Diffuser Particle Separator With Centrifugal Traps for Turbine Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of particles within gas turbine engines leads to increased wear and damage of components, particularly in high-temperature regions, blocking cooling features and reducing operational capability.
Innovation Solution
A particle separator system with a diffuser and traps that utilize centrifugal acceleration to collect particles within cavities along the flow path, effectively removing them before they reach critical engine components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current particle separators are used, then particle removal is achieved, but additional measures are needed to further improve performance and reduce wear
Solution Approach 1:
The particle separator is divided into multiple traps (first trap, second trap, third trap) arranged along the flow path, each with cavities that capture particles at different locations. This segmentation allows more effective particle removal without requiring a single complex device, as each trap independently contributes to particle capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a radial dimension to particle capture by positioning cavities at different radial distances from the center of the flow path. The first trap has cavities at a first radial distance, the second trap at a second radial distance, and the third trap at a third radial distance, creating multi-dimensional particle separation that enhances effectiveness without increasing axial complexity.
2Productivity
If more particle removal measures are implemented, then gas turbine engine performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple traps with multiple cavities each are merged into a single integrated particle separator system. The first trap combines multiple cavities at one radial position, the second trap combines multiple cavities at another radial position, and the third trap combines multiple cavities at a third radial position, creating a consolidated structure that achieves enhanced particle removal without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Reduces particle accumulation in the combustor, turbine section, and exhaust section, preventing blockage of cooling holes and enhancing component life and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A particle separator system with a diffuser and traps that utilize centrifugal acceleration to collect particles within cavities along the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A particle separator system includes a diffuser extending along an axis to define a fluid path and a trap having walls that bound a cavity in fluid communication with the fluid path. The diffuser includes an inlet, an outlet, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The inlet fluidly communicates with a fluid source. The outlet fluidly communicates with an exhaust. The inner wall and the outer wall diverge from the inlet towards the outlet and, the outer wall is radially outward from the inner wall. The cavity fluidly communicates with the fluid path adjacent to the outer wall. The cavity is open towards the inlet of the diffuser.