Labyrinth Seal Duct Coupling for Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coupling and decoupling of exhaust duct assemblies in gas turbine engines for power generation systems are cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for multiple bolts, making the process tedious and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second closed members with engagement and mating surfaces, respectively, that form a labyrinth interface to securely couple and seal ducts, allowing gas flow while minimizing leakage, and can be pre-assembled at a manufacturing site for easy deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolted connections are used to couple exhaust duct assemblies, then the connection can be made secure, but the coupling and decoupling process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate components: a first coupling member attached to the first duct and a second coupling member attached to the second duct. These segmented components can be independently prepared and then quickly engaged, reducing assembly time while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking design of the coupling members.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are pre-assembled with the ducts at the manufacturing site, with alignment features and sealing surfaces prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that during deployment, the coupling process requires only simple engagement rather than complex alignment and fastening operations, significantly reducing assembly time.
2Strength
If multiple bolts are used to secure duct connections, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members integrate multiple functions into single components: alignment features guide the ducts into proper positioning, sealing surfaces create gas-tight connections, and engagement surfaces provide mechanical strength. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate bolts and fasteners, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed with self-aligning and self-sealing characteristics. The alignment features automatically position the ducts correctly during engagement, and the sealing surfaces automatically create gas-tight connections without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service design simplifies the coupling process while ensuring strong, leak-free connections.
3Ease of operation
If ducts are coupled for easy decoupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed with reversible engagement features that allow for easy coupling and decoupling operations. The sealing surfaces are configured to maintain gas-tight seals during operation but can be quickly separated when decoupling is required. This dynamic design enables simple operation while ensuring reliable sealing during the operational state.
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
This system simplifies the coupling and decoupling process, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity by reducing the time required for assembly and disassembly, while ensuring a secure seal to prevent gas leakage.
Implementation Method 1
one of the engagement surface and the mating surface complementarily receiving the other of the engagement surface and the mating surface such that a labyrinth interface is defined therebetween such that the first duct is sealed with respect to the second duct at the labyrinth interface such that a seepage of some of the gas flow out of the passage through the labyrinth interface is restricted
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling a first duct to a second duct configured for a gas flow with a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The system includes a first closed member and a second closed member. The first closed member is fixedly coupled to the first duct and defines an engagement surface. The second closed member is fixedly coupled to the second duct and defines a mating surface complementary to the engagement surface. The coupling of the first duct to the second duct includes one of the engagement surface and the mating surface complementarily receiving the other of the engagement surface and the mating surface such that a labyrinth interface is defined therebetween. Also, the first duct is sealed with respect to the second duct at the labyrinth interface such that a seepage of some of the gas flow through the labyrinth interface is restricted.