Dual Filtration Particle Separator for Gas Turbine Engine

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines with gear reduction between the fan and low-pressure compressor experience inefficient particle separation due to slower air speeds, resulting in less clean air for combustion, cooling, and cabin supply.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage particle separator system is implemented, where the first stage directs cleaner air into the core engine and the second stage, located 180° from the mount surface, assists in particle removal with the aid of gravity, and the air passes over an air oil cooler heat exchanger to further filter the air, ensuring cleaner air delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If gear reduction is incorporated between fan and low pressure compressor, then fan rotates at slower speed, but particle separation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefan speedVSAvoidparticle separation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The particle separator is divided into two distinct stages: a first particle separator positioned to receive air from the fan, and a second particle separator positioned downstream. This segmentation allows each stage to perform particle separation independently, ensuring effective particle removal even at reduced air speeds caused by gear reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second particle separator is positioned 180 degrees from the mount surface, creating a spatial arrangement that utilizes different dimensional orientations for particle separation. This spatial distribution enhances the overall particle separation capability by engaging particles from multiple directional perspectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If single stage particle separator is used, then device complexity is low, but particle separation efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle separator structureVSAvoidparticle separation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The particle separator is divided into two distinct stages: a first particle separator positioned to receive air from the fan, and a second particle separator positioned downstream. This segmentation allows each stage to perform particle separation independently, ensuring effective particle removal even at reduced air speeds caused by gear reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second particle separators are arranged in a nested configuration where the second particle separator is positioned downstream of the first, creating a cascading filtration system. This nested arrangement allows both separators to function within a compact space while maintaining enhanced particle separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Use of energy by moving object

If air speed is reduced, then energy consumption decreases, but particle separation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair movement energyVSAvoidparticle separation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The particle separator is divided into two distinct stages: a first particle separator positioned to receive air from the fan, and a second particle separator positioned downstream. This segmentation allows each stage to perform particle separation independently, ensuring effective particle removal even at reduced air speeds caused by gear reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two-stage particle separator system ensures continuous particle separation throughout the air flow path. The first separator begins particle removal, and the second separator continues the process downstream, maintaining continuous particle separation efficiency despite reduced air speeds and lower energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 two-stage particle separator effectively captures particles, improving air quality for the engine and aircraft cabin by enhancing particle separation efficiency and reducing air pressure variability for environmental control systems.

Implementation Method 1

as the air is driven, impurities will tend to be thrown outwardly, and a particle separator is then positioned to remove those particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the second stage, located 180° from the mount surface, assists in particle removal with the aid of gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the air passes over an air oil cooler heat exchanger to further filter the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2929162B1Gas turbine engine with dual filtration particle separator

Publication Date: 2019.06.05 UNITED TECH CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2C

AI summary

A gas turbine engine has a first particle separator stage including a surface for impacting air at outer periphery of an air flow passage, capturing impacted particles at the outer periphery, and routing captured particles towards a second particle separator stage. Air inward of the first particle separator stage passes towards a core of the engine. Cleaner air upstream of the second particle separator stage is utilized for an air function at a location other than the core engine. A particle discharge is disposed downstream of said second particle separator stage.