Dunlop Equipment has contributed to efficiency in engine production at Rolls-Royce by supplying kits of parts for the RB211-535 containing components manufactured by other Rolls-Royce _suppliers. These parts, which include ducting, brackets and covers are purchased directly by Dunlop Equipment and kitted together with Dunlop's own valves at its Coventry facility. The kits are supplied on a "just in time" basis in reuseable plastic containers.
This significantly reduces the non-value adding activities previously conducted by Rolls-Royce and provides the engine build line with a full set of parts required for a single shift from one source in one box.
Each box contains the Dunlop Equipment bleed valve sets and all subsidiary parts, including ducting, bolts and bracketing required by the fitter. This is normally a day's work but if the task is not completed then the box can be re-closed and returned to stores or passed on to the next shift.
Bleed valves are fitted at the intermediate and high pressure compressor stages enabling the engine management system to optimise performance by spilling surplus air at the required time.
This is controlled by means of solenoid valves supplying servo air to open or close the bleed valve as required. For the RB211 intermediate pressure stage, Dunlop is supplying four bleed valves controlled by a four solenoid monobloc valve. The high pressure section requires three bleed valves controlled by a matching three solenoid monobloc valve.
This example of added value to the customer is carried through all Dunlop Equipment's work, including an extensive range of development equipment such as the latest high pressure/high temperature flow test facility. Costing £1/2m it enables DE to deliver fully tested units, saving costs in engine development and qualification.
Dunlop Equipment, a member of Dunlop Standard Aerospace, designs, manufactures and provides support services for bleed air controls. Other products include proprietary separators fitted to rotating shafts to remove oil from exhaust air and flying controls such as moving body servo actuators, rudder bias and rudder disconnect struts.
Source: Flight Daily News
