Turbine shaft fuel pump
Abstract
Abstract A fuel pump within the main shaft of a turbine engine comprises a fuel tube extending axially through the shaft, a first shaft wall and the second shaft wall spaced apart from each other at one end of the tube to define a flow passage therebetween, a plurality of substantially radially aligned vanes extending across the passageway, an annular cavity in fluid communication with the outlet of the vaned passageway and a plurality of circumferentially spaced injector nozzles in fluid communication with the annular cavity and opening into the combustion chamber of turbine engine. The pump vanes impart sufficient energy to the fuel to overcome friction losses in the injector nozzles and to overcome the pressure within the combustor chamber. In addition, the energy imparted to the fuel forms a fuel barrier which separates the combustor chamber pressure from pressure within the fuel tube. Fuel is delivered to the fuel tube by pumping and metering means which can be downsized from previously known fuel pump mechanisms since it only needs to meter a desired amount of fuel and provide pressure only to overcome friction losses in the flow path up to fuel tube within main shaft of the turbine.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond Smith
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-08-26 | 1995-02-25 | 1995-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-08-26 | 1999-02-25 | 1999-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-08-26 | 2003-02-25 | 2003-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |