IP Library Patent Application 15302571
Patent Application
App. No. 15/302,571

METHOD FOR ISOLATING A COMBUSTIBLE FLUID TANK FROM A DOWNSTREAM PORTION OF A TURBOMACHINE SUPPLY SYSTEM IN CASE OF A FIRE, AND SUCH A SUPPLY SYSTEM

Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
15/302,571
Abstract

A supply system for supplying fluid to a turbomachine including a fluid tank, a downstream portion located downstream from the tank, and a cutoff valve located between the tank and the downstream portion. The cutoff valve is configured to be at least partially open when a rotational speed of a shaft of the turbomachine is higher than a first threshold and in the absence of a fire detected in the turbomachine. The cutoff valve is closed when the two following conditions are satisfied: the rotational speed of the shaft is higher than the first threshold, and the rotational speed of the shaft was lower than the first threshold when a fire was detected in the turbomachine during the flight.

Claims (21)

1 - 9 . (canceled)

10 . A method of isolating a combustible fluid tank from a downstream portion of the fluid supply system for a turbomachine,

the supply system including the tank and a cutoff valve located between the tank and the downstream portion, wherein the cutoff valve is configured to limit a fluid flow towards the downstream portion,

wherein the cutoff valve is at least partially open when a rotational speed of a turbomachine shaft is greater than a first threshold and when no fire is detected in the turbomachine,

the isolation method including a step in which the valve is automatically closed when the rotational speed of the shaft is less than the first threshold,

wherein, subsequent to the closing step of the valve, the method includes a step of limiting/preventing subsequent opening of the cutoff valve if the shaft rotational speed is greater than the first threshold, when a fire is detected while the turbomachine is in flight.

11 . The isolating method according to claim 10 , wherein a sufficient fluid flow to cool the turbomachine in case of fire circulates in the supply system, when the cutoff valve is open and the rotational speed is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

12 . A fluid supply system for a turbomachine comprising:

a fluid tank,

a downstream portion located downstream from the tank and including a fluid supply pump, and

a cutoff valve located between the tank and the downstream portion, the cutoff valve including a locking device configured to limit/prevent opening of the cutoff valve,

wherein the cutoff valve is configured to be at least partially open when a rotational speed of a turbomachine shaft is greater than a first threshold and when no fire is detected in the turbomachine,

wherein the cutoff valve is configured to close automatically when the rotational speed of the shaft is less than the first threshold,

wherein, subsequent to the valve closing when the rotational speed of the shaft is less than the first threshold, the locking device is configured to limit/prevent subsequent opening of the cutoff valve if the shaft rotational speed is greater than the first threshold, when a fire is detected while the turbomachine is in flight.

13 . The supply system according to claim 12 , wherein the cutoff valve includes a safety position towards which the cutoff valve is returned if no control is applied to the cutoff valve, wherein the cutoff valve is closed in the safety position.

14 . The supply system according to claim 13 , wherein the locking device includes a locking element mobile between a blocking position in which the cutoff valve is blocked closed, and a release position in which the cutoff valve is configured to be closed or at least partially open,

wherein the locking element is in the blocking position when no control is applied to the locking element such that the cutoff valve is in the safety position.

15 . The supply system according to claim 14 , wherein the cutoff valve is pneumatically commanded when the locking element is in the release position.

16 . The supply system according to claim 14 , wherein the locking element is configured to move from the blocking position to the release position when ordered by a turbomachine or aircraft digital control system.

17 . The supply system according to claim 12 , wherein the cutoff valve comprises a piston and an elastic means mechanically connected to the piston, wherein the elastic means is configured to displace the piston to a first position in which the cutoff valve is closed, from a second position in which the cutoff valve is at least partially open.

18 . A turbomachine comprising a supply system according to claim 12 .

Assignments (4)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE COVER SHEET TO REMOVE APPLICATION NOS. 10250419, 10786507, 10786409, 12416418, 12531115, 12996294, 12094637 12416422 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 046479 FRAME 0807. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CHANGE OF NAME. Recorded Aug 24, 2018
From: SNECMA
To: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
Reel/Frame 046939/0336 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded May 23, 2018
From: SNECMA
To: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
Reel/Frame 046479/0807 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 041047 FRAME 0343. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Sep 15, 2017
From: LEPAGE, THOMAS; LAIGLE, ANTOINE; ATTALI, MATTHIEU
To: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
Reel/Frame 043968/0537 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 23, 2017
From: LEPAGE, THOMAS; LAIGLE, ANTOINE; ATTALI, MATTHIEU
To: SNECMA
Reel/Frame 041047/0343 →