Patent Description:
Rotational equipment such as a gas turbine engine may include a radial scoop for collecting and distributing lubricant injected into a compartment from a nozzle. Various types and configurations of radial scoops are known in the art. While these known radial scoops have various advantages, there is still room in the art for improvement. There is a need in the art, therefore, for an improved radial scoop for rotational equipment.

<CIT>, discloses an assembly for rotational equipment including a first rotatable body and an injector. The first rotatable body extends axially along and circumferentially about a rotational axis. The first rotatable body includes a first oil scoop ring with a first scoop aperture that extends obliquely through the first rotatable body.

<CIT>, discloses an oil scoop ring rotating with a rotating shaft. The oil scoop has end walls spaced axially along an axis of rotation of the rotating shaft and an axially central recess. A duct is spaced radially outwardly of the oil scoop. The duct has an oil inlet, with an oil supply nozzle to supply oil into the oil inlet in the duct. The oil inlet is then connected to supply oil into the recess. The oil scoop has an inner hole to allow oil to flow from the recess to an outer periphery of the shaft.

<CIT>, discloses an apparatus to provide oil to rotor shaft bearings. An oil scoop ring manifold provides oil in both a fore and aft direction and further provides such oil to multiple parts.

<CIT>, discloses an oil scoop device in the form of a ring having circumferentially spaced scoop elements with the passages therein extending substantially tangential to the periphery of the shaft. The scoop device fits securely on the shaft since the surface of the shaft cooperates with the inner wall of the scoop device in controlling the oil flow.

According to an aspect of the invention, an assembly for rotational equipment includes a scoop ring body and an insert. The scoop ring body is rotatable about a rotational axis. The scoop ring body extends radially between and inner radial side and an outer radial side. The scoop ring body includes a body material. The insert is mounted to the scoop ring body. The insert includes an insert material and a cutting edge. The insert material is different than the body material. The scoop ring body and the insert form a passage. The passage extends through the scoop ring body from an inlet at the outer radial side to an outlet at the inner radial side. The cutting edge is at the inlet. The passage extends within the scoop ring body between a first circumferential side and a second circumferential side. The passage at the first circumferential side is at least partially formed by the insert.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the insert material may include tungsten carbide.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, a first scoop of the assembly may include the insert and the passage and the first scoop may be one of a plurality of scoops of the assembly.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the plurality of scoops may be arranged in the scoop ring body about the rotational axis as a circumferential array of scoops.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the plurality of scoops may be axially arranged in the scoop ring body as an axial array of scoops.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the insert may form a first portion of the passage along the first circumferential side at the inlet and the scoop ring body may form a second portion of the passage along the first circumferential side between the first portion and the outlet.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the insert may form an entire longitudinal length of the passage along the first circumferential side.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the insert may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface may intersect the outer surface at the cutting edge. The passage at the first circumferential side may be at least partially formed by the inner surface. The inner surface may be curved.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the insert may welded or brazed to the scoop ring body.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the insert may include a leading end and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The cutting edge may be at the leading end. The insert may be welded or brazed to the scoop ring body at the trailing end.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the scoop ring body may include a recess on the outer radial side. The insert may include an alignment tab. The alignment tab may be located at the trailing end. The alignment tab may be positioned within the recess.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the scoop ring body may extend axially between a first axial end and a second axial end. The scoop ring body may include an axial slot extending through at least an axial portion of the scoop ring body between the first axial end and the second axial end. The insert may be positioned within the axial slot.

According to another aspect of the invention, an assembly for rotational equipment includes an engine static structure, a rotatable base structure, a scoop ring, and a lubricant injector. The rotatable base structure is configured to rotate about a rotational axis relative to the engine static structure. The scoop ring is mounted to the rotatable base structure. The scoop ring is configured with a passage and includes a scoop ring body and an insert. The passage extends through the scoop ring from an inlet at an outer radial side of the scoop ring to an outlet at an inner radial side of the scoop ring. The passage is partially formed by the insert. The scoop ring body comprises a body material. The insert material comprises an insert material which is different than the body material. The lubricant injector is positioned radially outside of the scoop ring. The lubricant injector is configured to direct lubricant against the scoop ring at the outer radial side.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the rotatable base structure may include a shaft and a bearing. The bearing may be configured to rotatably support the shaft. The bearing may include an inner race fixedly mounted to the shaft. The scoop ring body may be mounted to and axially adjacent the inner race.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the insert includes may include a cutting edge. The insert may be positioned so that the cutting edge is configured to pass through the lubricant stream as the scoop ring body rotates about the rotational axis.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, a first scoop of the scoop ring may include the insert and the passage and the first scoop may be one of a plurality of scoops of the scoop ring.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for directing lubricant to a rotatable base structure of a gas turbine engine includes directing a lubricant stream of the lubricant from a lubricant injector toward a scoop ring. The scoop ring includes a scoop ring body and an insert. The scoop ring body includes a body material. The insert includes an insert material. The insert material is different than the body material. The scoop ring includes a passage through the scoop ring body. The scoop ring body and the insert form the passage. The method further includes rotating the scoop ring such that a cutting edge of the insert passes through the lubricant stream and the insert directs at least some of the lubricant from the lubricant stream into the passage. The method further includes directing the lubricant through the passage to the rotatable base structure.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the passage may extend through the scoop ring body from an inlet to an outlet. The cutting edge may be positioned at the inlet.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, directing the lubricant through the passage may include directing the lubricant along an inner surface of the insert through at least a portion of the passage.

The present invention, and all its aspects, embodiments and advantages associated therewith will become more readily apparent in view of the detailed description provided below, including the accompanying drawings.

The gas turbine engine <NUM> of <FIG> is a multi-spool turbofan gas turbine engine for an aircraft propulsion system. However, while the following description and accompanying drawings may refer to the turbofan gas turbine engine of <FIG> as an example, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to other types of gas turbine engines including, but not limited to, a turboshaft gas turbine engine, a turboprop gas turbine engine, a turbojet gas turbine engine, a propfan gas turbine engine, or an open rotor gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine of <FIG> includes a fan section <NUM>, a compressor section <NUM>, a combustor section <NUM>, and a turbine section <NUM>. The fan section <NUM> drives air along a bypass flow path <NUM> while the compressor section <NUM> drives air along a core flow path <NUM> for compression and communication into the combustor section <NUM> and then expansion through the turbine section <NUM>.

The gas turbine engine <NUM> of <FIG> includes a first rotational assembly <NUM> (e.g., a highpressure spool), a second rotational assembly <NUM> (e.g., a low-pressure spool), an engine static structure <NUM> (e.g., an engine case, a bearing compartment case, etc.), and an annular combustor <NUM>. The first rotational assembly <NUM> and the second rotational assembly <NUM> are mounted for rotation about an axial centerline <NUM> (e.g., a rotational axis) of the gas turbine engine <NUM> relative to the engine static structure <NUM>. The first rotational assembly <NUM> and the second rotational assembly <NUM> may be rotatably supported by one or more bearing systems <NUM>. It should be understood that bearing systems, such as the bearing systems <NUM>, may be provided at various additional or alternative locations of the gas turbine engine <NUM>.

The first rotational assembly <NUM> includes a first shaft <NUM>, a bladed first compressor rotor <NUM>, and a bladed first turbine rotor <NUM>. The first shaft <NUM> interconnects the bladed first compressor rotor <NUM> and the bladed first turbine rotor <NUM>. The second rotational assembly <NUM> includes a second shaft <NUM>, a bladed second compressor rotor <NUM>, and a bladed second turbine rotor <NUM>. The second shaft <NUM> interconnects the bladed second compressor rotor <NUM> and the bladed second turbine rotor <NUM>. It should be understood that "low pressure" and "high pressure" or variations thereof as used herein are relative terms indicating that the high pressure is greater than the low pressure. The annular combustor <NUM> is disposed between the bladed first compressor rotor <NUM> and the bladed first turbine rotor <NUM> along the core flow path <NUM>. In operation, airflow along the core flow path <NUM> is compressed by the bladed first compressor rotor <NUM> and the bladed second compressor rotor <NUM>, mixed and burned with fuel in the combustor <NUM>, and then expanded across the bladed first turbine rotor <NUM> and the bladed second turbine rotor <NUM>. The bladed first turbine rotor <NUM> and the bladed second turbine rotor <NUM> rotationally drive the first rotational assembly <NUM> and the second rotational assembly <NUM>, respectively, in response to the expansion of the combustion gases. The first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are concentric and rotate via the one or more bearing systems <NUM> about the axial centerline <NUM>, which axial centerline <NUM> is collinear with respective rotational axes of the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an assembly <NUM> for rotational equipment with an axial centerline <NUM>. The axial centerline <NUM> may also be an axis of rotation (e.g., a rotational axis) for one or more components of the rotational equipment assembly <NUM>. An example of such rotational equipment includes the first rotational assembly <NUM>, the second rotational assembly <NUM>, and/or the bearing systems <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM> <FIG>. However, the rotational equipment assembly <NUM> is not limited to use with aircraft or gas turbine engine (e.g., the gas turbine engine <NUM>) applications. The rotational equipment assembly <NUM> may alternatively be configured with rotational equipment such as an industrial gas turbine engine, a wind turbine, a water turbine, or any other apparatus in which fluid may be collected and/or distributed by a rotating scoop.

The rotational equipment assembly <NUM> of <FIG> includes a static structure <NUM> (e.g., the engine static structure <NUM> of <FIG>), a rotatable subassembly <NUM>, and at least one bearing <NUM> (e.g., a bearing of the one or more bearings systems <NUM> of <FIG>) for rotatably supporting the rotatable subassembly <NUM> relative to the static structure <NUM>. The rotational equipment assembly <NUM> of <FIG> further includes at least one fluid injector <NUM> such as a lubricant injector, a lubricant nozzle, etc..

The static structure <NUM> is configured as a stationary part of the rotational equipment. The static structure <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is configured to at least partially form an internal bearing compartment <NUM> for housing the at least one bearing <NUM>. The static structure <NUM> may be formed by a case (e.g., an engine case), a frame (e.g., a mid-turbine frame), or other fixed structural body of the associated rotational equipment.

The rotatable subassembly <NUM> of <FIG> includes a rotatable base structure <NUM> and a scoop ring <NUM>. The rotatable subassembly <NUM> may include one or more additional rotatable bodies, such as the rotatable body <NUM> of <FIG>. The rotatable subassembly <NUM> and its components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are each configured to rotate about a common rotational axis which, in the embodiment of <FIG>, is the axial centerline <NUM>.

The rotatable base structure <NUM> of <FIG> is configured as a tubular shaft. However, in other embodiments, the rotatable base structure <NUM> may be configured as another component (e.g., a sleeve) mounted to and rotatable with a shaft of the rotational equipment, or any other rotor within the rotational equipment. The rotatable base structure <NUM> of <FIG> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> through (or partially into or within) the static structure <NUM>. The static structure <NUM> of <FIG> may, therefore, extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the axial centerline <NUM> and the rotatable subassembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the scoop ring <NUM> is configured as a scoop element (e.g., a radial scoop). The scoop ring <NUM> includes a scoop ring body <NUM> and one or more scoops <NUM>. The scoop ring body <NUM> is configured as a tubular body with an inner bore configured to receive the rotatable base structure <NUM>. The scoop ring body <NUM> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> between and to a first axial end <NUM> of the scoop ring body <NUM> and a second axial end <NUM> of the scoop ring body. The scoop ring body <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the axial centerline <NUM>. The scoop ring body <NUM> extends radially between and to an inner radial side <NUM> of the scoop ring body <NUM> and an outer radial side <NUM> of the scoop ring body <NUM>.

The scoop ring body <NUM> may include a scoop portion <NUM> and a spacer portion <NUM>. The scoop portion <NUM> may include the one or more scoops <NUM>. The scoop portion <NUM> of <FIG> is positioned at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second axial end <NUM>. The spacer portion <NUM> may be located axially adjacent the scoop portion <NUM>. The spacer portion <NUM> of <FIG> extends from the first axial end <NUM> to the scoop portion <NUM>. The spacer portion <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be located between the second axial end <NUM> and the scoop portion <NUM>. The scoop ring body <NUM> may be configured as an intermediate element for locating two other axially adjoining elements (e.g., the bearing <NUM> and the rotatable body <NUM>). The scoop ring body <NUM>, for example, may also be configured as a shaft spaced, a runner, a sleeve, etc..

The scoop ring body <NUM> includes a body material. The body material may form all or a substantial portion of the scoop ring body <NUM>. The body material may be metal such as alloy steel, however, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of metal or alloy steel for the body material.

Each scoop <NUM> includes an insert <NUM> and a passage <NUM> (e.g., a lubricant passage). The scoop <NUM> may additionally include an outer channel <NUM> (e.g., an inlet/capture channel), an inner channel <NUM> (e.g., an outlet/supply channel), and/or a dam <NUM> (e.g., a lubricant dam).

The insert <NUM> is mounted to the scoop ring body <NUM>. The insert <NUM> extends between and to a leading end <NUM> of the insert <NUM> and a trailing end <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. The insert <NUM> further extends between and to a first side <NUM> of the insert <NUM> and a second side <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. The first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> may extend from the leading end <NUM> to the trailing end <NUM>. The insert <NUM> includes an edge <NUM> (e.g., a cutting edge), an inner surface <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM>. The edge <NUM> is located at the leading end <NUM>. The edge <NUM> is formed by an intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM>, the outer surface <NUM>, and the edge <NUM> may extend from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>. Examples of mounting configurations for mounting the insert <NUM> to the scoop ring body <NUM> include one or more weld joints, braze joints, and/or fasteners, as well as slotted engagement between the insert <NUM> and the scoop ring body <NUM>. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to any particular technique for mounting the insert <NUM> to the scoop ring body <NUM>.

The insert <NUM> includes an insert material. The insert material may form all or a substantial portion of the insert <NUM>. The insert material may be different than the body material. For example, the insert material may be harder than the body material. The hardness of the body material and the insert material, as described herein, may be understood to represent a measure of resistance of the respective material to localized plastic deformation (e.g., as measured using the Vickers hardness scale, the Mohs scale, etc.). Examples of the insert material may include, but are not limited to, carbides such as tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, boron carbide, and silicon carbide, titanium, cobalt-based alloys, and ceramic materials. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to any particular material for the insert material. Furthermore, it is contemplated the insert material may be the same as the body material where, for example, the insert <NUM> is configured as a replaceable wear item.

The scoop ring body <NUM> and the insert <NUM> form the passage <NUM>. The passage <NUM> extends through the scoop ring body <NUM> from an inlet <NUM> of the passage <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the outer radial side <NUM> to an outlet <NUM> of the passage <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inner radial side <NUM>. The passage <NUM> extends longitudinally along longitudinal passage centerline <NUM> from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. The passage <NUM> extends circumferentially within the scoop ring body <NUM> between a first circumferential side <NUM> and a second circumferential side <NUM> which is circumferentially opposite the first circumferential side <NUM>. The first circumferential side <NUM> has a longitudinal length L which extends from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. The edge <NUM> of the insert <NUM> of <FIG> is positioned at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inlet <NUM> on the first circumferential side <NUM>. The edge <NUM> may, therefore, form a portion of the inlet <NUM>. The passage <NUM> at the first circumferential side <NUM> may be at least partially formed by the insert <NUM> (e.g., by the inner surface <NUM>). For example, the passage <NUM> of <FIG> is formed by the scoop ring body <NUM> and the insert <NUM> along the longitudinal length L of the first circumferential side <NUM>.

The longitudinal passage centerline <NUM> may have a radial component (e.g., a non-zero radial component) and a circumferential component (e.g., a non-zero circumferential component). The longitudinal passage centerline <NUM> and, thus, the passage <NUM> may thereby extend obliquely (e.g., diagonally) through the scoop ring body <NUM>. The longitudinal passage centerline <NUM> may lie on a reference plane, which plane may be perpendicular to the axial centerline <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, the longitudinal passage centerline <NUM> may also have an axial component (e.g., a non-zero axial component). The longitudinal passage centerline <NUM> may extend in a circumferential direction, from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>, opposite to a direction of rotation of the rotatable subassembly <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the longitudinal passage centerline <NUM> extending a circumferential direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the rotatable subassembly <NUM>.

The outer channel <NUM> is formed, at least in part, by the scoop ring body <NUM>. The outer channel <NUM> is positioned circumferentially upstream of the passage <NUM> on the outer radial side <NUM>. The outer channel <NUM> may extend axially between opposing axial channel sidewalls <NUM> formed by the scoop ring body <NUM>. The outer channel <NUM> may extend radially (e.g., in an inward direction toward the axial centerline <NUM>) partially into the scoop ring body <NUM> to a radial channel boundary <NUM>. The outer channel <NUM> may extend circumferentially within the scoop ring body <NUM> from an upstream channel end <NUM> of the outer channel <NUM> to a downstream channel end <NUM> of the outer channel <NUM>. The outer channel <NUM> is fluidly coupled with and upstream of the passage <NUM>. For example, the downstream channel end <NUM> of <FIG> is located at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inlet <NUM>. The outer channel <NUM> may thereby extend circumferentially within the scoop ring body <NUM> to the passage <NUM>. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such an exemplary direct fluid coupling.

The inner channel <NUM> is formed by the scoop ring body <NUM>. The inner channel <NUM> is positioned circumferentially downstream of the passage <NUM> on the inner radial side <NUM>. The inner channel <NUM> of <FIG> extends axially in a direction from the first axial end <NUM> to an axial channel sidewall <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second axial end <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the inner channel <NUM> may alternatively extend axially through the second axial end <NUM>. The inner channel <NUM> of <FIG> may extend radially (e.g., in an outward direction away from the axial centerline <NUM>) partially into the scoop ring body <NUM> to a radial channel boundary <NUM>. The inner channel <NUM> of <FIG> may extend circumferentially within the scoop ring body <NUM> from an upstream channel end <NUM> of the inner channel <NUM> to a downstream channel end <NUM> of the inner channel <NUM>. The inner channel <NUM> is downstream of the passage <NUM>. For example, the upstream channel end <NUM> of <FIG> is located downstream of the outlet <NUM>. The inner channel <NUM> may thereby extend circumferentially within the scoop ring body <NUM> in a direction away from the passage <NUM>. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the location of the upstream channel end <NUM> downstream of the outlet <NUM>.

The dam <NUM> may be located at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the outlet <NUM>. The dam <NUM> may be located downstream of the outlet <NUM>. The dam <NUM> may be located upstream of the inner channel <NUM>. For example, the dam <NUM> of <FIG> is located circumferentially between the outlet <NUM> and the inner channel <NUM>. The dam <NUM> of <FIG> is formed by the scoop ring body <NUM>. The dam <NUM> may project radially inward relative to circumferentially adjacent portions of the scoop <NUM> (e.g., the outlet <NUM> and/or the inner channel <NUM>). In operation of the rotational equipment assembly, at least some of the fluid directed through the passage <NUM> may flow across the dam <NUM> or between the dam <NUM> and the rotatable body <NUM>, for example, in a clockwise direction for the scoop <NUM> of <FIG>. The radially inward projection of the dam <NUM> may prevent or substantially reduce the occurrence of lubricant flow in a direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction for the scoop <NUM> of <FIG>) which may otherwise cause some of the lubricant to flow from the inner channel <NUM> and into the passage <NUM> (e.g., into the outlet <NUM>).

Each of the scoops <NUM> of the scoop ring <NUM> may be substantially identical to one another. The scoops <NUM> of <FIG> are arranged on the scoop ring body <NUM> about the axial centerline <NUM> as a circumferential array <NUM> of the scoops <NUM>. The circumferential array <NUM> of <FIG> includes three scoops <NUM>, however, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular number of scoops <NUM> for the circumferential array <NUM>.

The scoops <NUM> may be arranged on the scoop ring body <NUM> as an axial array <NUM> of the scoops <NUM>. For example, the axial array <NUM> of <FIG> includes a first scoop 66A positioned axially adjacent a second scoop 66B on the scoop ring <NUM>. The first scoop 66A and the second scoop 66B of <FIG> are substantially circumferentially aligned. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such circumferential alignment between axially adjacent scoops, such as the scoops 66A, 66B.

The bearing <NUM> may be configured as a roller element bearing. The bearing <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, includes an annular outer race <NUM>, an annular inner race <NUM>, and a plurality of bearing elements <NUM> (e.g., cylindrical or spherical elements). The outer race <NUM> circumscribes the inner race <NUM> and the bearing elements <NUM>. The outer race <NUM> is mounted to the static structure <NUM>. The inner race <NUM> circumscribes and is mounted to the rotatable base structure <NUM>. The bearing elements <NUM> are arranged in an annular array about the axial centerline <NUM>, which array is radially between and engaged with (e.g., contacts) the outer race <NUM> and the inner race <NUM>. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary bearing configuration. For example, in some other embodiments, the bearing <NUM> may alternatively be configured as a journal bearing or any other type of bearing which may be used in the rotational equipment.

The rotatable body <NUM> of <FIG> may be configured as another scoop element (e.g., an axial scoop). The rotatable body <NUM> may also or alternatively be configured as a seal land for a seal assembly. The rotatable body <NUM> is configured as a tubular body with an inner bore configured to receive the rotatable base structure <NUM>. The rotatable body <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the axial centerline <NUM>. The rotatable body <NUM> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> between and to a first axial end <NUM> of the rotatable body <NUM> and a second axial end <NUM> of the rotatable body <NUM>. The first axial end <NUM> may be mounted to and/or positioned axially adjacent the second axial end <NUM>.

The fluid injector <NUM> is arranged radially outboard of the rotatable subassembly <NUM>. The fluid injector <NUM> is configured to inject fluid (e.g., lubricant) into the bearing compartment <NUM> to provide the fluid to one or more other components of the rotational equipment such as, but not limited to, one or more or each of the assembly elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. The fluid injector <NUM> includes one or more nozzle orifices <NUM> (one visible in <FIG>). The nozzle orifices <NUM> may be fluidly coupled with and, thus, supplied with the fluid (e.g., lubricant) from a common internal passage <NUM> within the fluid injector <NUM>. The nozzle orifices <NUM> are configured to direct a fluid stream (e.g., a lubricant stream) out of the fluid injector <NUM>, into the bearing compartment <NUM> or another space, and to the scoop ring <NUM>. The nozzle orifices <NUM> may be further configured to direct the fluid stream to one or more other components within the bearing compartment <NUM> such as, but not limited to, the bearing <NUM> and the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the rotatable subassembly <NUM>.

The rotational equipment assembly <NUM> operates to direct fluid (e.g., lubricant) to components of the rotatable subassembly <NUM>, for example, to provide lubrication and/or cooling for the components. The fluid injector <NUM> directs a fluid steam <NUM> (e.g., a lubricant stream) of the fluid toward the scoop ring <NUM>. As the scoop ring <NUM> rotates with the rotatable base structure <NUM> (e.g., in rotational direction <NUM>), the edge <NUM> of the insert <NUM> passes through the fluid stream <NUM>. The insert <NUM> directs at least some of the fluid of the fluid stream <NUM> into and through the passage <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may direct at least some of the fluid along the inner surface <NUM> through at least a portion of the passage <NUM>. Rotation of the scoop ring <NUM> causes the scoop ring <NUM> to direct the fluid through the passage <NUM> to the rotating base structure <NUM> and, in some cases, to one or more additional components of the rotational equipment assembly <NUM>.

Under certain operating conditions of rotational equipment, relatively high rotational speeds as well as relatively high fluid (e.g., lubricant) velocities from associated fluid injectors can expose radial scoop assemblies to substantial wear and fatigue. For example, a portion of a scoop assembly including an edge (e.g., a cutting edge configured to pass through a fluid stream) may experience damage such as plastic deformation and/or erosion of the cutting edge. Damage to the cutting edge of scoop assembly can, in turn, lead to reduced efficiency of the scoop assembly for directing fluid to components of the rotational equipment. Damage to the cutting edge can also lead to increased resistance of rotation of the scoop assembly presented by the fluid directed toward the scoop assembly. In some cases, scoop assemblies may be replaced to address cutting edge erosion. Coatings (e.g., plasma-spray coatings) may be applied to scoop assembly surfaces to protect the scoop assembly surfaces from fluid erosion. However, scoop assembly coatings can be subject to substrate material failure and coating liberation. Liberated pieces of coating material can travel with the fluid (e.g., lubricant) and can potentially obstruct fluid flow passages (e.g., lubricant feed ports). In some cases, liberated coating material can lead to bearing damage (e.g., by contamination or spallation of the bearing). Each scoop <NUM> of the present disclosure, therefore, is configured with the replaceable insert <NUM> to form the edge <NUM>. As described above, the insert <NUM> is formed from relatively hard material which is less susceptible to damage such as plastic deformation and/or erosion. The insert <NUM> of the present disclosure, therefore, may maintain its shape without requiring protective coatings. The insert <NUM> may thereby improve efficiency of the rotational equipment assembly and reducing maintenance requirements.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the insert <NUM> (e.g., and its inner surface <NUM>) may form a first portion <NUM> of the passage <NUM> (e.g., a first portion of the longitudinal length L, see <FIG>) along the first circumferential side <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inlet <NUM>. The scoop ring body <NUM> may form a second portion <NUM> of the passage <NUM> (e.g., a second portion of the longitudinal length L, see <FIG>) along the first circumferential side <NUM> between and to the first portion <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. The insert <NUM> of <FIG> also forms a portion of the outer channel <NUM> of a circumferentially adjacent scoop <NUM>. For example, the insert <NUM> may form a portion of the radial channel boundary <NUM> of a circumferentially adjacent scoop <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the upstream channel end <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the insert <NUM> (e.g., and its inner surface <NUM>) may form an entirety of the longitudinal length L of the passage <NUM> along the first circumferential side <NUM>. In other words, the inner surface <NUM> may extend from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. The insert <NUM> of <FIG> also forms a portion of the outer channel <NUM> of a circumferentially adjacent scoop <NUM>. For example, the outer surface <NUM> and/or another surface of the insert <NUM> may form a portion of the radial channel boundary <NUM> of a circumferentially adjacent scoop <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the upstream channel end <NUM>. The insert <NUM> of <FIG> may also or alternatively form the dam <NUM>. For example, the insert <NUM> forms the dam <NUM> at the trailing end <NUM> (e.g., at an intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the trailing end <NUM>). The dam <NUM> of <FIG> projects inward (e.g., radially inward) from the radial channel boundary <NUM> of a circumferentially adjacent scoop <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the insert <NUM> may be shaped to facilitate efficient flow of fluid (e.g., lubricant) across one or more surfaces of the insert <NUM>. One or more surfaces of the insert <NUM>, such as the inner surface <NUM> and/or the outer surface <NUM>, may be curved. For example, the inner surface <NUM> of <FIG> has a concave shape extending in a direction from the leading end <NUM> to the trailing end <NUM>. The insert <NUM> of the present disclosure, however, is not limited to the particular curvature illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the increased hardness of the insert material (e.g., in comparison to the body material) may allow the insert <NUM> to be formed with complex curvatures or other shapes to facilitate efficient fluid flow across one or more surfaces of the insert <NUM> while also resisting erosion of the insert material as a result of said fluid flow.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the insert <NUM> may include an alignment tab <NUM>. This alignment tab <NUM> is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) an intersection of the outer surface <NUM> and the trailing end <NUM>. The alignment tab <NUM> of <FIG> includes an upper surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM>, and one or more side surfaces <NUM>. The side surfaces <NUM> extend between and to the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>. The scoop ring body <NUM> forms a recess <NUM> within which the scoop ring body <NUM> is configured to retain the alignment tab <NUM>. The recess <NUM> of <FIG> is formed in the radial channel boundary <NUM> of a scoop <NUM> which is circumferentially adjacent the scoop <NUM> which includes the insert <NUM>. For example, the scoop ring body <NUM> includes a bottom surface <NUM> and one or more side surfaces <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> is spaced from (e.g., radially spaced from) the radial channel boundary <NUM>. The side surfaces <NUM> extend between and to the bottom surface <NUM> and the radial channel boundary <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> and the side surfaces <NUM> bound, at least in part, the recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> of the present disclosure, however, is not limited to particular location or configuration illustrated in <FIG>.

With the insert <NUM> installed in the scoop ring body <NUM>, the lower surface <NUM> may abut the bottom surface <NUM> and the side surfaces <NUM> may abut the side surfaces <NUM>. With the alignment tab <NUM> installed in the recess <NUM>, the upper surface <NUM> may also form a portion of the radial channel boundary <NUM> of another circumferentially adjacent scoop <NUM>. The alignment tab <NUM> and recess <NUM> may facilitate installation (e.g., mistake-proof installation) of the insert <NUM> into the scoop ring body <NUM> by allowing retention of the alignment tab <NUM> in the recess <NUM> (e.g., only) when the insert <NUM> is properly positioned with respect to the scoop ring body <NUM>. Contact between the lower surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> may also facilitate proper spacing (e.g., radial spacing) of the dam <NUM> relative to the radial channel boundary <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the insert <NUM> may be mounted to the scoop ring body <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the alignment tab <NUM>. For example, the alignment tab <NUM> may be mounted (e.g., directly coupled) to the scoop ring body <NUM>, for example, by a weld joint, a braze joint, a fastener, or the like.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the scoop ring body <NUM> may form an axial slot <NUM>. The axial slot <NUM> extends into at least an axial portion of the scoop ring body <NUM>, where the axial slot <NUM> is disposed between the first axial end <NUM> and the second axial end <NUM>. The axial slot <NUM> of <FIG> extends into the scoop ring body <NUM> in an axial direction from the first axial end <NUM> toward the second axial end <NUM>. Of course, the axial slot <NUM> may alternatively extend into the scoop ring body <NUM> in an axial direction from the second axial end <NUM> toward the first axial end <NUM>.

The insert <NUM> is mated with and securely positioned within the axial slot <NUM> such that the edge <NUM> is positioned at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inlet <NUM> along the first circumferential side <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may be configured to slide axially into the axial slot <NUM> for mounting. For example, the insert <NUM> may be configured to slide axially into the axial slot <NUM> from a first axial position outside the scoop ring body <NUM> to a second axial position in which the edge <NUM> is positioned at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inlet <NUM> along the first circumferential side <NUM>. The insert <NUM> of <FIG> forms a portion of one of the axial channel sidewalls <NUM>, which portion is located within the axial slot <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may additionally be mounted to the scoop ring body <NUM> by, for example, one or more weld joints, braze joints, and/or fasteners.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the preceding description and in the drawings. It is noted that these connections are general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. A coupling between two or more entities may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection. An indirect connection may incorporate one or more intervening entities. It is further noted that various method or process steps for embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following description and drawings. The description may present the method and/or process steps as a particular sequence. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the description should not be construed as a limitation.

As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claim 1:
An assembly (<NUM>) for rotational equipment (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a scoop ring body (<NUM>) rotatable about a rotational axis (<NUM>), the scoop ring body (<NUM>) extending radially between an inner radial side (<NUM>) and an outer radial side (<NUM>), and comprising a body material; characterized in having:
an insert (<NUM>) mounted to the scoop ring body (<NUM>), the insert (<NUM>) comprising an insert material and a cutting edge (<NUM>), the insert material being different than the body material, the scoop ring body (<NUM>) and the insert (<NUM>) forming a passage (<NUM>), the passage (<NUM>) extending through the scoop ring body (<NUM>) from an inlet (<NUM>) at the outer radial side (<NUM>) to an outlet (<NUM>) at the inner radial side (<NUM>), the cutting edge (<NUM>) being at the inlet (<NUM>), the passage (<NUM>) extending within the scoop ring body (<NUM>) between a first circumferential side (<NUM>) and a second circumferential side (<NUM>), and the passage (<NUM>) at the first circumferential side (<NUM>) being at least partially formed by the insert (<NUM>).