Engine Wash Collector with Angled Pan and Rotatable Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine washing methods are inefficient in removing contaminants from gas turbine engines, particularly due to the low pressure of cleaning fluids which results in decreased effectiveness and reduced engine performance.
Innovation Solution
An engine wash system comprising a manifold with a shaped internal contour segment and wash delivery segment that secures the nozzle at the compressor inlet aft of the particle separator, ensuring all wash liquid enters the compressor for effective cleaning, and a collector with rotatable panels and funnels for efficient collection of wash effluent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional low pressure cleaning fluids are used in engine washing, then the washing process is simple to operate, but the effectiveness of contaminant removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the cleaning fluid from low pressure to high pressure (up to 500 psi), which significantly improves the effectiveness of contaminant removal from engine components while maintaining operational simplicity through automated spray delivery systems
2Productivity
If wash liquid is not collected and reused, then the washing process is faster and simpler, but fuel consumption increases and engine performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a collection system that captures wash liquid from engine outlets and exhaust, filters it, and returns it to the wash tank for reuse. This recovery process reduces the need for continuous fresh water supply, thereby reducing fuel consumption and improving engine performance while maintaining efficient washing speed
3Productivity
If a comprehensive collector system with multiple components is implemented, then wash effluent collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector system is divided into separate functional modules: collection pans positioned at engine outlets, exhaust collectors, filtration systems, and return hoses. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system modularity and manageability, improving wash effluent collection efficiency without excessive 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
The system effectively increases engine performance by removing contaminants, reducing fuel consumption, and extending engine life, while the collector enables efficient collection and potential reuse of wash liquid.
Implementation Method 1
a collection pan with a base angled toward a centerline... collecting wash effluent draining from the engine in the collector
Implementation Method 2
first and second funnels detachably connected to the collection pan... first and second funnels are located beneath engine exhaust outlets
Data Source
AI summary
An engine wash system with a collector includes a collection pan with a base angled toward a centerline and first and second panels rotatably connecting to first and second sides of the collection pan; a plurality of wheels connecting to the base; a first support connecting on a lower end to the collection pan and extending vertically upward from the collection pan; a first funnel connecting to the first support; and a first hose connecting the first funnel to the collection pan.