tongue 638 can have a radial height that is equal to or less than the span between the innermost surfaces of the end walls 634 , 635 , 654 , 655 .

[0063] A corresponding hole 658 for receiving a locking pin 670 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ) can be formed between the second tongue 656 and the end walls 654, 655 to hold the clamp body 620 in a closed position. The locking pin 670 need not be a pin itself, but can be in any suitable form, such as a bolt, padlock hasp, wire, or the like. In embodiments, the first tongue 636 can be formed in one of the first portion 630 and the second portion 650, and the second tongue 656 can be formed in the other of the first portion 630 and the second portion 650. With further reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , the clamp assembly 600 can also include one or more vents 628 extending radially through the outer walls 632, 652 of the first portion 630 and the second portion 650, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 11-14, a single vent may be used. In another embodiment shown in Figures 15-18, two vents may be used.

[0064] As configured in this manner, the first and second portions 630, 650 can be pivotally coupled by the pivot pin 640 between an open clamp position, seen in Figure 8, and a closed clamp position, seen in Figures 9 and 10. In the open clamp position, at least one of the first and second portions 630, 650 is disengaged from the seal 601. In the closed clamp position, the first and second portions 630, 650 engage the seal 601, the end walls 634, 635, 654, 655 of the first and second portions 630, 650 are sized to retain the clamp assembly 600 on the flanged joint 400 (Figures 4 and 6), and the second tongue 656, the opposing end walls 654, 655, and the locking pin 670 act as a locking assembly.

[0065] Sealing of the outlet passages 612, 614 when the seal 601 is in the sealed position B can occur in a number of ways. For example, the outer wall of the clamp body 620 can be adapted in various ways to block fluid flow through the outlet passages 612, 614. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the clamp body 620 can be sized so 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 the inner surface of the outer wall of the clamp body 620 can be formed with grooves to accommodate the sealed position B, the unsealed position A, and the ears 608, 610 therebetween. Additionally, the actuator 616 can be formed or positioned on the seal 601 such that its radial extent remains within the outer diameter of the seal 601. These are non-limiting examples only, and other methods of sealing the outlet passages 612, 614 are within the scope of the embodiments. It should also be noted that the plurality of ears 608, 610, exit passages 612, 614, and vent 628 should be selected and sized to safely accommodate the anticipated volume of air over a desired period of time.

[0066] 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the clamp assembly 600 with the first pin 616 in a first position corresponding to the seal 601 occupying the non-sealing position A. In this position, the outlet passages 612, 614 of the ears 608, 610 of the seal 601 are aligned with the vent holes 628 through the clamp outer wall such that the hole 605 ( FIG. 7 ) is in fluid communication with the exterior of the clamp assembly 600. In this position, when the seal clamp assembly 600 is attached to the end of the fuel line 402, fluid within the fuel line 402 can pass circumferentially through the channels of the seal 601. That is, fluid within the fuel line 402 can pass through the hole 605 to the interior of the seal 601, along the inner surface 607 of the seal bottom wall 606, through at least one ear 608, 610 and each outlet passage 612, 614, through at least one respective vent hole 628 in the clamp outer wall, and to the exterior of the seal clamp assembly 600.

[0067] 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the seal clamp assembly 600 with the actuator 616 in a second position corresponding to the seal 601 occupying the sealing position B. In this position, fluid communication between the outlet passages 612, 614 and the exterior of the seal clamp assembly 600 is blocked, such as by the clamp outer wall. Thus, fluid within the fuel line 402 cannot pass through the seal channels to the exterior of the seal clamp assembly 600, such as during the blow step of an air blow or clear procedure or pressurization for leak testing, thereby preventing outflow.

[0068] FIGS. 11-18 provide additional views of the elements and structure of an embodiment of the clamp assembly 600. The first portion 630 may be configured similarly to the second portion 650 in an embodiment, particularly at its end. As seen in FIGS. 11-14, the seal body 601 may, in an embodiment, include a single ear 608 with an exit passage 612 defined therethrough. In such an embodiment, the clamp body 620 may include a single vent port 628 extending through the outer wall 632 of the first portion 630 of the clamp body 620. In FIG. 11, the seal clamp assembly is shown partially disassembled to illustrate the relationship between the seal 601 and the first and second portions 630, 650 of the clamp body 620. In FIG. 12, a pivot pin 640 is inserted into a hole 638, connecting one side of the first and second portions 630, 650. In FIG. 13 , first and second portions 630, 650 are closed around seal 601 and held closed by locking pin 670. In FIG. 13 , seal 601 is shown in unsealed position A, where outlet passage 612 is aligned with vent port 628, placing the interior of seal 601 in fluid communication with the exterior of clamp assembly 600. Seal 601 is shown in sealed position B in FIG. 14 , where an outer clamp body wall, such as outer wall portion 632 of first portion 630, blocks outlet passage 612, thereby blocking fluid communication between the interior of seal 601 and the exterior of clamp assembly 600. It should be noted that vent port 628 and / or ear 608 can be located in any suitable position and sized to accommodate the needs of a particular installation.

[0069] 15-18 illustrate an embodiment 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 port 628 is formed through an outer wall 652 of the second portion 650. As with the previous example, FIG. 16 illustrates the first and second portions 630, 650 pivotally connected by a pivot pin 670, and FIGS. 17-18 illustrate the first and second portions 630, 650 held closed by a locking pin 670. Similar to the single ear embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, the two ear embodiment can occupy an unsealed position A (FIG. 17) in which the outlet passages 612, 614 are aligned with the respective vent ports 628, placing the interior of the seal 601 in fluid communication with the exterior of the clamp assembly 600. Similarly, seal 601 can occupy sealing position B ( FIG. 18 ) in which the clamp body outer walls, e.g., outer wall portion 632 of first portion 630 or outer wall portion 652 of second portion 650, block the respective outlet passages 612, 614, thereby blocking fluid communication between the interior of seal 601 and the exterior of clamp assembly 600. As noted above, it should be noted that vent opening 628 and / or ears 608, 610 can occupy any suitable position and can be sized to accommodate the needs of a particular installation. Additionally, it will be apparent that embodiments can include more than two ears, as appropriate and / or desired.

[0070] 9 and 10, and with further reference to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, locking plate 617 can extend from an end of actuator 616, here a first pin, and can include a detent 618 ( FIG. 7 ), such as a hole, sized to receive a first locking projection, here, for example, pivot pin 640, and / or a second locking projection 660. First locking projection / pivot pin 640 is removable from seal clamp assembly 600, as described above, while second locking projection 660 is fixedly attached to second portion 650 of clamp body 620 and extends radially outward beyond end wall 654. First locking projection / pivot pin 640 and second locking projection / pin 660 are circumferentially spaced from one another.

[0071] The locking plate 617 can be attached to the first pin 616 (actuator) via a suitable hole formed in the locking plate 617, allowing the locking plate 617 to slide along and / or rotate about the first pin 616. Thus, in the illustrated example ( FIG. 9 ), when the seal body 601 is in the non-sealing position A, the first pin 616 is in a corresponding position and the locking plate 617 can be rotated to allow insertion of the first locking projection / pivot pin 640 through the hole 618 to retain the first pin 616, thereby retaining the seal 601 in the non-sealing position A. Similarly, when the seal 601 is in the sealing position B ( FIG. 10 ), the first pin 616 is in a corresponding position and the locking plate 617 can be rotated to insert the second locking projection 660 into the through hole 618 to retain the first pin 616 and retain the seal 601 in the sealing position B. When seal 601 is in sealing position B ( FIG. 10 ), first pin 616 is in a corresponding position, and locking plate 617 can be rotated to allow insertion of second locking projection 660 through hole 618 to retain first pin 616, thereby retaining seal 601 in sealing position B. When locking plate 617 and actuator pin 616 with detent 618 selectively engage pivot pin 640 and locking projection / pin 660, they can thus form an effective and easy-to-use locking assembly for seal 601 with clamp body 620, ensuring that seal 601 remains in a desired state during use of seal clamp assembly 600.

[0072] 19 , a method 700 for clearing and / or leak testing fuel lines of a gas turbine engine fuel supply system can be performed that can enjoy significant time and labor savings over the prior art. The method 700 can include installing fuel lines of the gas turbine engine fuel supply system (P702), removing flex lines of the fuel lines from their respective flanged joints, thereby exposing their respective flanges (P704), and installing a respective clamp assembly 600 on the respective flanges (P706), each clamp assembly having a first state (unsealed position A) that allows flow through the flange and a second state (sealed position B) that blocks flow through the flange. It has been found advantageous to close the clamp assembly 600 on the combustion side of the fuel line (P708) when installing each clamp assembly 600.

[0073] Method 700 may further include selecting a group of fuel lines to be cleared (P710), verifying that the clamp assemblies of each of the fuel lines other than the group of fuel lines to be cleared are in a second state (P712), and placing each clamp assembly of the group of fuel lines in a first state (P714). This is also illustrated in FIG. 20, where the top inset shows the clamp assemblies in the second (sealed) state for most of the lines and the bottom inset shows the clamp assemblies in the first (unsealed) state for the group of lines to be cleared. For clamp assemblies including an appropriate locking assembly as described above, placing the clamp assemblies in the first or second state may include locking the clamp assemblies in that state. The group of fuel lines may be cleared (P716), such as by blowing compressed air through the fuel lines, where a pressure of at least 100 psi is preferred in this embodiment. The process of selecting a group of fuel lines (P710), opening each clamp assembly (P714), and clearing (P716) may be repeated until all fuel lines are cleared. That is, if all fuel lines are not cleared (P718), the clamp assemblies for the group may be closed (P720), and the clamp assemblies for the new group may be opened (P714) and cleared (P716) until all fuel lines are cleared (P720).

[0074] Of particular note is that as a group of lines is cleared, the clamping assembly remains in place and is changed from one state to another (closed to open, or vice versa). This represents a time and labor saving over prior art techniques and / or devices that require blocking seals to be installed on the first group being cleared, removed from the first group after the clearing procedure, installed on the second group being cleared, and so on, as groups of lines are cleared in sequence.

[0075] When all fuel lines have been cleared in method 700, if a leak test is not being performed, all clamp assemblies may be removed (P724) and all flex hoses may be reinstalled (P726). However, if a leak test is being performed (P722), method 700 may include verifying 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 may be removed (P724) and the flex lines may be reconnected (P726). If a leak is detected (P736), the leak may be addressed (P738), and the steps of pressurizing (P730), leak checking (P732), and releasing pressure (P734) may be repeated until no leaks are detected. Implicit in this leak testing portion of method 700 is the fact that clamp assembly 600 used in the air blow / clear portion of method 700 is left in place for use during leak testing, which is a significant departure from the prior art. As a result, the time and effort associated with removing the seal used in the air blow / clear procedure and installing a prior art seal suitable for leak testing is eliminated, as are the costs associated with the prior art seals.

[0076] As can be appreciated, a technical effect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a reduction in the time, effort, and potential costs associated with replacing seals on gas turbine fuel lines during an air blow / clear procedure. Another technical effect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a reduction in the time, effort, and costs associated with performing a leak test after performing an air blow / clear procedure because the inventive clamp assembly used during the air blow / clear procedure remains installed for the leak test procedure.

[0077] This specification uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing the incorporated methods. 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 substantially from the literal language of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10: Gas turbine engine 12: Inlet section 14: Compressor section 16: Combustion section 17: Combustion can 18: Turbine section 20: Exhaust section 22: Shaft 24: Rotor disk 26: Rotor blade 28: Rotor disk 30: Rotor blade 31: Outer casing 32: Hot gas path 34: Combustion gas 100: Gas turbine fuel supply system 101: Floor 102: Fuel supply device 104: Accessory system 105: Interior 106: Housing 107: Wall 108: Fuel circuit 110: Inlet line 111: Outlet line 112: Connecting line 114: Distribution ring 116: Connecting flange 118: Manifold 120: Branch line 400: Flanged joint 402: Fuel line 403: First flange 404: Sealed fuel line 406: Open line 408: Combustion side line 409: Second flange 410: Seal assembly 500: Blind seal 502: First seal 502′: Second seal 504: First lip 504′: Second lip 505: First hole 505′: Second hole 506: First wall 506′: Second wall 600: Clamp assembly 601: Seal / seal body 602: Seal side wall 603: Seal top wall 604: First lip 604′: Second lip 605: Hole 606: Seal bottom wall 607: Inner surface 608, 610: Ears 609: Interior 612, 614: Exit passage 616: Actuator 617: Lock plate 618: Detent / hole 620: Clamp body 628: Vent 630: First portion 632: First outer wall portion 634: Top wall / opposing end wall 635: Bottom wall / opposing end wall 636: First tongue 638: Hole 640: First locking projection / pivot pin 650: Second portion 652: Second outer wall portion 654: Top wall / opposing end wall 655: Bottom wall / opposing end wall 656: Second tongue 658: Hole 660: Second locking projection / pivot pin 670: Locking pin

Claims

1. 1. A clamp assembly (600) for selectively blocking flow from a flanged joint (400) of a fuel line (402) of a gas turbine fuel supply system (100), comprising: a clamp body (620) configured to surround a flanged joint (400) of a fuel line (402), the clamp body (620) including an outer wall (632) having a first vent (628) formed therethrough; a seal (601) movably mounted within and supported by the clamp body (620); The seal (601) is a central opening at the top of the seal (601) in fluid communication with the interior (609) of the seal (601); a first outlet passage (612, 614) defined within the seal (601) and in fluid communication with an interior (609) of the seal (601) and an exterior of the seal (601); Including, A clamp assembly (600) in which the seal (601) is movable between a non-sealing position in which the central opening of the seal (601) is in fluid communication with the outside of the clamp assembly (600) via the first outlet passages (612, 614) and the first vent (628), and a sealing position in which the clamp body (620) blocks fluid communication from the central opening to the outside of the clamp body (620) via the first outlet passages (612, 614).

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

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

4. 4. The clamp assembly of claim 3, wherein the seal includes a second outlet passage defined in the body of the seal in fluid communication with an interior of the seal and an exterior of the seal, the clamp body further includes a second vent opening extending through an outer wall of the clamp body, the second outlet passage aligning with the second vent opening in response to the seal being in the non-sealing position, and the second outlet passage being completely covered by the outer wall of the clamp body in response to the seal being in the sealing position.

5. 5. The clamping assembly (600) of claim 4, wherein the seal (601) further includes a second ear (608, 610) circumferentially spaced from the first ear (608, 610), each of the first ear (608, 610) and the second ear (608, 610) protruding radially from the seal (601) body and defining at least a portion of a first outlet passage (612, 614) and a second outlet passage (612, 614), respectively.

6. the clamp body (620) further includes a first portion (630) pivotally coupled to a second portion (650), the first portion (630) and the second portion (650) being pivotally coupled and movable between an open clamp position and a closed clamp position; In the open clamp position, at least one of the first portion (630) or the second portion (650) is disengaged from the seal (601); 2. The clamp assembly (600) of claim 1, wherein in a closed clamp position, the first portion (630) and the second portion (650) are configured to engage the seal (601) and retain the clamp assembly (600) on the flanged joint (400).

7. 7. The clamp assembly (600) of claim 6, wherein each of the first portion (630) and the second portion (650) includes a respective outer wall portion (632, 652), opposing end walls (654, 655) extending radially inward from the respective outer wall portion (632, 652) as top walls (634, 654) and bottom walls (635, 655), and a tongue extending from an end of the respective first portion (650) or second portion (650), the opposing end walls (654, 655) being sized and configured to retain the clamp assembly (600) on the flanged joint (400).

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

9. When the clamp assembly (600) is in the closed clamp position: the tongue of the second portion (650) is disposed between the end walls (634, 635) of the first portion (630) adjacent the second portion (650) at a location circumferentially spaced from the pivot pin (640); 9. The clamp assembly (600) of claim 8, wherein the removable locking pin (670) extends through an end wall (634, 635) of the first portion (630) adjacent the tongue of the second portion (650) through a corresponding hole (638) formed through the tongue.

10. 2. The clamp assembly (600) of claim 1, further comprising an actuator (616, 614) accessible from outside the clamp assembly (600) and operable to move the seal (601) between an unsealed position and a sealed position, wherein in the unsealed position, an interior (609) of the seal (601) is in fluid communication with the outside of the clamp assembly (600) through the first outlet passage (612), and in the sealed position, fluid communication from the interior (609) of the seal (601) to the outside of the clamp body (620) through the first outlet passage (612, 614) is blocked.

11. 11. The clamp assembly (600) of claim 10, wherein the actuator (616) further comprises a locking plate (617) that interacts with features on the clamp body (620) to selectively retain the seal (601) in each of the non-sealing and sealing positions.

12. 12. The clamp assembly of claim 11, wherein the locking plate includes a detent that interacts with a feature on the clamp body, and wherein when the seal is in the sealing position, the feature on the clamp body that interacts with the detent is a pivot pin that connects the first portion and the second portion, and when the seal is in the non-sealing position, the feature on the clamp body that interacts with the detent is a locking projection that extends from the clamp body and is circumferentially spaced from the pivot pin.

13. 1. A method (700) comprising: removing flex lines (406) of fuel lines (402) of a fuel supply system (100) of a gas turbine engine (10) from their respective flanged joints (400), thereby exposing their respective flanges (403, 409); attaching a respective clamp assembly (600) to each flange (403, 409), each clamp assembly (600) having a first state in which flow through the flange (403, 409) is permitted and a second state in which flow through the flange (403, 409) is blocked; selecting (406) a group of fuel lines (402) to be cleared; placing the clamp assemblies (600) of all fuel lines (402) except for the group (406) of fuel lines to be cleared in a second state; placing a clamp assembly (600) of each of the groups (402) of fuel lines in a first state; removing a group of fuel lines (402); selecting (406) a group of fuel lines (402), placing each clamp assembly (600) in an appropriate first or second state, and repeatedly clearing the fuel lines (402) group by group until all fuel lines (402) have been cleared; removing the clamp assembly (600); and reattaching the flex line (406) to the flanges (403, 409).

14. 14. The method (700) of claim 13, wherein placing each clamp assembly (600) in at least one of a first state or a second state comprises locking each clamp assembly (600).

15. After all fuel lines (402) have been removed and before removing the clamp assembly (600), the leak test further includes: placing all clamp assemblies (600) in a second state; pressurizing the fuel supply system (100); checking the fuel supply system (100) for leaks; Steps to address any detected leaks; Repeat the process of testing and taking action until no more leaks are detected. depressurizing the system; removing the clamp assembly (600); and reattaching the flex line (406) to the flange (403, 409).

Images