Integration of Advanced Inlet Particle Separator and Barrier Filtration Technologies for Turboshaft Engine Operation in Severe Sand Environments

Continuing military operations in sand environments have created an immediate need for the integration of advanced inlet particle separator technology and low-pressure drop barrier filters. CFDRC has teamed with Rolls Royce Liberty Works (RRLW - developer of a highly efficient advanced IPS configuration) and GlasFloss (world leader in gas turbine inlet air filtration technology) to optimize the integration of these two technologies into a single system. During Phase I multiple configurations were analytically screened to determine the technical feasibility of a fully integrated inlet protection system. A reduced scale assembly of the most promising configuration was demonstrated during Phase I using ISO 12103-1 test dust. Phase II will focus on demonstration of a full-scale integrated system capable of circumventing in-flight filtration blockage or accommodate improved engine performance in zero dust flight environments through filter bypass operation. Fullscale demonstration will be executed at CFDRC’s flow test facility near Huntsville, Alabama where representatives from the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Blackhawk, OH-58 Kiowa, CH-47 Chinook, and AH-1W Super Cobra PEOs can attend and observe first hand the need to upgrade U.S. Army Military Helicopters turboshaft engine inlet particle separation. An assessment of barrier filter maintenance protocols will also be compiled utilizing data and experience during ongoing AGT1500 operations within Operation Iraqi Freedom. Phase III development will focus on immediately transferring this technology to the warfighter through ongoing U.S. Army AMCOM military helicopter product improvement research, development and block upgrade programs.