Gas Turbine Sensor Snubber Block for Pressure Pulsation Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel Filter Delta Pressure Sensors in gas turbine engines fail due to fuel pump pressure pulsations, which cause a throbbing effect on the sensor's diaphragm leading to premature failure.
Innovation Solution
A snubber block with flow restrictive orifices is mounted between the fuel manifold and the sensor, restricting fuel flow and minimizing pressure pulsations, featuring a male section with radial and pinch seals, and fastener apertures equivalent to the sensor's, allowing direct installation without modifying the manifold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the FFDP sensor is mounted directly to the fuel manifold, then the sensor can measure the pressure differential across the fuel filter, but the sensor is subjected to fuel pump pressure pulsations that cause a throbbing effect on the diaphragm leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
A snubber block is introduced as an intermediary component between the fuel manifold and the FFDP sensor. This snubber block contains flow restrictive orifices that dampen pressure pulsations while still allowing the sensor to measure the pressure differential across the fuel filter. The snubber block acts as a mediator that protects the sensor from harmful pressure variations without compromising the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The snubber block changes the flow parameters by introducing restrictive orifices that modify the pressure pulse characteristics. These orifices create a flow resistance that filters out high-frequency pressure pulsations from the fuel pump while maintaining the ability to transmit the steady-state pressure differential for accurate measurement.
2Reliability
If a snubber block is introduced between the fuel manifold and sensor, then pressure pulsations are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snubber block combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both a protective element (dampening pressure pulsations) and a mounting interface (providing fastener apertures and seal surfaces). By merging the snubber function with the mounting structure, the design avoids adding separate protective components and simplifies the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The snubber block is designed with universal features that allow it to perform multiple functions: it provides flow restriction through internal orifices, creates sealing surfaces for radial and pinch seals, provides fastener apertures for mounting, and maintains geometric equivalence to the original sensor mounting interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Reliability
If the snubber block uses a male section with radial and pinch seals, then a secure seal is ensured, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses flexible seal elements (radial seal and pinch seal) that can deform to accommodate minor variations in manufacturing tolerances. These flexible seals conform to the sealing surfaces of the male section, providing reliable sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision. The flexibility of the seal materials compensates for minor dimensional variations.
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 snubber block effectively reduces fuel pump pulse sensations, thereby increasing the service life of the Fuel Filter Delta Pressure Sensor by dampening pressure gradients and ensuring a secure seal.
Implementation Method 1
A snubber block with flow restrictive orifices is mounted between the fuel manifold and the sensor, restricting fuel flow and minimizing pressure pulsations
Implementation Method 2
featuring a male section with radial and pinch seals, and fastener apertures equivalent to the sensor's, allowing direct installation without modifying the manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A snubber block for a manifold assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a body with at least one passage with a respective flow restrictive orifice, the body operable to receive a sensor and a male section that extends from the body, the male section receivable within a fuel manifold.