Nested Oil Pipe Assembly for Gas Turbine Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine oil systems face challenges in detecting and containing leaks in oil pipes, which can disrupt lubrication, pose fire hazards, and require costly and disruptive repairs, especially in aircraft engines used for civil aviation.
Innovation Solution
An oil pipe assembly with a first pipe, a second pipe housing the first, a restrictor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and controller that detects leaks by measuring changes in air pressure and temperature, allowing for localized detection and containment of failures, and redirecting fluid flow to prevent disruptions and hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single oil pipe is used to supply lubricant to engine bearings, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but a leak or failure in the pipe can disrupt oil supply and pose fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pipe system is segmented into multiple independent pipes (first oil pipe, second oil pipe, third oil pipe) that can operate independently. Each pipe has its own leak detection system with sensors positioned at different locations, allowing the system to detect and respond to leaks in individual pipes without affecting the entire oil supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested pipe configuration where pipes are arranged concentrically or in overlapping paths, with sensors positioned to detect leaks in each individual pipe. This nesting allows multiple detection zones within a compact structure, enabling independent monitoring of each pipe while maintaining a space-efficient design.
2Measurement precision
If leak detection sensors are positioned throughout the entire pipe system, then leak detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning sensors at specific critical locations rather than uniformly throughout the entire pipe system. Sensors are strategically placed where leaks are most likely to occur or where they would have the greatest impact, such as at bends, joints, or high-stress areas of the oil pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary detection elements (sensors) that indirectly detect pipe leaks by monitoring parameters such as oil pressure, temperature, or flow characteristics in the vicinity of the pipes. These intermediaries provide leak detection capability without requiring direct contact with or inspection of the entire pipe system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the oil pipe system is designed to contain leaks locally, then fire hazards and operational disruptions are minimized, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pipe system is divided into separate, independent pipe segments that can be manufactured and assembled independently. Each pipe has defined connection points and mounting locations that standardize the assembly process, making it easier to manufacture and install multiple pipes with consistent quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal mounting structures, connection interfaces, and sensor mounting provisions that can accommodate different pipe configurations and locations. This multi-functionality allows the same basic components to be used throughout the engine, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining effective leak containment capability.
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 solution effectively detects and contains leaks in inaccessible, hot parts of the engine, preventing oil supply disruptions and fire hazards, allowing for safe operation and minimizing the need for urgent repairs, thereby ensuring passenger safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor which are located adjacent the restrictor to detect and measure changes in air pressure and air temperature adjacent the restrictor
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor which are located adjacent the restrictor to detect and measure changes in air pressure and air temperature adjacent the restrictor
Implementation Method 3
a restrictor that extends from the second pipe and restricts the passage of fluid from the second fluid passage before it flows into a breather of the gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 4
a second pipe that houses the first pipe and defines a second fluid passage between the first pipe and the second pipe that is supplied with cooling air
Data Source
AI summary
An oil pipe assembly for a gas turbine engine. The oil pipe assembly includes a first pipe that defines a first fluid passage between an oil supply and a bearing chamber, and a second pipe that houses the first pipe and defines a second fluid passage between the first pipe and the second pipe that is supplied with cooling air. The oil pipe assembly also includes a restrictor that extends from the second pipe and restricts the passage of fluid from the second fluid passage before it flows into a breather. Pressure and temperature sensors) are located adjacent the restrictor to detect and measure changes in air pressure and air temperature adjacent the restrictor from which a controller identifies whether a leak has occurred in the first pipe or the second pipe. A method for detecting a leak in the oil pipe assembly, and a gas turbine are also described.