Avon Turbine engine test

This is the test day with the owners present, of a Roll Royce Avon at S&S Turbines outdoor test cell.

Unlike the last Avon, this has had the starter drive modified to accept an air turbine starter. It's the starter freewheling you see near the end.

Max RPM for this engine is about 7900 rpm, and idle is at 3500. We give it fuel at around 1200 rpm, but it still needs the starter to help it approach idle.

This engine is used as a power source for a gas compression facility. The exhaust gases are used to turn a power tubine, which is connected to a natural gas compressor, which moves large amounts of natural gas through a pipeline.

Power output is close to 20,000 Hp.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Start
• jet
• turbine
• avon
• engine
• compressor
• bleed
• valve
• power
• generator
• S&S
• Rolls
• Royce
• turbojet
• turbo
• Maddex
• Hawker
• Hunter
• Lightning
• Comet

[lightning1975]

Is that a modified Plessey starter from a BAC Lightning?

[AgentJayZ]

@lightning1975 The starter we use is normally fitted to the gearbox of an LM1500. We have added an extension to the output shaft, and mounted it on an extension of the starter drive housing of the Avon.

[cptcham]

Q. How do u know how much is this thing making? i mean how do u measure it??

[AgentJayZ]

@cptcham The tailcone has a calibrated resticted outlet area. We measure static pressure inside the tailcone, and power is calculated using this information.

[bazza89]

Pre-Mod VIGV's? I guess you guys dont have the same problems with frost build up on the trailing edge like we do over at the north sea. :(

[AgentJayZ]

@bazza89

This engine works in a hot dry environment. We had troubles because the anti-icing isn't even hooked up on this engine. It's blanked off.

[Elhombresombra]

...and you get paid to do that, too... ENVYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! :P

[hootergirlsrhot]

good hair dryer to have in the house

[ICESPACEMANGALAXY]

@ICESTRONG@ "Very cool!"

[AgentJayZ]

@mojopayday Think green

[bazza89]

@cptcham At the facility I work at the engine is tested on a Thrust Bed, during test the engine bed is floating on a cushion of oil and the bed moves axially on thrust bearings, we counter balance the bed and use load cells to give us an indication of the thrust being produced.

[jdubincali]

Cool video! I'm in school earning my A & P cert and my next class is turbine engines. What do you think about a career in this field? Your opinions are much appreciated.

[cptcham]

HI How do u measure how much power this thing is making?

[DavoCitizen]

you know your partner doesnt understand your passion when she says "turn that stupid noise down" by noise she means the elegant sound of a Rolls Royce Avon, il miss her when she leaves :-)