Circumferential Actuated Traverse Systems
Annular Gas Path Traverses.
Using a radial/yaw actuator combined with a tangential actuator enables a probe to be traversed across a square or rectangular area of an engine gas path and this is often sufficient for most engine flow path measuring activities. Should you require to traverse one (or two) probes across a true engine gas path annulus then a radial/yaw actuator(s) can be combined with a circumferential actuator to carry out very precise annular segmental gas path traverses. For the quickest annular gas path traversing some of our circular actuators are configured to mount two radial/yaw actuators onto one circumferential actuator carriage and in this configuration two probes can be traversed together across the gas path. The standard circumferential actuator designs are customised to fit each actual engine gas path cross sectional curvature and customer should state when ordering whether a single or double carriage arrangement is required.
Circumferential Actuators.
Circumferential gas path curvatures up to 28-degree traverse angles can be surveyed with a circumferential actuator and our standard designs are capable of operating in gas conditions up to 75 PSIA (5 bar) and 540°C. Customised designs are available for higher operating conditions. Circumferential actuators are of substantial weight so installing them on engine casings must be carefully undertaken. Rotadata can provide a circumferential actuator-lifting tool to carryout lifting and positioning activities safely. Whilst on the bench a circumferential actuator test stand is available which enables the actuator to be safely located and function tested away from the engine.
Example of a Circumferential Actuated Traverse Assembly.
The probe(s) to be circumferentially traversed is mounted into the radial/taw actuator and supported with a traverse shoe, which enables positive and accurate movement of the probe(s) across the gas path.
Cooling
The Rotadata circumferential actuator mounting tower can be water cooled to protect the radial/yaw and circumferential actuator carcasses and electronics from the high temperatures that can occur during engine operation. In addition the radial/yaw actuator(s) mounted on the circumferential actuator carriage can be fitted with air cooled environmental chambers where the environment surrounding the circumferential area traversing configuration.
