TRDC Engine Inhibiting System
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Date
2014-12-01
Authors
Cenina, Clarence
Tafti, M.S.M.
Thomasson, Steven
Storozinski, Michael
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Abstract
This report contains a final design proposal for an aircraft engine inhibiting system to be used by the GE Testing Research and Development Centre (TRDC). This system is capable of purging fuel from the entire fuel system of the gas turbine engine and replacing the fuel with inhibitor fluid to prevent corrosion and degradation to the engine components. This system also provides the TRDC with the ability to inhibit engines on-site, a function that is desired by the TRDC staff. The final design is a mobile inhibiting system in the form of a four-wheeled cart. The primary component of the system is an internal gear pump powered by an AC electric motor. It is capable of up to 250 psi to accommodate for cold weather operation when inhibitor fluid is more viscous. The 316 stainless steel piping system provides fluid supply to the pump, fluid output to the engine, and fluid bypass/return to the supply source. Standard 55 gallon barrels serve as the supply source, and are placed on readily available dolly carts for mobility. High pressure rubber hoses provide flexible connections to the supply source and to the engine. All the necessary valves and instrumentation are implemented to the piping system for shut off, component isolation, and manual flow control. The cart structure is designed around the pipe layout, and is made of readily available steel fabrication tubing. The overall size of the inhibiting system is 3.5’L x 2’W x 5’H and fits through standard exterior door openings. The final design is evaluated through a performance analysis process including pressure calculations, FMEA, and a final review of our customer needs. Through the analysis, our team has concluded that the proposed engine inhibiting system will perform to the required design pressure of 160 psi at -30°C, and provide the TRDC with the on-site inhibiting functionality that is desired.