DE102008014607A1 - Device for collecting washing liquid from a jet engine wash - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for collecting washing liquid from a jet engine wash, with a collecting container for washing liquid for arrangement below the jet engine (10) and / or behind the outlet end of the jet engine. According to the invention, the following features are provided: a) the collecting container has at least two collection container modules (1) which can be connected to one another; b) the collecting container modules (1) are releasably connected together in the use state to a collecting container; c) the device has a device (12, 13) for positioning the collecting container below the jet engine and / or behind the outlet end of the jet engine.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for collecting washing liquid from a jet engine wash, with a collecting container for washing liquid for arrangement below the jet engine and / or behind the exit end of the jet engine.

Jet engines of commercial subsonic aircraft are far more prevalent today so-called turbofan jet engines. Such a turbofan engine owns a so-called core engine, in which the actual combustion process of kerosene expires. The core engine has in known Way one or more compressor stages, a combustion chamber, as well one or more turbine stages, in which the hot combustion gases give off part of their mechanical energy. This mechanical Energy is used to drive the compressor stages on the other hand, an upstream is placed in front of the core engine so-called turbofan driven, which is usually a considerable larger diameter than the Core Engine and a substantial portion of the engine's overall flow Air as so-called mantle or side airflow on the Core Engine let flow past. The turbofan brings over this shell air flow a considerable part of the thrust of the engine, also ensures the high Mantelluftstromanteil for a better environmental compatibility of the engine, in particular a better efficiency at subsonic speeds, as well as an improved noise insulation of the hot Exhaust flow of the Core Engine.

Jet engines become in operation by combustion residues the core engine as well as with the combustion or shell air sucked in air contaminants such as dust, insects, Salt mist or other environmental contaminants contaminated. These Impurities form in particular on the rotor and / or Statorblades of the compressor of the Core Engine a covering, which the Surface quality and thus ultimately the thermodynamic Efficiency of the engine affected.

To remove the impurities jet engines are cleaned. Out WO 2005/077554 A1 For this purpose, it is known to arrange a plurality of cleaning nozzles upstream of the fan of a turbofan engine so as to clean the fan and the core engine.

The dirty cleaning fluid is usually collected. For this purpose it is for example off US 7 297 260 B2 known to arrange a liquid separator behind the exhaust nozzle of a jet engine, which deposits the liquid content of the emerging from the exhaust nozzle aerosol. In addition, a collecting trough is arranged over a large area below the jet engine in order to collect cleaning liquid dripping out of the mantle (the cowling).

Of the Invention is based on the object, a device for collecting to provide washing liquid of the type mentioned, which is inexpensive and easy and convenient to handle is.

• a) der Auffangbehälter weist wenigstens zwei miteinander verbindbare Auffangbehältermodule auf;
• b) die Auffangbehältermodule sind im Nutzzustand lösbar miteinander zu einem Auffangbehälter verbunden;
• c) die Vorrichtung weist eine Einrichtung zum Positionieren des Auffangbehälters unterhalb des Strahltriebwerks und/oder hinter dem Austrittsende des Strahltriebwerks auf.

According to the invention, the following features are provided:

• a) the collecting container has at least two interconnected collecting container modules;
• b) the collecting container modules are releasably connected together in the use state to a collecting container;
• c) the device has a device for positioning the collecting container below the jet engine and / or behind the outlet end of the jet engine.

First some terms used in the context of the invention are explained.

With a device according to the invention washing liquid is to be collected from a jet engine wash. In such a jet engine wash finely distributed liquid (preferably water, possibly mixed with cleaning agents) is sprayed under increased pressure through the front air inlet into the engine, in particular in the so-called core engine usually. A suitable device is for example in EP 7 005 446.5 described. Some of this cleaning fluid exits as aerosol from the rear thruster of the core engine of the jet engine. Another portion (typically the major portion of typically about 70%) of the cleaning fluid initially deposits inside the jet engine, travels downwardly and drips, for example, through orifices in the jet engine jacket, from the rearward opening of the shell, from which the secondary airflow exit or out of the thruster of the Core Engine. Since this fluid may be contaminated with contaminants, it should be collected.

Of the Term "jet engines" in context The invention includes any aircraft engines comprising a gas turbine. If appropriate, these may also be turboprop engines.

The collecting container for washing liquid according to the invention is for collecting dripping washing liquid and for receiving a behind the exhaust nozzle of the engine by the Gravity lowering aerosols formed. The collecting container is therefore essentially open on its side facing up in the state of use or has suitable collecting surfaces.

Of the Collecting container is for arrangement below the jet engine and / or provided behind the outlet end of the jet engine. The term "arrangement below the jet engine" is functional to understand and designates an arrangement of the collecting container, the washing liquid which drips when the respective jet engine is being cleaned completely or extensively fields.

A Arrangement behind the outlet end of the jet engine, in particular behind the outlet end of the exhaust nozzle, allows catching the exiting from the exhaust nozzle and lowering Liquid aerosol.

According to the invention provided that the collecting container at least two together having connectable collecting container modules. In use condition the device these collection container modules are solvable connected together to form a collecting container. The modular Structure of the collection container allows easy and space-saving transport and storage of the collection container. In the use state, 2 or more (preferably 3 to 5, in particular preferably 4) modules detachable to one another to a collecting container be connected, below and behind the jet engine to be cleaned is arranged.

One Jet engine can run from the air intake to the exhaust nozzle outlet have an axial length of about 5 m, for example. Dripping washes during the cleaning process should preferably over the entire length of the jet engine be caught. In addition, the collection container should about 2 to 4 m behind the outlet end of the jet engine are enough to at least a large part of emerging from the gas nozzle To catch aerosols. The length of an inventive For example, a collection container can be 7 to 10 m, preferably 8 to 9 m. Another rule of thumb for the design of the overall length is the axial length of the jet engine to be cleaned plus a length from 2 to 6 m, more preferably 2 to 5 or 2 to 4 m.

Of the Term "Device for positioning the collection container below the jet engine and / or behind the exit end of the jet engine "means any device, for setting and holding a defined position of the collection container is suitable relative to the jet engine to be cleaned. Of the Collecting container can be without physical connection with the be positioned to be cleaned jet engine, for example by Driving a suitable car below the engine to be cleaned, the cart carries the collecting container. in the However, within the scope of the invention it is preferred that the collection container be physically attached to parts of the engine to be cleaned and from this is worn, as will be explained in detail below becomes.

The invention is based on the surprising finding that the substantially complete collection of the washing liquid when cleaning a jet engine that in the prior art ( US 7 297 260 B2 ) is considered necessary for complex and expensive separation device for the separation of the liquid fraction from the exiting the exhaust nozzle aerosol is not required. The invention has recognized that in a cleaning process just a few meters behind the outlet of the exhaust nozzle, the liquid content of the aerosol has already lowered by gravity to the extent that it is collected by the collecting container according to the invention. For this purpose, as already described above, the collecting container preferably extends for the said distance in the axial direction behind the outlet end of the jet engine.

One Another aspect of the invention is the modular construction of the collecting container. Since a typical length of an inventive Collecting container in the working condition is about 8 to 9 m, is such a container as a whole consuming in handling during transport and storage. The inventive Modular design allows a simpler and space-saving Handling during transport and storage.

Preferably the collecting container is long as seen from above stretched trained. This means that in use state horizontal seen from above its longitudinal extent, with which he in the Longitudinal axis of the jet engine below this engine is arranged, is significantly larger than his Width perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. The named factor is preferably 3 to 20, more preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 6 to 12. Preferred lengths of Collection container have already been mentioned above, preferred ranges for the width are 0.5 to 3 m, farther preferably 0.6 to 2 m, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5 m, further preferably 0.8 to 1.2 m.

The invention has recognized that such a relatively narrow collecting container is sufficient to catch on the one hand most of the washing liquid dripping out of the jet engine, since this substantially exits at the lowest points of the engine. On the other hand, however, the majority of the exiting from the exhaust nozzle aerosol is collected, since the This aerosol is not distributed widely and thus only to a negligible extent precipitates next to the collecting container. According to the invention, about 90% of the introduced washing liquid can be collected. It will be appreciated that this proportion is critically dependent on the environmental conditions prevailing during the washing process. At high outside temperatures and the use of a water-based washing liquid, a significantly larger proportion of the finely divided water droplets may evaporate and can not be collected.

in the Within the scope of the invention it is preferred if the collecting container has the lowest possible weight. For a weight-saving Construction, it may be advantageous that each collection container module a frame that gives it structural strength. Such a frame can be made of plastic or metal profiles be. Fiber-reinforced material is preferred for the frame material Plastics or light metals such as aluminum or Aluminum alloys. The frame parts can be fixed together connected, for example, be welded, but they can also be releasably connected to each other, so that the frame is dismantled.

Preferably the frame carries a flexible container foil, which is designed to trap the washing liquid. The actual collection container is thus through this formed flexible container film. This embodiment The invention enables a particularly lightweight Construction, as the container film has a low basis weight has and the overall structural strength of the collection container ensured by the likewise lightweight frame. As a container film is preferably one in the prior art known plastic film used for the intended Application is sufficiently stable and tear resistant and one sufficient resistance to components the washing liquid has. Depending on the intended application may also have sufficient UV stability of importance be when engine washes performed outdoors become.

The Construction according to the invention allows a very lightweight construction of a collecting container. A below in the embodiments described in more detail Tray of four modules, each with an aluminum frame exhibit, with a total length of 8.40 m and a width of about 1 m a total weight of only 23 kg on. If you use a carbon fiber frame, this weight can be lowered to about 16 kg. Thus, a weight of the Collection container of less than 50 kg, more preferably below 40 or under 30 kg. Such lightweight collection container can readily attached in use on the jet engine and of be worn this.

in the Within the scope of the invention, the container film can be detachable connected to the frame. With a collapsible frame can For example, frame profile parts by support sections or carrying straps be pushed through the container film. At a fixed, in the context of normal use of the invention Device can not be dismantled frame, the container film For example, looped over frame parts and with a be welded to other film section, alternatively detachable connections such as Velcro strips or may be provided.

in the Within the scope of the invention, it is preferred that each collection container module at least one, preferably at least two or three liquid outlets having. It should be ensured in this way that during the washing process most of the collected Washing liquid discharged immediately through the drains can be and the weight of the collection container by the intercepted water is only slightly increased. The named Arrangement of a larger number of liquid outlets causes whatever the exact arrangement and Alignment of each catch tank module the largest Part of the washing liquid can flow off immediately and not at a point on a collection box module can collect at which there is no drain.

Prefers Each collection container module can have an overhead trough form. In the composite use state of the collection container boundaries or the edges of the tubs abut each other and form a substantially full-surface container.

According to one Particularly preferred variant of the invention, the Collection container modules in a disassembled congestion state into each other be stackable. For this purpose, it may be provided that each Collection container module slightly different outside dimensions has such that a nesting possible is. For example, in a collecting container four modules each module opposite to the one adjacent to one side Module slightly shorter in the axial direction and slightly narrower be transverse to this axial direction, so that this module in the respective larger module put into it and stacked with it can be. In the composite use state, the Modules are connected to each other in a suitable manner, for example The frames can be easily handled with quick-release fasteners or wing nuts or the like screwed together or otherwise connected.

are the modules stacked as described above, can the collecting container due to the decreasing Width of each module compared to the previous module as a whole rejuvenate. It is then preferred that the wider side of the collecting container in the use state in the gas flow direction the jet engine to be cleaned points backwards to behind the exit opening of the engine as possible to form wide collecting container.

Prefers is it that the drip modules in the composite Useful condition not in fluid communication with each other stand. This means that the liquid is not from one Receiving container module flow directly into the adjacent module can. This is possible, for example, by the described Training each collection container module as a separate Drip pan. In this way, a one-sided weight load of the collection container by itself in a corner or on a Side collecting washing liquid largely avoided. Alternatively, it is possible that the collection container modules in use a large common liquid container form, in which no liquid separation between the Modules takes place.

Bump two collecting container modules in the working state to each other, without that there is a fluid connection between them, a discharge device may be provided which is in the area between two adjoining modules hitting washing liquid in at least one of these collection container modules derived. For example, it may be a foil section that over folded over the border area of the adjacent modules will and ensures that any occurring fluid drains into one of the two collection container modules.

Prefers it is that the device according to the invention in the desired manner below and / or behind the outlet end the jet engine is positioned by means of the releasably mounting the device on a jet engine. These devices for releasable mounting can for example, on the mantle (the cowling) to the air inlet of the Turbofan and / or the air outlet of the exhaust nozzle of the jet engine attack. For example, to mount on the Cowling Vacuum sucker or suction cups may be provided. These can a collecting container according to the invention Reliable wear due to the low weight.

to Mounting on the air inlet of the turbo fan and / or the gas or Air outlet of the exhaust nozzle of the jet engine can suitable hook devices or clamping claws be provided preferably with a soft material, such as a plastic, can be sheathed to the appropriate engine parts not to damage.

The said positioning means may preferably Facilities for adjusting the inclination of the collecting container relative to the horizontal and to the distance of the collecting container in the vertical relative to the jet engine. A positioning as close as possible below the jet engine has the Advantage that during the washing process from the exhaust nozzle escaping aerosol is caught before moving on to the ground Falling, for example, due to wind or the like widely distributed.

One Embodiment of the invention will be described below of the drawings. Show:

1 : schematically a device according to the invention mounted in longitudinal section on an engine;

2 FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the device; FIG.

3 a cross-section of the engine-mounted device;

4 : in a detailed view 3 the assembly of the device on the jet engine;

5 a view of the frame of two inventive collection container modules;

6 in a top view, the frames of four catcher modules mounted to a catch bin;

7 : two container foil inserts for collection box modules.

5 shows the frames of two catcher modules 1 , Each frame has corner profiles 2 on that with elongated profiles 3 are connected to a generally cube-shaped rigid frame. The corner profiles 2 and the associated elongate profiles 3 are preferably releasably connected to each other, for example screwed, but are preferably not disassembled in the usual use, transport and storage of the device according to the invention.

7 shows two as a whole 4 designated container foil inserts for the frame of a collection container. Such a container foil insert 4 forms a tub, at the bottom of this tub is a plurality of closable processes 5 vorgese hen. At the four upper edges of each container film tray are preferably hollow cylindrical receptacles or recording loops 6 arranged in which the associated longitudinal profiles 3 of the frame can be inserted.

The pictures 6 the container foil pans 4 can be formed in which the respective film edge is folded and, for example, welded, glued or otherwise permanently connected to the inside of the corresponding counter-foil. In this case, the associated frame must be disassembled and the longitudinal profiles to assemble a collection box module 3 in the associated recordings 6 the container foil pan 4 be inserted. Then the frame is put together, thereby becoming the longitudinal profiles 3 with the corner profiles 2 connected. In this form, the collection container modules can be stored.

Alternatively, it is possible the frame wraps 6 a container film tray to make detachable, for example by means of Velcro, zippers or the like.

Each container film tray has a film strip at a short edge 7 on, for example, at 8th can be provided with a Velcro strip. This edge of the film 7 bridges in the assembled state of the collecting container the area between two adjacent collecting container modules and ensures that there incident fluid is discharged into one of the two collecting container modules.

The corner profiles 2 each frame assign 9 indicated screw on, with which two collection container modules can be screwed together on their short sides. Preferably, wing nuts or the like are used for screwing, which allow easy assembly and disassembly without tools. It is understood that other suitable connections can be used except screw.

As in 6 To recognize, four collecting container modules mounted together form an elongated collecting container. The collecting container modules become successively shorter and narrower (L1>L2>L3> L4 and B1>B2>B3> B4). This difference in size is such that the collection container modules can be stacked in the disassembled state. Thus, for transport and storage, all four collection container modules can be stored together on a base area which corresponds to the base area of the largest collection container module with the length L1 and the width B1.

The 1 to 3 schematically show a device according to the invention with a collecting container composed of four collecting container below a jet engine 10 assembled. At least one outlet 5 each catch tank module is connected to a liquid drain hose 11 connected, which dissipates the collected liquid. It can be collected for example in a container for reprocessing or disposal.

As in particular in 1 to recognize the device according to the invention is mounted below the jet engine and carried by this. Due to the low weight of less than 30 kg, with a design of the frame of the collection container modules made of fiber-reinforced plastic under 20 kg, the attachment to the engine 10 by hanging one at 12 arranged suspension in the gas or air outlet of the engine's exhaust nozzle 10 as well as by suction cups 13 done on the cowling of the engine. From the 3 and 4 is the attachment by means of suction cups 13 closer to the cowling of the engine. At a suitable location of a collection container module 1 is at the top of the frame a cross member 14 appropriate. Preferably, this cross member 14 be mounted in the axial direction at different locations of the frame of the collecting container modules to allow adaptation to different engines. Both sides of the cross member 14 are about a height adjustment device 15 with the foot 16 the suction cup 13 connected. This foot 16 is at the 17 indicated axis relative to the height adjustment 15 rotatable, so that the angular position of the suction cup 13 can be set appropriately. The height adjustment device 15 can preferably by means of a quick release 18 be loosened and changed in length, so that the location and inclination of the catch tank below the engine 10 adjust and adjust.

To carry out an engine wash, the device according to the invention is mounted and the in 1 shown position below an engine to be cleaned. Subsequently, washing liquid is sprayed into the air inlet of the engine, preferably in particular in the core engine. Dripping liquid dripping down is collected by the collecting container and by means of the hoses 11 derived. Aerosol exiting the gas outlet of the exhaust nozzle deposits to a substantial extent in the portion of the receiver overhanging the outlet end of the engine and is also diverted for disposal or reuse.

After performing the cleaning device of the invention is removed from the engine. The four screwed together collection Container modules can be disassembled, stacked in one another and thus easily transported away and stored.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2005/077554 A1 [0004]
• US 7297260 B2 [0005, 0017]
• EP 7005446 [0009]

Claims (17)

Device for collecting washing liquid from a jet engine wash, with a collecting container for washing liquid for arrangement underneath the jet engine ( 10 ) and / or behind the outlet end of the jet engine, characterized by the following features: d) the collecting container has at least two collecting container modules which can be connected to each other ( 1 ) on; e) the collecting container modules ( 1 ) are releasably connected together in the use state to a collecting container; f) the device has a device ( 12 . 13 ) for positioning the collection container below the jet engine and / or behind the discharge end of the jet engine. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that that the collecting container is elongated in the direction of view from above is trained. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that that the longitudinal extent of the collection container by a factor of 3 to 20, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 6 to 12 is greater than its width. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each collecting container module ( 1 ) a frame ( 2 . 3 ), which gives it structural strength. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the frame ( 2 . 3 ) is dismantled. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the frame ( 2 . 3 ) a flexible container film ( 4 ), which is designed to catch the washing liquid. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the container film ( 4 ) detachable with the frame ( 2 . 3 ) connected is. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each collecting container module ( 1 ) at least one, preferably at least two or three, effluents ( 5 ) having. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each collecting container module ( 1 ) in the assembled state of use of the collecting container not in fluid communication with the other collection container modules ( 1 ) stands. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each collecting container module ( 1 ) in the assembled state of use of the collecting container forms a collecting trough, which is attached to the drip pans of the respectively adjacent collecting container modules ( 1 ) abuts. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the collecting container modules ( 1 ) are stackable in a disassembled congested state. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a discharge device ( 7 ) for deriving the area between two adjacent catcher modules ( 1 ) impinging washing liquid in at least one of these collecting container modules ( 1 ) is provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the means for positioning the collecting container below the jet engine and / or behind the outlet end of the jet engine devices ( 12 . 13 ) for releasably mounting the device on a jet engine ( 10 ). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the devices ( 12 . 13 ) for releasably mounting the device on a jet engine ( 10 ) for mounting on the cowling, the turbo fan air inlet and / or the jet engine exhaust nozzle air outlet. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the means for mounting on the Cowling vacuum cleaner ( 13 ). Apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the means for mounting on the air inlet of the turbo fan and / or the air outlet of the exhaust nozzle of the jet engine hook means ( 12 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the means for positioning the collecting container below the jet engine and / or behind the outlet end of the jet engine devices ( 15 ) for adjusting the inclination of the collecting container to the horizontal.