Fluid Divider Valve Isolates Fuel Injectors to Prevent Cross Talk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-fuel gas turbine engines experience cross talk between liquid fuel injectors and supply lines when operating on gaseous fuels, leading to corrosive compound formation and reduced operational life due to differential pressures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid divider valve with a housing and valve shaft that allows simultaneous communication between a fluid inlet and multiple outlets, featuring radial fluid ports and a drive assembly for linear or rotational movement to isolate injectors and prevent backflow, utilizing seals for sealing engagement and modular design for easy configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a liquid fuel manifold is used to distribute fuel to multiple injectors, then fuel distribution is achieved, but corrosive cross talk occurs when operating on gaseous fuel due to differential pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel distribution system into individual isolated lines for each injector, with each line having its own control valve. This segmentation prevents corrosive gases from one injector from affecting other injectors through the common manifold, thereby eliminating cross talk while maintaining fuel distribution capability to multiple outlets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces individual control valves as intermediaries between the fuel source and each injector. These valves act as isolation mechanisms that prevent corrosive backflow from reaching other injectors when operating on gaseous fuel, while still allowing fuel distribution when needed
2Productivity
If multiple fuel injectors are connected to a common supply line, then fuel supply efficiency is improved, but operational life is reduced due to corrosive compound degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fuel supply into separate isolated lines for each injector rather than using a common manifold. This segmentation maintains efficient fuel delivery to each injector while preventing corrosive compounds from degrading components across the entire system, thereby extending operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary isolation measures by providing individual control valves on each fuel line that can close to prevent corrosive backflow before it can degrade injectors or other components. This preliminary protective action extends the operational life of fuel system components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve system isolates each injector individually, then cross talk is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into individual lines does increase component count, the patent simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for a complex common manifold with multiple outlets. Each simple individual line with its own valve is easier to design, manufacture, and maintain than a complex multi-outlet manifold system
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
Prevents corrosive cross talk and backflow, extending the operational life of engine components by isolating liquid fuel injectors and supply lines when operating on gaseous fuels, while allowing modular and efficient maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A valve shaft is sealingly engaged within the longitudinal bore of the housing
Implementation Method 2
The valve shaft has an internal longitudinal flow passage extending therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the housing
Implementation Method 3
The valve shaft can include an o-ring seal disposed thereon circumferentially aligned with and spaced apart from each radial fluid port for providing sealing engagement between the valve shaft and the longitudinal bore of the housing
Implementation Method 4
The actuator is configured and adapted to move the valve shaft between the first and second positions linearly along a longitudinal axis defined by the longitudinal bore of the housing
Implementation Method 5
The actuator is configured and adapted to move the valve shaft between the first and second positions rotationally about a longitudinal axis defined by the longitudinal bore of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid divider valve includes a housing defining a longitudinal bore having a fluid inlet. The housing defines a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the longitudinal bore. A valve shaft is sealingly engaged within the longitudinal bore of the housing. The valve shaft has an internal longitudinal flow passage in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the housing. The valve shaft has a plurality of radial fluid ports formed therein which extend from the internal longitudinal flow passage to an exterior portion of the valve shaft. The valve shaft is mounted for movement relative to the housing between a first position in which the valve shaft permits fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each of the outlets simultaneously through the radial fluid ports of the valve shaft, and a second position in which the valve shaft prevents fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the outlets.