Tapered Flow Distributor for Uniform Turbine Blade Vapor Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow distributors for vapor phase coating in turbine components fail to promote desirable fluid flow characteristics, resulting in uneven or poorly covered coatings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow distributor with a manifold body and tapered inlet nozzles that self-locate into the root portion of a turbine component, featuring a chamber and multiple nozzles to facilitate even distribution of coating gas into internal cavities, optimized using computational fluid dynamics and 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fluid flow distributors are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coating uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow distributor is segmented into multiple nozzles (at least three nozzles) arranged to direct coating material into different regions of the turbine component. Each nozzle is positioned at specific angles and locations to ensure uniform distribution of coating material across the entire component surface, resolving the contradiction by dividing the coating function into multiple targeted streams rather than a single undistributed flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by positioning nozzles at different locations and orientations to address specific coating needs in different regions of the turbine component. The nozzle arrangement is optimized so that each nozzle targets a specific area, ensuring that all regions receive appropriate coating material distribution, thereby achieving uniform coating quality across the entire component
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional fluid flow distributors are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the coating coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane nozzle arrangement to a three-dimensional nozzle configuration. The nozzles are positioned at different heights, angles, and radial distances from the center of the turbine component, creating a spatial distribution pattern that ensures comprehensive coverage of complex geometries, thereby improving coating coverage through dimensional optimization
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional fluid flow distributors are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the flow characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic flow control through adjustable nozzle configurations and flow rate regulation. The system allows optimization of flow characteristics by adjusting nozzle angles, positions, and individual flow rates to achieve desired laminar flow patterns, transforming the static conventional distributor into a dynamically adjustable system that promotes uniform laminar flow across the coating surface
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
Ensures uniform coating distribution and laminar flow within turbine components, enhancing coating quality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion are tapered, respectively, towards the first inlet nozzle tip and the second inlet nozzle tip to facilitate insertion of the first inlet nozzle and the second inlet nozzle into a root portion of a turbine component
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow distributor for insertion into a root portion of a turbine component for conveying a coating gas to internal flow channels of the turbine component
Implementation Method 3
One such coating process applied to internal and external surfaces of turbine components is a vapor phase coating process, such as vapor phase aluminizing (VPA) or vapor phase chromizing (VPC)
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow distributor includes a manifold body having a first chamber configured to receive the supply of coating gas. A pair of inlet nozzles protrude from an upper surface of the manifold body for insertion into a turbine blade for delivering the coating gas to the internal cavities of the turbine blade. The inlet nozzles may be tapered to facilitate insertion of the inlet nozzles into a root portion of the turbine blade. The fluid flow distributor may have a geometry that promotes laminar flow of the coating gas.