Radial passage engine wash manifold
AssigneeEcoServices, LLC
InventorsRobert M. Rice, Wayne J. Zadrick, Sebastian Nordlund, Kurt D. Dorshimer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An engine wash manifold assembly for delivering wash liquid to an engine with a radial air passage includes a feeder body, an inlet on the feeder body to receive wash fluid, a first nozzle in fluid communication with the feeder body and configured to direct wash fluid into the radial passage, and a securing device configured to support the feeder body relative to a mounting location.
Claims24
An engine wash manifold assembly for delivering wash liquid to an engine with a radial air passage, the manifold assembly comprising:
- a feeder body;
- an inlet on the feeder body to receive wash fluid;
- a first nozzle in fluid communication with the feeder body and configured to direct wash fluid into the radial passage;
- and
- a securing device configured to support the feeder body relative to a mounting location.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the securing device comprises:
- one or more clamping devices connected to the feeder pipe and configured to selectively engage an inlet screen of the engine.
The manifold assembly of item 2, wherein each of the one or more clamping device comprises:
- a spring-loaded clamping mechanism configured for insertion into inlet screen openings to engage the inlet screen.
The manifold assembly of item 3, wherein the spring-loaded clamping mechanism comprises:
- tabs which extend below wires in the inlet screen when the clamping mechanism engages the inlet screen.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the securing device comprises:
- one or more hooks.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the securing device comprises:
- a support member which can extend from an axial inlet of the engine and is configured to be held against a selected part of the aircraft body to firmly hold the manifold assembly in a desired position.
The manifold assembly of item 1, and further comprising:
- one or more additional nozzles in fluid communication with the feeder pipe and configured to spray the wash fluid radially.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the feeder pipe is arcuate.
The manifold assembly of item 8, wherein the feeder pipe is about 14 inches (0.3556 m) in arc length.
The manifold assembly of item 1, and further comprising a centering feature.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the manifold is coated with a polymeric coating.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the manifold is configured to be secured relative to an engine without touching an inlet screen of the engine.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the manifold is configured to be secured to engine mounts.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the securing device comprises:
- one or more straps.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the securing device comprises:
- a hook-shaped portion of the feeder body.
The manifold assembly of item 1, wherein the securing device comprises:
- a strap attachment member positioned at or near an end of the feeder body;
- and
- a strap engaged with the strap attachment member.
A method of washing an engine having a radial passageway, the method comprising:
- securing a manifold with one or more nozzles relative to the engine so that at least one of the one or more nozzles are oriented to spray into the radial passageway;
- delivering wash fluid to an inlet on the manifold;
- flowing the wash fluid from the inlet through the feeder body to the one or more nozzles;
- and
- directing the wash fluid through the one or more nozzles in a generally radial direction at the radial passageway.
The method of item 17, wherein the step of securing a manifold with one or more nozzles relative to the engine comprises:
- engaging one or more clamping devices.
The method of item 18, wherein the step of engaging one or more clamping devices comprises:
- squeezing a spring mounted clamping device;
- inserting tabs on the spring mounted clamping device into an inlet screen of the engine;
- and
- releasing the spring mounted clamping device so that the tabs engage the screen radially and either axially or circumferentially.
The method of item 17, wherein the step of securing a manifold with one or more nozzles relative to the engine comprises:
- engaging one or more hooks or straps connected to the manifold.
The method of item 17, wherein the step of securing a manifold with one or more nozzles relative to the engine comprises:
- inserting a support member connected to the manifold into an axial inlet (nacelle) of the engine and holding the support member against a selected part of the aircraft body for securing the manifold firmly in a desired position.
A manifold for washing an engine with a radial passage, the manifold comprising:
- a feeder body having an arcuate shape;
- an inlet configured to receive wash fluid for the feeder body;
- a plurality of nozzles on the feeder body configured to deliver wash fluid generally radially;
- a securing device connected to the feeder body to position the manifold in relation to the engine.
The manifold of item 22, wherein the securing device secures the manifold to an inlet screen of the engine.
An engine wash assembly comprising:
- a feeder body
- a first nozzle in fluid communication with the feeder body and configured to dispense a pressurized wash fluid in a generally radial direction;
- positioning means for positioning the first nozzle relative to a radial passageway of an engine in a stable manner for a washing operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.