Gas Turbine Breather Assembly Baffle Venturi
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine lubrication systems face challenges in efficiently managing oil droplets and pressurized air flows, leading to potential pressure imbalances and inefficiencies in lubricant circulation and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A breather assembly is introduced, comprising a baffle and nozzle configuration within a breather housing, which redirects oil droplets and pressurized air to prevent direct impingement and create a venturi effect, ensuring controlled air flow and pressure reduction, thereby optimizing lubricant circulation and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pressurized air is vented from the sump to atmosphere, then air flow is established, but static pressure in the oil tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breather assembly acts as an intermediary component between the sump and atmosphere. It provides a controlled pathway for pressurized air to vent to atmosphere while preventing direct impingement on the oil tank, thus mediating the pressure release without causing harmful pressure buildup in the oil tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The breather assembly segments the air flow path into distinct zones: a first region receiving pressurized air from the sump, a second region for oil droplet collection, and a third region for controlled air discharge. This segmentation allows independent management of air flow and pressure functions.
2Productivity
If oil droplets are redirected into the sump, then lubricant circulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breather assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it vents pressurized air from the sump, collects and redirects oil droplets back to the sump, and maintains controlled pressure differentials. This multi-functionality improves lubricant circulation efficiency without requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a nozzle that creates a venturi effect to generate negative pressure, which passively draws oil droplets and air through the system. This pneumatic-driven approach eliminates the need for mechanical pumps or complex control mechanisms.
3Speed
If pressurized air directly impinges into the tank port, then air flow is maximized, but oil droplet separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The breather assembly introduces a spatial dimension by creating a intermediate region between the sump air-bleed port and the tank port. Pressurized air flows through this intermediate space where oil droplets are captured and redirected, changing the direct linear path into a multi-dimensional flow pattern that improves separation efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The breather assembly effectively redirects oil droplets and manages pressurized air, enhancing lubricant circulation and reducing pressure imbalances, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the lubrication system in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle may create a venturi effect to reduce cavity pressure
Implementation Method 2
The baffle may block pressurized air from the sump air-bleed port from directly impinging into the tank port
Implementation Method 3
The breather assembly may be configured to redirect oil droplets from the oil tank into the sump and vent carrier air carrying the oil droplets from the oil tank to atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a lubrication system for distributing lubricant throughout the engine. The lubrication system includes a breather assembly that receives air and lubricant from various other components of the lubrication system. The breather assembly includes a baffle that redirects air and lubricant received by the breather assembly.