Patent Application
20140373947
The present disclosure relates to a gas flow system, and more particularly, to a gas flow system for a machine.
Some components of machines can be damaged if dust or debris come in contact with or enter the component. For example, if dust enters an intake manifold of an engine, it may damage the combustion cylinders. Often machines working in dusty, or debris filled environments are equipped with air filtration systems. The air filtration systems protect sensitive components by removing dust and/or debris from air entering or having contact with the components.
Some filtration systems trap larger debris in a debris chamber and then filter the remaining air. The chamber may be fluidly connected with an air outlet through an exhaust pipe which may draw the debris out of the chamber and expel it through the air outlet into the air surrounding the machine. U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,987 issued to Pikesh et al., discloses a pre-cleaner for an air induction system of an internal combustion engine including a housing enclosing an upper chamber and an aspirator port chamber. The upper chamber contains a plurality of particulate separator tubes arranged in a predetermined array. Each of the tubes includes a particulate outlet through which particles removed from air flowing through the tube en route to the engine are discharged. The aspirator port chamber is located beneath, and is upwardly open to, the particulate outlets and includes an upwardly facing particle collecting surface located directly beneath the particulate outlets. Particles can fall from the tubes into the aspirator port chamber and onto the upwardly facing particle collecting surface. The housing includes a generally horizontally facing aspirator port in the aspirator port chamber adjacent to and facing the particle collecting surface. The housing also includes an element disposed for connecting the aspirator port to an exhaust tract of the internal combustion engine such that the exhaust flow through the exhaust tract will generate a suction condition in the aspirator port when the engine is operated. The particle collecting surface is positioned and oriented such that the suction generated by the exhaust flow during the operation of the engine will draw a flow of air from the upper chamber across the particle collecting surface such that particles collected on the surface will be drawn in an at least generally horizontal direction into the aspirator port.
In some operating conditions, airflow created through a pre-cleaner by a flow of gas through an exhaust pipe and an air outlet, to draw debris out of a debris chamber, through a debris conduit, and through the air outlet may not be sufficient to remove enough debris from the chamber.
One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a gas flow system for a machine. The gas flow system can include an air filtration system which can include a debris chamber. The gas flow system can also include a first conduit, a second conduit, and one or more tabs. The first conduit can extend from an upstream end to a downstream end. The upstream end of the first conduit can be connected in fluid communication with the debris chamber, and the downstream end of the first conduit can be positioned within the second conduit. The one or more tabs can be positioned within the second conduit adjacent to the downstream end of the first conduit. The second conduit can include one or more of a decreasing diameter and a substantially consistent diameter adjacent to and downstream of the downstream end of the first conduit.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a gas flow system for a machine. The gas flow system can include a substantially enclosed compartment which can include a hollow interior. The gas flow system can also include a gas inlet which can be connected in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the compartment. The gas flow system can additionally include a gas outlet. The gas outlet can include a hollow interior which can extend from an upstream end to a downstream end of the gas outlet. The upstream end of the gas outlet can include an opening fluidly connecting the hollow interior of the compartment with the hollow interior of the gas outlet. The gas flow system can further include a conduit extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The downstream end of the conduit can be in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the compartment and the hollow interior of the gas outlet. The gas flow system can additionally include one or more tabs which can be positioned adjacent to the downstream end of the conduit and in fluid communication with the interior of the compartment and the interior of the gas outlet. The downstream end of the conduit can be positioned at one of a plurality of positions along an axial length which can extend from the upstream end of the gas outlet into the hollow interior of the gas outlet.
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a gas flow system for a machine. The gas flow system can include an air filtration system which can include a debris chamber. The gas flow system can additionally include an exhaust system which can include an exhaust conduit extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The gas flow system can further include a debris removal system and a compartment cooling system. The debris removal system can include a debris conduit, the exhaust conduit, and one or more tabs. The compartment cooling system can include a substantially enclosed compartment including a hollow interior, a gas inlet connected in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the compartment, a gas outlet, the exhaust conduit, and one or more tabs. The debris conduit can extend from an upstream end to a downstream end, the upstream end of the debris conduit can be connected in fluid communication with the debris chamber, and the downstream end of the debris conduit positioned within the exhaust conduit. The one or more tabs of the debris removal system positioned within the exhaust conduit adjacent to the downstream end of the debris conduit. The gas outlet can include a hollow interior which can extend from an upstream end to a downstream end of the gas outlet. The upstream end of the gas outlet can include an opening fluidly connecting the hollow interior of the compartment with the hollow interior of the gas outlet. The downstream end of the exhaust conduit can be positioned in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the compartment and the hollow interior of the gas outlet. The one or more tabs of the compartment cooling system can be positioned adjacent to the downstream end of the exhaust conduit and in fluid communication with the interior of the compartment and the interior of the gas outlet.
Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used, when possible, throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Elements in schematics, included in the drawings, and described herein, may not be drawn with dimensions or to any realistic scale, but may rather be drawn to illustrate different aspects of the disclosure.
The present disclosure is directed to a gas flow system 10 for a machine 12. In particular, the presently disclosed gas flow system 10, as well as any one or more of the systems, features, components, and functionalities thereof according to any one or more of the embodiments as disclosed herein can be implemented and utilized with any of a variety of machines. For the purposes of providing one example of an operational application and implementation of the present disclosure,
As shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
The power system of the machine 12 includes an engine 34. The engine 34 can include an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine or any other engine which can produce a flow of gas, such as exhaust, as a by-product or incident to the operation thereof, such as, in one example, from the combustion of a combustible medium. The body 18 of the machine 12 can form a substantially enclosed, hollow compartment 36 defined therein, wherein the engine 34 can be housed or disposed, at least in part, within a hollow interior 38 of the compartment 36. In particular, and in one embodiment, the body 18 of the machine 12 can include a housing assembly 40, such as, for example, a hood and/or one or more body panels which not only can form and/or be exposed to the outer surface 42 of the machine 12 but also can form, surround and/or enclose the compartment 36, and the interior 38 thereof, in whole or in part, which can house the engine 34 therein. The body 18 of the machine 12 and/or the housing assembly 40 thereof and the compartment 36 disposed therein can additionally house, form, and/or support all or some of the gas flow system 10 and all, some, or a portion of the systems, features, elements, and components thereof as further shown in
Specifically, and as illustrated in
The first gas flow 62 may include air from outside the compartment 36, and in the embodiment illustrated in
With this configuration, the debris 64 in the first gas flow 62 flowing through the air filtration system 50 can be trapped in the debris collection area 72 of the pre-cleaner 66, wherein the first gas flow 62, which may be devoid of the trapped debris 64, can then be fluidly communicated to and directed through the air filter 68. A non-limiting example of an embodiment of air filtration system 50 includes the Donaldson STB Strata™ Air Cleaner including the Donaspin™ Pre-Cleaner. Although shown as an element of the air filtration system 50, the debris chamber 70 may include embodiments where additional filtering elements are not necessary, or embodiments in which the debris chamber 70 is not a component of the air filtration system 50.
The air filter 68 can be positioned within the interior 38 of the compartment 36 and connected in fluid communication with the first gas flow 62 between the pre-cleaner 66 and the engine 34, and in one example, an engine air intake manifold 74 which can fluidly connect the engine 34 to the outside of the compartment 36 and outer surface 42 of the machine 12 as well as the first gas flow 62 therefrom through the air filtration system 50. In particular, in one embodiment, the air filter 68 can be fluidly positioned downstream of the pre-cleaner 66 and upstream of the air intake manifold 74 of the engine 34. The air filter 68 can be configured to remove smaller particles of dirt, dust, and/or other foreign or particulate matter remaining in a portion of the first gas flow 62 which may be fluidly communicated to and directed through the air filter 68 from the pre-cleaner 66 and subsequently direct the portion of the first gas flow 62 to the air intake manifold 74 of the engine 34, which can be via engine inlet conduit 76.
The gas flow system 10 can also include an exhaust system 52 which can include, in part, an exhaust conduit 78. The exhaust conduit 78 can be defined as a substantially hollow channel, tube or pipe which can surround and substantially enclose a hollow interior 80 extending from a first or upstream end 82 which can be defined a gas flow inlet of an interior flow volume 84 of the exhaust conduit 78 to a second or downstream end 86 which can be defined a gas flow outlet of the interior flow volume 84 of the exhaust conduit 78. In particular, in one embodiment, the exhaust conduit 78 can be formed, in part, by a tubular exhaust conduit wall 88 which can include an exterior surface 90 as well as an interior surface 92 which can surround and form the hollow interior 80 in addition to the interior flow volume 84 which can extend along and throughout the length of the exhaust conduit 78 from the upstream end 82 to the downstream end 86 thereof. The exhaust conduit 78 can additionally be connected in fluid communication to receive and direct a flow of gas therethrough, which, in one embodiment, can include a flow of heated gas, for example, a flow of heated exhaust gas from the engine 34 or any other active or primary flow of gas that may be utilized, employed and/or otherwise directed to fluidly engage, influence, and/or interact with the various disclosed elements and gas flows of the presently disclosed exhaust and flow system 10 according to any one or more of the embodiments as provided herein. As a result, and for the purposes of the present disclosure, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the active or primary flow of gas, as well as the general direction and flow path thereof, is illustrated and depicted in the
In particular, in one embodiment, the primary gas flow 94 can include a flow of heated gas, for example, a flow of heated exhaust gas from the engine 34. As such, and as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the upstream end 82 of the exhaust conduit 78 can be connected in fluid communication to the engine 34, and in one embodiment, can be connected in fluid communication to receive the primary gas flow 94 from the engine 34, which in one example can be via one or more aftertreatment devices 96. The primary gas flow 94 can thereafter be fluidly communicated along and throughout the interior flow volume 84 of the exhaust conduit 78 to the downstream end 86 thereof, which can be positioned to direct the primary gas flow 94 out of the compartment 36 via the gas outlet 48, as further discussed herein. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exhaust conduit 78 can be positioned and substantially enclosed within the interior 38 of the compartment 36. In particular for the purposes of providing an exemplary illustration of the present gas flow system 10, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the air intake manifold 76, engine inlet conduit 76, exhaust conduit 78, the one or more aftertreatment devices 96 and the engine 34 are shown as being substantially enclosed within the interior 38 of the compartment 36. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing exemplary illustrations, as in other embodiments, any one or more of the air intake manifold 76, engine inlet conduit 76, exhaust conduit 78, the one or more aftertreatment devices 96 and the engine 34 can be fluidly connected and configured as disclosed herein but can be only partially enclosed within the compartment 36 or alternatively can be located outside of the compartment 36. Furthermore, although the engine 34 exhausts the primary gas flow 94 in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments the primary gas flow 94 may originate and be directed through the exhaust conduit 78 by other devices or processes known in the art. For example a manufacturing process may create heat and a series of fans, air conduits, and/or valves may direct the primary gas flow 94 through the exhaust conduit 78.
As illustrated by the exemplary embodiments shown in
The gas flow system 10 can also include a debris removal system 54 which can include, in part, a first conduit 97, a second conduit 98 and at least one, or one or more tabs 100. The first conduit 97 can include a substantially hollow channel, tube or pipe which can be positioned or connected in fluid communication with the first gas flow 62 as well as the debris chamber 70. As such, in one embodiment, the first conduit 97 can be defined as, and/or can be defined as including a debris conduit 102 which can surround and substantially enclose a hollow interior 104 extending from a first or upstream end 106 which can be defined a gas flow inlet of an interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102 to a second or downstream end 110 which can be defined a gas flow outlet of the interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102. In particular, in one embodiment, the debris conduit 102 can be formed, in part, by a tubular debris conduit wall 112 which can include an exterior surface 114 as well as an interior surface 116 which can surround and form the hollow interior 104 in addition to the interior flow volume 108 which can extend along and throughout the length of the debris conduit 102 from the upstream end 106 to the downstream end 110 thereof. Furthermore, in one example, the debris conduit 102, as well as the debris conduit wall 112 thereof, can be substantially cylindrical and can include a substantially consistent diameter 117 and can extend along a substantially consistent circular cross sectional profile throughout the length of the debris conduit 102. In alternative embodiments, the debris conduit wall 112 can be any substantially hollow, elongated tube or pipe having any shape or structure including but not limited to a tube like structure with cross sections in the shapes of ellipses or polygons such as octagons, rectangles, squares, and the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the debris conduit wall 112 can include cross sections which differ in shape and size at different points.
The upstream end 106 of the debris conduit 102 can be attached, fluidly connected to, and/or connected in fluid communication with the debris chamber 70 and additionally can be positioned or connected in fluid communication to receive and direct a portion of the first gas flow 62, flowing through the first gas inlet 44 and into the debris collection area 72 of the debris chamber 70 of the pre-cleaner 66 (as well as any debris 64 therein), into the upstream end 106 and along and throughout the interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102. The downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102, and in one embodiment, a portion of the debris conduit 102 proximate to the downstream end 110 thereof, can be positioned in fluid communication with at least one of the hollow interior 80 of the second conduit 98 and the primary gas flow 94 fluidly communicated therethrough. In one embodiment, the debris conduit 102 can include a downstream end section 118 which can be defined as a fluidly integral, downstream-most section or segment of the debris conduit wall 112 which can be proximate to, and in one example, can be immediately adjacent to, can extend toward and can form and/or include the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102. In one embodiment, the downstream end section 118 of the debris conduit 102, and the debris conduit wall 112 thereof, can include a substantially consistent cross sectional profile and can extend substantially linearly and axially along and aligned with a central axis 120. In one example, the cross sectional profile of the downstream end section 118 of the debris conduit 102 and the debris conduit wall 112 thereof can additionally be substantially cylindrical with a substantially consistent circular cross sectional profile which can be substantially consistent with that of the debris conduit 102 as a whole. In alternative embodiments, the downstream end section 118 can include a different shape or structure, which can be any substantially hollow, elongated tube or pipe section having any shape or structure including but not limited to a tube like structure with cross sections in the shapes of ellipses or polygons such as octagons, rectangles, squares, and the like.
The second conduit 98 can include a hollow channel, tube or pipe which can be connected in fluid communication to direct the primary gas flow 94 therethrough, which in one example, and as provided above, can be a flow of heated exhaust gas from the engine 34. As such, the second conduit 98 can include the exhaust conduit 78, and in one embodiment, the exhaust conduit 78 can include a debris removal section 122 which can be formed by and/or can be defined as segment of the exhaust conduit 78. In particular, the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 can be defined as including and/or formed by a fluidly integral portion or section of the exhaust conduit 78 which can extend from a first or upstream end 124, which can be positioned at, proximate to, or downstream of and fluidly connected to receive the primary gas flow 94 from the first or upstream end 82 of the exhaust conduit 78, to a second or downstream end 126, which can be positioned upstream of the second or downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and connected in fluid communication to direct the flow of gas, which can include the second flow of gas, out of the debris removal section 122 and into and through any remaining downstream portion of the exhaust conduit 78. Additionally, the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 can be defined as including and/or formed by a portion of the exhaust conduit wall 88, or one or more adjacently and fluidly attached and/or interconnected sections or segments of the exhaust conduit wall 88, which can define, surround and form the hollow interior 128 in addition to an interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 as a fluidly integral portion or segment of the hollow interior 80 and interior flow volume 84 of the exhaust conduit 78 extending along and throughout the length of the debris removal section 122 from the upstream end 124 to the downstream end 126 thereof. Furthermore, the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78, and the interior flow volume 130 thereof, can extend substantially linearly from the upstream end 124 to the downstream end 126 thereof along and aligned with a central axis 132.
As shown by the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
As provided above, the debris removal system 54 can also include one or more tabs 100. The tabs 100 can be configured to fluidly interact with, engage, and/or influence the interior flow volumes 130, 108, of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the debris conduit 102, as well as the first gas flow 62 and the primary gas flow 94 respectively, fluidly communicated therethrough. In particular, the one or more tabs 100 can be positioned within the interior flow volume 130 of the hollow interior 128 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 proximate and/or adjacent to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 disposed therein. In addition, the one or more tabs 100 may be configured, in part, to fluidly interact in concert with the interior and exterior surfaces as well as the interior flow volumes within the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 as provided herein to facilitate, induce, generate, and/or otherwise create and maintain a scavenging or secondary flow of a portion of the first gas flow 62 through the interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102 for debris 64 removal as well as a plurality of streamwise, stable, mixing vortex flows between the first gas flow 62 and the primary gas flow 94 within a mixing and vortex generation zone 136 which may occupy the internal space or volume within the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 extending substantially from the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102, to, proximate to, or downstream of the second or downstream end 110 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78. As such, and as further provided herein, by virtue and/or operation of the one or more tabs 100 as well as the configurations of the presently disclosed embodiments of the debris removal system 54 and the exhaust system 52, a third gas flow which may be a combination, and in one example, a substantially even mixture of the primary gas flow 94 and the portion of the first gas flow 62 may be fluidly communicated from the mixing and vortex generation zone 136, to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78. For the purposes of the present disclosure, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the third gas flow, as well as the general direction and flow path thereof, is illustrated and depicted in the
In particular, each of the one or more tabs 100 can include at least one upstream-facing surface 140, at least one downstream-facing surface 142, at least one base surface 144 and one or more or a plurality of boundary surfaces 146, as shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
Each upstream-facing surface 140 can be positioned, oriented, or otherwise disposed within the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 proximate to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 and generally facing the upstream end 124 of the debris removal section 122 to engage the primary gas flow 94 fluidly directed through the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 and direct the primary gas flow 94 over and/or in fluid contact with one or more, or a plurality of boundary surfaces 146. Each downstream-facing surface 142 can be positioned, oriented, or otherwise disposed within the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 proximate to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 and generally facing the downstream end 126 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 to engage and/or fluidly direct the portion of the first gas flow 62 fluidly directed out of the interior flow volume 108 via the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 over and/or in fluid contact with one or more, or a plurality of boundary surfaces 146. The boundary surfaces 146 can include free, or un-attached outer or peripheral surfaces of and/or between the opposing upstream-facing surface 140 and downstream-facing surface 142, and in one embodiment, can define at least a portion of the outer profile or shape of each tab 100 as well as the upstream-facing surfaces 140 and downstream-facing surfaces 142 thereof, and can include a pair of lateral edges 148, at least one outer edge 150, and any one or more or a combination of corners, tips, and/or projections, as further provided herein. The base surface 144 of each tab 100 can be an interior, adjacent, and/or attached surface from which the upstream-facing surfaces 140, downstream-facing surfaces 142, and boundary surfaces 146 can extend, as further provided herein.
In one embodiment, one or more tabs 100, and the upstream-facing surfaces 140 and downstream-facing surfaces 142 thereof can be connected or otherwise positioned to extend radially outwardly from the downstream end 110 and the radial periphery of the exterior surface 114 of the debris conduit 102 into the hollow interior 128 of the debris removal section 122 toward the interior surface 92 of the exhaust conduit wall 88. In particular, the lateral edges 148 and the upstream facing surfaces 140 and downstream facing surfaces 142 of each tab 100 can extend radially outward from the base surface 144 which can be attached to, formed from, or otherwise positioned adjacent to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102, into the hollow interior 128 of the debris removal section 122 to connect with one or more outer edges 150 extending therebetween. The one or more outer edges 150 of each tab 100 can be positioned adjacent and/or proximate to the interior surface 92 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 to form an outer radial gap 152 within the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 between the one or more outer edges 150 of each tab 100 and the interior surface 92 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 of the debris removal section 122. Additionally, each tab 100, and the upstream-facing surface 140 and downstream-facing surface 142 thereof can extend radially outwardly from the second or downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 and angled toward the second or downstream end 110 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 at an angle 154 with respect to the central axis 120 of the downstream end section 118 of the debris conduit 102 and/or the center axis 132 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78. In one example, each tab 100 can extend radially outwardly from the second or downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 and angled toward the second or downstream end 110 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 at an angle 154 of between twenty and eighty degrees (20°-80°). In another example, each tab 100 can extend radially outwardly from the second or downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 consistent with the foregoing at an angle 154 of between twenty and eighty degrees (30°-60°). Additionally, in one example, between one and sixteen tabs 100 can be evenly or unevenly spaced around and extending from the outer circumference of the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102. In another example, between three and six tabs 100 can be evenly or unevenly spaced around and extending from the outer circumference of the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102.
The one or more tabs 100 can also include a plurality of different shapes, profiles, and/or features. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown in
The base surface 144 of each tab 100 can be positioned and/or attached by any suitable means adjacent to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102. The tabs 100, and the base surfaces 144 thereof, may each individually or together as a combined unit be fixedly attached to the debris conduit 102 through welding, adhesive, clamps, snap rings, bolts, or any other suitable means. Alternatively, the base surfaces 144 of the tabs 100 may be formed integral to the debris conduit 102. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the tabs 100 may be fixedly attached to another component(s) different than the debris conduit 102, and held stationary against the debris conduit 102, such that the base surfaces 144 are adjacent the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102. In still other embodiments, it is contemplated that the base surfaces 144 of the tabs 100 may be fixedly attached to another component(s) different than the debris conduit 102, but not adjacent the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102, such that the tabs 100, and the upstream-facing surfaces 140, downstream-facing surfaces 142, and boundary surfaces 146 thereof, fluidly interact with and/or engage the first gas flow 62 and the primary gas flow 94 and may form streamwise vortices and/or radial cross flows within and throughout the mixing and vortex generation zone 136 as provided further herein.
In the illustrated exemplary embodiments shown in
The third or flow area reducing section 162 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 can be tapered, angled, and/or otherwise configured, in part, to reduce the interior flow volume 130 and cross sectional flow area of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 from the first cross sectional flow area 156 of the upstream section 160 to the decreased second cross sectional flow area 158 of downstream section 164 of the exhaust conduit wall 88. In particular, the flow area reducing section 162 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 can include an interior surface 174 as well as a decreasing cross sectional flow area 176, which can be sloped, angled and/or tapered radially inwardly toward the central axis 132 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 as the flow area reducing section 162 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 and the interior surface 174 thereof extends from its upstream end 168, which can include a diameter substantially equivalent to the upstream end diameter 166 of the upstream section 160, to its downstream end 172, which can include a diameter substantially equivalent to the decreased downstream end diameter 170 of the downstream section 164 of the exhaust conduit wall 88. In one embodiment, the upstream section 160 and the downstream section 164 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 of the debris removal section 122 can be substantially cylindrical, wherein the flow area reducing section 162 can be sloped, angled, and/or tapered therebetween as provided above to define the flow area reducing section 162 as including a substantially cylindrical, tapered or angled conical, or frusto-conical section and interior surface 174 of the exhaust conduit wall 88. Additionally, the sloped, angled and/or tapered flow area reducing section 162 of the exhaust conduit wall, and the interior surface 174 thereof can reduce the interior flow volume 130 and the diameter of the of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 along an axial length 178 which can extend from the upstream end 168 to the second or downstream end 172 of the flow volume reducing section 162 of the exhaust conduit wall 88.
Consistent with the foregoing, the downstream end section 118 of the debris conduit 102 can be positioned within the interior 128 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 with its downstream end 110 facing, adjacent, proximate, and/or otherwise oriented toward the downstream end 126 of the debris removal section 122 and its central axis 120 substantially coaxially aligned with the central axis 132 of the debris removal section 122. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can be positioned within the interior 128 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 at one of a plurality of positions along the axial length 178 of the sloped, angled and/or tapered flow area reducing section 162 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 between the upstream end 168 and the second or downstream end 172 thereof. In one embodiment, the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can be positioned within the flow area reducing section 162 of the exhaust conduit wall 88, downstream of the upstream end 168 of the flow area reducing section 162. Additionally, in one example, the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can be positioned at and substantially aligned with or proximate to the downstream end 172 of the flow area reducing section 162 such that a portion of, or substantially all of the exhaust conduit wall 88 of the flow area reducing section 162, and the interior surface 174 thereof, can be sloped, angled and/or tapered toward the second or downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102, as well as the one or more tabs 100, extending outward therefrom.
As provided herein, the debris removal section 122, the debris conduit 102, as well as the downstream end section 118 and one or more tabs 100 thereof, can be positioned, oriented, relatively sized and/or otherwise configured to form and maintain stable, sustained streamwise vortices 236 and radial cross flows 237, as discussed herein, within the mixing and vortex generation zone 136 and maintain a substantially consistent flow ratio between the first gas flow 62 fluidly directed through the debris conduit 102 and the primary gas flow 94 fluidly directed through the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 over a wide range of flow rates, including lower peak velocities of the primary gas flow 94 directed through the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 such that flow separation, peak velocity, and flow resistance, as well as flow/fluid noise, may be reduced or substantially eliminated. In one example of the present embodiment, the flow area reducing section 162 can be configured to reduce the diameter, flow area, and interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78, and in particular, can be configured to reduce the first cross sectional flow area 156 and the upstream end diameter 166 of the upstream section 164 by between 10% and 30%, and in one example, between 15% and 25%, as the flow area reducing section 162 extends axially from its upstream end 168 to its downstream end 172, which can include and define the (10%-30%, and in one example, a 15%-25% reduced) downstream end diameter 170 of the downstream section 164 of the exhaust conduit wall 88. Additionally, in one example, the flow area reducing section 162 can be configured to reduce the first cross sectional flow area 156 and the upstream end diameter 166 as provided by any one or more of the foregoing examples, along its axial length 178 which can be measured or defined as a ratio of between 20% and 50%, and in one example, between 30% and 40% of the upstream end diameter 166.
Furthermore, the upstream section 160 and the downstream section 164, and the first and second diameters 166, 170 thereof, respectively, can be positioned, oriented and/or relatively sized with respect to the diameter 117 of the debris conduit 102, and the diameter 133 of the downstream end section 118 thereof. In particular, in one embodiment, the relative size and/or proportion of the upstream end section 160 can be measured or defined with reference to the debris conduit 102, wherein the diameter 133 of the downstream end section 118, which can be substantially equivalent to the diameter 117 of the debris conduit 102 can be measured or defined as a ratio of between 25% and 55%, and in one example, between 35% and 45% of the upstream end diameter 166 of the upstream section 160. Additionally, the relative size of the downstream section 164 can be measured or defined with reference to the debris conduit 102, wherein the diameter 133 of the downstream end section 118, which can be substantially equivalent to the diameter 117 of the debris conduit 102 can be measured or defined as a ratio of between 35% and 65%, and in one example, between 45% and 55% of the downstream end diameter 170 of the downstream section 164. Furthermore, as provided above, in one example, the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can include between one and sixteen tabs 100 and in one example, between three and six tabs 100, and is shown as including four evenly spaced tabs 100. In one embodiment, the base width, which can include any one of base width 356, 456, 556, as well as the length, which can include any one of length 354, 454, 554, of each tab 100 can be measured or defined with reference to the debris conduit 102 and can be between 30% and 50%, and in one example, between 35%-45% of the diameter 133 of the downstream end section 118, which can be substantially equivalent to the diameter 117 of the debris conduit 102. Additionally, in an example wherein the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can include trapezoidal tabs 400 or alternatively can include sawtooth tabs 500, the outer width, which can include outer width 458 or outer width 558, respectively, measured or defined with reference to and can be between 45% and 65%, and in one example, between 50%-60% of the base width 456 or base width 556 of the respective tabs 400, 500.
Additionally, the second or downstream end section 118 of the debris conduit 102 can be positioned within the substantially consistent, linear cross sectional flow area 182 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 such that the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 is facing, adjacent, proximate, and/or otherwise oriented to open into the hollow interior 128 and cross sectional flow area 182 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 toward the second or downstream end 126 thereof. In the present embodiment, the second or downstream end section 118 of the debris conduit 102, and the central axis 120 thereof, can be positioned within the interior 128 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 substantially coaxially aligned with the central axis 132 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78. Additionally, the second or downstream end section 118 of the debris conduit 102 can be positioned within the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 such that the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 is positioned within the substantially consistent, linear cross sectional flow area 182 between the upstream end 124 and the second or downstream end 126 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78. Furthermore, the second or downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can include one or more tabs 100 which can extend radially outward into the interior flow volume 182 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 toward the substantially straight, linear interior surface 184 portion of the exhaust conduit wall 88 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78.
Consistent with the foregoing and as provided herein, in the presently discussed embodiment, the debris removal section 122, the debris conduit 102, as well as the downstream end section 118 and one or more tabs 100 thereof, can be positioned, oriented, relatively sized and/or otherwise configured to form and maintain stable, sustained streamwise vortices 236 and radial cross flows 237, as discussed herein, within the mixing and vortex generation zone 136 and maintain a substantially consistent flow ratio between the first gas flow 62 fluidly directed through the debris conduit 102 and the primary gas flow 94 fluidly directed through the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 over a wide range of flow rates, including lower peak velocities of the primary gas flow 94 directed through the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 such that flow separation, peak velocity, and flow resistance, as well as flow/fluid noise, may be reduced substantially. In the presently discussed embodiment, the debris removal section 122 can be configured to maintain a consistent cross sectional flow area 182 and diameter 186 and can be positioned, oriented and/or relatively sized with respect to the diameter 117 of the debris conduit 102, and the diameter 133 of the downstream end section 118 thereof. In particular, in one embodiment, the relative size and/or proportion of the debris removal section 122 including the cross sectional flow area 182 and diameter 186 of the present embodiment can be measured or defined with reference to the debris conduit 102, wherein the diameter 133 of the downstream end section 118, which can be substantially equivalent to the diameter 117 of the debris conduit 102 can be measured or defined as a ratio of between 30% and 60%, and in one example, between 40% and 50% of the debris removal section 122 diameter 186 of the instant embodiment.
Furthermore, as provided above, in one example, the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can include between one and sixteen tabs 100 and in one example, between three and six tabs 100, and is shown as including four evenly spaced tabs 100. In one embodiment, the base width, which can include any one of base width 356, 456, 556, as well as the length, which can include any one of length 354, 454, 554, of each tab 100 can be measured or defined with reference to the debris conduit 102 and can be between 30% and 50%, and in one example, between 35%-45% of the diameter 133 of the downstream end section 118, which can be substantially equivalent to the diameter 117 of the debris conduit 102. Additionally, in an example wherein the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 can include trapezoidal tabs 400 or alternatively can include sawtooth tabs 500, the outer width, which can include outer width 458 or outer width 558, respectively, measured or defined with reference to and can be between 45% and 65%, and in one example, between 50%-60% of the base width 456 or base width 556 of the respective tabs 400, 500.
The gas flow system 10 can also include a compartment cooling system 56 which can include, in part, the compartment 36, the second gas inlet 46, the gas outlet 48, the second conduit 98 and at least one, or one or more tabs 600. As provided above, the compartment 36 can be substantially hollow and additionally can be formed, substantially surrounded and/or substantially enclosed by the body 18 of the machine 12, and in one embodiment, the housing assembly 40 thereof. In addition, the compartment 36 can include a plurality of components substantially, or alternatively, partially, disposed and housed within the interior 38 thereof, including but not limited to the engine 34, the aftertreatment devices 96, the exhaust system 52, the air filtration system 50, and the debris removal system 54. Any one or more of the foregoing components, including but not limited to the engine 34 and the aftertreatment devices 96, may transfer heat into the compartment 36, such as through convection, radiation and/or otherwise, as shown by the arrows marked “H”. In other embodiments, the compartment 36 may enclose other components. Exemplary non-limiting components include mufflers, hydraulic pumps, transmissions, gear boxes, and hydraulic valves. Some, none, or all, of these other components may also transfer heat into the compartment 36 such as through convection radiation and/or otherwise. As such, and as provided herein, the compartment cooling system 56 can be configured to draw and circulate gas and/or configured to assist in drawing and circulating gas into and through the compartment 36 to cool the components within the compartment 36 and dissipate the heat transferred therefrom.
The compartment cooling system 56 can additionally include the second gas inlet 46. The second gas inlet 46 can be connected and/or positioned in fluid communication with the interior 38 of the compartment 36 and can be configured to provide one or more flow paths through which a second gas flow can be fluidly communicated into the interior 38 of the compartment 36, which can be via the second gas inlet 46 in conjunction with the compartment cooling system 56, as provided herein. For the purposes of the present disclosure, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the second gas flow, as well as the general direction and flow path thereof, is illustrated and depicted in the FIGS. as the directional arrows labeled 200 and hereinafter referred to as “second gas flow 200”. The second gas flow 200 may include air, which may be ambient temperature air from outside the compartment 36 such as air from the worksite 32 surrounding the outer surface 42 of machine 12, and in the illustrated embodiment, the second gas inlet 46 can include at least one aperture 202 into and through which the second gas flow 200 can be fluidly communicated into the interior 38 of the compartment 36. To provide an exemplary illustration and description, by way of example and not by way of limitation, one aperture 202 is shown positioned at the bottom of the compartment 36 in the exemplary embodiments of
The gas outlet 48 can be connected and/or positioned in fluid communication with the interior 38 of the compartment 36 as well as the second conduit 98 and configured to fluidly direct the gases therein and/or fluidly communicated therethrough out of the compartment 36 to be disbursed to the air surrounding the outer surface 42 of the machine 12. In particular, and as shown in
In one embodiment, the gas outlet 48, in conjunction with the second gas inlet 46, the second conduit 98, the one or more tabs 600 and additional components of the compartment cooling system 56, can be configured to fluidly draw, induce, or otherwise fluidly communicate the second gas flow 200 through the interior 38 of the compartment 36 and fluidly direct the second gas flow 200 as well as the third gas flow 138 out of the compartment 36 and the second conduit 98, respectively, and into and through the interior flow volume 210 of the gas outlet conduit 204 and to the air surrounding the outer surface 42 of the machine 12. As provided above, the second conduit 98 can include the exhaust conduit 78, which can be connected in fluid communication to receive and direct a primary gas flow 94 therethrough, which can be a flow of heated exhaust gas from the engine 34, and additionally can be fluidly connected to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102, and may receive and direct a combination and/or mixture of primary gas flow 94 and the portion of the first gas flow 62 as a third gas flow 138 to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78. In one embodiment, the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 can include a downstream end section 226 which can be defined as a fluidly integral, downstream-most section or segment of the exhaust conduit wall 88 which can be proximate to, and in one example, can be immediately adjacent to, can extend toward and can form the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78. The downstream end section 226 can also include an interior flow volume 227, which can be defined as a fluidly integral, downstream-most gas flow outlet portion of the interior flow volume 84 of the exhaust conduit 78.
Additionally, in one embodiment the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78, and the exhaust conduit wall 88 thereof, can include a substantially consistent cross sectional profile and can extend substantially linearly and axially along and aligned with a central axis 228. In one example, the cross sectional profile of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the exhaust conduit wall 88 thereof can additionally be substantially cylindrical with a substantially consistent circular cross sectional profile, which can be substantially consistent with the portion of the exhaust conduit 78 and exhaust conduit wall 88 extending from the downstream end 126 of the debris removal section 122 to the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78. In alternative embodiments, the downstream end section 226 can include a different shape or structure, which can be any substantially hollow, elongated tube or pipe section having any shape or structure including but not limited to a tube like structure with cross sections in the shapes of ellipses or polygons such as octagons, rectangles, squares, and the like.
The downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 can be positioned or otherwise oriented such that the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78, and the one or more tabs 600, as further provided herein, can be positioned to fluidly interact with, fluidly engage, and/or influence the interior 38 of the compartment 36 as well as the interior flow volume 210 of the gas outlet 48. As shown by the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
In addition, in one embodiment, and as illustrated in
As provided above, the compartment cooling system 56 can additionally include one or more tabs 600. In particular, the one or more tabs 600 can be positioned proximate and/or adjacent to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 in fluid communication with the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226 and additionally can be positioned to fluidly interact with, fluidly engage, and/or influence, and/or otherwise in fluid communication with the interior 38 of the compartment 36 as well as the interior 208 and the interior flow volume 210 of the gas outlet 48. In particular, the one or more tabs 600 may be configured, in part, and in concert with the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 as well as the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226 and the interior flow volume 210 of the gas outlet conduit 204, to fluidly draw, induce, or otherwise fluidly communicate and maintain a second gas flow 200 through the interior 38 of the compartment 36 and into the gas outlet conduit 204 as well as a plurality of streamwise, stable, mixing vortex flows between the second gas flow 200 and the third gas flow 138 within a mixing and vortex generation zone 233 which may occupy an internal space or volume within the gas outlet conduit 204 downstream of the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and downstream end section 226 thereof. As such, and as further provided herein, by virtue and/or operation of the tabs 600 as well as the configurations of the presently disclosed embodiments of the compartment cooling system 56, a fourth gas flow, which may be a combination, and in one example, a substantially even mixture of the third gas flow 138 and the second gas flow 200, may be fluidly communicated from the mixing and vortex generation zone 233 and/or the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 through the interior flow volume 210 of the gas outlet conduit 204 and to the air surrounding the outer surface 42 of the machine 12. For the purposes of the present disclosure, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the fourth gas flow, as well as the general direction and flow path thereof, is illustrated and depicted in the
In a manner substantially consistent with any one or more of the foregoing embodiments directed to the one or more tabs of the debris removal system 54, each of the one or more tabs 600 of the compartment cooling system 56 can include at least one upstream-facing surface 640, at least one downstream-facing surface 642, at least one base surface 644 and one or more or a plurality of boundary surfaces 646, as shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
However, whereas the tabs 100 of the debris removal system 54 can be configured, in one embodiment, to extend radially outward from the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 into the surrounding interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78, the one or more tabs 600 of the present compartment cooling system 56 can be positioned to extend radially inward from the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 toward the central axis 228 and interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226. In particular, each upstream-facing surface 640 can be positioned, oriented, or otherwise disposed within the compartment cooling system 56 proximate to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and generally facing the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226 to engage the third gas flow 138 fluidly directed out of the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 over and/or in fluid contact with one or more, or a plurality of boundary surfaces 646. Each downstream-facing surface 642 can be positioned, oriented, or otherwise disposed within the within the compartment cooling system 56 proximate to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and generally facing the interior flow volume 210 and oriented toward the downstream end 216 thereof of the gas outlet conduit 204 to engage and/or fluidly direct the second gas flow 200 drawn, induced, or otherwise fluidly communicated from the interior 38 of the compartment 36 over and/or in fluid contact with one or more, or a plurality of boundary surfaces 646. The boundary surfaces 646 can include free, or un-attached outer or peripheral surfaces of and/or between the opposing upstream-facing surface 640 and downstream-facing surface 642, and in one embodiment, can define at least a portion of the outer profile or shape of each tab 600 as well as the upstream-facing surfaces 640 and downstream-facing surfaces 642 thereof, and can include a pair of lateral edges 648, at least one outer edge 650, and any one or more or a combination of corners, tips, and/or projections, as further provided herein. The base surface 644 of each tab 600 can be an interior, adjacent, and/or attached surface from which the upstream-facing surfaces 640, downstream-facing surfaces 642, and boundary surfaces 646 can extend, as further provided herein.
In addition, in one embodiment, the one or more tabs 600, and the upstream-facing surfaces 640 and downstream-facing surfaces 642 thereof, can both extend radially inwardly from the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 toward the interior flow volume 227 and central axis 228 of the downstream end section 226, and additionally can be angled to extend axially outward from the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 toward the downstream end 216 of the gas outlet conduit 204 and, in one embodiment, may extend into the interior flow volume 210 thereof at an angle 235 with respect to the central axis 228 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 and/or the central axis 224 of the gas outlet conduit 204. In particular, the lateral edges 648 and the upstream facing surfaces 640 and downstream facing surfaces 642 of each tab 600 can extend radially inwardly and can be angled axially outward, as provided above, from the base surface 644 which can be attached to, formed from, or otherwise positioned adjacent to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78, to connect with one or more outer edges 650 extending therebetween. In one embodiment, each tab 600 can be angled to extend radially inwardly from the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and axially outwardly toward the downstream end 216 of the gas outlet conduit 204 as provided above at an angle 235 of between twenty and eighty degrees (30°-60°). In another example, each tab 600 can be angled to extend radially inwardly from the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 consistent with the foregoing at an angle 235 of between twenty and eighty degrees (40°-50°). The one or more tabs 600 can also include a plurality of different shapes, profiles, and/or features. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown in
The base surface 644 of each tab 600 can be positioned and/or attached by any suitable means adjacent to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78. The tabs 600, and the base surfaces 644 thereof, may each individually or together as a combined unit be fixedly attached to the exhaust conduit 78 through welding, adhesive, clamps, snap rings, bolts, or any other suitable means. Alternatively, the base surfaces 644 of the tabs 600 may be formed integral to the exhaust conduit 78. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the tabs 600 may be fixedly attached to another component(s) different than the exhaust conduit 78, and held stationary against the exhaust conduit 78, such that the base surfaces 644 are adjacent the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78.
In the illustrated exemplary embodiments shown in
As provided herein, the gas outlet conduit 204, the exhaust conduit 78, as well as the downstream end section 226 and one or more tabs 600 thereof, can be positioned, oriented, relatively sized and/or otherwise configured to form and maintain stable, sustained streamwise vortices 238, as discussed herein, within the mixing and vortex generation zone 233 and maintain a substantially consistent flow ratio between the third gas flow 138 fluidly directed through and out of the downstream end 86 of the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the second gas flow 200 fluidly drawn into and circulated through the compartment 36 and drawn into the gas outlet conduit 204 proximate to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 over a wide range of flow rates such that flow separation, peak velocity, and flow resistance, as well as flow/fluid noise, may be reduced or substantially eliminated. In addition to the foregoing, as provided above, the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the downstream end section 226 thereof, can be positioned at or substantially aligned with the upstream end 214 of the gas outlet 48, which in one embodiment, can be defined or formed by opening 220, or alternatively can extend into and through the opening 220 at the upstream end 214 of the gas outlet conduit 204 and can be partially positioned within the interior flow volume 210 gas outlet conduit 204 at any one of a plurality of positions along an axial length 230 which extends from the upstream end 214 of the gas outlet 48 into the interior flow volume 210 and hollow interior 208 of the gas outlet conduit 204. In one embodiment, the relative position or “insertion” at which the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 aligns with or extends into the interior flow volume 210 gas outlet conduit 204 can be measured or defined as a ratio with reference to the diameter 231 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78. In particular, in one embodiment, the position or “insertion” of the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 at or into the upstream end 214 of the gas outlet 48 and the interior flow volume 210 gas outlet conduit 204 along the axial insertion length 230 can be defined as a distance measuring between 0% and 30% of the diameter 231 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78, and in one example can be between 0% and 15% of the diameter 231 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78, wherein 0% insertion (length 230/diameter 231) is defined as a position wherein the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 is linearly aligned with the upstream end 214 of the gas outlet 48 with the entirety of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 outside and upstream of the upstream end 214 of the gas outlet. Additionally, in one embodiment, the relative size and/or proportion between the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the gas outlet conduit 204 can be measured or defined as the ratio between the diameter 231 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the diameter 223 of the gas outlet conduit 204 and gas outlet conduit wall 205, (diameter 231/diameter 223) which can be between 20% and 30%, and in one example can be approximately 25%.
The presently disclosed gas flow system 10, as well as any one or more of the systems, features, components, and functionalities thereof according to any one or more of the embodiments as disclosed herein can be implemented and utilized with any of a variety of machines which can incorporate and utilize a gas flow system 10 consistent with any one or more of the embodiments as disclosed herein. In addition to further advantages, the gas flow system 10 according to any one or more of the embodiments as disclosed herein may provide increased flow for more effective debris removal while reducing flow noise and improving sound qualities and characteristics of the flows within the system. The presently disclosed gas flow system 10 may also substantially reduce flow separation, flow fluctuations and inadvertent and/or irregular flow paths and flow reversals within the system and any adverse effects which may be attributable thereto. Furthermore, in addition to further advantages both as stated herein as well as those as understood by one of ordinary skill of the art upon being provided with the benefit of the teachings of the present disclosure, the gas flow system 10 of the present disclosure may consistently provide increased cooling airflow and circulation as well as stable, more complete, low velocity flow mixing and debris removal without an increased or adverse effect on or sensitivity to backpressure while reducing the costs and/or complexity including but not limited to those attendant to manufacturing.
In particular, the debris removal system 54 according to any one or more of the embodiments as disclosed herein may provide an effective and/or increased flow and particle transport velocity of the portion of the first gas flow 62 and debris 64 which may be entrained therein directed through the interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102 over a wide range of primary gas flow 94 flow rates. Additionally, and as provided herein, the debris removal system 54, as well as the one or more components thereof may be configured to provide an effective and/or improved velocity, mixing and flow of the first gas flow, primary gas flow, and third gas flow 62, 94, 138 according to any one or more of the embodiments of the present disclosure without having an adverse impact, and in one example may compliment and/or cooperatively interact with the compartment cooling and circulation of airflow of the compartment cooling system 56.
As provided above, one or more tabs 100, and the upstream-facing surfaces 140 and downstream-facing surfaces 142 thereof can be connected or otherwise positioned to extend radially outwardly from the downstream end 110 and the radial periphery of the exterior surface 114 of the debris conduit 102 into the radial gap 134 within the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 between the exterior surface 114 of the debris conduit wall 112 surrounding the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 and the interior surface 92 or surfaces of the exhaust conduit wall 88 of the debris removal section 122. Additionally, each of the one or more tabs 100 can form an outer radial gap 152 within the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 between the one or more outer edges 150 of each tab 100 and the interior surface 92 of the exhaust conduit wall 88 of the debris removal section 122.
With this configuration, and as shown in
The plurality of streamwise vortices 236 and radial cross flows 237 which may be generated within the primary gas flow 94 across and/or adjacent to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 and the interior flow volume 108 thereof may draw, induce, facilitate, and/or otherwise cause a portion of the first gas flow 62 flowing through the first gas inlet 44 and into the debris collection area 72 of the pre-cleaner 66, as well as any debris 64 contained therein, to be directed into and through the hollow interior 104 of the debris conduit 102 along and throughout the interior flow volume 108 thereof. As the portion of the first gas flow 62 is fluidly directed out of the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102, the first gas flow 62 may fluidly engage the downstream facing surfaces 142 of the one or more tabs 100. The downstream facing surfaces 142 of the one or more tabs 100 may fluidly direct the portion of the first gas flow 62 from the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 over one or more, or a plurality of boundary surfaces 146, including but not limited to the lateral edges 148 and the one or more outer edges 150 as well as any one or more corners (such as 352, 452, 553) and/or tips (such as 552) of each tab 100, to fluidly interact with the primary gas flow 94 to further form streamwise vortices 236 between the first gas flow 62 and the primary gas flow 94 proximate to, adjacent to and/or downstream of the downstream facing surfaces 142 and/or the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 within and throughout the mixing and vortex generation zone 136. In this manner, by virtue and/or operation of the tabs 100 as well as the configurations of the presently disclosed embodiments of the debris removal system 54, the third gas flow 138, which may be a combination, and in one example, a substantially even mixture of the primary gas flow 94 and the portion of the first gas flow 62, may be fluidly communicated from the mixing and vortex generation zone 136, to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78.
Additionally, the debris removal section 122 can be configured to controllably reduce and maintain a consistently reduced diameter and cross sectional flow area (such as second or downstream end diameter 170 and second cross sectional flow area 158 as shown in
Specifically, in one example, the debris removal section 122, the debris conduit 102, as well as the downstream end section 118 and one or more tabs 100 thereof, can be positioned, oriented, relatively sized and/or otherwise configured according to any one or more of the embodiments as provided herein such that the flow ratio between the first gas flow 62 fluidly directed through the debris conduit 102 and the primary gas flow 94 fluidly directed through the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 (first gas flow 62 (kg/h)/primary gas flow 94 (kg/h)) may be maintained at a ratio of between 7% and 10% at fluid velocities or speeds of the primary gas flow 94 fluidly directed through the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 at and/or fluidly proximate to the downstream end 110 of the debris conduit 102 defined by a Mach number (M) as low as 0.5 or less, and in one example as low as between 0.3 and 0.5. The substantially consistent flow ratio between the portion of the first gas flow 62 through the interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102 and the primary gas flow 94 fluidly directed through the debris removal section 122 of the exhaust conduit 78 as provided by the foregoing example over a wide range of primary gas flow 94 flow rates may be provided, at least in part, as a result of the improved mixing and the plurality of streamwise vortices 236, which may be provided by the one or more tabs, as discussed above. Furthermore, the improved mixing and the plurality of streamwise vortices 236 which may be created by the one or more tabs 100 in concert with one or more of the additional features of the debris removal system 54 consistent with any one or more of the embodiments as provided herein, may provide a stable, consistent, effective and/or increased flow and particle transport velocity of the portion of the first gas flow 62 through the interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102 with a reduced primary gas flow 94 velocity. In turn, the lower reduced primary gas flow 94 velocity which may be required to generate an effective first gas flow 62 through the interior flow volume 108 of the debris conduit 102 may also increase the efficiency of the debris removal system 54 in addition to substantially reducing flow noise and engine 34 exhaust flow backpressure, which may reduce fuel consumption and increase fuel efficiency. Thus, as a result of the lower velocities of the primary gas flow 94 which may be directed through the interior flow volume 130 of the debris removal section 122 which may provide effective, or increased flow and debris 64 removal through the debris conduit 102, the presently disclosed debris removal system 54 may reduce engine 34 backpressure and further may fluidly and cooperatively interact with the fluidly downstream, exhaust conduit 78 downstream end section 226 and the compartment cooling system 56.
The compartment cooling system 56 according to any one or more of the embodiments as disclosed herein may provide an increased, more effective, consistent, and stable flow, fluid interaction and mixing between the third gas flow 138 and the second gas flow 200, which may provide increased flow and circulation of the second gas flow 200 into and through the interior 38 of the compartment 36. The one or more tabs 600, and the upstream-facing surfaces 640 and downstream-facing surfaces 642 thereof, can both extend radially inwardly from the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 toward the interior flow volume 227 and central axis 228 of the downstream end section 226, and additionally can be angled to extend axially outward from the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 toward the downstream end 216 of the gas outlet conduit 204 and, in one embodiment, may extend into the interior flow volume 210 thereof at an angle 235 with respect to the central axis 228 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 and/or the central axis 224 of the gas outlet conduit 204. As a result, each upstream-facing surface 640 can be positioned generally facing the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 to engage the third gas flow 138 fluidly directed out of the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 over and/or in fluid contact with one or more, or a plurality of boundary surfaces 646. Additionally, each downstream-facing surface 642 can be positioned generally facing the interior flow volume 210 and oriented toward the downstream end 216 thereof of the gas outlet conduit 204 to engage and/or fluidly direct the second gas flow 200 drawn, induced, or otherwise fluidly communicated from the interior 38 of the compartment 36 over and/or in fluid contact with one or more, or a plurality of boundary surfaces 646.
With this configuration, the third gas flow 138 fluidly directed out of the downstream end 86 of the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 may fluidly engage the upstream-facing surface 640 of each of the one or more tabs, which may be angled to extend radially inwardly into the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226, and axially outwardly toward the downstream end 216 of the gas outlet conduit 204 as provided above. As the third gas flow 138 engages each upstream-facing surface 640, each upstream-facing surface 640 may urge the third gas flow 138 radially inwardly with respect to the central axis 228 of the downstream end section 226 as well as the unimpeded third gas flow 138 directed out of the central portion of the interior flow volume 227 of the downstream end section 226 of the exhaust conduit 78 and may thereby accelerate the flow velocity of the third gas flow 138 as it is directed over the side boundary surfaces 646 and the end boundary surfaces 646 including but not limited to the lateral edges 648 and the one or more outer edges 650, as well as any one or more corners (such as 752, 852, 952, 1053) and/or tips (such as 1052), respectively, (as well as any one or more of the foregoing boundary surfaces 646 of the angled outer tab end 1106) of each tab 600. As the third gas flow 138 may be accelerated over the boundary surfaces 646, the third gas flow 138 may form a plurality of streamwise vortices 238, as shown in
As provided herein, the gas outlet conduit 204, the exhaust conduit 78, as well as the downstream end section 226 and one or more tabs 600 thereof, can be positioned, oriented, relatively sized and/or otherwise configured to form and maintain stable, sustained streamwise vortices 238, as discussed herein, within the mixing and vortex generation zone 233 and maintain a substantially consistent flow ratio between the second gas flow 200 fluidly drawn into and circulated through the compartment 36 and drawn into the gas outlet conduit 204 proximate to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the third gas flow 138 which can include the primary gas flow 94 over a wide range of primary gas flow 94 flow rates, such that flow separation, peak primary gas velocity, and flow resistance, as well as flow noise, may be substantially reduced.
Specifically, in one example, the gas outlet conduit 204, the exhaust conduit 78, as well as the downstream end section 226 and one or more tabs 600 thereof, can be positioned, oriented, relatively sized and/or otherwise configured according to any one or more of the embodiments as provided herein such that the flow ratio between the second gas flow 200 fluidly drawn into and circulated through the compartment 36 and drawn into the gas outlet conduit 204 proximate to the downstream end 86 of the exhaust conduit 78 and the flow of the third gas flow 138 which can include the primary gas flow 94 (third gas flow 138 (kg/h)/second gas flow 200 (kg/h)) may be maintained at a ratio of between 90% and 100% at fluid velocities or speeds of the third gas flow 138 and/or primary gas flow 94 included therein defined by a Mach number (M) as low as 0.5 or less, and in one example between 0.3 and 0.5.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/837,918 by Haiping Hong et al., filed Jun. 21, 2013, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61837918 | Jun 2013 | US |
