Silencer for a gas turbine

Acoustics – Sound-modifying means – Muffler – fluid conducting type

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C181S229000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06260658

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to noise control apparatuses. More particularly, the present invention relates to silencers for use with gas turbine engines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Gas turbine engines are known to generate large amounts of noise. Silencers are commonly used in a gas turbine air intake and outlet system to reduce or absorb the noise generated by the gas turbine.
One type of known silencer is commonly referred to as “splitter-type” silencer. Splitter-type silencers commonly include noise absorbing material (e.g. foam, mineral wool, fiberglass or balsalt wool) that is positioned between substantially parallel perforated panels. The perforated panels also cooperate to define open passageways through which high velocity air can be directed. When air is directed through the passageways, noise passes laterally from the passageway through the perforated walls and into the noise absorbing material. The noise absorbing material absorbs the noise and converts the noise to heat. The net effect of the splitter is to allow the air to pass through the splitter, while most of the noise will laterally pass through the perforations in the splitter walls and into the noise absorbing material.
Gas turbine system designers are constantly seeking to develop more effective designs that can be manufactured at reduced costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention relates generally to a silencer including a generally rectangular frame. The frame includes two spaced-apart and substantially parallel end members that are interconnected by two spaced-apart and substantially parallel length members. The length members define inwardly facing channels. The silencer also includes two spaced-apart perforated members secured within the inwardly facing channels between the two spaced-apart length members. The perforated members are longer than the length members and include end portions that overlap the end members. The end portions are fixedly connected to the outer surfaces of the end members such that the end members are fixed between the perforated members. The silencer also includes sound absorbing material positioned between the perforated members.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a silencer including two spaced-apart, substantially parallel end members. The silencer also includes a volume of sound absorbing material. The silencer further includes two retaining members for retaining the volume of sound absorbing material. The retaining members extend between the end members and include perforated portions and reinforcing portions. The perforated portions are unitarily formed with the reinforcement portions. The perforated portions are spaced-apart and substantially parallel to one another, while the reinforcing portions are transversally aligned with respect to the perforated portions. The reinforcing portions extend inward from the perforated portions toward a central plane that longitudinally bisects the silencer and is generally parallel with respect to the perforated portions.
A further aspect of the present invention relates to a silencer including a generally rectangular frame. The frame includes two spaced-apart and substantially parallel end members interconnected by two spaced-apart and substantially parallel length members. The length members define inwardly facing channels. The silencer also includes two spaced-apart perforated members secured within the inwardly facing channel between the two spaced-apart length members. The silencer further includes sound absorbing material compressed between the perforated members.
Still further aspects of the present invention relate to methods for assembling or manufacturing silencers in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
A variety of advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2270825 (1942-01-01), Parkinson et al.
patent: 5679931 (1997-10-01), Furse et al.
patent: 5817990 (1998-10-01), Furse
9 sheets of photos taken by Donaldson personnel during the week of Mar. 18-22, 1998 at the Merilectrical site in Columbia near Barrancabermeja. The photos are of a silencer made by Universal Silencer Co., a Division of Nelson Industries.

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