Gas Turbine Filter Cleaning Nozzle with Aspirator and Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse pulse-jet cleaning systems for filters in gas turbines inadequately clean the portion of the filter closest to the tubesheet, leading to increased resistance and potential damage from particulate deposition, while over-cleaning other areas.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system utilizing a one-piece nozzle with an aspirator and diffuser to direct a pressurized fluid pulse from the downstream side of the filter to dislodge particulates from the upstream side, ensuring even cleaning across the filter, including the challenging proximal area adjacent to the tubesheet, by enhancing the cleaning pulse volume and directing it effectively through a diffuser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reverse pulse-jet cleaning is used to remove accumulated particulates, then fluid flow resistance decreases and fluid flow increases, but the portion of the filter closest to the tubesheet experiences little or no effective cleaning while other portions are cleaned to excess
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system divides the filter into multiple zones (proximal portion near tubesheet and distal portion) and applies different cleaning approaches to each zone. The proximal portion receives a first cleaning pulse while the distal portion receives a second cleaning pulse, allowing each zone to be cleaned appropriately according to its specific requirements and preventing both under-cleaning and over-cleaning issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different cleaning characteristics to different locations of the filter. The proximal portion near the tubesheet receives a first cleaning pulse with specific parameters, while the distal portion receives a second cleaning pulse with different parameters, tailoring the cleaning action to the local conditions of each filter region.
2Reliability
If a cleaning system is designed to clean the filter effectively, then particulate accumulation is reduced, but the complexity of the cleaning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system uses separate cleaning pulses for different filter portions, which can be achieved through timing control and pulse valve positioning rather than requiring complex hardware. This segmentation approach allows effective cleaning of multiple zones while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic cleaning pulses applied at different times to different portions of the filter. By using time-based periodic action and pulse valve control, the system achieves comprehensive cleaning without requiring continuously operating complex cleaning mechanisms, thus reducing overall 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
The system provides more effective cleaning of all filter portions, reducing particulate accumulation and maintaining filter efficiency, thereby extending service life and preventing damage from uneven cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The aspirator enables an additional volume of fluid to be delivered from the second end portion of the nozzle than is delivered from the blowpipe to the first end portion of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
A diffuser directs a portion of the cleaning pulse to a proximal portion of the filter located adjacent to the tubesheet
Implementation Method 3
The nozzle directs a cleaning pulse of the pressurized fluid from a second opposite end portion into the downstream side of the filter to dislodge particulates from the upstream side
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for a gas turbine inlet filter mounted to a tubesheet. The filter defines an upstream side at which particulates are separated from a fluid stream passing through the filter and a downstream side substantially free of the particulates. The cleaning system includes a blowpipe for supplying a pressurized fluid. A one-piece nozzle is made from a tubular member having a substantially constant cross-section extending along the length of the member. The nozzle is permanently attached to the blowpipe at a first end portion. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the blowpipe to direct a cleaning pulse of the pressurized fluid from a second opposite end portion into the downstream side of the filter to dislodge particulates into the upstream side. An aspirator is formed in the nozzle at an upstream location spaced from the second end portion of the nozzle. The aspirator enables an additional volume of fluid to be delivered from the second end portion of the nozzle than is delivered from the blowpipe to the first end portion of the nozzle. A diffuser is fixed to at least one of the blowpipe and the nozzle. The diffuser directs a portion of the cleaning pulse to a proximal portion of the filter located adjacent to the tubesheet.