Gas Turbine Drain Pipe Coupling Element Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, the high temperatures along drain pipes can lead to carbonization of lube oil, deteriorating lubrication characteristics and causing maintenance issues due to flakes blocking oil filters, as conventional designs fail to effectively manage temperature-induced overheating.
Innovation Solution
A pipe arrangement with a coupling element that reduces heat transfer by creating a spaced sleeve portion around the fluid pipe, limiting contact to a smaller area, thereby keeping the pipe cool without active cooling features, and moving the contact point further away from the hot casing, thus preventing carbonization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the drain pipe is directly connected to the hot casing to save space and simplify structure, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the lube oil overheats and carbonizes due to heat transfer from the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component between the hot casing and the drain pipe. This coupling element includes an insulating section that prevents direct thermal contact, thereby mediating the heat transfer issue while maintaining structural simplicity and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is segmented into distinct functional sections: a connection section for attaching to the casing, an insulating section for thermal isolation, and a connection section for attaching to the drain pipe. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function while collectively solving the overheating problem.
2Length of moving object
If the drain pipe is routed through the hot casing area, then the pipe length is reduced and space is saved, but carbonized layer forms inside the pipe due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element with its insulating section serves as a thermal intermediary that allows the drain pipe to be routed through the hot casing area while preventing harmful heat transfer. This enables short pipe routing without the harmful effect of thermal exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating property is applied locally at the critical connection point between the casing and drain pipe, rather than insulating the entire pipe. This localized insulation approach prevents carbonization at the hottest point while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Temperature
If additional active cooling features are added to the drain pipe to prevent overheating, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passive insulating coupling element acts as a thermal mediator that prevents overheating without requiring active cooling systems. This eliminates the need for complex cooling mechanisms while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating coupling element is a simple, passive, and maintenance-free component that provides thermal protection without the complexity of active cooling systems. It represents a cost-effective, failure-free solution compared to active cooling features.
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 effectively prevents overheating and carbonization of lube oil in drain pipes, maintaining lubrication quality and reducing maintenance needs by minimizing heat transfer and eliminating the need for additional cooling measures.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element comprises a sleeve portion—particularly arranged between the first end and the second end—surrounding a second surface section of the fluid pipe and being spaced apart to the second surface section of the fluid pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe arrangement for a turbomachine is provided having a fluid pipe for guiding fluids and a coupling element for coupling the fluid pipe to a temperature affected component. The coupling element is configured to provide a first connection between the coupling element and the component by a first end of the coupling element. The coupling element provides also a second connection between the coupling element and a first surface section of the fluid pipe by a second end of the coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling element has a sleeve portion surrounding a second surface section of the fluid pipe and being spaced apart to the second surface section of the fluid pipe. A fluid inlet or outlet arrangement is also provided having such a pipe arrangement and also a gas turbine engine having such a pipe arrangement.