Bi-metal strip-seal
AssigneeROLLS-ROYCE plc
InventorCharles Bryce Graves
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved seal assembly for use with a combustion liner assembly is employed with a gas turbine engine so as to control fluid flow. The seal assembly has a bi-metal sealing member that is affixed to a first surface that is proximal to a second perpendicular surface that is not in contact with the first surface, thus providing a potential fluid flow path. Upon heating, the bi-metal sealing member “uncoils” contacting the second perpendicular surface, thus blocking the flowpath between the two surfaces. Various metals may be provided to provide predetermined sealing characteristics.
Claims20
A seal for use with a machine comprising:
- an open fluid path in a machine, the fluid path extends between fixed members that are components of the machine;
- and
- a first bi-metal valve that is located in proximity to the open fluid path, the valve is made of a bi-metal strip that is operable to move between a first position and a second position during a heating event, the valve is operable to block the fluid path;
- wherein:
- each of the fixed members is a tile formed of ceramic material, the tile is used in conjunction with a component of the machine;
- and
- the bi-metal valve is secured to the component by the fastener.
A seal system for use with a machine comprising:
- a first tile;
- a second tile spaced apart from the first tile;
- a fluid channel extending in between the first and second tiles;
- a bi-metal strip having a mounting portion and a scrolled section;
- a securing member for connecting the bi-metal strip and one of the tiles together;
- and
- an engine member, the bi-metal strip is secured to the engine member by the securing member.
A method of controlling a fluid path in a gas turbine engine, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a first fixed member;
- providing a second fixed member;
- providing a fluid path that is located between the first and second fixed members;
- and
- providing a flexible valve that is secured to one of the first and second fixed members and is located in the fluid path, the flexible valve is operable to move between various positions based on gas turbine operating temperatures, the positions include:
- a first position which is a low temperature condition, whereby the first position maintains the fluid flow path in an open state, and
- a second position which is an elevated temperature condition, whereby the second position maintains the fluid flow path in a closed state and the fluid flow path is blocked;
- wherein:
- the first fixed member and the second fixed member are tiles formed of ceramic material, the tiles are used in conjunction with an engine member of the machine;
- and
- the flexible valve is a bi-metal valve secured to the engine member by a fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.