Patent · US Active

Multi sensor clearance probe

US7891938B2 · kind B2 · utility

18Cited by
18References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 20, 2007
Grant dateFeb 22, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 27, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01B21/16
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A multi sensor clearance probe with at least longitudinally and transversely spaced apart first and second sensors operable to measure first and second distances respectively between the sensors and a longitudinally spaced apart rotating rotor. The sensors being operable to measure blade tip clearances between radially outer turbine blade tips and an annular stator shroud circumscribing the blade tips. The blade tips may be squealer tips and the sensors operable to measure the distances between the sensors and tops of squealer tip walls and outwardly facing walls within cavities of the squealer tips. The probe may be operably connected to a controller for sending signals to the controller indicating the first and second distances for controlling an air valve used for active clearance control. Two or more of the probe may be used to determine rotor centerline offset.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.