03rd week of 2016 patent applcation highlights part 28 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160017669 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT CUTTING ELEMENTS AND EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING POYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTING ELEMENTS - Methods of attaching a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element to a substrate include maintaining a gap between the PDC element and an adjacent substrate, and at least substantially filling the gap with a deposition process. Methods of forming a cutting element for an earth-boring tool include forming a PDC element by pressing diamond crystals together, forming a substrate including a particulate carbide material and a matrix material, leaving a gap between at least portions of the PDC element and the substrate, masking surfaces of the PDC element and of the substrate that do not face the gap, and forming an adhesion material on surfaces of the PDC element and of the substrate that face the gap. Cutting elements for earth-boring tools include a PDC element attached to a substrate with at least one of diamond, diamond-like carbon, a carbide material, a nitride material, and a cubic boron nitride material. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017670 | APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING DRILLING MACHINES - An alignment apparatus for aligning drilling machines, the alignment apparatus comprising a casing and mounting means. The mounting means allowing, in use, for a true north seeking sensing means to be aligned with the drilling machinery to be aligned. The alignment apparatus being capable of displaying azimuth and pitch information to a user, so that the drilling machinery can be aligned as required. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017671 | WELLBORE ELECTRICAL ISOLATION SYSTEM - This disclosure relates to a wellbore electrical isolation system and method. The system may comprise an electrically conductive tube, an insulating layer covering at least a portion of the tube, an electrically conductive centralizer, electrically insulating confinement devices, and/or other components. In some implementations, the system may be configured to electrically isolate one or more sections of an electrically conductive well tubing string from an electrically conductive wellbore casing. In some implementations, a well may include one or more wellbore electrical isolation systems. Electrical isolation of the tubing string from the casing may facilitate powering one or more electrical loads disposed within the wellbore via a coaxial transmission line formed by the casing and the tubing string. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017672 | OVERSHOT TOOL HAVING LATCH CONTROL MEANS - An overshot tool for releasable connection to a head assembly as part of a core barrel drilling apparatus. The overshot tool comprises a primary engaging portion and a secondary engaging portion and is configured for the automated coupling and de-coupling to a head assembly via selected engagement of the head assembly by the engaging portion. The overshot tool is configured to both deliver and retrieve a head assembly from a latched position at a cutting end the core barrel. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017673 | TUBULARS HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - System and apparatus ( | 2016-01-21 |
20160017674 | PIPE HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHODS - A pipe handling system comprises a carriage having an upper surface adapted to support a tubular. The carriage comprises a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are pivotally coupled together for rotation about a pivot axis. The carriage is movable relative to a base and configured such that the leading end of the carriage is elevated as the carriage is advanced. An actuator is coupled between the first and second sections. The actuator is operable to pivot the second section relative to the first section about the pivot axis. In some embodiments the carriage is configured with a positive kink to deliver tubulars to a rig floor and with a negative kink to deliver tubulars to an online or offline stand building system. In some embodiments a live surface on the carriage is controllable to reduce or eliminate swinging of tubulars as they are transferred to or from the drill rig. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017675 | A PETROLEUM WELL INJECTION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERVENTION CABLE WITH A WELL TOOL RUN INTO OR OUT OF A WELL DURING A WELL OPERATION - A petroleum well injection system is provided for an intervention cable with a well tool ran into or out of a well during a well operation. The system includes a blow out valve BOP connected to a well head at a well, a lock chamber at the BOP arranged to contain the well tool before and after the well operation, an injector for the intervention cable, with drive belts driven by an electric motor, and a sensor for measuring the injector force or the tension that the drive belts applies to the intervention cable, a guide arch at the injector, wherein the intervention cable runs taut over the guide arch to a first end of the closed bending restrictor channels, a guide arch load cell arranged to measure the backward tension between an intervention cable the first end of the bending restrictor channel, and wherein the other end of the bending restrictor channel is connected to a drum frame with a motor running a drum for the intervention cable. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017676 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A SELF-SUSTAINED INFLUX OF FORMATION FLUIDS INTO A WELLBORE - A method of identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids into a wellbore includes the steps of closing an annular shut-off device and diverting an annular return flow from the wellbore through a first flow rate measurement device, measuring a flow rate of said annular return flow, measuring an inlet flow rate of fluids entering the well through a second flow rate measurement device in a fluid injection line, and identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids if a non-decreasing measured annular return flow rate is greater than said measured inlet flow rate. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017677 | RELEASE VALVE USED IN AN INNER TUBE ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A CORE BARREL - An inner tube assembly releasably latchable with a core barrel of a core drilling apparatus. The inner tube assembly includes a valve housing having a fluid flow port and a position guide to control a position of the valve body within the valve housing to open and close the port in response to a fluid pressure acting on the valve body. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017678 | Fluid Flow During Landing Of Logging Tools In Bottom Hole Assembly - The present disclosure relates to systems, assemblies, and methods for facilitating fluid flow during/after landing of logging tools in a bottom hole assembly. In operation, a memory logging tool is lowered through a longitudinal bore of a drill pipe string and landed in a bottom hole assembly disposed at the end of the drill pipe string. Drilling fluid is pumped behind the logging tool to assist with downward movement of the tool. As the logging tools land, partial fluid flow path is blocked by the logging tools. The fluid pressure can rise in response to the narrowing of the fluid flow path. Facilitating fluid flow through and/or around the logging tools can put the rising fluid pressure in a proper range for powering the logging tools to land and monitoring purposes. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017679 | PROTECTIVE SHEATH FOR LOGGING TOOLS - A slip cover for downhole logging tools to prevent the tools from becoming lodged during extraction and a method of retrieving a lodged logging tool in a wellbore are disclosed. In some implementations, the slip cover may include a generally cylindrical polymeric sleeve having an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of a generally cylindrical well logging tool to which the sleeve is to be applied and having one or more perforations disposed therein. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017680 | Subsea Completion with Crossover Passage - A system, in some embodiments, for producing well production fluids through a tubing hanger connected with a production tubing string. The system includes a subsea tree with a production flow passage and a tree annulus flow passage. The system also includes a spool assembly separate from the subsea tree that includes a body with a longitudinal passage configured to receive and support the tubing hanger, there being an annulus between the production tubing string and the body. The spool assembly also includes a lateral flow passage extending from the spool longitudinal passage and configured to transfer the production fluids. Further, the system includes an annulus flow passage extending externally from the spool assembly and in fluid communication with the annulus | 2016-01-21 |
20160017681 | Subsea Connection Apparatus for a Surface Blowout Preventer Stack - A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a well head hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools, and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017682 | CONNECTOR APPARATUS FOR SUBSEA BLOWOUT PREVENTER - According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017683 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUBSEA WELL PLUG AND ABANDONMENT OPERATIONS - The invention provides a method and apparatus for performing a plug and abandonment operation on a subsea well. A wellhead interface module is located on a wellhead, which accommodates a volume of wellbore fluid in fluid communication with the wellbore. A system control module receives a signal from a sensor in the chamber and is configured to derive volume data relating to a change in volume of wellbore fluid in the chamber and compares the derived volume data with a volume change expected due to the removal of tubing from the wellbore. In embodiments of the invention, this enables a change in wellbore conditions to be characterised, for example a fluid influx or a fluid loss, from the volume data. The method may comprise providing wellbore fluid to the apparatus to replace fluid which enters the wellbore to occupy the volume vacated by the tubing, and/or removing or adding fluid in fluid influx/loss situations respectively. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017684 | LOCKING SYSTEM FOR A BLOWOUT PREVENTER FUNCTION - A hydraulic locking system for a blowout preventer function is provide. The locking system enables implementation and practical engagement as part of the routine functioning of the blowout preventer. The locking system may be adapted to fluidly interconnect a control system port and a function port so as to trap and release hydraulic actuation pressure against the function port and any blowout preventer function fluidly communicating thereto. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017685 | Ram Blowout Preventer Piston Rod Subassembly - A piston rod subassembly for use in a blowout preventer operator assembly includes a piston rod having a rod threaded interface and a rod shoulder on an outer diameter of the piston rod. A preload ring has a ring threaded interface for engaging the rod threaded interface to couple the piston rod to the preload ring. A protruding end surface of the piston rod protrudes past an end face of the preload ring when the piston rod is coupled to the preload ring and the rod shoulder engages a ring shoulder of the preload ring. A piston has a pocket for receiving the preload ring. Preload ring fasteners couple the preload ring to the piston to form a piston rod connection between the piston rod and the piston, such that the protruding end surface engages an interior surface of the pocket and a preload is induced in the piston rod connection. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017686 | Swellable Elastomer Plug and Abandonment Swellable Plugs - A process for plugging a wellbore, e.g., an oil or gas well, which comprises installing swelling elastomer sealing units across an interval of casing which is properly in the annulus space between the outside of the casing and the rock face. The swellable elastomer sealing units can also be used to seal off perforated casing, production screen and open hole completions. The plug and abandonment system is comprised of swelling elastomer units that are connected together to achieve a desired sealing contact length. These connected units may be hung off below or placed above a packer, cement retainer, cast iron bridge plug or setting slips. Both the tubular form of the plugging unit and the rod form of the plugging unit can be used in conjunction with conventional settable medium (cementing, barite or sized aggregate) plug setting operations. The elastomers incorporated are designed to swell with the current wellbore fluid and/or any possible future wellbore fluid. The swelling elastomers create sufficient expansion force to effectively seal off the wellbore internal to the casing, liner, screen or open-hole interval. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017687 | MECHANICAL HOLD-DOWN ASSEMBLY FOR A WELL TIE-BACK STRING - An improved hold-down assembly for a well tie-back string and methods of use of the same are disclosed. The improved hold-down assembly includes a tie-back string and a hold-down assembly coupled to the tie-back string. The hold-down assembly includes one or more slips and a packer assembly disposed about the tie-back string. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017688 | Encapsulated Fluid-Loss Additives for Cement Compositions - Methods and compositions for cementing in a subterranean formation. An example method of cementing comprises providing a cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, water, and an encapsulated fluid-loss additive; wherein the encapsulated fluid-loss additive comprises a fluid-loss additive and an encapsulation material; placing the cement composition in a selected location; and allowing the cement composition to set. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017689 | GRAVITY-BASED CASING ORIENTATION TOOLS AND METHODS - Disclosed are systems and methods of orienting wellbore tubulars using gravity. Some disclosed orientation indicating devices include a housing defining a first flow channel and being arrangeable within a wellbore tubular, an orientor movably arranged within the housing and defining a second flow channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel, and an eccentric weight arranged within the orientor and having a center of mass radially offset from a rotational axis of the orientor, the eccentric weight being configured to maintain the orientor pointing in one direction as the housing and the wellbore tubular are rotated, wherein, as the housing rotates, the first and second flow channels become progressively aligned or misaligned. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017690 | Pressure Activated Cyclical Valve Apparatus and Method - A bypass tool has a piston movable within the bore of a central housing. A control slot on an exterior wall of the piston engages a slot pin in the housing. Longitudinal movement of the piston is downward, in response to fluid pressure exerted on a ball seated on a ball seat on the piston; and spring biased upward. The control slot and slot pin rotate the piston as it moves longitudinally between a first, upper position in which bypass ports in the housing are closed, and a second, lower position in which the bypass ports are open. An intermediate longitudinal position has the ports closed, and permits pressuring up on a ball to force it through the ball seat and reset the tool in the flow through position. The ball and/or ball seat may be of resilient material to permit passage of the ball through the seat. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017691 | Wireline Fluid Blasting Tool and Method - A wireline deployed fluid blasting tool for removing obstructions from oil and gas wellbore tubing is disclosed. The tool has an inner tubular mandrel retaining a releasable outer sleeve creating an annular fluid passage in communication with fluid ejection ports. Resilient seals seal the annulus between the tool and the wellbore tubing allowing fluid pressure above the tool to advance the tool through the tubing. Fluid enters the annular fluid passage through fluid perforations in the outer sleeve to exit the fluid ejection ports to create a fluid blast to remove obstructions. The outer sleeve shifts along the inner mandrel by fluid pressure to open fluid inlet passages into the inner mandrel allowing fluid to enter and exit through the mandrel while bypassing the annular fluid passage and fluid ejection ports to facilitate pulling the tool from the tubing. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017692 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER CLEANING TOOL - A BOP cleaning tool includes a first pipe section with a through central channel and radial channels to external fins, with nozzles for flushing fluid from the central channel out into a BOP bore for washing cavities in the BOP bore, the central channel provided with a flow control sleeve provided with holes, the flow control sleeve displaceable from a radially closed initial first closed position to a second position with the holes aligned with the inner radial channels for starting flushing through the nozzles, and further displaceable to a radially closed third position with the holes out of alignment with the inner radial channels for halting the flushing through the nozzles. The flow control sleeve is displaceable from the first, initial position by a first dart dropped into the first pipe section and stopping in a first seat in the flow control sleeve below the holes, thereby closing the central channel, building pressure in the central channel, displacing the flow control sleeve to the second position and redirecting pipe flow to the nozzles. Flow control sleeve is displaceable from the second position to the third, closed position by a second dart dropped into the first pipe section and stopping at the first dart, the second dart blocking the holes thereby building pressure in the first pipe section, further displacing the flow control sleeve to the third position triggering a release mechanism for the first seat to release the first dart and the second dart. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017693 | Fluid-Driven Power Generation Unit for a Drill String Assembly - Multi-functional fluid-driven power generation units, modular power generation units, and drilling systems with a power generation unit are presented herein. A power generation unit for powering one or more downhole tools in a drill string is disclosed. The power generation unit includes a housing that is configured to couple to a downhole portion of the drill string and receive at least a portion of fluid flowing through the drill string. The power generation unit also includes a fluid-driven motor assembly with a drive shaft configured to output rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly. An electrical generator is operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly into electrical power. In addition, a hydraulic pump is operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly into hydraulic power. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017694 | PROPULSION GENERATOR AND METHOD - A propulsion generator which employs one or more unbalanced rotors, such as a fly wheels or other unbalance rotating members, which can be connected at a lower portion of a downhole coiled tubing string or other downhole tubular string for inducing propulsion of the coiled tubing. The unbalanced rotors may, in one embodiment, be oriented at different positions with respect to each other. The instantaneous fluid flow through the propulsion generator is substantially equivalent to the average fluid flow rate through the tool to provide relatively consistent fluid flow to downhole motors below the propulsion generator for operating the drill bit and/or cutters. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017695 | Downhole Actively Controlled Power Generation Mechanism - Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a system that includes an input shaft to be driven by a variable fluid flow, and an output shaft coupled with the input shaft to drive a generator. The generator can be an alternator, and the input shaft can be coupled with a turbine to be driven by drilling fluid or another fluid. The system also includes a drive mechanism mechanically coupling the input shaft to the output shaft to drive the generator at a predetermined rotational speed. The system further includes a secondary input mechanically coupled with the drive mechanism, where the secondary input is driven at a variable input speed to drive the generator at the predetermined rotational speed. The drive mechanism can be a full freedom epicycloids gear train, and the secondary input can be a speed correction motor, a mechanical actuator driven by variable fluid flow, and so forth. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017696 | Determining One or More Parameters of a Well Completion Design Based on Drilling Data Corresponding to Variables of Mechanical Specific Energy - Methods for determining parameter/s of a well completion design (WCD) for at least a portion of a drilled well based on drilling data corresponding to variables of mechanical specific energy (MSE) are provided. In some cases, MSE values may be acquired and the WCD parameter/s may be based on the MSE values. The MSE values may be obtained from a provider or may be acquired by calculating the MSE values via the drilling data. In some cases, the data may be amended prior to determining the WCD parameter/s to substantially neutralize distortions of the data. In some cases, the methods may include creating a geomechanical model of the drilled well from acquired MSE values, optionally amending the geomechanical model and determining the WCD parameter/s from the geomechanical model. Storage mediums having program instructions which are executable by a processor for performing any steps of the methods are also provided. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017697 | COMPLETION TOOL, STRING COMPLETION SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF COMPLETING A WELL - A completion system includes, a tool string having, a plurality of packers configured to isolate a plurality of zones along a borehole that the tool string is positioned within. A plurality of ports along the tool string are configured to be selectively opened and a plurality of screens in operable communication with the plurality of ports are configured to filter fluid flowing between the zones and an inside of the tool string through the plurality of ports. The tool string is also configured to be run into the borehole, the plurality of packers set, the plurality of ports selectively opened, and fluid to flow between the plurality of zones and an inside of the tool string without intervention. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017698 | DOWNHOLE TOOL FOR GUIDING A CUTTING TOOL - An apparatus is disclosed that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus is disclosed. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017699 | METHOD FOR USING A DOWNHOLE TOOL FOR GUIDING A CUTTING TOOL - An apparatus is disclosed that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus is disclosed. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017700 | BUMPER ASSEMBLY HAVING PROGRESSIVE RATE SPRING - A bumper assembly for down-hole use in a well. In one embodiment, the bumper assembly includes a fish neck, a cage, and a progressive rate spring disposed there-between. When a plunger strikes the top of the fish neck, the progressive rate spring dampens the force delivered by the plunger, thereby prolonging the useful life of the plunger and/or the bumper assembly. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017701 | Below Motor Equalizer of Electrical Submersible Pump and Method for Connecting - Upper and lower pressure equalizers couple to a lower end of a motor of an electrical, submersible pump assembly. An intermediate connection having a liquid flow passage connects the pressure equalizers. A connection valve located in the liquid flow passage closes the liquid flow passage prior to connecting the pressure equalizers with each other, and opens the liquid flow passage after the connection between the pressure equalizers is made. A sensor lower equalizer wire extends from a sensor unit through the lower pressure equalizer to a lower electrical terminal at the upper end of the lower pressure equalizer. A sensor upper equalizer wire connects to the lower electrical terminal and extends through, the upper pressure equalizer to an upper electrical terminal at the upper end of the upper pressure equalizer. A sensor motor wire extends downward from the motor into engagement with the upper electrical terminal. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017702 | RADAR IMAGING OF BOREHOLES - A method of estimating a characteristic of a formation includes: disposing a radar imaging tool in a borehole; generating a high frequency radar signal by a radar transmitter, the high frequency radar signal having a frequency configured to limit penetration of the radar signal to a near-borehole region of the formation, the near-borehole region including a surface of the borehole and a region of the borehole proximate to the surface; detecting return signals reflected from the near-borehole region; generating an image of the near-borehole region based on the return signals; and estimating a characteristic of the formation based on the image. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017703 | DRILL POSITIONING SYSTEM UTILIZING DRILL OPERATION STATE - A method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for estimating pose of a drill are disclosed. The method may include receiving a location signal from a locating device, receiving a first signal indicative of an angular rate of the drill, and receiving a second signal indicative of an acceleration of the drill. The method may further include determining an operation state of the drill. The method may further include determining the pose of the drill based on the received location signal, first signal, second signal, and the determined operation state of the drill. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017704 | RANGE POSITIONING TOOL FOR USE WITHIN A CASING OR LINER STRING - A method for detecting a downhole position in a wellbore comprises: providing a set of signal emitters, each signal emitter in the set attached to a different position in the wellbore and each signal emitter configured to emit a signal having a unique characteristic; and providing a measurement tool comprising a signal detector configured to detect the different signals and a rotation device configured to rotatably contact a wall of the wellbore. The measurement tool is moved through the wellbore and one or more positions of the measurement tool in the wellbore is determined by detecting one or more of the signals and identifying the position of one or more of the signal emitters by the unique characteristic of each detected signal, and by detecting the number of rotations in a ranging wheel of the rotation detector that contacts the wellbore. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017705 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF A WATER/CEMENT BOUNDARY BETWEEN PIPES IN A HYDROCARBON WELL - A method has been disclosed for determining a position of a water/cement boundary in an annular area between two concentric pipes in a hydrocarbon well. The method comprises the steps of running a well tool ( | 2016-01-21 |
20160017706 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING AN ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY SIGNAL SENT FROM DOWNHOLE TO SURFACE - A method for regulating an electromagnetic (“EM”) telemetry signal sent from downhole to surface includes determining a value of a controlled parameter of the EM telemetry signal, comparing the value of the controlled parameter to a configuration value, and adjusting the value of the controlled parameter in a first direction towards the configuration value while monitoring a feedback parameter of the EM telemetry signal when the value of the controlled parameter and the configuration value differ. The controlled parameter is one of transmission voltage and transmission current, and the feedback parameter is the other of transmission voltage and transmission current. The value of the controlled parameter ceases to be adjusted in the first direction upon the earlier of either of the following occurring: the value of the controlled parameter substantially equals the configuration value, a value of the feedback parameter meets a feedback parameter cutoff threshold, and a product of the controlled and feedback parameters meets a power cutoff threshold. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017707 | Water Volume Fraction of Flowing Fluids - A measurement tool having one or more measurement cells disposed in a fluid flow path is provided. Measurements are made in each of the measurement cells and a fluid type is identified based on the outcome of the measurements. A numerical value is associated with each measurement cell based on the identified fluid type, and a total fractional volume of the identified fluids is determined using the associated numerical values. There may be a relatively large number of measurement cells distributed so as to substantially cover the cross-sectional area of the flow path, relatively few measurement cells distributed randomly in fixed locations in the flow path, or a single measurement cell moveably located in the flow path. The measurement cells measure a property such as resistivity, capacitance, dielectric constant, or electrical impedance. The total fractional volumes of the identified fluids may be determined using a statistic. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017708 | GUIDE RAIL ROPE DEFLECTION INHIBITION MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR PARALLEL SOFT CABLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - A guide rail rope deflection inhibition mechanism and method for a parallel soft cable suspension system in ultradeep vertical shaft construction. The guide rail rope deflection inhibition mechanism comprises a T-shaped installation support base, a rotating frame, a hydraulic support rod, and a chuck. The T-shaped installation support base comprises a vertical support rod and a horizontal support rod. The hydraulic support rod comprises an upper hydraulic support rod and a lower hydraulic support rod. The rotating frame comprises an upper Y-shaped frame and a lower Y-shaped frame. The chuck comprises an upper chuck and a lower chuck. The guide rail rope deflection inhibition method treats two guide rail rope deflection inhibition mechanisms as one group, and arranges at least two groups along the vertical direction on the shaft wall. While guaranteeing the smooth sliding of a direction guiding frame, the freedom of the guide rail rope part is restrained by the chuck, thereby enhancing the stability and safety of hoisting containers. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017709 | Anti-Friction Washer System - Included is an anti-friction washer system comprising two steel washers coated with a zinc coating that is at least 0.0002 inch thick, the two washers adhered to one another by an adhesive having a melting temperature of 300° F. or less. Also included is a mine roof bolt system comprising: a bolt having a bolt head; a bearing plate; and the above-described anti-friction washer system located between the bearing plate and the bolt head. Also included is a method of manufacturing an anti-friction washer system including providing two zinc-coated washers, depositing a melted thermoplastic adhesive in a plurality of locations circumferentially around one surface of one of the washers, placing the other washer on top of the adhesive, applying pressure to the washers, and cooling the bonded washers. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017710 | LUMP CRUSHER FOR A SCRAPER CHAIN CONVEYOR - A coarse crusher for use at both face ends of a face conveyor in an underground mine is disclosed. The coarse crusher may have a pan module with a strand segment for guiding an endless conveying means. The strand segment may be delimited by a first pan outer longitudinal side and a second pan outer longitudinal side which lies opposite the first pan outer longitudinal side. The first pan outer longitudinal side and the second pan outer longitudinal side may have a plurality of first pan fastening apparatuses. The coarse crusher may further have a base-frame module fastened releasably via the corresponding first pan fastening apparatuses to one of the first pan outer longitudinal side and the second pan outer longitudinal side. The coarse crusher may also have a support-arm module fastened releasably to the base-frame module. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017711 | Stator for Progressive Cavity Pump/Motor - A stator for a progressive cavity pump or motor includes a stator housing having a longitudinal axis. In addition, the stator includes a stator insert of a material moulded within the housing. The stator housing includes an outer tube having an inner surface. The stator housing also includes a plurality of framework elements disposed on the inner surface of the outer tube. Further, the stator housing includes at least one recess in the inner surface of the outer tube. The conjunction of the framework elements and the at least one recess define a plurality of chambers receiving insert material therein whereby the insert material is mechanically fixed axially, radially and torsionally within the outer tube. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017712 | Turbine Engine Repair Methods - A method for patching a damaged polymeric erosion coating ( | 2016-01-21 |
20160017713 | Turbine Engine Hybrid Rotor - A turbine engine rotor component has a Ti-based first member ( | 2016-01-21 |
20160017714 | A TECHNIQUE FOR COOLING A ROOT SIDE OF A PLATFORM OF A TURBOMACHINE PART - A platform cooling device directs a cooling fluid onto a root side of a platform of a turbomachine part. The platform cooling device includes a first segment to be positioned at a root of the turbomachine part and a second segment, at an angle to the first segment, to be positioned at the root side of the platform of the turbomachine part. The second segment may include at least one impingement channel having an inlet for receiving at least a part of the cooling fluid and an outlet for releasing the received cooling fluid onto the root side of the platform. The first segment and the second segment may define a path for the cooling fluid via the impingement channel. A turbomachine component includes the platform cooling device. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017715 | FAN EXIT GUIDE VANE PLATFORM CONTOURING - A turbofan engine includes a fan section with a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an engine axis generating an airflow, a bypass passage through which the airflow passes, and a fan exit guide vane. The fan exit guide vane assembly includes a plurality of airfoils disposed between an inner platform wall and an outer platform wall. At least one of the inner platform wall and the outer platform wall includes a contoured surface between adjacent airfoils. The contoured surface includes at least one concave region and at least one convex region. A method of reducing secondary flow structures in bypass air flow with the turbofan is also disclosed. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017716 | A TURBOMACHINE COMPONENT WITH A STRESS RELIEF CAVITY - A turbomachine component with a stress relief cavity includes an airfoil and a platform. The airfoil has a trailing edge. The platform has a trailing edge region, a seal strip slot and a stress relief cavity. The trailing edge region supports at least a part of the trailing edge. The stress relief cavity extends inside the platform into the trailing edge region and is an extension of the seal strip slot. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017717 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE AIRFOIL COOLING CIRCUIT - An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil body and a cooling circuit disposed inside the airfoil body and including a leading edge cavity with a first portion extending from a radially inner wall to a radially outer wall of the airfoil body and a second portion that extends from a leading edge inner wall to a trailing edge inner wall of the airfoil body. The cooling circuit is configured to communicate cooling airflow through the first portion and the second portion prior to exiting the leading edge cavity into a second cavity of the cooling circuit. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017718 | TURBINE BUCKET PLENUM FOR COOLING FLOWS - A casted turbine bucket having at least one machined plenum including a plenum chamber and at least one plenum passage connected to a plenum inlet at a root portion of turbine bucket, and a method to feed cooling flow to the turbine bucket using the machined plenum that receives cooling flow from the root portion of the turbine bucket. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017719 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE BLADE SQUEALER POCKETS - A blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil having a tip with a terminal end surface and multiple squealer pockets recessed into the terminal end surface. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017720 | AIRFOIL PLATFORM IMPINGEMENT COOLING HOLES - An airfoil structure for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil which includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. A platform is located adjacent a first end of the airfoil and includes a core passage that extends through the platform, a mate-face for engaging an adjacent airfoil structure and a set of impingement cooling holes in communication with the core passage that extend through the mate-face adjacent the trialing edge of the airfoil. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017721 | COMPOSITE TURBINE COMPONENTS ADAPTED FOR USE WITH STRIP SEALS - A turbine shroud for a turbine of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The turbine shroud is configured to direct products of a combustion reaction in a combustor of the gas turbine engine toward a plurality of rotatable turbine blades of the turbine to cause the plurality of turbine blades to rotate. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017722 | PROTECTIVE COATING FOR TITANIUM LAST STAGE BUCKETS - Described herein a bucket for use in the last stage of a steam turbine engine. The bucket includes a titanium-based alloy having a leading edge wherein the leading edge includes titania having a plurality of pores and a top sealing layer filling the plurality of pores, the sealing layer selected from the group consisting of: chromium, cobalt, nickel, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyester. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017723 | Co-Formed Element with Low Conductivity Layer - A co-formed element includes a core structure which has a root portion and is formed from a high thermal conductivity ceramic matrix composite material, and a low thermal conductivity layer co-formed with the core structure and surrounding the root portion of the core structure. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017724 | VARIABLE THICKNESS TRAILING EDGE CAVITY AND METHOD OF MAKING - A method for forming an airfoil includes forming a ceramic core, forming a refractory metal core using additive manufacturing, joining the ceramic core and the refractory metal core to form a hybrid core, and casting the airfoil around the hybrid core. The ceramic core is used to define an internal cavity of the airfoil. The refractory metal core has an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end has a lateral thickness greater than a lateral thickness of the downstream end. The refractory metal core is used to define a trailing edge cavity within the airfoil. The trailing edge cavity is in flow communication with the internal cavity of the airfoil and trailing edge slots located on an outer surface of the airfoil near a trailing edge. This method provides for an airfoil having a trailing edge cavity of variably thickness and casting cores used for their manufacture. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017725 | Blades and Manufacture Methods | 2016-01-21 |
20160017726 | Coated Articles and Manufacture Methods - An article ( | 2016-01-21 |
20160017727 | FAN BLADE DOVETAIL AND SPACER - A blade according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a radially inner dovetail supporting a radially outer airfoil; and the dovetail having a radial thickness which is less in a circumferentially center portion of the dovetail than circumferentially opposing outer edges. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017728 | VARIABLE-PITCH VANE - A variable-pitch vane comprising: a plurality of propeller blades ( | 2016-01-21 |
20160017729 | STRUCTURAL GUIDE VANE SONIC SHAPE AND INSPECTION - A method of forming a guide vane is disclosed. The method includes forming a vane blank with sufficient material to fabricate the guide vane in accordance with any one of a plurality of different vane classes. The vane blank is inspected for material inconsistencies, and material is removed from the vane blank to form a desired guide vane in accordance with one of the plurality of vane classes. The inspection process includes disregarding at least one material inconsistency in a region of the vane blank that is re- moved to form the guide vane. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017730 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING A TRANSITION DUCT TO A TURBINE SECTION IN A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - An apparatus for attaching a transition duct to a turbine section of a gas turbine engine includes an annular shaped vane carrier that engages with a transition aft frame. The transition aft frame includes an outwardly extending clamp that is at least partially inserted into a radial recess of the vane carrier structure. A spacer is inserted into the recess. A first pair of mating surfaces is formed by a first end face of the spacer and an end face of the clamp and a second pair of mating surfaces is formed by a second end face of the spacer and a wall of the recess. At least one of the pairs of mating surfaces is inclined at an angle with respect to a radial plane of the vane carrier structure. A retention device secures the spacer to the vane carrier structure. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017731 | VANE ASSEMBLY - A compressor for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of rotating wheel assemblies, a plurality of static vane assemblies, and a case extending around the rotating wheel assemblies and static vane assemblies. The static vane assemblies include an inner band, an outer band, and a plurality of vanes extending between the inner and outer bands. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017732 | Off-Cambered Vanes for Gas Turbine Engines - An off-cambered vane for a guide vane assembly in a gas turbine engine is described. The guide vane assembly may comprise a nominal vane having a tip portion, a mid-span portion, and a hub portion. The mid-span portion of the nominal vane may adopt a nominal geometry and the hub portion of the nominal vane may adopt a common geometry. The guide vane assembly may further comprise an off-cambered vane having a tip portion, a mid-span portion, and a hub portion. The mid-span portion of the off-cambered vane may deviate variably with respect to the nominal geometry and at least one of the hub portion and the tip portion may adopt the common geometry. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017733 | MULTIPLE COATING CONFIGURATION - An article includes a body that has a coating thereon. The coating has a first portion disposed on a first section of the body and a second portion disposed on a second, different section of the body. The first portion has a first microstructure and the second portion has a second, different microstructure. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017734 | AXIAL FLOW ROTATING MACHINE AND DIFFUSER - An axial flow rotating machine having: a rotor that is provided with a plurality of rotor blades; a stator provided with a plurality of stator blades; an axial flow rotating portion formed by the rotor and the stator; and a diffuser connected to the axial flow rotating portion on the downstream side of the axial flow rotating portion. The final blade portion inner-circumferential inner wall, which is a portion of the inner-circumferential inner wall of the axial flow rotating portion, is formed so that the diameter thereof at the trailing edge position of the final blade is smaller than the diameter at the leading edge position of the final blade. In addition, the diameter of all or a portion of the diffuser inner-circumferential inner wall decreases in a direction of a first side in the axial direction, the first side being the downstream side. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017735 | VANE TIP MACHINING FIXTURE ASSEMBLY - A vane tip machining fixture assembly includes a first clamp ring mountable to a fixture, the first clamp ring includes a rigid back ring mounted to a resilient ring. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017736 | COOLED COMPOSITE SHEETS FOR A GAS TURBINE - A laminated sheet for a gas turbine component, the laminated sheet has a first cover layer, a second cover layer and a first intermediate layer, wherein the first cover layer, the second cover layer and the first intermediate layer are stacked together on top of each other. The first intermediate layer is located between the first cover layer and the second cover layer. The first intermediate layer has at least one first elongated through hole, wherein a cooling fluid is flowable through the first elongated through hole. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017737 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE ROTOR DISK-SEAL ARRANGEMENT - A disk-seal arrangement for a gas turbine engine rotor includes a blade retention disk having a longitudinally opening slot therein and a seal disk juxtaposed to said blade retention disk and a single anti-rotation tab received within the blade retention disk slot. The seal disk also includes a pair of balance slots disposed immediately adjacent the antirotation tab to offset the weight thereof for preserving rotor balance. A split ring is disposed longitudinally between the blade retention and seal disks for reacting longitudinal loading therebetween. The ends of the split ring seat against side surfaces of the antirotation between the split ring and the blade retention and seal disks. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017738 | ASSEMBLY FOR SEALING A GAP BETWEEN COMPONENTS OF A TURBINE ENGINE - An assembly for a turbine engine includes a turbine engine first component, a turbine engine second component and a seal assembly. The first component includes a groove and a groove surface. The second component includes a tongue that extends into the groove to a tongue surface. The seal assembly at least partially seals a gap between the groove surface and the tongue surface. The seal assembly includes a rope seal and a clip that attaches the rope seal to the tongue. The rope seal is arranged within the groove between the groove surface and the tongue surface. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017739 | SEAL ASSEMBLY FOR A GUIDE VANE ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure relates generally to a guide vane assembly including a first airfoil, including a first airfoil trailing edge, a second airfoil, including a second airfoil leading edge, positioned aft the first airfoil to create a gap therebetween, and a seal assembly disposed within the gap to engage the first airfoil trailing edge and the second airfoil leading edge. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017740 | RIFFLED SEAL FOR A TURBOMACHINE, TURBOMACHINE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A RIFFLED SEAL FOR A TURBOMACHINE - A seal of a turbomachine reduces a leakage flow between a first and second component of the turbomachine. The first component has a first surface and the second component has a second surface, wherein the first component is stiff with regard to a first force exerted perpendicularly thereto and the second component is stiff with regard to a second force exerted perpendicularly thereto. The first surface is opposite the second surface, together defining boundaries of a fluid passage for the leakage flow. The first surface has a first surface riffle. A turbomachine has a seal described above, wherein the turbomachine is a gas turbine engine. A method of manufacturing a first component of a turbomachine with a reduced leakage flow between the first component and a second component of the turbomachine includes fabrication of a first surface riffle, in particular by grinding and/or by electrical discharge machining. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017741 | Box Rim Cavity for a Gas Turbine Engine - A gas turbine engine having a rotor with blades and a stationary vane, a platform seal is formed between the blade and vane for inhibiting ingestion of hot gas from a hot gas flow through the turbine into turbine wheel spaces, the platform seal including axial extending platforms on the blade and vane, and radial extending fingers extending from the platforms and forming restrictions between the fingers and the platforms, and a buffer cavity formed between the restrictions, where the fingers are so arranged in a generally radial direction that the vane can be removed from the turbine engine in a radial direction without having to remove the blades first. In additional embodiments, the platform seal assembly can have two or three buffer cavities formed between additional restrictions. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017742 | BRUSH SEAL REPAIR METHOD - A method of working a brush seal assembly for a turbine engine is disclosed and includes the steps of removing an alignment tab from a used brush seal assembly, restoring at least one dimension of the alignment tab to a desired condition and attaching the restored alignment tab to a new brush seal assembly. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017743 | ACTUATOR FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINE BLADE OUTER AIR SEAL - A blade outer air seal (BOAS) actuator assembly, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an actuator member; and a retractor configured to move with the actuator member to move a BOAS segment from a first position to a second position that is radially outside the first position, the BOAS segment seated against a support structure when in the first position and spaced from the support structure when in the second position. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017744 | ASSEMBLY - Stator vane assembly includes plurality of vanes arranged in circumferential array, radially proximal mounting portion, radially distal mounting portion, and first latching mechanism. Each of plurality of vanes extends radially between radially proximal mounting portion and radially distal mounting portion, with each of plurality of vanes being pivotally mounted between radially proximal mounting portion and radially distal mounting portion. Plurality of vanes is movable between first arrangement allowing gas to flow across vanes, and second arrangement blocking gas flow across vanes. Pivot axis of each of plurality of vanes is offset from the line of aerodynamic centre of pressure of vane towards trailing edge of vane, and first latching mechanism holds plurality of vanes in first arrangement. Upon receipt of signal, first latching mechanism releases plurality of vanes so that gas flow through vane assembly causes plurality of vanes to move from first arrangement to second arrangement. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017745 | CASE WITH VANE RETENTION FEATURE - One exemplary aspect of this disclosure relates to an assembly for a gas turbine engine having an engine axis. The assembly includes a case including an integrally formed projection configured to extend transverse to the engine axis. The assembly further includes an engine component including a flange configured for contact with the projection to limit motion of the component along the engine axis. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017746 | GEARED ARCHITECTURE TO PROTECT CRITICAL HARDWARE DURING FAN BLADE OUT - A turbofan engine including a fan section including a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis, a compressor including a plurality of compressor blades, a turbine including a plurality of turbine blades and a geared architecture driven by the turbine for driving the fan section at a speed and direction different than the turbine is disclosed. A rub strip proximate at least one of the compressor blades, the turbine blades and the fan blades slows rotation when engaged. The rub strip generates a torque opposing rotation when in an engaged condition that is between 2 and 6 times a torque encountered in a non-engaged condition. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017747 | OIL SYSTEM DEBRIS MONITOR FOR A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - A debris monitor sensor system according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first passage disposed substantially linearly along a flow path, the first passage includes a sensor passage section. A second passage splits from the first passage and is offset from the flow path. An oil debris monitor is in communication with the sensor passage section. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017748 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE EXHAUST DRAIN - An exhaust system of a gas turbine engine includes an exhaust duct, and a venturi drainage device that drains fluid collected in the exhaust duct. The venturi drainage device includes an inlet in fluid communication with the exhaust duct. The venturi drainage device operates in an entrain mode when a flight condition occurs during operating of the gas turbine engine and operates in a drain mode when the gas turbine engine is not operating to drain the fluid from the exhaust duct. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017749 | HIGH TEMPERATURE TOLERANT CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES AND ENVIRONMENTAL BARRIER COATINGS - High-temperature machine components, more particularly, articles capable of operating in high-temperature environments, including for example turbines of gas engines, may be formed of a high temperature ceramic matrix composite that includes a ceramic substrate including silicon; an environmental harrier coating system including a silicon containing bond coat; and a diffusion barrier layer of a carbide or a nitride between the substrate of the article and the silicon bond coat of the environmental barrier coating system. The diffusion harrier layer selectively prevents or reduces the diffusion of boron and impurities from the substrate to the bond coat of the environmental barrier coating system. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017750 | ANNULAR RING ASSEMBLY FOR SHROUD COOLING - A gas turbine engine includes an annular casing and a plurality of shroud segments forming an annular shroud. The annular shroud forms with the annular casing an annular cavity therebetween. The annular cavity includes an inlet and an outlet. An annular ring assembly is disposed in the annular cavity between the casing and the shroud and cooperating therewith to provide a first annular chamber and a second annular chamber. The annular ring assembly and a first portion of the shroud form the first annular chamber. The annular ring assembly and a second portion of the shroud form the second annular chamber. The annular ring assembly forms an intermediate annular chamber disposed between the first annular chamber and the second annular chamber. A flow path for coolant air is sequentially defined through the inlet, the first annular chamber, the intermediate annular chamber, the second annular chamber and the outlet. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017751 | COOLING DEVICE FOR A TURBOJET ENGINE OF AN AIRCRAFT NACELLE - The present disclosure provides a cooling device for a turbo engine of an aircraft nacelle, including: a heat exchanger and an air outlet pipe. The nacelle includes a front housing that has a front lip forming a hollow leading edge that delimits an annular de-icing chamber. In particular, the cooling device further includes a pipe for supplying pressurized air that extends from an inlet end linked to a pressurized air source, to an outlet end forming an air ejection nozzle opening into the de-icing chamber, and the outlet pipe of the heat exchanger has an air outlet section that is arranged in the de-icing chamber in a position designed such that the pressurized air ejection nozzle forms an air suction pump in the outlet pipe of the exchanger. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017752 | Turbofan Engine Assembly Methods - A method for assembling a turbofan engine ( | 2016-01-21 |
20160017753 | BOLT ATTACHMENT TO COMPOSITE FAN CASE - A fan case includes a composite fan case body including an outer surface and at least one attachment tool attached to the outer surface of the fan case body. The attachment tool includes a boss that has at least one fastener opening with a threaded insert. A channel extends from at least one interior cavity of the attachment tool through an outer wall of the attachment tool. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017754 | MID-TURBINE FRAME ROD AND TURBINE CASE FLANGE - A turbine section of a gas turbine engine includes a first turbine supported for rotation about an axis, a second turbine spaced axially aft of the for first turbine section for rotation about the axis, and a mid-turbine frame disposed between the first turbine and the second turbine defining a passage between the first turbine and the second turbine. A first case surrounds the first turbine and a second case surrounding the second turbine and attached to the first case. The mid-turbine frame is disposed between the first turbine section and the second turbine section and includes at least one support structure extending through an interface between the first turbine case and the second turbine case. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017755 | COMMON JOINT FOR A COMBUSTOR, DIFFUSER, AND TOBI OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - An assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The gas turbine engine may have a combustor, a diffuser, and a tangential onboard injector. The assembly may include a common joint between the combustor, the diffuser, and the tangential onboard injector. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017756 | CONDENSER AND STEAM TURBINE PLANT PROVIDED THEREWITH - This condenser is provided with the following: a set of heat-transfer tubes; a main body that covers the heat-transfer tubes; an intermediate body that forms a primary steam passage for guiding exhaust steam from a steam turbine to the set of heat-transfer tubes; and a bypass steam receiving section that receives bypass steam, i.e. steam that has bypassed the steam turbine, and guides the bypass steam to the set of heat-transfer tubes. The bypass steam receiving section is located outside the primary steam passage, and an opening in the main body that is opposite to the bypass steam receiving section is formed at a position where the bypass steam flows into the set of heat-transfer tubes mainly from a region different from an inflow region through which the exhaust steam mainly flows into the set of heat-transfer tubes via the primary steam passage. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017757 | Device and Method for Operational and Safety Control of a Heat Engine - A device and a method are for the operational and safety control of a heat engine, which has a working-fluid path including a high-pressure path and a low-pressure path. The heat engine uses a condensable working fluid which, at least in part of the high-pressure path, is in the liquid phase. A fluid-drainage path, which is selectably open or closed, is connected to a portion of the high-pressure path in which the working fluid is mainly in the liquid phase. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017758 | MANAGEMENT OF WORKING FLUID DURING HEAT ENGINE SYSTEM SHUTDOWN - Provided herein are a heat engine system and a method for managing a working fluid in the heat engine system during an emergency shutdown. The heat engine system utilizes a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) contained within a working fluid circuit to absorb and transport heat. An inventory system is coupled to the working fluid circuit and configured to receive and store at least a portion of the working fluid in the working fluid circuit during an emergency shutdown process. An attemperation line is coupled to the working fluid circuit upstream one or more heat exchangers and configured to direct a portion of the working fluid flow around at least one or more heat exchangers, thereby managing the temperature of the working fluid in the working fluid circuit. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017759 | CONTROLLING TURBOPUMP THRUST IN A HEAT ENGINE SYSTEM - A heat engine system and a method are provided for generating energy by transforming thermal energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy, and for controlling a thrust load applied to a turbopump of the heat engine system. The generation of energy may be optimized by controlling a thrust or net thrust load applied to a turbopump of the heat engine system. The heat engine system may include one or more valves, such as a turbopump throttle valve and/or a bearing drain valve, which may be modulated to control the thrust load applied to the turbopump during one or more modes of operating the heat engine system. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017760 | COGENERATING SYSTEM - A cogenerating system includes a Rankine cycle, a high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit, a low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit, a bypass channel, a heat exchanger, and a flow rate adjustment mechanism. The high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit is configured such that an evaporator is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium by a high-temperature heat transfer medium heat exchanger. The low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit is configured such that a condenser is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium by a low-temperature heat transfer medium heat exchanger. The flow rate adjustment mechanism includes at least a flow rate limiter that limits the flow rate of the high-temperature heat transfer medium to be supplied to the evaporator, and adjusts a ratio of the flow rate of the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the bypass channel to the flow rate of the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the evaporator. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017761 | WASTE HEAT RECOVERY APPARATUS - Disclosed is a waste heat recovery apparatus which comprises: a gas-liquid separator; an expander into which a gaseous working medium separated by the gas-liquid separator flows; a driven machine; a condenser; a first pump; a first heater; a circulation flow passage for serially connecting the gas-liquid separator, the expander, the condenser, the first pump and the first heater in this order; a heat recovery flow passage for allowing a liquid working medium discharged from the gas-liquid separator to merge with the working medium flowing in a portion between the first heater and the gas-liquid separator in the circulation flow passage; and a second pump. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017762 | GAS TURBINE UNIT OPERATING MODE AND DESIGN - Gas turbine unit (GTV) provides compressed air and steam methane-hydrogen mixture to a combustion chamber to enrich combustion products and cooling by evaporation or superheating of water steam. The temperature of heat exchange processes of the gas turbine unit is increased by additional fuel combustion in the steam-methane-hydrogen mixture postcombustion flow extracted at the output from the additional free work gas turbine, and before supply of steam-methane-hydrogen mixture to the combustion chamber it is previously cooled to the temperature of 200+240° C. with simultaneous differential condensation of water steam. The condensate is processed for preparation of methane steam-gas mixture and low pressure water steam which is passed through the additional free work gas turbine. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017763 | VALVE DRIVE TRAIN DEVICE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - In a valve drive train device for an internal combustion engine of motor vehicle, wherein at least one axially movably mounted cam element including at least one cam set with at least two cam parts and a shifting gate with at least two gate track for converting a rotary movement of the cam element into an axial shifting motion, at least one of the cam parts and the adjacent gate track are disposed in an at least partially axially overlapping relationship for reducing thereby the axial length and the mass of the cam element or permitting the use of a larger, highly durable, actuating mechanism. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017764 | PUSHROD ASSEMBLY - A pushrod assembly for an internal combustion engine comprises a pushrod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to receive valve actuation motions from a valve actuation motion source and the second end being configured to impart the valve actuation motions to a valve train component. The pushrod includes a resilient element engagement feature. The pushrod assembly includes a fixed support and a resilient element operatively connected to the resilient element engagement feature and the fixed support. The resilient element is configured to bias the pushrod, via the resilient element engagement feature, toward the valve actuation motion source. An internal combustion engine may comprise the pushrod assembly described herein. A follower assembly may be provided to maintain contact between second end of the pushrod and the valve train component. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017765 | BIAS MECHANISMS FOR A ROCKER ARM AND LOST MOTION COMPONENT OF A VALVE BRIDGE - Systems for actuating at least two engine comprise a valve bridge operatively connected to the at least two engine valves and having a hydraulically-actuated lost motion component. A rocker arm has a motion receiving end configured to receive valve actuation motions from a valve actuation motion source and a motion imparting end for conveying the valve actuation motions and hydraulic fluid to the lost motion component. The motion receiving end is biased toward the valve actuation motion source. A bias mechanism, supported by either the rocker arm, valve bridge or both, is configured to bias the motion receiving end of the rocker arm and the lost motion component into contact with each other. By maintaining such contact, the bias mechanism helps maintain the supply of hydraulic fluid from the rocker arm to the lost motion component. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017766 | ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY FOR VALVE ACTUATION SYSTEMS - A rocker arm assembly for a valve actuation system of an engine is disclosed. The engine has at least one valve. The rocker assembly includes a rocker arm with a valve retention end, a valve bridge with a rocker engagement portion. The rocker engagement portion sustains an engaged position and a released position relative to the valve retention end. Further, a spring unit is disposed between the valve retention end and the rocker engagement portion. In the engaged position, the valve retention end is in operable abutment with the rocker engagement portion. In the released position, the spring unit is configured to provide a reaction force between the valve retention end and the rocker engagement portion to disconnect the valve bridge from the rocker arm. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017767 | VALVE OPENING/CLOSING TIMING CONTROL DEVICE - A valve opening/closing timing control device includes: an intermediate lock mechanism switchable between a locked state constraining a relative rotation phase to an intermediate locked phase, and an unlocked state releasing the constraint; a phase control unit controlling fluid supply to a retard chamber and fluid discharge from an advance chamber, or controlling fluid discharge from the retard chamber and fluid supply to the advance chamber, such that the lock member attains the intermediate locked phase; and a determination unit determining whether the lock member will attain the determination phase, when control has been performed to move the lock member toward a determination phase that has been set at a different position than the intermediate locked phase, after execution of control to either supply fluid to the retard chamber and discharge fluid from the advance chamber, or discharge fluid from the retard chamber and supply fluid to the advance chamber. | 2016-01-21 |
20160017768 | CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER - A drive element ( | 2016-01-21 |