Vertical Header Combustor Drain System for Fuel Ignition Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, trapped unburnt liquid fuel in the combustor drain system can lead to local ignition due to temperature reaching auto-ignition levels, especially when drainage is poor, and existing systems may not effectively manage heat transfer and mass flow to prevent such incidents.
Innovation Solution
A combustor drain system featuring a vertical header at an angle between 30° and 90° with a horizontal plane, directly connected to drain tubes, which reduces the risk of fuel trapping by facilitating liquid flow and minimizing heat transfer in the vertical header, thereby preventing ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If drain tubes are routed with zig-zag patterns to increase heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is segmented into multiple straight drain tubes that connect individual combustor cans to a common vertical header, rather than using a single complex zig-zag routed tube. This segmentation simplifies the routing while maintaining heat transfer capability through the vertical header design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the header configuration, transitioning from horizontal zig-zag routing to a vertical header arrangement. This dimensional change allows drain tubes to connect directly to the vertical header without complex horizontal routing, simplifying the overall system while maintaining thermal management.
2Productivity
If drain tubes are made longer to improve drainage, then drainage capability improves, but heat transfer management and ignition risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the header vertically rather than horizontally, the system utilizes the vertical dimension to facilitate drainage through gravity while reducing the horizontal heat transfer path. The vertical header allows drain tubes to be shorter while maintaining effective drainage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal header arrangement by using a vertical header configuration. This inversion changes the direction of heat transfer and fluid flow, allowing drainage to occur more efficiently while reducing the heat transfer distance that could lead to ignition risks.
3Device complexity
If vertical header is used to simplify routing, then device complexity reduces, but heat transfer management becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the drainage function across multiple straight drain tubes connecting to a vertical header, simplifying the routing complexity. The vertical header acts as a central collection point that manages heat transfer from multiple sources without requiring complex individual tube routing for thermal management.
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 design effectively prevents local ignition by ensuring unburnt fuel is not trapped, reducing the need for longer drain tubes and zig-zag routing, thus enhancing safety and maintenance access while maintaining efficient heat transfer management.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical header connected to a second end of each drain tube to receive a fluid flow therefrom
Implementation Method 2
minimizing heat transfer in the vertical header, thereby preventing ignition
Data Source
AI summary
A drain system for a combustor of a gas turbine includes a plurality of drain tubes, a vertical header connected to an end of each drain tube to receive a fluid flow therefrom, and a horizontal header downstream of the vertical header and in fluid communication therewith. Each drain tube has another end adapted to be connected to a respective combustor can of the gas turbine to drain liquid therefrom. The vertical header is disposed at an angle between 30° and 90° with a horizontal plane.