Plug Assembly Bypass for Cooling Circuit Obstructions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The arrangement of cooling passages in rotary machine casings often limits the positioning of inspection ports due to the need to avoid intersections, restricting the availability of positions for both cooling passages and ports, which can lead to contorted passages and difficulty in accessing internal components.
Innovation Solution
A plug assembly that allows cooling passages to intersect by providing a by-pass passage around ports or other cooling passages, using a collar and conduit system to maintain airflow and enable the positioning of ports at previously inaccessible locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If cooling passages are arranged to avoid intersecting with other cooling passages, then the cooling passages can maintain simple geometry and proper airflow, but the available positions for cooling passages are limited and the passages may become contorted
Solution Approach 1:
A port plug assembly serves as an intermediary component that allows cooling passages to intersect without disrupting airflow. The assembly includes a collar with a by-pass passage that redirects cooling air around the port, and a conduit that receives the port, enabling the port to intersect the cooling passage while maintaining proper airflow through the by-pass route
2Reliability
If ports are positioned to avoid cooling passages, then cooling airflow is maintained, but the positions available for ports are few and may not be aligned with regions that should be inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The port plug assembly acts as a mediator that allows ports to be positioned at optimal inspection locations even when they would otherwise intersect with cooling passages. The by-pass passage in the collar redirects cooling air around the port, while the conduit receives the port, enabling inspection ports to access critical regions without compromising cooling airflow
3Adaptability or versatility
If cooling passages intersect with other cooling passages or ports, then positioning freedom is increased, but the cooling air flow may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The collar with its by-pass passage serves as an intermediary that allows cooling passages to intersect while maintaining airflow continuity. The by-pass passage provides an alternative route for cooling air to flow around intersecting ports or cooling passages, preventing blockage and ensuring reliable cooling airflow
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling passage is segmented into multiple routes by the by-pass passage. The main cooling passage continues through the collar while the by-pass passage provides an alternative path around intersecting elements, dividing the airflow into segments that can navigate around obstructions and rejoin, maintaining overall flow continuity
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
Enables greater flexibility in positioning cooling passages and ports, ensuring uninterrupted airflow and allowing for effective inspection of internal components without blocking cooling air flow, thus preventing thermal damage and improving access to critical areas within the turbine.
Implementation Method 1
the collar includes a cooling air by-pass passage in fluid communication with the cooling passage such that cooling air from the cooling passage flows through the by-pass passage and returns to the cooling passage
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine including: a casing providing an annular chamber for rotating components of the machine; a cooling passage extending through the casing or mounted to a surface of casing; a plug assembly connected to the cooling passage and in the casing or mounted to the casing, wherein the plug assembly includes a collar and a conduit aligned with an axis of the collar, and the collar includes a cooling air by-pass passage in fluid communication with the cooling passage such that cooling air from the cooling passage flows through the by-pass passage and returns to the cooling passage, and another cooling passage or a port extending through the conduit of the plug assembly.