System and method for assembling and shipping a steam turbine

Abstract

The invention is entitled "System and method for assembling and shipping a steam turbine." The invention provides a support system for assembling and shipping a steam turbine, the support system including an annular support clamp configured to be coupled to a longitudinal end of a casing of the steam turbine. The annular support clamp includes a first protrusion extending in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of a rotor of the steam turbine between the rotor and the casing and configured to support the rotor in the radial direction. The annular support clamp includes a second protrusion extending in the radial direction toward a side surface of the rotor and including a surface configured to face the rotor in the axial direction. The support system includes a block configured to be disposed between the surface of the second protrusion and the rotor such that the block blocks movement of the rotor in the axial direction during shipping of the steam turbine.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to steam turbines, and more particularly, to support fixtures for shipping and construction of steam turbines.

[0002] Steam turbines include a rotor, which can be a shaft or a drum, to which blades are attached. Assembly and shipping of steam turbines (e.g., turbine sections including the rotor) can be both expensive and time consuming. Further, during assembly and shipping, additional components (e.g., rigid shipping blocks, temporary supports, etc.) can be utilized, which must be removed after final construction at the last destination. In some cases, installation of the rotor retention assembly can be performed via blind assembly. Moreover, the utilized assembly and shipping configuration can include voids and gaps that result in high impact loads on the rotor (e.g., due to inertial forces) during shipping, which results in wear. Removal of these additional components can involve breaching and subsequent resealing of the pressure containment boundary of the steam turbine. SUMMARY

[0003] The following summary outlines certain embodiments comparable in scope to the subject matter initially claimed. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are merely intended to provide a brief overview of possible forms of the subject matter. In fact, the subject matter can encompass a wide variety of forms that can be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] According to a first embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a steam turbine module including a casing and a rotor disposed within the casing. The system further includes a support system for assembling and shipping the steam turbine module. The support system includes a first annular support fixture coupled to a first longitudinal end of the casing. The first annular support fixture includes a first protrusion extending in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the rotor between the rotor and the casing, wherein the first protrusion is configured to support the rotor in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis. The first annular support fixture further includes a second protrusion extending in the radial direction toward a side surface of the rotor, wherein the second protrusion includes a first surface facing the rotor in the axial direction. The support system further includes a block disposed between the first surface of the second protrusion and the rotor, wherein the block is configured to block movement of the rotor in the axial direction during shipping of the steam turbine module.

[0005] According to a second embodiment, a support system for assembling and shipping a steam turbine module is provided. The support system includes a first annular support clamp configured to couple to a first longitudinal end of a casing of the steam turbine module. The first annular support clamp includes a first protrusion configured to extend in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of a rotor of the steam turbine module between the rotor and the casing, wherein the first protrusion is configured to support the rotor in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis. The first annular support clamp further includes a second protrusion configured to extend in the radial direction toward a side surface of the rotor, wherein the second protrusion includes a first surface configured to face the rotor in the axial direction. The support system further includes a block configured to be disposed between the surface of the second protrusion and the rotor, wherein the block is configured to block movement of the rotor in the axial direction during shipping of the steam turbine module.

[0006] According to a third embodiment, a method for assembling and shipping a steam turbine module is provided. The method includes coupling a first portion of a first annular support clamp to a first longitudinal end of a lower portion of a casing of the steam turbine module, wherein the first annular support clamp includes a first protrusion configured to extend in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of a rotor of the steam turbine module between the rotor and the casing and a second protrusion configured to extend in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis toward a side surface of the rotor, wherein the second protrusion includes a first surface configured to face the rotor in the axial direction, and wherein the first protrusion is configured to support the rotor in the radial direction. The method further includes disposing a rotor of the steam turbine module within the lower portion of the casing. The method further includes disposing a first portion of a block between the first surface of the second protrusion and the rotor, wherein the first portion of the block is configured to block movement of the rotor in the axial direction during shipping of the steam turbine module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood when the following detailed description is read, with appropriate reference to accompanying drawings, in which there is shown by way of illustration, not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a steam turbine;

[0009] Figure 2is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a steam turbine (e.g., a steam turbine module) including a rotor disposed in a housing via a support system;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front view of an embodiment of a block (e.g., an annular ring) of a support system;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A rear view of an embodiment of the annular support fixture of the support system;

[0012] Figure 5 It is used to connect the steam turbine module with Figure 2 a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of assembling together a support system; and

[0013] Figures 6 to 10 The steam turbine module is shown with Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the assembly of the support system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] One or more specific embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but remains a routine task for design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0015] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present subject matter, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a support system for assembling and shipping a steam turbine (e.g., a high pressure module and / or an intermediate pressure module). The support system provides unique means to axially lock a rotor of a steam turbine module in place during construction and shipping of the steam turbine module, as described below. The steam turbine module includes a rotor disposed within a casing or housing. The support system includes an annular support clamp coupled to each longitudinal end of the casing. Each annular support clamp includes a first protrusion configured to extend in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the rotor between the rotor and the casing. The first protrusion provides radial support for the steam turbine module. A shim is disposed between the first protrusion and the casing. Each annular support clamp also includes a second protrusion extending in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis toward a side surface of the rotor. The second protrusion includes a surface configured to face the rotor in the axial direction. The support system also includes a respective block (e.g., an annular ring) disposed between the surface of the second protrusion of each respective annular support clamp and the rotor. These blocks constrain movement of the rotor in the axial direction during shipping of the steam turbine module. In certain embodiments, each annular support clamp, each block, and the casing include a plurality of segments.

[0017] The support system supports the turbine rotor in the housing or casing and enables completion of the turbine assembly. The support system remains in place to axially and radially secure the rotor position, enabling shipping of the turbine assembly. This support system eliminates the need for additional shipping brackets to secure the rotor during transport. During the assembly process, the support system supports the rotor and avoids the need for temporary supports, providing both cost and time savings for assembly of the turbine. During preparation for shipping, the support system is accessible at locations outside of the turbine, eliminating the need for machining, forming, welding, and internal installation of guide plates. Advantageously, the support system increases the axial contact area on the rotor (e.g., 360 in the circumferential direction around the rotor) while also reducing the axial void or gap between the support system and the rotor. Both of these reduce potential damage from relative motion of the rotor during shipping. Additionally, due to the external accessibility of the support system relative to the turbine, blind assembly of the guide plates (and introduction of foreign debris within the steam turbine module) is avoided, which breaches the pressure containment boundary. Overall, the combined assembly and shipping support system reduces both cost and labor time associated with assembly and shipping of the steam turbine module.

[0018] Turning to the drawings, Figure 1is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a steam turbine 200 having a high pressure section 202 and a mid-pressure section 204. The steam turbine 200 can include an outer housing 206, which in certain embodiments can be divided into an upper half section 208 and a lower half section 210, where both the upper half section 208 and the lower half section 210 extend around both the high pressure section 202 and the mid-pressure section 204 of the steam turbine 200. A central section 212 of the outer housing 206 can include a high pressure steam inlet 214 through which the high pressure section 202 of the steam turbine 200 can receive high pressure steam. Similarly, the central section 212 of the outer housing 206 can also include a mid-pressure steam inlet 216 through which the mid-pressure section 204 of the steam turbine 200 can receive mid-pressure steam.

[0019] As described in greater detail below, one or more steam turbine modules (e.g., high pressure section 202, low pressure section 204) can be utilized with a support system (e.g., a combined assembly and shipping support system) that supports the turbine rotor in an outer housing or casing 206 and axially and radially fixes the rotor position to enable completion of the turbine assembly. The support system remains in place to enable shipping of the turbine assembly without having to add additional shipping brackets to secure the rotor for transport. As described below, the support system provides a unique means to axially lock the rotor of the steam turbine in place during construction and shipping of the steam turbine modules 202, 204. It should be noted that while the support system is described in the context of a steam turbine, it can also be utilized with a generator and / or a gas turbine.

[0020] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic view of an embodiment of a steam turbine 10 (e.g., a steam turbine section) including a rotor 12 disposed in a casing 14 (e.g., an outer housing) or sleeve via a support system 16 (e.g., a combined assembly and shipping support system). The steam turbine section 10 can be a high pressure turbine section (e.g., a high pressure section 202 in Figure 1 ), a mid-pressure turbine section (e.g., a mid-pressure section 204 in Figure 1 ), or a combination thereof. For simplicity, not all components (e.g., seals, blades, etc.) are shown.

[0021] For reference, various components can extend in an axial direction 18 (e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis 20 or axis of rotation of the rotor 12), a radial direction 22 toward or away from the longitudinal axis 20, and a circumferential direction 24 about the longitudinal axis 20. As depicted, the rotor 12 includes a main portion 31 extending in the axial direction between opposite longitudinal ends 26, 28 of the rotor 12. The main portion 31 includes a diameter 33 that is greater than respective diameters 35 of the longitudinal ends 26, 28. The casing 14 encloses a majority of the axial length of the rotor 12 (except for the longitudinal ends 26, 28). The casing 14 extends 360 degrees in the circumferential direction 24 about the rotor 12.

[0022] During shipping and assembly, the rotor 12 is secured within the casing 14 via a support system 16. The support system 16 is configured to secure the rotor position within the casing 14 in both the axial direction 18 and the radial direction 22 during both assembly and shipping of the steam turbine section 10. The support system 16 includes a support clamp 30 (e.g., an annular support clamp) coupled to each longitudinal end 32, 34 of the casing 14 and extending 360 degrees in the circumferential direction 24 about the rotor 12. Each support clamp 30 is coupled to the casing 14 via fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.).

[0023] Each support clamp 30 includes a body portion 36, a first protrusion 38, and a second protrusion 40.

[0024] The first protrusion 38 extends in the axial direction 18 between the rotor 12 (e.g., a side surface 42 of the rotor 12) and the casing 14 (e.g., an inner surface 44 of the casing 14). The first protrusion 38 provides radial support for the rotor 12. A gasket 47 (e.g., radially 22) is disposed between a surface 48 of the first protrusion 38 and the inner surface 44 of the casing 14. The gasket 47 is thinner in the radial direction 22 than the first protrusion 38. In particular, a radially inward surface 46 of the first protrusion 38 interfaces (e.g., contacts) with the side surface 42 of the rotor 12, while a radially outward surface 48 (opposite surface 46) of the first protrusion 38 interfaces (e.g., contacts) with the gasket 47.

[0025] The second protrusion 40 extends in the radial direction 22 toward the side surface 42 of the rotor 12. The second protrusion 40 includes a radially oriented surface 50 facing in the axial direction 18 toward the rotor 12 (e.g., an end surface 52 of the main portion 31 of the rotor 12 extending in the radial direction 22).

[0026] The support system 16 includes blocks 54 (e.g., annular rings or plates) disposed adjacent each longitudinal end 26, 28 of the rotor 12. Specifically, each block 54 is disposed within a gap 56 between the rotor 12 and the support clamp 30. The gap 56 is defined between a radially oriented surface 50 of the second protrusion 40 of the support clamp 30 and an end surface 52 of the rotor 12. In certain embodiments, the radially oriented surface 50 of the second protrusion 40 and the end surface 52 of the rotor 52 can be parallel to one another.

[0027] As described in greater detail below, the blocks 54 can be machined to fit within the gap 56. In certain embodiments, a surface 58 of the block 54 is configured to interface with the end surface 52 of the rotor 12 around the entire rotor 12 (i.e., extending 360 degrees in the circumferential direction 24). When the block 54 is installed, the distance between the surfaces 52, 58 can be in the range of 0.00 mm to 0.16 mm. In certain embodiments, the distance between the surfaces 52, 58 is less than 0.16 mm. The blocks 54 prevent or inhibit movement of the rotor 12 in the axial direction 18 during shipment of the steam turbine section 10. The blocks 54 can be made of a softer material (e.g., steel) than the rotor 12 to minimize any potential damage to the rotor 12.

[0028] As described above, the support system 16 supports the turbine rotor 12 in the outer casing or shell 14 and enables the turbine assembly to be completed. The support system 16 remains in place to fix the rotor position both axially 18 and radially 22, enabling the turbine assembly 10 to be shipped. This support system 16 eliminates the need for additional shipping brackets for fixing the rotor 12 during transport. During the assembly process, the support system 16 supports the rotor 12 and avoids the need for temporary supports, providing both cost and time savings for the assembly of the turbine 10. During preparation for shipment, the support system 16 can be accessed at a location outside of the turbine 10, which eliminates the need for machining, forming, welding, and internal installation of guide plates.

[0029] Advantageously, the support system 16 increases the axial contact area on the rotor 12 (e.g., over 360 in the circumferential direction 24 around the rotor 12), while also reducing the axial gap or clearance between the support system 16 and the rotor 12. Both of these reduce potential damage from relative movement of the rotor 12 during shipment. Additionally, due to the external accessibility of the support system 16 relative to the turbine 10, blind assembly of the guide plates (and introduction of foreign debris within the steam turbine module 10) is avoided by breaching the pressure containment boundary. Overall, the combined assembly and shipping support system 16 reduces both cost and labor time associated with assembly and shipment of the steam turbine module 10.

[0030] The shell 14, each support clamp 30, and each block 54 can be assembled from multiple segments.Figure 3 An embodiment of the block 54 (e.g., a ring-shaped ring or plate) is shown. The block 54 is as described above. As depicted, the block 54 includes two segments 60 that form the ring shape of the block 54. In certain embodiments, the number of segments 60 that form the block 54 can vary (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more).

[0031] Figure 4 An embodiment of the support clamp 30 (e.g., a ring-shaped support clamp) is shown. The support clamp 30 is as described above. As depicted, the support clamp 30 includes two segments 62 that form the ring shape of the support clamp 30. In certain embodiments, the number of segments 62 that form the support clamp 30 can vary (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more). The number of segments 62 of the support clamp 30 can or can not correspond to the number of segments 60 of the block 54. As discussed below, the casing 14 can include two segments (e.g., a lower half and an upper half).

[0032] Figure 5 is a method 64 for assembling the steam turbine section 10 with Figure 2 the support system 16 of the steam turbine section 10. Various steps of the method 64 are shown in Figures 5 to 9 Some steps of the method 64 can be performed in a different order or concurrently. While Figures 5 to 9 only one end of the steam turbine section 10 is shown in Figures 5 to 9 the various steps of the method 64 apply to both ends of the rotor 12 and the casing 14. As described above, although the following discussion refers to the casing 14, the support clamp 30, and the block 54 each having two segments, the support clamp 30 and the block 54 can each include more than two segments. Further, the following discussion refers to the segments in upper and lower aspects relative to a centerline of the steam turbine section 10. Further, only a portion of the rotor 12 and the casing 14 is shown in

[0033] Figure 6 The method 64 includes installing and leveling a lower portion 68 of the casing 14 (block 70), then inserting alignment strip supports 72 and alignment strips 73 (block 74), as depicted in

[0034] The method 64 includes installing a lower portion 78 of the support clamp 30 and the shims 47 to the longitudinal end 32 of the lower portion 68 of the casing 14, then installing the rotor 12 in its initial position (block 80), as depicted in Figure 7The gasket 47 is installed between the surfaces 44, 48. The thickness of the gasket 47 in the radial direction 22 can vary. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the gasket 47 can be 0.2032 mm (0.008 inch). Specifically, the lower portion 78 of the support clamp 30 is fastened to the longitudinal end 32 of the housing 14 via a plurality of fasteners 82 (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction 24. In certain embodiments, the method 64 includes measuring the rotor position and adjusting the rotor position as needed (e.g., via adjustment of the gasket 47) (block 84). As Figure 8 depicted, the method 64 also includes inserting (rolling) a lower seal 86 of the annular seal into the slot 87 of the lower portion 68 of the housing 14 such that the sealing teeth 88 interface with an annular rotor boss 90 extending radially 22 from the rotor 12 (block 92) and ultimately determining the rotor position.

[0035] The method 64 then includes measuring a distance 94 of the gap 56 (see Figure 7 )(block 96). Specifically, the axial distance 94 between the surface 50 of the second protrusion 40 and the end surface 52 of the rotor 12 is measured. After measuring the axial distance 94 of the gap 56, the method 64 includes machining (e.g., grinding) the block 54 to fit within the gap 56 with a minimum gap between the surface 58 of the block 54 and the end surface 52 of the rotor 12 to achieve assembly (block 98). The method 64 includes inserting the lower portion 100 of the block 54 circumferentially 24 into the gap 56 (block 102) (see Figure 8 ).

[0036] The method 64 also includes inserting an upper seal 106 of the annular seal into the slot 87 of the upper portion 104 of the housing 14 (block 108) and then installing the upper portion 104 of the housing 14 (see Figure 9 ). The method 64 then includes inserting the upper portion 110 of the block 54 circumferentially 24 into the gap 56 to complete the block 54 (block 112) (see Figure 10 ). After inserting the upper portion 110 of the block 54, the method 64 includes installing the upper portion 114 of the support clamp 30, along with another gasket 47, to the longitudinal end 32 of the upper portion 104 of the housing 14 to complete the annular support clamp 30 (block 116) (see Figure 10 ). In certain embodiments, the other gasket 47 can not be installed with the upper portion 114 of the support clamp 30. Specifically, the upper portion 114 of the support clamp 30 is fastened to the longitudinal end 32 of the housing 14 via a plurality of fasteners 82 (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction 24. After inserting the upper portion 114 of the support clamp 30, the support clamp 30 is torqued to the desired specification and the steam turbine section 10 is ready for shipment.

[0037] The technical effects of the disclosed embodiments include providing a support system for assembling and shipping steam turbine modules or sections. The support system supports the turbine rotor in a casing or housing and enables the completion of the turbine assembly. The support system remains in place to fix the rotor position axially and radially, thereby enabling the shipping of the turbine assembly. This support system eliminates the need for additional shipping brackets to secure the rotor during transportation. During the assembly process, the support system supports the rotor and avoids the need for temporary supports, which provides both cost and time savings for turbine assembly. During preparation for shipping, the support system can be accessed at a location outside the turbine, eliminating the need for machining, forming, welding, and internal installation of guide plates. Advantageously, the support system increases the axial contact area on the rotor (e.g., 360 degrees in a circumferential direction around the rotor) while also reducing the axial clearance or gap between the support system and the rotor. Both of these reduce potential damage caused by relative movement of the rotor during shipping. Additionally, due to the external accessibility of the support system relative to the turbine, breaching the pressure containment boundary to complete blind assembly of the guide plate (and introducing foreign object debris within the steam turbine module) is avoided. Overall, the combined assembly and shipping support system reduces both the cost and labor time associated with assembly and shipping of steam turbine modules.

[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0039] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature which significantly advance the art and which are therefore not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical.

Claims

1. A system for assembling and shipping a steam turbine module (10, 202, 204), the system comprising: A steam turbine module (10, 202, 204) comprising a housing (14, 206) and a rotor (12) disposed within the housing (14, 206); and A support system (16) for assembling and shipping the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204), the support system (16) comprising: A first annular support fixture (30) coupled to a first longitudinal end (32, 34) of the housing (14, 206), wherein the first annular support fixture (30) comprises: a first protrusion (38) extending between the rotor (12) and the housing (14, 206) in an axial direction (18) relative to a longitudinal axis (20) of the rotor (12), wherein the first protrusion (38) is configured to support the rotor (12) in a radial direction (22) relative to the longitudinal axis (20); and a second protrusion (40) extending in the radial direction (22) toward a side surface (42) of the rotor (12), wherein the second protrusion (40) includes a first surface (50) facing the rotor (12) in the axial direction (18); and a block (54) disposed between the first surface (50) of the second protrusion (40) and the rotor (12), wherein the block (54) is configured to block movement of the rotor (12) in the axial direction (18) during shipping of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204), Wherein said block (54) comprises an annular ring.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the annular ring of the block (54) is configured to contact the rotor (12) 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis (20).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the annular ring of the block (54) comprises a plurality of segments (60).

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of segments (60) of the block (54) include a first segment coupled to a lower portion (210) of the housing (206) and a second segment disposed against an upper portion (208) of the housing (206).

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first annular support fixture (30) includes a spacer (47) radially disposed between the first protrusion (38) and an inner surface (44) of the housing (14, 206).

6. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first annular support fixture (30) comprises a plurality of segments (62).

7. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the support system (16) includes a second annular support fixture (30) coupled to a second longitudinal end (34, 32) of the housing (14, 206) opposite the first longitudinal end (32, 34), wherein the second annular support fixture (30) includes a third protrusion (38) extending in the axial direction (18) between the rotor (12) and the housing (14, 206) and a fourth protrusion (40) extending in the radial direction (18). The steam turbine module (10, 202, 204) extends in an axial direction (22) toward the side surface (42) of the rotor (12), wherein the fourth protrusion (40) includes a second surface (50) facing the rotor (12) in the axial direction (18), and wherein the support system (16) includes a second block (54) disposed between the second surface (50) of the fourth protrusion (40) and the rotor (12), wherein the second block (54) is configured to block movement of the rotor (12) in the axial direction (18) during shipping of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204).

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the second block (54) comprises an annular ring including a plurality of segments (60).

9. A method for assembling and shipping a steam turbine module (10, 202, 204), the method comprising: A first portion (78) of a first annular support clamp (30) is coupled to a first longitudinal end (32, 34) of a lower portion (68, 210) of a casing (14, 206) of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204), wherein the first annular support clamp (30) includes a first protrusion (38) and a second protrusion (40), the first protrusion being configured to extend between a rotor (12) of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204) and the casing (14, 206). extending in an axial direction (18) relative to a longitudinal axis (20) of the rotor (12), the second protrusion being configured to extend in a radial direction (22) relative to the longitudinal axis (20) toward a side surface (42) of the rotor (12), wherein the second protrusion (40) includes a surface (50) configured to face the rotor (12) in the axial direction (18), and wherein the first protrusion (38) is configured to support the rotor (12) in the radial direction (22); positioning the rotor (12) of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204) within the lower portion (210) of the housing (14, 206); and disposing a first portion (60) of a block (54) between the surface (50) of the second protrusion (40) and the rotor (12), wherein the first portion of the block (54) is configured to block movement of the rotor (12) in the axial direction (18) during shipping of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204), Wherein said block (54) comprises an annular ring.

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising: positioning an upper portion (208) of the housing (14, 206) above the rotor (12) and the lower portion (210) of the housing (14, 206); coupling a second portion (62) of the first annular support fixture (30) to the first longitudinal end (32, 34) of the upper portion (208) of the casing (14, 206) of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204); and A second portion (60) of the block (54) is positioned against the rotor (12) and adjacent the upper portion (208) of the casing (14, 206), wherein the second portion of the block (54) is positioned between the surface (50) of the second protrusion (40) and the rotor (12), and wherein the second portion of the block (54) is configured to block movement of the rotor (12) in the axial direction during shipping of the steam turbine module (10, 202, 204).

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, comprising determining a distance (94) of a gap (56) between the surface (50) of the second protrusion (40) and the rotor (12); and machining the first portion (60) of the block (54) to fit within the gap (56).

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