Abstract:
A variable ram packer includes a body with a bore contact region, at least one fluidic flexible matrix component (FFMC) tube, an inflation mechanism, and a fluid port. The FFMC tube is positioned inside the body next to the bore contact region. The fluid port is fluidly coupled with a connecting line, which is fluidly coupled with the inflation mechanism. The FFMC tube inflates in response to an increase in pressure from the inflation mechanism, which translates the bore contact region inward.
Abstract:
A variable ram packer includes a body including two contact regions. The first contact region includes a region of the body of the packer that includes a first material and a second material, layered on top of one another. The first material has an elastic modulus less than that of the second material. The second contact region includes the second material and a third material, layered on top of one another. The third material has an elastic modulus greater than that of the second material, but less than that of the first material.
Abstract:
An actuation system to control clearance in a turbomachine including a shaft bearing including at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing. The axially displaceable thrust bearing configured to axially displace a rotating component relative to a stationary component to control the clearance therebetween. The system further including a plurality of actuators coupled to the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing and configured to actuate the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing to control the clearance. The plurality of actuators is configured to deactivate a diametrically opposed actuator in the event of an actuator failure to maintain zero moment. In a topography network, each diametrically opposed actuator pair is coupled to a single control line. In an alternate topography network, alternating actuators are coupled to a single control line. In addition, a method of actuating a thrust bearing to control clearance in a turbomachine is disclosed.
Abstract:
A compliant plate seal assembly for a turbo machine includes a rotor and a stationary component. A plurality of compliant plates are coupled circumferentially to the stationary component. A natural frequency of each compliant plate varies from a natural frequency of adjacent compliant plates and/or gaps between adjacent plates to produce a zero-oscillation state between adjacent compliant plates in flow.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a seal having a variable elastic modulus are provided herein. In one embodiment, a seal having a variable elastic modulus includes: a body fabricated from an elastomeric material; a channel formed within the body; a tube disposed within the channel, the tube comprising a plurality of interwoven fibers; and an inlet formed in an outer surface of the body, the inlet fluidly coupled to an inner volume of the tube.
Abstract:
A rigidizable insertion tool includes a first segment having a pin extension and a second segment having a pin slot that is elongated. The first segment and the second segment are connected via a joint comprising the pin extension of the first segment and the pin slot of the second segment. The pin extension is movable between a proximal end and a distal end of the pin slot with movement of the first segment relative to the second segment.
Abstract:
A seal assembly at a rotor-stator interface includes at least one non-contacting seal interface and at least one rub detection feature. The rub detection feature(s) is configured to generate a signal upon the rotor and the stator making contact at the rotor-stator interface and causing wear above a certain threshold at the rotor-stator interface. The seal assembly also includes at least one sensor arranged at the rotor-stator interface. The sensor is configured to sense the signal. The seal assembly further includes a controller communicatively coupled with the sensor(s). The controller is configured to receive the signal and estimate at least one of an amount and a location of the wear at the rotor-stator interface based on the signal.
Abstract:
A seal monitoring apparatus is provided. The seal monitoring apparatus includes one or more pressure sensors and a controller in communication with the one or more pressure sensors. The one or more pressure sensors is mounted at a seal of a turbine to measure pressure on a first side of the seal and/or a second side of the seal. The controller is configured to receive pressure data from the one or more pressure sensors and determine a condition of the seal based at least in part on the pressure data. The controller is configured to output a signal upon determining a change in the condition of the seal.
Abstract:
A seal monitoring apparatus is provided. The seal monitoring apparatus includes a temperature sensor and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is mounted at a seal of a device. The controller is configured to receive measured temperature data from the temperature sensor and calculate expected temperature data for the seal based at least in part on operating conditions of the device. The controller is configured to determine a condition of the seal based at least in part on a temperature difference of the measured temperature data from the expected temperature data.
Abstract:
A system includes a tunneling device including a body assembly configured to move through an interior cavity of a tunnel. The system also includes a distributed communication and sensing system and a controller. The distributed communication and sensing system includes a first beacon coupled to the body assembly, and a second beacon positioned outside of the tunnel. The second beacon is communicatively coupled to the first beacon. The controller is configured to compare a first signal transmitted by the first beacon to a second signal transmitted by the second beacon, determine an environmental characteristic of the tunnel based on the first signal and the second signal, and determine an operating parameter for the tunneling device based on the environmental characteristic.