Anti-coking fuel injector purging device
US6125624A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF23K2300/203
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to an air purge system for preventing coke buildup in gas turbine engine fuel injectors, and in particular in the relatively small orifice pressure atomizers of a primary fuel injector. The inventors have recognized that after engine shutdown, residual engine heat is sufficient to cause fuel on wetted surfaces of the injectors to decompose and deposit coke. Especially critical are small orifices in injectors positioned towards the upper side of an engine, since rising hot gases accumulate and heat the upper engine area significantly for a long period after engine shutdown. Coke buildup leads to narrowing of the fuel injector orifices, and without adequate maintenance leads to uneven burning and eventually can incapacitate the engine. Fuel injectors are often located in relatively inaccessible interior portions of the engine. Extending the service life of an injector can result in significant maintenance cost savings and engine downtime. The air purge system is activated on engine shutdown to continuously exhaust cooling air through the injector orifices for an extended purge period after shutdown, for example 1-1.5 hours. A battery operated air blower connecte…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.