Fluid distribution apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to a fluid-distribution apparatus in which one main fluid inlet flow is divided substantially equally between a number of outlets for example as the feeding of a plurality of burners on a gas turbine engine from a single fuel supply. At low total flow rates the difference in height of the various outlets can adversely effect the equality of distribution of liquid between the outlets and it is known to provide a restrictor in series with each outlet to improve the flow division between the outlets. However, where there is a large range of flow rates, the simple restrictors which are effective at low flow rates will cause a very substantial pressure loss at high flow rates. Further a simple restrictor essentially involves a passage of small cross-section which can become blocked by solid particles within the liquid. The present invention substitutes vortex chamber devices for the simple restrictors, arranged to provide a predetermined unique relation between flow rate and pressure drop to ensure effective equalization at low flow rates and to require only a moderate pressure drop at high flow rates. The vortex chamber devices further are less liable to blockage by solid particles.

I claim: 
     
       1. A fluid flow distribution apparatus having a main inlet, a plurality of devices each having a .Iadd.circular .Iaddend.vortex chamber, a tangential primary inlet to each vortex chamber, .[.an.]. .Iadd.a coaxial .Iaddend.outlet from each vortex chamber .[.coaxial therewith, a.]. .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.secondary inlet for each vortex chamber .[.offset from the central axis thereof.]. .Iadd.in the peripheral portion thereof parallel or nearly parallel to the vortex chamber axis, .Iaddend.a primary manifold connecting the main inlet to all primary inlets, a secondary manifold connected to all secondary inlets, and a spring loaded check valve arranged to permit flow from the main inlet to the secondary manifold when pressure in the .Iadd.main inlet exceeds pressure in the .Iaddend.secondary manifold .[.falls below pressure in the main inlet.]. by more than a predetermined amount. 
     
     
       2. A fluid flow distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each secondary inlet is arranged so that liquid may enter the associated vortex chamber therefrom with rotation about the central axis thereof. 
     
     
       3. A fluid flow distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each vortex chamber includes two separate outlets each coaxial with the vortex chamber and oppositely directed.