Methods and apparatus for determining engine cavity leakage
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsJarvis Gerard Higginbotham, Robert David Perry
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Abstract
An apparatus is coupled to a gas turbine engine that includes a plurality of engine cavity drains. The apparatus includes a manifold block and a lower seal plate. The manifold block includes a plurality of indicators, and is coupled to the gas turbine engine such that each indicator is in flow communication with a respective engine drain. The lower seal plate is coupled to the manifold block.
Claims20
A method for detecting fluid leakage from a gas turbine engine using a leak detection system, the engine including a centerline axis and a cowl surrounding the engine and including a drain opening, the engine including a plurality of engine drains, the leak detection system including a lower seal plate in communication with the drains and a manifold block including a plurality of indicators that extend at least partially through the manifold block, said method comprising the steps of:
- coupling the manifold block to an exterior surface of the cowl such that the manifold block indicators are in flow communication with the engine drains;
- coupling the lower seal plate radially outwardly from the manifold block such that the manifold block is coupled between the cowl exterior surface and the lower seal plate;
- operating the engine;
- and
- determining engine cavity leakage.
Apparatus for a gas turbine engine including a plurality of engine cavity drains, the engine including a centerline axis, said apparatus comprising:
- a manifold block comprising a plurality of indicators, said manifold block coupled to said gas turbine engine such that each said indicator in flow communication with a respective engine drain;
- and
- a lower seal plate in communication with the drains coupled radially outwardly from said manifold block, such that said manifold block is coupled between the engine centerline axis and said lower seal plate.
A gas turbine engine including a centerline axis, said engine comprising:
- a cowl extending around said engine, said cowl comprising an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a drain opening extending therebetween;
- a plurality of engine cavity drains in flow communication with said cowl drain opening;
- and
- a leak detection system comprising a manifold block and a lower seal plate in communication with the drains, said manifold block coupled to said cowl, and comprising a plurality of indicators extending at least partially through said manifold block and in flow communication with said cowl drain opening and said engine cavity drains, said lower seal plate coupled radially outwardly from said manifold block, such that said manifold block is coupled between the engine centerline axis and said lower seal plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.