Composite Probe Sheath Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid probes in turbomachines face wear and chemical reactivity issues due to elevated temperatures and reactive fluids, with conventional metallic covers either losing strength or being expensive, making them impractical for large-scale use.
Innovation Solution
A probe sheath comprising a non-metallic sheathing material and a metallic sheathing material mechanically coupled together, providing thermal insulation and chemical inertness while maintaining fluid communication to encase fluid probes, thereby protecting them from harsh conditions without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic covers are used to protect fluid probes, then protection from wear and chemical reactions is improved, but thermal conductivity increases and material strength is lost at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metallic sheathing material (such as Inconel) with a non-metallic sheathing material (such as ceramic or refractory material). This composite structure provides both the chemical resistance and wear protection of metal and the thermal insulation properties of non-metallic materials, resolving the contradiction between protection and thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different material properties at different locations and functions within the sheathing structure. The metallic portion provides structural strength and chemical resistance where needed, while the non-metallic portion provides thermal insulation at the outer surface exposed to high-temperature fluids, allowing each material to perform its optimal function in its specific location.
2Reliability
If expensive metallic materials are used for protective covers, then durability and chemical resistance are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite sheathing structure allows the use of expensive metallic materials only where they are most needed (inner structural support and chemical exposure areas), while using less expensive non-metallic materials for thermal insulation portions, thereby reducing overall material cost while maintaining durability and chemical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying different materials locally - expensive metallic material only where chemical resistance and structural strength are critical, and less expensive non-metallic material where thermal insulation is the primary function - the patent reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the required reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional protective structures are deployed, then protection from harsh conditions is improved, but interference with probe operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sheathing structure is designed as a thin-walled composite shell that provides protection while minimizing interference with probe operation. The thin-walled design allows fluid flow patterns to remain relatively undisturbed compared to bulky protective structures, while the composite material composition maintains structural integrity in harsh conditions.
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 solution enhances the durability and accuracy of fluid probes by preventing thermal conductivity and chemical reactions, allowing for reliable measurements in high-temperature environments while being cost-effective for large-scale implementation.
Implementation Method 1
a non-metallic sheathing material having at least one opening shaped to enclose a first portion of a fluid probe therein, the non-metallic sheathing material being sized for placement within an interior cavity of the probe housing
Implementation Method 2
the metallic sheathing material includes at least one opening in fluid communication with the at least one opening of the non-metallic sheathing material, and shaped to enclose a second portion of the fluid probe therein
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to probe sheaths adapted for a probe housing positioned within a turbomachine fluid flow path. A probe sheath according to the disclosure can include: a non-metallic sheathing material having at least one opening shaped to enclose a first portion of a fluid probe therein, the non-metallic sheathing material being sized for placement within an interior cavity of the probe housing; and a metallic sheathing material mechanically coupled to a first end of the non-metallic sheathing material and sized for placement within the interior cavity of the probe housing. The metallic sheathing material may include at least one opening in fluid communication with the at least one opening of the non-metallic sheathing material, and may be shaped to enclose a second portion of the fluid probe therein.