DE102015225445A1 - Method and device for removing at least one foreign body from a gas duct of a turbomachine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for removing at least one foreign body (1) from a gas channel (10) of a turbomachine (100), in particular an aircraft engine, characterized in that an inspection tool (20) is introduced into the gas channel (10), wherein at least a nozzle (21) of the inspection tool (20) of at least one foreign body (1) selectively with a pressurized fluid (22, 22a, 22b) is flowed so that it is targeted in the gas channel (10), in particular along the gas channel (10) is moved , Furthermore, the invention relates to a device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for removing at least one foreign body from a gas duct of a turbomachine with the features of claim 1 and a device for removing at least one foreign body from a gas duct of a turbomachine with the features of claim 8.

In turbomachinery, in particular aircraft engines, air is sucked in, which usually comes from the environment. In this case, foreign objects can get into the interior of the turbomachine. Also parts of the turbomachine can come loose and occur as foreign matter inside the turbomachine. If foreign objects - regardless of their origin - get into a gas channel, they must be removed during maintenance. By a gas channel is meant here the bladed region of the turbomachine, i. the areas in which the incoming air is compressed (compressor stages) or expanded (turbine).

From the US 2014063228 A1 For example, a method of cleaning surfaces suitable for hard to reach places is known.

Therefore, methods and devices for removing at least one foreign body from a gas duct of a turbomachine are needed.

In the method, an inspection tool is introduced into the gas channel, wherein at least one nozzle of the inspection tool, the at least one foreign body is selectively supplied with a pressurized fluid, so that it is selectively moved in the gas channel, in particular along the gas channel. The pressurized fluid can thus apply a force from one or more directions to the at least one foreign body, so that it can be selectively moved in the gas channel. By moving along the gas channel, the at least one foreign body can be moved to a location where it can be removed.

In one embodiment, the at least one foreign body in the gas channel is moved by the pressurized fluid in the direction of a compressor stage, in the direction of a turbine stage, in particular the compressor inlet opening or a blow-off air extraction point. The compressor inlet opening is the suction port of the (high pressure) compressor, which is arranged at the front of jet engines usually in the direction of flight. The blow-off air extraction point is an internal bleed air extraction point on the high-pressure compressor, usually circulating through gaps or slots, i. on the entire circumference of a certain high-pressure stage. If the at least one foreign body is located in another region of the gas channel (combustion chamber or turbine), then the method can also be used here. The at least one foreign body is e.g. to the nearest inspection opening or the outlet nozzle (low pressure turbine outlet).

In a further embodiment, the pressurized fluid comprises compressed air, demineralized water, an oil, an alcohol and / or a cryogenic liquid or consists of these substances. The choice of substance may be based on the type of foreign body (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, etc.).

For a flexible removal, in particular of stuck foreign bodies, in one embodiment, the outflowing quantity of the pressurized fluid can be controlled or regulated. Thus, e.g. the pressure fluid pulsating and / or swirling flow from the at least one nozzle. Also, in one embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the flow direction of the pressure fluid can be switched.

In one embodiment, the at least one foreign body has a characteristic size, in particular an average diameter between 4.5 mm and 8 mm, in particular between 6.5 mm and 8 mm.

The object is also achieved by a device having the features of claim 8.

In this case, at least one nozzle for targeted flow against the at least one foreign body with a pressurized fluid is arranged on an inspection tool for introduction into the gas channel.

In order to be able to better handle the at least one foreign body during the procedure, in one embodiment of the device, the at least one nozzle has an outlet opening in the field of vision of the inspection tool. Thus, a targeted action on the at least one foreign body is possible. Thus, e.g. the flow direction of the at least one nozzle axially and / or perpendicular to the line of sight by the inspection tool, in particular, the flow direction can be switched between the axial or vertical direction.

In a further embodiment, the inspection tool has an optical device, with which the at least one foreign body and / or the gas channel can be viewed from at least two directions. Thus, the intervention on the at least one foreign body can be made specifically.

It is also possible that the inspection tool has at least one manipulator, in particular a pair of pliers and / or a milling cutter, for the at least one foreign body. With the help of the manipulator, the effect of the pressure fluid can be supported. It is also possible to use tools as a manipulator in a subsequent step, ie after treatment by means of compressed air.

Furthermore, it is possible for the inspection tool to have a light guide for illuminating the gas channel and / or the at least one foreign body.

In order for the inspection tool to be introduced into the interior of the turbomachine, the shank (which particularly relates to the distal end of the inspection tool, including the device for introducing the pressurized fluid.) The shank may be flexible or curved in particular) has a largest outer diameter. which is smaller than 6.5 mm. The entire tool must have a certain maximum diameter throughout the "retractable" area.

In a further embodiment, the device has a control device with which the mass flow of the pressure fluid, the flow direction of the pressure fluid and / or the spin of the pressure fluid can be adjusted. The control device may be partially disposed outside the shaft.

Embodiments of the methods and apparatus will be described with reference to figures. It shows

1 an aircraft engine as a turbomachine;

2 a schematic section through a compressor stage with a foreign body;

3 an enlarged view of the foreign body with an inspection tool for removing the foreign body;

4 a schematic representation of the inspection tool;

4A an application of an inspection tool in a gas channel;

5 a representation of an embodiment of an inspection tool in which a pressurized fluid flows perpendicular to the viewing direction on a foreign body;

6 a representation of an embodiment of an inspection tool, in which a pressurized fluid flows in the direction of the viewing direction on a foreign body;

7 a representation of an embodiment of an inspection tool in which a pressurized fluid flows from two directions to a foreign body;

8th a representation of an embodiment of an inspection tool with a pulsating leaking pressure fluid;

9 a representation of an embodiment of an inspection tool with a swirling leaking pressurized fluid;

10 a representation of an embodiment of an inspection tool with a leaking pressurized fluid in which the flow direction is reversible;

11 a representation of an embodiment of an inspection tool with a bent or flexible shaft.

In 1 is a three-shaft aircraft engine as an exemplary embodiment 100 shown in turbofan construction. The aircraft engine 100 has a fan level 101 , a low-pressure compressor stage 102 and a high pressure compressor stage 103 on. These are made by turbine stages 105 driven in a known manner. Further, the aircraft engine points 100 another combustion chamber 104 on.

This is the Fanstufe 101 , the compressor stages 102 . 103 and the turbine stages 105 in each case numerous shovels 110 on, the one in the engine 100 supplying or removing work in flowing air.

The steps 101 . 102 . 103 . 105 each of a housing 106 enclosed, which is shown here in a simplistic way.

The bladed area inside the housing 106 (Compressor stages 101 . 102 . 103 , Turbine stages 105 ) is here as a gas channel 10 considered. In this case, the gas channel 10 include several areas. In a turbofan engine, the housing includes 106 two parts, so that also the gas channel 10 two parts comprises: The area around the fan stage 101 and the area around the other compressor stages 102 . 103 and the turbine stages 105 ,

The gas channel 10 is in each case an annular space within the housing 106 , Especially because of the blades 110 is the access to possible foreign bodies 1 in the gas channel 10 possibly difficult.

In 2 is a section of a stage from a compressor stage 102 . 103 shown. Here, in the flow direction, first a rotor 110a , then a stator 110b arranged.

By way of example, here is a foreign body 1 in the gas channel 10 , namely in the space between the rotor 110a and the stator 110b shown. The characteristic size of the foreign body 1 is between 6.5 mm and 8 mm, so it is not easy through an inspection port not shown here in the housing 106 can be removed. Under the characteristic size can here in particular the average diameter of the foreign body 1 be understood.

In 3 is the area around the foreign body 1 shown enlarged. In a schematic way here is partially an inspection tool 20 represented, namely the top. A complete inspection tool 20 (here a boroscope or videoscope) is in 4 shown.

Laterally on a shaft 25 of the inspection tool 20 is a channel for a pressurized fluid 22 arranged. This channel opens at the distal end of the inspection tool 20 in a nozzle 21 from which the pressurized fluid 22 targeted with relatively high pressure on the foreign body 1 can be directed.

The pressurized fluid 22 can be eg compressed air, demineralized water, oil or an alcohol. If the foreign body 1 is made of plastic or plastic, the pressurized fluid 22 Also, a cryogenic liquid (ie, a fluid at very low temperatures) be, as they are brittle the plastic. With a manipulator 24 (please refer 5 ) can this foreign body 1 then mechanically crushed.

The foreign body 1 is in 3 with the pressure fluid so that it flows in the direction of the compressor opening, ie against the main flow direction of the aircraft engine 100 , is moved (indicated by arrow).

Alternatively, it is also possible to use the foreign body 1 in the other direction along the gas channel 10 to move, which is preferable to a foreign body 1 in the gas channel 10 is performed in the turbine area.

It may be the target, the foreign body 1 in the direction of the expanding gas channel 10 to move. In the compressor stages 102 . 103 is the opposite to the main flow direction, in the turbine stages is the main flow direction.

In 3 For reasons of simplicity, it is just a foreign object 1 shown. But it is quite possible that more than a foreign body 1 in the gas channel 10 is present.

In 4 is an example of an inspection tool 20 represented, which is coupled with different units. The actual inspection train 20 with the shaft 25 is a type of endoscope, at the end of which, among other things, the nozzle 21 for the pressurized fluid 22 is arranged. The shaft is designed here as a fully flexible endoscope, usually as Videoskop.

This will be in 5 to 11 still shown in detail.

At the inspection tool 20 is a power source 26 connected to the power supply. Further, a control device 27 via a connection cable 28 with the inspection tool 20 connected. The room in the gas canal 10 and the foreign body 1 can have a camera device 29 and the connected monitor 30 be followed.

It makes sense if the largest outer diameter A of the shaft 25 ie the part of the inspection tool 20 passing through openings in the housing 106 in the gas channel 10 penetrates, is less than 6.5 mm.

The shaft 25 includes eg a manipulator (see 5 ), which is operated via a corresponding channel. This part of the shaft 25 is less than 4 mm in diameter. The channel for the pressurized fluid 22 with the nozzle 21 at the end has an outer diameter of less than 2 mm.

The shaft 25 is shown here as a straight component, but it may also have a curved shape and / or be flexible (see 4A and 11 ).

In 4A is a section of a gas channel 10 with rotors 110a and stators 110a shown. Through openings 107 in the case 106 becomes the inspection tool 20 in the gas channel 10 introduced. In this case, the inspection tool 20 a light guide as an optical device 23 on by a user through the gas channel 10 with a foreign body 1 can watch. In 4A is schematically a reservoir for the pressurized fluid 22 represented by the nozzle 21 on the foreign body 1 can be directed.

In the 5 to 11 are the shaft tips of some embodiments of inspection tools 20 shown.

In 5 has the shaft 25 an outer diameter A, wherein the shaft 25 has two parts here. In the right part of the shaft 25 is an optical device 23 (For example, a camera or a light guide) arranged over which an observer the foreign body 1 and the gas channel 10 can look at. The optical device 23 is here with the camera device 29 and the monitor 30 coupled (see 4 ). A light guide 31 serves to the foreign body 1 to illuminate.

In the same part of the shaft 25 is a manipulator 24 arranged, which is shown here in the non-extended state. The manipulator 24 may be, for example, a pair of pliers or a milling cutter with which the foreign body 1 edited, in particular crushed, can be.

In the left part of the shaft 25 is a supply line for the pressurized fluid 22 arranged, with the nozzle 21 at the top of the feed line at right angles in the direction of the optical device 23 bends. Thus, the direction of flow of the pressurized fluid 22 from the nozzle 21 at right angles to the viewing direction through the inspection tool 20 ,

The top of the inspection device 20 has been positioned so that the pressurized fluid 22 on the left side of the foreign body 1 acts, so that it will move to the right, which is indicated by an arrow.

In 6 is a modification of the embodiment according to 5 so that reference may be made to the above description. Here is the nozzle 21 for the pressurized fluid 22 in the shaft 25 self-arranged, with the nozzle 21 here parallel to the viewing direction through the inspection tool 20 is arranged. Thus, the pressurized fluid acts 22 here on the underside of the foreign body 1 so that it moves in the direction of the arrow.

In the embodiment of the 7 become two pressure fluid streams 22a . 22b used at right angles to each other through nozzles 21a . 21b escape. Thus, the foreign body 1 from two different directions with pressurized fluid 22a . 22b be acted upon so that it moves in the direction of the arrow.

The control device 27 may be the mass flow and / or the flow direction through the nozzles 21a . 22b control or regulate and thereby influence the resulting force acting on the foreign body 1 acts. Also, the control device 23 used to control the pressure fluid flows 22a . 22b alternately on and off, so that the foreign body 1 alternately once from one side, once from the other side with pressurized fluid 22a . 22b is charged. This can be a stuck foreign body 1 be solved.

For example, if the transverse component F _{Q of} the force on the foreign body 1 is smaller than the force component F _ax in the axial direction, it can also be achieved that the foreign body 1 also obliquely from the inspection tool 20 can be moved away, what with the sometimes tight geometric conditions in the turbomachine 100 can be useful.

Also are in the shaft 25 two orthogonal optical devices 23a . 23b provided so that the foreign body 1 can be viewed from two different angles.

In 8th is schematically a tip of the shaft 25 shown, from which the pressurized fluid 22 also pulsating from the nozzle 21 can escape. Due to the pulsation, for example, a stuck foreign body 1 be solved more easily.

In 9 is schematically a tip of the shaft 25 shown, from which the pressurized fluid 22 with a twist from the nozzle 21 exit. By a swirling flow of the pressurized fluid, a moment on the foreign body 1 to be brought.

In 10 is schematically a tip of the shaft 25 shown in which the flow direction of the pressurized fluid 22 through the control device 27 is reversed, ie once is sucked and once is injected. As with pulsation and / or swirling, this can cause a foreign body 1 can be better replaced.

In 11 is an embodiment of a shaft 25 represented, which is bent or flexible. The feeder for the pressurized fluid 22 is here on the outside of the shaft 25 arranged.

With each of the embodiments shown here, the at least one foreign body 1 specifically through the gas channel 10 to get promoted.

The embodiments shown here relate to an aircraft engine 100 , However, the methods and the device can also be used analogously for stationary turbomachines 100 , such as gas turbines use.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

foreign body

10

gas channel

20

inspection tool

21

jet

21a

first nozzle

21b

second nozzle

22

pressure fluid

22a

first pressure fluid flow

22b

second pressure fluid stream

23

optical device

23a

first optical device

23b

second optical device

24

manipulator

25

shaft

26

power supply

27

control device

28

Connecting cable / optical fiber

29

camera

30

monitor

31

optical fiber

100

Turbomachine, aircraft engine

101

fan stage

102

Low-pressure compressor stage

103

High-pressure compressor stage

104

combustion chamber

105

turbine stages

106

casing

107

Openings in the housing

110

shovel

110a

rotor blade

110b

stator

A

outer diameter

F _ax

axial force

F _Q

Force in transverse direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2014063228 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Method for removing at least one foreign body ( 1 ) from a gas channel ( 10 ) of a turbomachine ( 100 ), in particular an aircraft engine, characterized in that an inspection tool ( 20 ) in the gas channel ( 10 ), wherein at least one nozzle ( 21 ) of the inspection tool ( 20 ) the at least one foreign body ( 1 ) specifically with a pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ), so that it is targeted in the gas channel ( 10 ), in particular along the gas channel ( 10 ) is moved. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one foreign body ( 1 ) in the gas channel ( 10 ) by the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) in the direction of a compressor stage ( 101 . 102 . 103 ), in the direction of a turbine stage ( 106 ), in particular the compressor inlet opening or a blow-off air extraction point is moved. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) Compressed air, demineralized water, an oil, an alcohol and / or a cryogenic liquid or consists of these substances. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outflowing quantity of the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) is regulated or controlled. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) pulsating and / or swirling from the at least one nozzle ( 21 ) flows. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow of the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) is switched from a suction mode to an injection mode. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one foreign body ( 1 ) has a characteristic size, in particular a mean diameter between 4.5 mm and 8 mm, in particular between 6.5 mm and 8 mm. Device for removing at least one foreign body ( 1 ) from a gas channel ( 10 ) of a turbomachine ( 100 ), characterized in that on an inspection tool ( 20 ) for introduction into the gas channel ( 10 ) at least one nozzle ( 21 ) for targeted flow against the at least one foreign body ( 1 ) with a pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one nozzle ( 21 ) an outlet opening in the field of view of the inspection tool ( 20 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the direction of flow of the at least one nozzle ( 21 ) axially and / or perpendicular to the viewing direction through the inspection tool ( 20 ), in particular switchable between the axial or vertical direction. Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the inspection tool ( 20 ) an optical device ( 23 ), with which the at least one foreign body ( 1 ) and / or the gas channel ( 10 ) is viewable from at least two directions. Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the inspection tool ( 20 ) at least one manipulator ( 24 ), in particular a pair of pliers and / or a milling cutter, for the at least one foreign body ( 1 ) having. Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the inspection tool ( 20 ) a light guide ( 31 ) for lighting the gas channel ( 10 ) and / or the at least one foreign body ( 1 ) having. Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the inspection tool ( 20 ) a shaft ( 25 ), in particular a flexible or bent shaft ( 25 ) for introduction into the turbomachine whose largest outer diameter (A) is less than 6.5 mm. Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by a control device ( 27 ), with which the mass flow of the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ), the flow direction of the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) and / or the swirl of the pressurized fluid ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) are adjustable.

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