Unitary Snorkel and Filter Case for Gas Turbine Bleed Particulate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in removing particulate matter from bleed gas, which can contaminate sensitive pneumatic system components, leading to improper operation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an intake device with a snorkel, filter case, and cap configuration that forms a unitary component, positioned within a snorkel aperture in the engine case, which filters out particulate matter from the bleed gas before it reaches downstream components, using a filter that can be securely retained within the filter cavity and vented to extend its operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is installed in the bleed gas system, then particulate matter removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the snorkel and filter case into a unitary component, merging two previously separate elements into one integrated structure. This reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining the filtering function, thereby addressing the device complexity issue without compromising particulate matter removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filter case is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the filter element, provides structural support, and integrates with the snorkel assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thus improving particulate matter removal while minimizing increases in device complexity
2Reliability
If the filter is retained securely in the filter cavity, then filter reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter case is designed as a separable component that can be removed from the snorkel assembly, and the filter element itself is segmented to allow for easy insertion and removal. This segmentation enables secure retention during operation while facilitating straightforward replacement during maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair
3Productivity
If the filter operates continuously without venting, then productivity is maintained, but filter life decreases due to particulate accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a venting mechanism that periodically removes accumulated particulate matter from the filter. This periodic action allows the filter to maintain high productivity during operation by preventing excessive particulate buildup, thereby extending its operational life without compromising bleed gas flow 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
This configuration effectively reduces the quantity of particulate matter exposed to downstream components, ensuring proper operation and extending the life of the filter by periodically venting accumulated particulate matter, thus improving the reliability and maintenance of gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
The filter case and the snorkel form a unitary component... The filter case is configured to receive the bleed gas from the open end of the tubular body
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas turbine engine (10) includes an intake device (52). The intake device (52) includes a snorkel (74) and a filter case (72). The snorkel (74) includes a tubular body (106) and an inlet aperture (108). The tubular body (106) extends between a closed end (114) and an open end (112) opposite the closed end (114). The inlet aperture (108) is formed through the tubular body (106) proximate the closed end (114). The tubular body (106) forms a first portion of a gas flow path for a bleed gas from the inlet aperture (108) to the open end (112). The filter case (72) is connected to the tubular body (106). The filter case (72) extends between a first end (88) and a second end (90). The filter case (72) includes a sidewall (92) extending from the first end (88) to the second end (90). The sidewall (92) surrounds a filter cavity (94). The filter case (72) is configured to receive the bleed gas from the open end (112) of the tubular body (106). The filter case (72) and the snorkel (74) form a unitary component (138).