Axial retention device for turbine system

Abstract

An axial retention device for a turbine system is disclosed. The axial retention device includes a pocket defined in a mating surface of one of a turbine component and a support structure. The pocket includes a first axial load surface. The axial retention device further includes a latch comprising a base member and a pivotal member. The base member is associated with a mating surface of the other of the turbine component and the support structure. The pivotal member is configured to engage the pocket and includes a first mating axial load surface. Engagement of the pivotal member and the pocket allows the first axial load surface and the first mating axial load surface to interact, preventing axial movement of the turbine component with respect to the support structure in the at least one direction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to turbine systems, and more particularly to axial retention devices for retaining components within turbine systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Turbine systems are widely utilized in fields such as power generation. For example, a conventional gas turbine system includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. Further, a conventional gas turbine includes a rotor with various rotor blades mounted to disks in the compressor and turbine sections thereof. Each blade includes an airfoil over which pressurized air or fluid flows, and a platform at the base of the airfoil that defines the radial inner boundary for the air or fluid flow. To attach the blades to the rotor disks, the blades may include a suitable appendage, such as a root or dovetail, configured to engage a complementary attachment cavity in the perimeter of the disk.[0003]In many cases, the blades disposed in the rotor disks may shift, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a device that prevents a turbine component from moving in one direction with respect to its support structure. It includes a pocket in the mating surface of one of the turbine component and the support structure, and a latch that engages the pocket. This prevents the turbine component from moving in the axial direction."

Problems solved by technology

In many cases, the blades disposed in the rotor disks may shift, slide, or become disengaged with respect to the rotor disks during operation of the system, thus potentially allowing air or fluid flow leakage or other damage to the system.

Staking creates an interference fit between two components, such as between a blade and rotor disk.

However, the use of staking for retaining blades in rotor disks has many disadvantages.

For example, blades must be replaced after certain periods of use due to, for example, wear or damage.

Utilizing staking to retain the replacement blade in the rotor disk is a time consuming process.

Further, the available locations on the rotor disk for staking are generally limited.

The unavailability of staking locations thus necessitates replacement of the rotor disk.

Replacement of the rotor disk is both time consuming and, due to the cost of the rotor disk and the loss of production of the turbine system during replacement, expensive.

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