Circumferential Particle Separator for Gas Turbine Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle separators for gas turbine engines are inefficient in separating undesirable materials from air, as they often allow contaminants to enter the engine, potentially damaging internal components.
Innovation Solution
A particle separator design featuring an outer scavenge passage and a circumferentially extending inner scavenge passage, with airflow paths including curved separating portions, where the inner scavenge passage and air inlet section extend less than 360 degrees, facilitating the separation of particles from the inlet airflow using inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional particle separator designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the separation efficiency is poor and contaminants can enter the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple functional zones: an inlet section, multiple curved separating portions (first, second, third, and fourth), and outlet sections. Each curved portion creates distinct airflow paths that separate particles of different sizes and densities, improving overall separation efficiency through segmented processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator employs multiple curved separating portions with specific radii of curvature. These curved geometries create centrifugal forces that enhance particle separation from the airflow. The varying curvature radii allow different particle types to be separated at different stages, improving separation efficiency while maintaining a compact structure.
2Reliability
If the scavenge passage extends fully circumferentially (360 degrees), then particle collection is maximized, but the device occupies more space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inner and outer scavenge passages each extend for less than 360 degrees (specifically 270 degrees), which is partial circumferential coverage. This partial action is sufficient to collect the majority of particles while occupying less space than a full 360-degree design would require, achieving a balance between collection efficiency and compactness.
3Reliability
If multiple curved separating portions are added, then particle separation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies particular parameters for the curved separating portions, including radii of curvature (first radius for outer portion, second radius for inner portion) and angular spans (270 degrees each). These standardized parameters allow the complex multi-curved structure to be manufactured using conventional molding techniques, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high separation performance.
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
Effectively removes particles such as sand, dust, and liquids from the air before they enter the gas turbine engine, ensuring cleaner airflow and reducing the risk of damage to engine components.
Implementation Method 1
inertial particle separators suitable for application with gas turbine engines
Data Source
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AI summary
A particle separator for use in connection with a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The particle separator extends circumferentially less than 360 degrees between a first end and a second end. In one embodiment, an inner scavenge conduit is spaced radially inward from an outer scavenge conduit. An inlet can be located between the outer scavenge conduit and the inner scavenge conduit and adapted to receive airflow. A plurality of separated airflow paths can be located between the inner and outer scavenge conduits. The outer scavenge conduit and the inner scavenge conduit can be adapted to receive particles separated from the inlet airflow as the inlet airflow passes along the curved separating portion.