Gas Turbine Particulate Sampling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine components face efficiency degradation and premature refurbishment due to the buildup of particulate matter from atmospheric contaminants, with existing solutions like surface coatings and component redesign being costly and inefficiently applied.
Innovation Solution
A particulate sample collector is designed to efficiently collect particulate samples from gas turbine engine components using a collection media support with a porous or perforated surface, supported by a hollow body with a nozzle and connected to a vacuum source for airflow generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface coatings or component redesign are applied to mitigate particulate buildup, then engine efficiency degradation is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary sampling and analysis of particulate matter before applying coatings or redesigning components. By collecting particulate samples from engine surfaces and analyzing their composition and distribution, the methodology enables proactive identification of contamination patterns, allowing targeted mitigation strategies to be applied only where needed, thus avoiding unnecessary manufacturing costs while maintaining engine efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention establishes a feedback loop by sampling particulate matter, analyzing its composition, and using this information to inform coating application decisions. The analysis results provide feedback on where particulate buildup occurs and what types of particles are present, enabling data-driven decisions about where to apply protective coatings and what coating types to use, optimizing both effectiveness and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If particulate sampling is performed to identify contamination patterns, then targeted coating application is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a collection media support for capturing particles, a hollow body for housing the collection media, and an interface for connecting to analysis equipment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and enables easy replacement or upgrading of individual modules without affecting the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling apparatus is designed with universal features that enable it to collect various types of particulate matter from different engine surfaces and conditions. The collection media can be selected based on particle size and type, and the apparatus can be applied to multiple engine components, making it a versatile tool for particulate analysis across different contamination scenarios
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 collector effectively captures particulate samples with characteristic sizes greater than 0.001 microns, enabling analysis of the composition and distribution of particles, which informs targeted application of protective coatings and design modifications to mitigate degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The exit of the particulate sample collector may be connectable to a vacuum source, the vacuum source creating at least a partial vacuum within the hollow body such that the airflow and the particulate sample carried by the airflow enter the particulate sample collector via the inlet
Implementation Method 2
The support surface may be porous or perforated
Data Source
AI summary
A particulate sample collector for collecting a particulate sample deposited on a surface of a gas turbine engine component. The particulate sample collector comprises a collection media support, itself comprising a support surface that supports a collection media between an inlet of the particulate sample collector and an exit of the particulate sample collector. The inlet is comprised within the hollow body. The inlet and exit are fluidically coupled. The exit is comprised within either the hollow body or the collection media support. An airflow carrying the particulate sample enters the particulate sample collector at the inlet, so that the collection media collects the particulate sample. The airflow then exits the particulate sample collector at the exit.