Cyclonic Separator for Gas Turbine Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current debris separation systems in gas turbine engines are inefficient in removing different types of debris, as single separators either allow large particles to pass through, damaging components, or pulverize them into smaller particles that also cause damage, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage separator system utilizing vortex chambers and a sealable collection chamber is implemented, where a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged about the gas turbine engine's longitudinal axis, separating at least 70% of entrained solid particles from the airflow into a collection chamber, and a method involving a secondary airflow extraction from the compressor impeller shroud to further separate particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single separator is optimized for removing large particles, then large particle removal efficiency is improved, but small particles pass through to damage the turbine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelarge particle removal efficiencyVSAvoidsmall particle damage to turbine

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separator is divided into multiple stages with different vortex chamber configurations. The first stage uses a separator optimized for large particle removal, while the second stage uses a different separator optimized for small particle removal. This segmentation allows each stage to specialize in removing specific particle size ranges, preventing both large and small particles from reaching the turbine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a single separator is optimized for removing small particles, then small particle removal efficiency is improved, but large particles pass through to damage the compressor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmall particle removal efficiencyVSAvoidlarge particle damage to compressor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separator system is segmented into multiple stages, with the first stage configured for large particle removal and the second stage configured for small particle removal. This ensures that large particles are captured in the first stage before they can damage the compressor, while the second stage captures smaller particles that would otherwise pass through.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If the compressor pulverizes larger particles, then particle size is reduced, but smaller particles are created that can damage the turbine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle size reductionVSAvoidfine particle damage to turbine

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separator is positioned upstream of the compressor to perform preliminary removal of particles before they enter the compressor. By removing particles in advance, the system prevents the compressor from pulverizing them into harmful fine particles that could damage the turbine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The separator system uses multiple stages with different optimization focuses. The first stage removes larger particles that would be pulverized by the compressor, while the second stage removes finer particles, creating a multi-layered defense against particle-induced damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively separates and collects at least 70% of solid particles, preventing damage to engine components by categorizing and removing debris of various sizes, thereby enhancing engine efficiency and lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of vortex chambers are arranged about a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine... separating at least 70% of entrained solid particles from the airflow into a collection chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

each vortex chamber having a clean air outlet at a first end, a dirty outlet at a second end... separate solid particles from an airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10400795B2High pressure cyclonic separator for turbomachinery

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to separating solid particles from an airflow in a gas turbine engine. A separator includes a plurality of vortex chambers arranged about a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine, each vortex chamber having a clean air outlet at a first end, a dirty outlet at a second end, and an air inlet transverse to the vortex chamber located at the first end. The separator also includes a sealable collection chamber in fluid communication with the dirty outlet of the each of the plurality of vortex chambers.