Vacuum Testing Annular Seals in Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the condition and effectiveness of seals in gas turbine engines are inadequate and require improvement for more accurate and efficient evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing an annular seal within a gas turbine engine using a vacuum-based testing system that applies suction to evaluate the seal's condition by measuring vacuum pressure, allowing for in-situ assessment without partial disassembly, involving a vacuum pump, conduit, and pressure measurement devices to determine the seal's operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional seal testing methods are used, then the seal can be tested, but the testing process requires partial disassembly and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seal testing system utilizes the engine's own cavities and existing structure to perform the test, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and disassembly. The vacuum pump connects to accessible cavities, and the seal is tested in-situ using the engine's inherent geometry, making the system self-sufficient for testing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The method establishes vacuum isolation of specific cavities before introducing pressurized gas, preparing the testing environment in advance. This preliminary vacuum creation allows for efficient leak detection when gas is introduced, reducing overall testing time compared to traditional methods.
2Measurement precision
If traditional seal testing methods are used, then the seal condition can be evaluated, but the process is complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts and isolates specific cavities from the overall engine structure by creating vacuum isolation in selected cavities. This allows the testing system to focus on individual seal locations independently, simplifying the testing process while maintaining accurate evaluation of each seal's condition without interference from other engine cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressurized gas serves as an intermediary medium to detect seal leakage. By introducing pressurized gas into isolated cavities and monitoring for leaks into adjacent cavities, the system achieves precise seal evaluation through a simple gas pressure differential approach, avoiding complex measurement instrumentation.
3Reliability
If the seal is tested using conventional methods, then testing can be performed, but disassembly is required which increases maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The engine structure itself provides the testing environment through its existing cavities and passages. The vacuum pump and pressure sources connect to accessible ports, and the seal is tested in its installed position using the engine's own geometry, eliminating disassembly requirements while maintaining reliable seal effectiveness assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The method creates vacuum isolation in target cavities before introducing pressurized gas for leak detection. This preliminary preparation establishes the testing conditions in-situ, allowing reliable seal evaluation without disassembly and enabling quick maintenance operations.
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 accurate and efficient testing of annular seals by measuring vacuum pressure to assess the seal's effectiveness, ensuring compliance with design standards and identifying potential leaks, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of gas turbine engine operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first cavity of the gas turbine engine is vacuum isolated from a second cavity of the gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
applying suction to the first cavity with a vacuum pump
Implementation Method 3
measuring with a pressure measurement device a pressure differential across the seal
Implementation Method 4
a first cavity of the gas turbine engine is vacuum isolated from a second cavity of the gas turbine engine
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for testing an annular seal within a gas turbine engine. During this method, a vacuum is applied to a first volume through a conduit. The annular seal is between the first volume and a second volume. A vacuum pressure is measured within the conduit while the vacuum is applied. The measured vacuum pressure is compared to a threshold vacuum pressure. A difference between the measured vacuum pressure and the threshold vacuum pressure is indicative of leakage across the annular seal from the second volume to the first volume.