Turbine Engine Fuel System Extraction Before Startup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The preservation fluid used in turbine engines poses environmental hazards and forms deposits during storage and transport, requiring improved methods for its removal and preparation of the fuel system for operation.
Innovation Solution
A treatment system is connected to the turbine engine to draw out preservation fluid using a pump and flow regulator, followed by priming the fuel system with fuel, facilitating environmentally friendly disposal of the preservation fluid and ensuring the engine is ready for operation without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preservation fluid is injected into the fuel system to replace fuel during storage and transport, then the fuel system is protected from degradation and moisture accumulation, but environmental hazards and deposit formation occur during engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the preservation fluid from the fuel system using a dedicated removal system that includes a pump, flow regulator, and collection container. This extraction process eliminates the harmful preservation fluid before engine operation, resolving the contradiction between protection during storage and environmental hazard during operation.
2Reliability
If preservation fluid is injected into the fuel system, then rubber materials such as O-rings are preserved from drying out and cracking, but the preservation fluid may coke at elevated temperatures forming deposits on hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing the preservation fluid through a dedicated extraction system before the engine is started or operated. The flow regulator controls the removal process, and the collection container captures the extracted fluid, preventing it from being burned or discharged during engine operation and thus avoiding deposit formation.
3Ease of operation
If the aircraft manufacturer cycles the fuel system with fresh fuel to push preservation fluid out through fuel injectors, then the fuel system is prepared for operation, but preservation fluid is burnt and discharged through exhaust creating environmental hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a separate extraction system that removes preservation fluid directly from the fuel system through dedicated ports and flow control mechanisms, rather than relying on the fuel circulation system to push it out through injectors and exhaust. This direct extraction method eliminates the environmental hazard of exhaust discharge while maintaining ease of operation through automated pump and flow regulator control.
4Reliability
If preservation fluid is used to prevent moisture accumulation in the fuel system, then corrosion is reduced, but the fluid requires complex removal and disposal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel system into distinct functional zones with dedicated ports for preservation fluid injection and removal. The removal system is segmented into separate components: a pump for extraction, a flow regulator for controlled removal, and a collection container for disposal. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by providing dedicated pathways and components for each function.
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 method allows for efficient removal of preservation fluid, reducing environmental hazards and enabling quicker, more reliable engine startup by eliminating the need for burning or discharging preservation fluid during engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to draw fluid out from the fuel system at the injector through the flow regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for treating a fuel system of a turbine engine. During this method, a treatment system is connected to the turbine engine. Preservation fluid is drawn out of the fuel system using the treatment system.