Stationary Foam Filter for Gas Turbine Oil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal oil separators in gas turbine aircraft engines require high rotation speeds to function properly, leading to significant pressure drops and increased compressor take-off pressure, which is detrimental to engine performance and results in overconsumption of oil, pollution, and additional costs due to excessive air flow during non-idling phases.
Innovation Solution
A non-rotating, compact filtering device with a stream flow channel and a collecting channel configuration that allows a lower flow rate in the collecting channel than in the flow channel, utilizing a baffle with partitions and particle suction means to separate oil from air, reducing pressure drops and optimizing integration within the turbomachine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugal oil separators rotate at high speeds to function properly, then oil separation efficiency is improved, but pressure drops increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating mechanical centrifugal separation system with a stationary filtration system using foam media. The oil separation function is achieved through the filtering action of the foam material rather than through rotational centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the need for high-speed rotation and the associated pressure drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of oil separation from the rotating centrifugal mechanism and implements it through a stationary foam filter. By taking out the rotation requirement, the system achieves oil separation without the harmful pressure drops associated with high-speed rotation.
2Reliability
If compressor take-off pressure is increased to compensate for pressure drops, then oil separator function is maintained, but engine performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the centrifugal rotation system with a stationary foam filter, the patent eliminates the need to increase compressor take-off pressure. The foam filter maintains oil separation function through its filtering mechanism rather than through pressure-driven centrifugal separation, thus preserving engine performance.
3Reliability
If air flow through seals is increased to ensure tight sealing, then enclosure sealing is improved, but oil consumption increases due to overcooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the oil separation system by using a stationary foam filter instead of a rotating centrifugal separator. This parameter change allows for optimized air flow control through the seals, ensuring adequate sealing while preventing excessive air flow that would cause overcooling and increased oil consumption.
4Reliability
If centrifugal oil separators are integrated into turbomachine, then oil separation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to rotating parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation component from the oil separation system, leaving only a stationary foam filter. This extraction of the rotating mechanism simplifies the device integration into the turbomachine, eliminating the complexity associated with rotating parts while maintaining oil separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex rotating centrifugal mechanism with a simple stationary foam filter. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity and facilitates easier integration into the turbomachine structure without sacrificing oil separation functionality.
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 device effectively separates oil from air without rotating parts, reducing pressure drops and enabling efficient integration into turbine engines, optimizing air flow and reducing oil consumption, thereby improving engine performance and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
particles flow obstacles are formed in the flow channel downstream of the upstream opening of the collecting channel, the particles flow obstacles comprising a baffle mounted across the flow channel, the baffle comprising several partitions formed successively across the flow channel and comprising respective non-aligned openings
Implementation Method 2
particle suction means are arranged in the collecting channel
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for filtering a flow of gas conveying liquid or solid particles in a flow channel (12). According to the invention, the particles are imparted a speed that is high enough to project same by inertia into the opening (32) of a recovery channel (14) formed inside the flow channel, while the gas from the flow bypasses said opening due to a specific configuration of the flow conditions of a perfect fluid in the flow channel and in the collection channel.