System and method for the calculation of a fuel lacquer index

#The present disclosure relates generally to gas turbine engines, and more specifically, to systems and methods for monitoring the health of fuel systems.

#Engine components and fittings may be subjected to relatively high temperatures during operation. As fuel operating temperature and flow rate rise during operation, fuel lacquering may occur. Fuel lacquering may cause hardened and/or sticky particulate to be separated from the liquid phase of the fuel and become deposited on components within fuel flow paths of the fuel system. As fuel lacquering particulates begin to build, it may cause undesirable effects such as blocked passageways and filters. Moreover, excessive heating, cyclic loading, and other harsh conditions of engine components may lead to degradation of component health.

#Systems and methods for monitoring the health of fuel actuation systems are described herein. In various embodiments, a method for the calculation of a fuel lacquer index (“FLI”) is disclosed. The method may comprise capturing a fuel temperature data. The method may comprise determining a fuel quality rating. The method may comprise calculating a volumetric fuel flow. The method may comprise calculating a fuel filter differential pressure. The fuel lacquer index may be calculated based on the fuel temperature data, the fuel quality rating, the volumetric fuel flow, and the fuel filter differential pressure.

#The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a gas turbine engine, in accordance with various embodiments;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a fuel system for a gas turbine engine, in accordance with various embodiments;

#Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

#The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosures, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

#The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.