Pressure control (turbo-jet engine)

Pressure control (turbo-jet engine)
17. In the pressure control system illustrated in fig. 10-5, the rate of engine acceleration is controlled by
a dashpot throttle unit. The unit forms part of the fuel control unit and consists of a servo-operated throttle,
which moves in a ported sleeve, and a control valve.

        The control valve slides freely within the bore of the throttle valve and is linked to the pilot's throttle by a rack and pinion mechanism. Movement of the throttle lever causes the throttle valve to progressively uncover ports in the sleeve and thus increase the fuel flow. Fig. 10-6 shows the throttle valve and control valve in their various controlling positions.

                                                     

18. At steady running conditions, the dashpot throttle valve is held in equilibrium by throttle servo pressure opposed by throttle control pressure plus spring force. The pressures across the pressure drop control diaphragm are in balance and the pump servo pressure adjusts the fuel pump to give a constant fuel flow.

19. When the throttle is opened, the control valve closes the low pressure (L.P.) fuel port in the sleeve
and the throttle servo pressure increases. The throttle valve moves towards the selected throttle position until the L.P. port opens and the pressure balance across the throttle valve is restored. The decreasing fuel pressure difference across the throttle valve is sensed by the pressure drop control diaphragm, which closes the spill valve to increase the pump servo pressure and therefore the pump output. The spill valve moves into the sensitive position, controlling the pump servo mechanism so that the correct fuel flow is maintained for the selected throttle position.


20. During initial acceleration, fuel control is as described in para. 19; however, at a predetermined throttle position the engine can accept more fuel and at this point the throttle valve uncovers an annulus, so introducing extra fuel at a higher pressure (pump delivery through one restrictor). This extra fuel further increases the throttle servo pressure, which increases the speed of throttle valve travel and the rate of fuel supply to the spray nozzle.

21. On deceleration, movement of the control valve acts directly on the throttle valve through the servo
spring. Control valve movement opens the flow ports through the control valve and throttle valve, to bleed
servo fuel through the L.P. port. Throttle control pressure then moves the throttle valve towards the closed position, thus reducing the fuel flow to the spray nozzles.

22. Changes in air intake pressure, due to a change in aircraft altitude or forward speed, are sensed by the capsule assembly in the fuel control unit. With increased altitude and a corresponding decrease in air intake pressure, the evacuated capsule opens the spill valve, so causing a reduction in pump stroke until the fuel flow matches the airflow. Conversely, an increase in air intake pressure closes the spill valve to increase the fuel flow.