Magnetically Coupled Fuel Valves for Shutdown Purge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel supply systems in combustion turbine engines face challenges in managing fuel flow during shutdown and overspeed conditions, leading to risks of flashback and mechanical failure due to residual combustible fuel in the supply line.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system configuration utilizing a flame out vent valve and purge valve, magnetically coupled to control fuel flow and introduce non-flammable gas to purge the fuel line, ensuring safe shutdown and preventing overspeed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fuel flow is reduced during shutdown, then fuel consumption is reduced, but residual combustible fuel remains in the supply line causing flashback risk
Solution Approach 1:
A non-flammable gas (inert gas) is introduced as an intermediary substance to displace and purge the combustible fuel from the fuel supply line during shutdown, eliminating the flashback risk while allowing controlled fuel flow reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel supply line is filled with an inert atmosphere (non-flammable gas) during shutdown to create a non-oxidizing environment that prevents combustion of residual fuel, thereby eliminating flashback risk while maintaining energy efficiency
2Reliability
If fuel flow is completely stopped during shutdown, then safety is improved, but fuel trapped in the supply line may cause mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The non-flammable gas acts as a mediator to push trapped combustible fuel out of the supply line toward the combustor, where it can be safely burned, preventing mechanical failure while maintaining complete fuel flow shutdown for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The trapped fuel that would normally be harmful is converted into a beneficial effect by using the inert gas to push it into the combustor, where it is safely burned, transforming a potential mechanical failure risk into a controlled combustion process
3Object-affected harmful factors
If purge valve is opened to purge fuel line, then flashback risk is reduced, but non-flammable gas may enter the combustor affecting combustion
Solution Approach 1:
The purge valve is opened only partially and for limited durations during shutdown, allowing sufficient non-flammable gas to enter the fuel supply line to purge combustible fuel, while preventing excessive inert gas from reaching the combustor and affecting normal combustion operations
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
Effectively prevents flashback and mechanical failure by purging combustible fuel, maintaining engine safety during shutdown and overspeed states.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel system configuration utilizing a flame out vent valve and purge valve, magnetically coupled to control fuel flow
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods to a flame out valve for a gaseous fuel system are disclosed. An example apparatus to reduce fuel combustion comprises: a first valve connected to a fuel supply line, the first valve including: a first plug to control a flow of fuel; a first spring coupled to a first end of the first plug; and a first magnet coupled to a second end of the first plug; a second valve connected to a purge system in parallel with the fuel supply line, the second valve including: a second plug to control a flow of a gas; a second spring coupled to a first end of the second plug; and a second magnet coupled to a second end of the second plug, the second magnet magnetically coupled to the first magnet; and an electromagnetic actuator coupled to at least one of the first or the second valve.