Sealing assembly and sealing member with splined seal retainer

Abstract

The present invention is entitled a sealing assembly and a sealing member having a splined seal retainer thereof. The present invention provides a sealing assembly (140) comprising a plurality of sealing members (142) configured to be circumferentially adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages (124) in a turbine (111). The sealing member (142) includes an axially extending sealing portion (144) having splined seal slots (174, 180) defined in its opposing ramps (170, 172). The slots (176) are configured to allow insertion of a splined seal (180) into a facing slot (176) on an adjacent sealing member (140) when the sealing member (140) is in an axially offset position, and to retain the splined seal (180) in the facing slot (176) when the sealing member (140) is moved to an operating axial position. The slot (176) may include a spline seal retainer (196A) therein to properly position and retain the spline seals (180A, 180B). The sealing member (142) allows for easy assembly of the sealing assembly (140) with the spline seals (180) properly positioned, without damaging the spline seals (180) or adjacent structures. A method for assembling the sealing assembly (140) is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to turbines, and more specifically to a sealing assembly and its sealing member having a spline seal slot in an inclined plane, the spline seal slot providing spline seal insertion and retention. Background Technology

[0002] The main flow path of the turbine is designed to confine the main working fluid as it flows through the turbine and past the turbine's rotating blade stages. One mechanism for confining the main working fluid includes a sealing assembly between adjacent rotating blade stages, sometimes called a near-flow path seal (NFPS). The sealing assembly interacts with the inner radial surface of the nozzle to prevent the main working fluid from escaping. The sealing assembly includes multiple sealing members arranged circumferentially around the rotor between adjacent rotating blade stages. Each sealing member provides an axially extending sealing surface between the commonly adjacent rotating blade stages to prevent the main working fluid from escaping between the turbine blade rotor stages. One challenge of the sealing assembly is providing sufficient sealing between adjacent sealing members. Typically, each sealing member includes a slot defined in a bevel in its circumferentially facing direction to receive a spline seal, also known as a feather seal. The spline seal seals a radially inner region with a radially outer region. Spline seals are difficult to assemble with sealing members without damaging the spline seal, sealing assembly, and / or adjacent structures. For example, the position of the sealing member can be adjusted during assembly in a way that damages the spline seal. Alternatively, the process of assembling the sealing component may result in the spline seal being removed or mispositioned. Disassembly of the sealing component may require replacement or repair of damaged or misaligned spline seals. Summary of the Invention

[0003] All aspects, examples, and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure provides a sealing member for a sealing assembly, the sealing assembly including a plurality of sealing members configured to be positioned adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages of a turbine, wherein the sealing member includes: a sealing base including a fixing mechanism operable to fix to an interstage support structure; an axially extending sealing portion coupled to the sealing base, the axially extending sealing portion having a first axial end and an opposing second axial end, and a first ramp and an opposing second ramp, wherein each ramp extends between the first axial end and the opposing second axial end; and a first spline sealing slot defined in... In the first inclined surface, the first spline seal slot includes a first spline seal entry opening defined through a first axial end of an axially extending sealing portion; and a second spline seal slot defined in the second inclined surface, the second spline seal slot including a second spline seal entry opening defined through a first axial end of an axially extending sealing portion, wherein the first spline seal entry opening in the first inclined surface is located at a first radial position different from a second radial position of the second spline seal entry opening in the second inclined surface, and wherein the first spline seal slots and second spline seal slots of adjacent sealing members cooperate to hold the spline seal therein in its operating position.

[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the first spline seal slot in the first bevel includes a closed end at the second axial end of the axially extending seal portion.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the second spline seal slot in the second bevel includes a spline seal through opening defined as a second axial end portion extending through the axially extending seal portion. The spline seal through opening is radially aligned with the first spline seal slot defined in the first bevel.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the first spline seal slot in the first bevel includes a first spline seal end retainer in the first axial end of the axially extending seal portion and a second spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the axially extending seal portion, wherein the first axial opening is connected to the first spline seal end retainer, and wherein the second spline seal slot in the second bevel includes a third spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the axially extending seal portion.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a sealing assembly comprising: a plurality of first sealing members configured to be positioned adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages in a turbine, wherein each first sealing member includes: a first sealing base including a first fixing mechanism operable to fix the sealing member to an interstage support structure; a first axially extending sealing portion coupled to the first sealing base, the first axially extending sealing portion having a first axial end and an opposing second axial end, and a first ramp and an opposing second ramp, wherein each ramp extends between the first axial end and the opposing second axial end; and a first spline sealing slot, the first spline... A spline seal slot is defined in a first slope, the first spline seal slot including a first spline seal entry opening defined through a first axial end of a first axially extending sealing portion; and a second spline seal slot is defined in a second slope, the second spline seal slot including a second spline seal entry opening defined through a first axial end of the first axially extending sealing portion, wherein the first spline seal entry opening in the first slope is located at a first radial position different from a second radial position of the second spline seal entry opening in the second slope, and wherein the first spline seal slots and second spline seal slots of adjacent sealing members cooperate to hold the spline seal therein in an operating position.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the first spline seal slot in the first bevel includes a closed end at the second axial end of the axially extending seal portion.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the second spline seal slot in the second slope includes a spline seal through opening defined as passing through a second axial end portion of the axially extending seal portion, wherein the spline seal through opening is radially aligned with the first spline seal slot defined in the first slope.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the first spline seal slot in the first bevel includes a first spline seal end retainer in the first axial end of the first axially extending seal portion and a second spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the first axially extending seal portion, wherein the first axial opening is connected to the first spline seal end retainer.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the second spline seal slot in the second bevel includes a third spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the first axially extending seal portion.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the second spline seal entry opening in the second bevel is connected to the remainder of the second spline seal slot defined in the second bevel via a continuation curved slot portion defined in the second bevel.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the third spline seal end in the second axial end of the first axially extended sealing portion remains circumferentially aligned with the seat.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and also includes spline seals within spline seal slots of adjacent sealing members, each spline seal including a planar body having opposing ends angled relative to the planar body in a relaxed state, wherein at least one of the opposing ends is held in a spline seal end retainer in a spline seal end retainer in the relaxed state.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and the first spline seal in the first bevel is connected in a linear succession to the remainder of the first spline seal slot defined in the first bevel.

[0017] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects and further includes: a second sealing member configured to be positioned adjacent to one of the first sealing members, the second sealing member comprising: a second sealing base including a second fixing mechanism operable to fix to an interstage support structure; a second axially extending sealing portion coupled to the second sealing base, the second axially extending sealing portion having a third axial end and an opposing fourth axial end, and a third bevel and an opposing fourth bevel, wherein each of the third bevel and the fourth bevel extends between the third axial end and the opposing fourth axial end; and a third spline sealing slot, the third spline sealing slot... A slot is defined in a third bevel, the third spline seal slot including a third spline seal inlet defined through a third axial end of a second axially extending seal portion; a fourth spline seal slot is defined in a fourth bevel, the fourth spline seal slot including a fourth spline seal inlet defined through a third axial end of a second axially extending seal portion, wherein the third spline seal inlet and the fourth spline seal inlet are located at a first radial position different from a second radial position of the second spline seal inlet, and wherein one of the third spline seal slot and the fourth spline seal slot mates with a corresponding spline seal slot of an adjacent first sealing member to hold the spline seal therein in an operating position.

[0018] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects and further includes: a third sealing member configured to be located between a first sealing member and a second sealing member, the third sealing member comprising: a third sealing base including a third fixing mechanism operable to fix to an interstage support structure; a third axially extending sealing portion coupled to the third sealing base, the third axially extending sealing portion having a fifth axial end and an opposing sixth axial end, and a fifth ramp and an opposing sixth ramp, wherein each of the fifth ramp and the sixth ramp extends between the fifth axial end and the opposing sixth axial end; and a fifth spline sealing slot, the A fifth spline seal slot is defined in a fifth bevel, the fifth spline seal slot including a fifth spline seal inlet opening defined to pass through a fifth axial end of a third axially extended sealing portion; a sixth spline seal slot is defined in a sixth bevel, the sixth spline seal slot including a sixth spline seal inlet opening defined to pass through a sixth axial end of a third axially extended sealing portion, wherein the fifth spline seal inlet opening and the sixth spline seal inlet opening are located at a second radial position of the second spline seal inlet opening, and wherein one of the fifth spline seal slot and the sixth spline seal slot engages with a corresponding spline seal slot of an adjacent first sealing member to hold the spline seal therein in an operating position.

[0019] One aspect of this disclosure provides a method for assembling a plurality of sealing members configured to be positioned adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages of a turbine, the method comprising: firstly positioning a first sealing member in an operating axial position of the plurality of sealing members within an interstage support structure, wherein the first sealing member includes a first spline seal slot defined in a first inclined surface therein, the first spline seal slot including a first spline seal entry opening defined for a first axial end portion of a first axially extending sealing portion of the first sealing member; secondly, positioning a second sealing member in the interstage support structure at an axially offset position from the operating axial position only partially toward the operating axial position of the plurality of sealing members, wherein the second sealing member includes a second spline seal slot defined in a second inclined surface therein, the second spline seal entry opening being defined for a first axially extending sealing portion of the first sealing member; The splined seal slot includes a second splined seal entry opening defined as passing through a second axially extended sealing portion of the second sealing member, wherein the first splined seal slot and the second splined seal slot are aligned to receive the splined seal therein at a second axially offset position of the second sealing member; inserting the splined seal into the first splined seal slot and the second splined seal slot; and thirdly, positioning the second sealing member in an operating axial position of a plurality of sealing members in an interstage support structure, wherein the third positioning carries the splined seal into the first splined seal slot and the second splined seal slot, and retains the splined seal in an operating axial position of the splined seal in at least one of the first splined seal slot and the second splined seal slot in at least one splined seal holder in an operating axial position of the splined seal.

[0020] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and further includes holding the spline seal in the closed end of the first spline seal slot in the first slope at the second axial end of the first axially extended seal portion.

[0021] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and further includes, in an axially offset position, extending the spline seal through a spline seal through opening defined as passing through a second axial end portion of a second axially extended seal portion, wherein the spline seal through opening is radially aligned with a first spline seal slot.

[0022] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and further includes, in an axial operating position: holding a first sealing end of the spline seal in a first spline seal end holder in a second axial end of the first axially extended sealing portion, and a second spline seal end holder in a second axial end of the second axially extended sealing portion; and holding a second sealing end of the spline seal in a third spline seal end holder in the first axial end of the first axially extended sealing portion.

[0023] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, and further includes: prior to the first positioning, positioning an initiator sealing member in an operating axial position within an interstage support structure, the initiator sealing member being configured to be positioned adjacent to a first sealing member, the initiator sealing member having a splined seal slot on its opposing inclined surface, the splined seal slot having a splined seal entry opening at the axial end of its axially extending sealing portion, each of these openings being located at a first radial position; repeating the second positioning for a plurality of second sealing members, one of the second sealing members being adjacent to the initiator sealing member; and after repeating the second positioning, positioning a locking sealing member at an axially offset position from the operating axial position only partially toward the operating axial positions of the plurality of sealing members, the locking sealing member being configured to be located at a first radial position. Between the last second sealing member and the initiator sealing member in the two sealing members, the locking sealing member has a spline sealing slot on its opposing inclined surface, the spline sealing slot having an opening in the axial end of its axially extending sealing portion, each of these openings having a second radial position different from the first radial position; inserting the spline seal into both the first and second spline sealing slots of the locking sealing member; and positioning the locking sealing member in the operating axial position of a plurality of sealing members in the interstage support structure, wherein the positioning of the locking sealing member positions two spline seals into the spline sealing slots of the locking sealing member, and holds the spline seals in the operating axial position of at least one spline seal holder in at least one spline sealing slot of the spline sealing member.

[0024] Two or more aspects described in this disclosure (including those described in this overview section) may be combined to form an implementation scheme not specifically described herein.

[0025] Details of one or more specific embodiments are set forth in the following figures and description. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the specification, figures, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of various aspects of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings depicting various embodiments thereof, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary turbine in the form of a gas turbine system is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary gas turbine assembly used in a gas turbine system;

[0029] Figure 3 A side sectional view of a portion of a turbine, including a sealing assembly comprising multiple sealing members, is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary sealing member and a spline seal is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 A side view of the first bevel of the sealing member, including the first spline seal slot, is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 A side view of the second opposing slope of the sealing member is shown, the sealing member including a second spline sealing slot that is different from the first spline sealing slot;

[0033] Figure 7 An end view of the front axial end of the axially extended sealing portion of the main sealing member is shown;

[0034] Figure 8 An end view of the rear axial end of the axially extended sealing portion of the main sealing member is shown;

[0035] Figure 9 An end view of the front end portion of the sealing assembly in the turbine is shown;

[0036] Figure 10 An end view of the front axial end of the axially extended sealing portion of the initiator sealing member is shown;

[0037] Figure 11 An end view of the front axial end of the axially extended sealing portion of the locking sealing member is shown;

[0038] Figure 12 A perspective view of an initial arrangement for assembling a sealing assembly, which includes an initiator or a prior main sealing member in an axial position of operation, is shown.

[0039] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the sealing member positioned at an axially offset position during the assembly of the sealing assembly;

[0040] Figure 14 shows an enlarged perspective view along line 14-14 in Figure 13, illustrating the interaction of spline seal slots of adjacent sealing members in axially offset positions;

[0041] Figure 15 A perspective view is shown showing the initial insertion of the spline seal into an adjacent seal member in an axially offset position during the assembly of the sealing assembly;

[0042] Figure 16 A perspective view is shown of a spline seal fully inserted into an adjacent sealing member in an axially offset position during the assembly of the sealing assembly;

[0043] Figure 17 shows the route along Figure 16 The magnified perspective view of line 17 shows the interaction between the spline seal and the spline seal slot of the adjacent sealing member in an axially offset position;

[0044] Figure 18 shows along Figure 16 The magnified perspective view of line 18 shows the interaction between the spline seal and the spline seal slot of the adjacent sealing member in an axially offset position;

[0045] Figure 19 A perspective view showing the sealing member positioned in an operational axial position during assembly of the sealing assembly is shown;

[0046] Figure 20 It shows along Figure 19 The view is an enlarged perspective view of line 20, in which the nearest sealing member is removed from the view, and shows the position of the spline seal in one of the spline seal slots in the operating axial position of the sealing member;

[0047] Figure 21 It shows along Figure 19 An enlarged perspective view of line 21 in the view, wherein the nearest sealing member is removed from the view, and the position of the spline seal in a spline seal slot in the spline seal slot at the operating axial position of the sealing member is shown;

[0048] Figure 22 It shows along Figure 19 An enlarged perspective view of line 22 in the view, wherein the nearest sealing member is removed from the view, and the position of the spline seal in a spline seal slot in the spline seal slot at the operating axial position of the sealing member is shown;

[0049] Figure 23 It shows along Figure 19 An enlarged perspective view of line 23, in which the nearest sealing member is removed from the view, and showing the position of the spline seal in a spline seal slot at an operating axial position aligned with the sealing member; and

[0050] Figure 24 A perspective view is shown showing the positioning and locking of the sealing member by inserting a spline seal to complete the sealing assembly.

[0051] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings of this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of this disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In the drawings, similar numbers denote similar elements between figures. Detailed Implementation

[0052] First, in order to clearly describe the subject matter disclosed herein, it will be necessary to select certain terms when referring to and describing the relevant machine parts within a turbine. To the extent possible, common industry terms will be used and adopted in a manner consistent with their accepted meaning. Unless otherwise stated, such terms should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that several different or overlapping terms may generally be used to refer to a particular part. An object that can be described herein as a single part may include multiple parts and is referred to in another context as being composed of multiple parts. Alternatively, an object that can be described herein as comprising multiple parts may elsewhere be referred to as a single part.

[0053] Additionally, several descriptive terms may be used periodically throughout this document, and it should prove helpful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. Unless otherwise stated, these terms and their definitions are as follows. As used herein, “downstream” and “upstream” are terms indicating the direction of fluid flow, such as the working fluid through a turbine engine, or, for example, the airflow through a combustor or the coolant through one of the turbine's component systems. The term “downstream” corresponds to the direction of fluid flow, and the term “upstream” refers to the direction opposite to the flow (i.e., the direction from which the flow originates).

[0054] It is often necessary to describe parts positioned at different radial locations relative to the central axis. The term "radial" refers to movement or position perpendicular to the axis. For example, if a first part is closer to the axis than a second part, this document will describe the first part as "radially inward" or "inner" of the second part. On the other hand, if the first part resides further away from the axis than the second part, this document may describe the first part as "radially outward" or "outer" of the second part. The term "axial" refers to movement or position parallel to the axis. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or position about the axis. It should be understood that such terms can be applied relative to the central axis of the turbine.

[0055] In addition, several descriptive terms may be used regularly in this document, as described below. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position, order, or importance of individual components.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in the specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. “Optional” or “optionally” means that an event or condition subsequently described may or may not occur, or a component or feature subsequently described may or may not be present, and the description includes instances where the event occurs or the component is present and instances where the event does not occur or the component is not present.

[0057] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “attached to another element or layer,” “connected to another element or layer,” or “linked to another element or layer,” it may be directly on, attached to, connected to, or linked to another element or layer, or an intervening element or layer may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly attached to another element or layer,” “directly connected to another element or layer,” or “directly linked to another element or layer,” an intervening element or layer may not be present. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0058] As described above, this disclosure provides a sealing assembly comprising a plurality of sealing members configured to be circumferentially adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages in a turbine. Each sealing member includes an axially extending sealing portion having a spline seal slot defined in its opposing ramps. The axially extending sealing portions interact to form a complete sealing assembly. The spline seal slot is configured to allow insertion of a spline seal into a facing slot on an adjacent sealing member when the sealing member is in an axially offset position, and to retain the spline seal in the facing slot when the sealing member is moved to an operating axial position. The slot may include a spline seal retainer therein to properly position and retain the spline seal. The sealing assembly facilitates installation of the sealing assembly with the spline seal properly positioned without damaging the spline seal or adjacent structures. Compared to conventional systems, the sealing assembly requires no additional parts or tools and no additional modifications to the turbine, thus allowing application to both new and old turbines. A method for assembling the sealing assembly will also be described.

[0059] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary turbine 100 in the form of a combustion or gas turbine system is shown. Turbine 100 includes a compressor 102 and a combustor 104. Combustor 104 includes a combustion zone 106 and a fuel nozzle assembly 108. Turbine 100 also includes a turbine 110 and a conventional compressor / turbine shaft 112 (sometimes referred to as rotor 112). In one embodiment, GT system 100 is a 7HA.03 engine, commercially available from General Electric Company (Greenville, SC). This disclosure is not limited to any particular GT system and can be implemented with other engines, including, for example, General Electric Company's HA, F, B, LM, GT, TM, and E-class engine models, as well as engine models from other companies. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to any particular turbine and can be applied to, for example, steam turbines, jet engines, compressors, turbofans, etc.

[0060] During operation, air flows through compressor 102 and compressed air is supplied to burner 104. Specifically, compressed air is supplied to fuel nozzle assembly 108, which is integral with burner 104. Assembly 108 is in fluid communication with combustion zone 106. Fuel nozzle assembly 108 is also in communication with fuel source ( Figure 1 (Not shown) is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber 106, and directs fuel and air to the combustion zone 106. The burner 104 is ignited and the fuel is burned. The burner 104 is in fluid communication with the turbine assembly 110 so that the thermal energy of the gas flow is converted into mechanical rotational energy. The turbine assembly 110 includes a turbine 111 rotatably coupled to and driving a rotor 112. A compressor 102 is also rotatably coupled to the rotor 112. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple burners 106 and fuel nozzle assemblies 108 are present.

[0061] Figure 2 Turbine 100 is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary turbine assembly 110, which can be compared with... Figure 1This is used in conjunction with a gas turbine system. The turbine 111 of turbine assembly 110 includes a nozzle or stator stage 120 coupled to a stationary housing 122 of turbine 100 and axially adjacent to a rotating blade stage 124. The nozzle or stator stage 126 is held within turbine assembly 110 by a radially outer platform 128 and a radially inner platform 130. The rotating blade stage 124 in turbine assembly 110 includes rotating blades 132 coupled to and rotating with rotor 112 via a rotor wheel 138. The rotating blades 132 may include a radially inward platform 134 (at the root of the blade) coupled to rotor 112 and a radially outward tip shield 136 (at the tip of the blade). A sealing assembly 140 is included between the rotating blade stage 124 (i.e., rotor wheel 138 and rotating blades 132) and forms an edge seal or other airflow path seal. The sealing assembly 140 may form an edge or outer boundary of the turbine rotor 112 that separates the main working fluid (such as combustion gas) flow path from the internal portions of the rotor 112 (including portions of components such as the shaft and rotor wheel 138 of the rotor 112). The sealing assembly 140 is configured to prevent fluid from migrating into or from the main working fluid flow path formed by the blades 132 and the nozzles 126.

[0062] Figure 3 A side sectional view of a portion of the turbine 111 including a sealing assembly 140, which comprises multiple sealing members, is shown. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the sealing members. In one embodiment, the sealing assembly 140 includes a plurality of sealing members configured to be positioned adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages 124 of the turbine 111. As will be described herein, the sealing assembly 140 includes several different types of sealing members (note, Figure 4 The sealing member in this document is a composite material of various different types of sealing members 142, 210, and 212 described herein. A sealing member is provided to initiate assembly, and is therefore referred to as an "initiator sealing member" 210. Figure 9 , Figure 10 Another termination assembly locks the sealing member in place, hence the name "locking sealing member" 212 ( Figure 9 , Figure 11However, as will be described, most of the sealing members include what is referred to herein as the “main sealing member” 142. As described above, the sealing members include spline seal slots on their opposing ramps to allow insertion and retention of spline seals 180 between adjacent sealing members. The differences between the sealing members are based on the spline seal slots included on their opposing ramps 170, 172 (in addition to the two types of spline seal slots used). As will be described, the main sealing member 142 includes different spline seal slots, the initiator sealing member 210 includes one type of spline seal slot on the two ramps, and the locking sealing member 212 includes other types of spline seal slots on the two ramps. All sealing members 142, 210, 212 can radially contact the rotating blade stage 124 and can be radially loaded against the rotating blade stage.

[0063] continue Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each sealing member 142, 210, 212 includes one or more generally axially extending portions (“axial sealing portions” or “axially extended sealing portions”) 144 coupled to a sealing member base 162. The axial sealing portion 144 has a first axial end 146 and an opposing second axial end 148. The axial sealing portion 144 also has a first ramp 170 and an opposing second ramp 172. Each ramp 170, 172 extends between the first axial end 146 and the opposing second axial end 148. The ramps 170, 172 are circumferentially oriented to mate with corresponding ramps 172, 170 of adjacent sealing members 142, 210, 212, as will be further described herein. For descriptive purposes, the first axial end 146 is shown as a front axial end, and the second axial end 148 is shown as a rear axial end. As described herein, "front" refers to the leading position relative to the reference position along the fluid flow path, while "rear" refers to the trailing position relative to the reference position along the fluid flow path, see, for example, the arrow WF indicating the direction of fluid flow. Hereinafter, for clarity, the axial ends will be referred to as front axial end 146 and rear axial end 148. However, it is emphasized that the structures for positioning the axial ends and the reference axial end can be switched without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0064] In one embodiment, the axial sealing portion 144 further includes a load surface 150. Figure 4 The load surface 150 is located at or near the front axial end 146 and the rear axial end 148, and is configured to contact each rotating blade stage 124 and apply an outward radial load to each rotating blade stage. For example, the load surface 150 is configured to contact the axially projecting shelf 152 or other protrusions extending axially from the rotating blade stage 124. Figure 3In the example shown, shelf 152 is located at the blade shank or radially inner platform 134, although shelf 152 can be located at any suitable location, such as at selected locations on rotor wheel 138 and blade 132. In one embodiment, the seal is achieved through contact between the load surface 150 and shelf 152 and / or through sealing mechanisms (such as load bar or line seal 154) located at the front end 146 and / or rear end 148. Figure 4 ))form.

[0065] In one embodiment, the axial sealing portion 144 includes a nozzle stage 120 configured to contact the nozzle. Figure 3 A radial sealing member is a portion of the nozzle stage 120. For example, the axial sealing portion 144 may include a plurality of sealing teeth 158 disposed on the radially outer side of the axial sealing portion 144 and extending radially outward. The sealing teeth 158 are configured to seal against the stator surface of the nozzle stage 120, such as an inner nozzle support structure including a wear-resistant surface 160. Figure 3 ) radial inner platform 130 ( Figure 3 ).

[0066] Sealing members 142, 210, 212 also include a sealing base 162 capable of being removably attached to an interstage support structure 164, such as a turbine spacer edge structure. In one embodiment, the sealing base 162 includes a retaining mechanism 166 operable to secure the sealing member 142 to the interstage support structure 164. In one embodiment, the sealing base 162 includes the retaining mechanism 166 configured to hold the sealing members 142, 210, 212 in place relative to the support structure 164 in at least substantially radial and tangential directions, but allowing axial movement. The retaining mechanism 166 is shown as at least substantially axial dovetail, but the retaining mechanism is not limited thereto. The sealing members 142, 210, 212 are not limited to the shapes and configurations described herein, because the sealing members 142, 210, 212, the axial sealing portion 144, the retaining mechanism 166 and / or the sealing base 162 can be shaped as needed, for example, to reduce weight, deflection, leakage and / or stress.

[0067] The sealing assembly 140 includes a plurality of sealing members 142, 210, 212 configured to abut against each other to form a continuous circumferential seal. Each of the sealing members 142, 210, 212 may include a sealing feature to control leakage around and / or through an edge sealing section. For example, the sealing feature may include a section seal 168, such as a generally axially and / or radially extending spline seal, wire seal, or pin seal, to form a seal between the sealing bases 162 of adjacent sealing members 142, 210, 212 to reduce fluid flow therebetween.

[0068] Figures 4-8 A view of the main sealing member 142 is shown for the purpose of introducing the spline seal receiving slots (“spline seal slots”, “spline slots”) 174, 176. Figure 5 A side view of the first inclined plane 170 is shown, and Figure 6 A side view of the second inclined surface 172 on the same axial sealing portion 144 of the exemplary first main sealing member 142 is shown. That is, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The opposing inclined surfaces 170 and 172 of the same main sealing member 142 are shown. Figure 7 An end view of the front axial end portion 146 of the axial sealing portion 144 is shown, and Figure 8 An end view of the rear axial end 148 of the axial sealing portion 144 of the same main sealing member 142 is shown.

[0069] In some embodiments of the main sealing member 142, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first stationary slot 174 is defined in the first inclined plane 170, and as Figure 6 As shown, the second spline seal slot 176 is defined in the second opposing ramp 172. Slots 174 and 176 are different. As will be described herein, spline seal slots 174 and 176 mate to accommodate the spline seal 180 therein ( Figure 4 Positioned at the axial position of the adjacent sealing component during operation. Figure 19-23 This allows the adjacent sealing members to be sealed together. Additionally, the spline seal slots 174 and 176 are structured to allow the spline seal 180 to insert into the facing slots 174 and 176 on adjacent sealing members 142, 210, and 212 when the sealing members are in an axially offset position, and when the adjacent sealing members move to the operating axial position (…). Figure 19-23The spline seal 180 is held in the spline seal slots 174 and 176. Generally, the spline seal slot 174 allows the spline seal 180 to initially slide into the slot, and then holds the spline seal 180 in the slot as the sealing member in which the spline seal 180 is positioned remains stationary and the adjacent sealing member moves from an axially offset position to an operating axial position. Therefore, for distinction purposes, the spline seal slot 174 may be referred to herein as "stationary slot 174". Generally, the spline seal slot 176 allows the spline seal 180 to initially slide, and then allows the spline seal 180 to adjust within the spline seal slot as the sealing member in which the spline seal 180 is positioned moves from an axially offset position to an operating axial position. Therefore, for the purpose of distinction, the spline seal slot 176 may be referred to herein as "moving slot 176". As will be described herein, the main sealing member 142 includes a stationary slot 174 on one ramp 170 and a moving slot 176 on the opposing ramp 172. In contrast, the initiator seal member 210 includes a stationary slot 174 on both ramps 170 and 172, and the locking seal member 212 includes a moving slot 176 on both ramps 170 and 172. In any case, slots 174 and 176 may have any desired circumferential dimensions (entry...). Figure 5-6 (as per the page), to allow the spline seal 180 to be disposed therein and to prevent circumferential clearance of the spline seal 180 relative to the bevels 170, 172. The spline seal 180 and the slots 174, 176 may also have any desired length, typically having a length similar to that of the axial sealing portion 144 in which it is positioned.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the stationary slot 174 includes a first spline seal entry opening 182 defined through a front axial end 146 of the axial sealing portion 144. The first spline seal entry opening 182 in the first ramp 170 is linearly connected to the remainder of the stationary slot 174 defined in the first ramp 170. Similarly, the moving slot 176 includes a second spline seal entry opening 184 defined through a front axial end 146 of the axial sealing portion 144. Figure 7 As best shown, the first spline seal inlet opening 182 is located at a first radial position R1, which is different from the second radial position R2 of the second spline seal inlet opening 184. The radial positions R1 and R2 can, for example, have the characteristics of a turbine 100 ( Figure 1 The axis A of the turbine 111 (as described herein) or other fixed structure of the turbine 111 is used as a reference point. Figure 7 In the example shown, the second spline seal entry opening 184 is radially outside the first spline seal entry opening 182, i.e., R2>R1. Figure 6 The second spline seal inlet 184 is shown to be coupled to the remainder of the movable slot 176 defined in the second ramp 172 via a successive curved slot portion 186 defined in the second ramp 172. The curved slot portion 186 thus positions the second spline seal inlet 184 in the second ramp 172 at a larger radial position R2, but smoothly transitions to the remainder of the movable slot 176 defined in the second ramp 172 (which is located at a first radial position R1), thereby allowing the spline seal 180 to slide smoothly therein. The remainder of the movable slot 176 (downstream of the curved slot portion 186) and all stationary slots 174 generally have the same radial position, namely the first radial position R1.

[0071] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the stationary slot 174 in the first inclined surface 170 includes a closed end 190 at the rear axial end 148 of the axial sealing portion 144. Therefore, the spline seal 180 cannot escape through the rear axial end 148 of the slot 174. In contrast, as... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the movable slot 176 in the second ramp 172 includes a spline seal through opening 192 defined to pass through the rear axial end 148 of the axial sealing portion 144. The spline seal through opening (“through opening”) 192 is radially aligned with the stationary slot 174 defined in the first ramp 170, i.e., in the adjacent sealing member. In this way, the spline seal 180 can slide through the through opening 192 when engaging in the retaining slot 174 of the adjacent sealing member and entering the slot 176.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the spline seal 180 may include a planar body 218 having opposing ends (“ends”, “seal ends”) 194, 195. As will be described, ends 194, 195 may be used to position and retain the spline seal 180 in slots 174, 176. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the stationary slot 174 in the first inclined surface 170 may include a first spline seal end retainer (“first seal seat”, “seal seat”) 196 in the front axial end 146 of the axial sealing portion 144. The stationary slot 174 may also include a second spline seal end retainer (“second seal seat”, “seal seat”) 198 in the rear axial end 148 of the axial sealing portion 144. Figure 5 As shown, the first spline seal enters through opening 182 and connects to the first seat 196, meaning they are connected. (As...) Figure 6As shown, the movable slot 176 in the second ramp 172 may also include a third spline seal end retainer (“third seal seat”, “seal seat”) 200 in the rear axial end 148 of the axial sealing portion 144. A through opening 192 continues to the third seat 200, i.e., they are connected. The front axial end 146 of the second ramp 172 does not have a spline seal end retainer because it includes a curved slot portion 186. Each seal seat 196, 198, 200 includes an enlarged opening that continues to its corresponding slot 174, 176. As will be further described, when the spline seal 180 is installed, the seal seats 196, 198 allow the corresponding ends 194, 195 to be seated and retained therein, and when the spline seal 180 is exposed to centrifugal loads during operation, the seal seat 200 allows the end 195 to be seated therein. The curved slot portion 186 is circumferentially aligned with the first seal seat 196 in the front axial end 146 of the stationary slot 174 in the axial sealing portion 144. In this way, even if the front end 194 of the spline seal 180 has limited movement when it is in the curved slot portion 186 (i.e., it cannot flex or move radially), the curved slot portion 186 can guide the front end 194 of the spline seal 180 into the seal seat 196 in the stationary slot 174 adjacent to the curved slot portion 186. This positioning can occur when the front end 194 is not constrained within the first spline seal entering the opening 182. In this way, although not axially constrained in the curved slot portion 186 in the moving slot 176, the spline seal 180 can be held in the slots 174, 176 by the first seat 196 in the moving slot 176.

[0073] As noted herein, the sealing assembly 140 includes a plurality of sealing members 142 configured to be in the turbine 111 ( Figure 3 The adjacent rotating blade stage 124 in ) Figure 3 The elements are positioned adjacent to each other. Figure 9 An end view of the front axial end 146 of a portion of a sealing assembly 140 in operation is shown. The portion of the sealing assembly 140 shown includes sealing members located at the actual start and end of the assembly of the sealing assembly 140. In addition to the main sealing member 142, as previously described, the sealing assembly 140 also includes a second initiator sealing member 210 and a third locking sealing member 212. The sealing members 210 and 212 are substantially similar to the sealing member 142, except that the type of slots disposed therein is the same on both of their beveled surfaces 170 and 172. As will be further described herein, the same slots 174 and 176 disposed on both the beveled surfaces 170 and 172 of the sealing members 210 and 212 are adapted to the start and end of the assembly of the sealing assembly 140.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, the initiator sealing member 210 is configured to be located near one of the main sealing member 142 (shown on the left) and the locking sealing member 212 (shown on the right). Except for its slot, the initiator sealing member 210 includes the same structure as the main sealing member 142. Figure 4 As shown, the initiator sealing member 210 includes a sealing base 162, which includes a retaining mechanism 166 operable to secure to an interstage support structure 164. The initiator sealing member 210 also includes an axial sealing portion 144 coupled to the sealing base 162. The axial sealing portion 144 has axial ends 146, 148 and bevels 170, 172, with the bevels extending between the axial ends 146, 148. Figure 10 An enlarged end view of the front axial end 146 of the initiator sealing member 210 is shown. Here, the stationary slot 174 (as shown) Figure 5 (As shown) is arranged on both inclined planes 170 and 172, wherein the slots are mirror images of each other. Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown, the front axial end portion 146 of the initiator sealing member 210 has two stationary slots 174, each slot including a spline seal entry opening 182 defined to pass through the front axial end portion 146 of the axial sealing portion 144. Both openings 182 have a first radial distance R1. That is, in the initiator sealing member 210, the spline seal entry opening 182 ( Figure 10 (Left side) and spline seal enters opening 182 ( Figure 10 Both (on the right) are, for example, at the first radial position R1. Figure 7 As shown, the first radial position R1 differs from the second radial position R2 of the spline seal entering the opening 184 in the inclined surface 172 of the main sealing member 142. For example... Figure 9 As shown, one of the stationary slots 174 (as shown, on the left side of the initiator sealing member 210) engages with a corresponding stationary slot 174 of the adjacent first main sealing member 142 to hold the spline seal 180 therein in the operating position. The other stationary slot 174 (as shown, on the right side of the initiator sealing member 210) engages with a corresponding movable slot 176 of the adjacent locking sealing member 212 to hold the spline seal 180 therein in the operating position.

[0075] Continue to refer to Figure 9 The locking sealing member 212 is configured to be located between a main sealing member 142 (as shown on its right side) and an initiator sealing member 210 (as shown on its left side). As shown, when viewed along the direction of the fluid flow path, i.e. Figure 9As shown when viewed rearward, the main sealing member 142 is assembled counterclockwise. In this configuration, the main sealing member is to the right of the locking sealing member 212, and is the last (last assembled) main sealing member 142F. Figure 4 As shown, the locking seal member 212 has the same structure as the sealing members 142 and 210, except for its slot. The locking seal member 212 includes a seal base 162, which includes a retaining mechanism 166 operable to secure to the interstage support structure 164. The locking seal member 212 also includes an axial sealing portion 144 coupled to the seal base 162. The axial sealing portion 144 has a front axial end 146 and a rear axial end 148, and ramps 170 and 172 extending between the axial ends 146 and 148.

[0076] Figure 11 An enlarged end view of the front axial end 146 of the initiator sealing member 210 is shown. Here, the movable slot 176 (as shown) Figure 6 As shown, it is set on both inclined planes 170 and 172, as Figure 11 As shown, the slots are mirror images of each other. Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, the front axial end portion 146 of the locking seal member 212 has two stationary slots 176, each slot including a spline seal entry opening 184 defined to pass through the front axial end portion 146 of the axial sealing portion 144. Both openings 184 have, for example, a second radial position R2. That is, in the locking seal member 212, the spline seal enters the opening 184 (… Figure 11 (Left side) and spline seal enters opening 184 ( Figure 11 (On the right) at, for example, the second radial position R2. (As shown) Figure 7 As shown, the first radial position R1 is different from the second radial position R2 of the spline seal entry opening 184 in the main sealing member 142. Figure 9 As shown, one of the movable slots 176 (as shown, to the right of the locking seal member 212) engages with the corresponding stationary slot 174 of the adjacent main seal member 142F (as shown, to the right) to hold the spline seal 180 therein in its operating position. The other movable slot 176 (as shown, to the left of the locking seal member 212) engages with the corresponding stationary slot 174 of the adjacent initiator seal member 210 to hold the spline seal 180 therein in its operating position.

[0077] The sealing assembly 140 may further include a spline seal 180 within sealing slots 174, 176 of adjacent sealing members 142, 210, 212. As described above, each spline seal 180 includes a planar body 218 having a front end 194 and an opposing rear end 195. As will be further described herein, at least one of the opposing ends 194, 195 is held in a sealing seat 196, 198, 200 in a relaxed state.

[0078] Each sealing member 142, 210, 212 may have any desired circumferential range, such as 5°, 10°, 15°, etc. The number of sealing members 142, 210, 212 may depend on several factors, such as, but not limited to: the diameter of the turbine 111, the diameter of the specific blade stage 124 used therein, the desired number of sealing members, etc.

[0079] Figures 12-23 An embodiment of a method for assembling a sealing assembly 140 together with a plurality of sealing members configured to be mounted on a turbine 111 is shown. Figure 2 The adjacent rotating blade stage 124 () Figure 2 The sealing members are positioned adjacent to each other. For descriptive purposes regarding the assembly of the sealing members into the sealing assembly 140, the sealing member first installed in the operating axial position is designated "A," and the next sealing member to be installed is designated "B." Similarly named parts on each sealing member are also designated with "A" or "B," for example, front axial ends 146A, 146B. For descriptive purposes, it is assumed that the assembly process proceeds counterclockwise from the turbine 111 rearward; see [reference needed]. Figure 9 , Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 19 The direction of the assembly arrow (DA) in the diagram. It will be recognized that assembly can also be performed in the opposite direction.

[0080] Figure 12 A perspective view is shown showing the operational axial position of the first sealing member A within the interstage support structure 164 of the plurality of sealing members. "Operating axial position" is the position within the interstage support structure 164 where the sealing member will be held during operation of the turbine 111. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism 166 of the sealing member and the axial facing surfaces of the interstage support structure 164 may be coplanar or nearly coplanar in the operational axial position, but this is not always necessary.

[0081] Embodiments of this disclosure may include assembling the main sealing member 142 only around the interstage support structure 164, for example, with the initiator sealing member 210 already in place. However, embodiments of this disclosure may also include assembling the sealing assembly 140 by first positioning the initiator sealing member 210, then sequentially and repeatedly positioning any desired number of main sealing members 142, and finally positioning the locking sealing member 212. Figure 3 ).exist Figure 12 In this configuration, the sealing member A initially positioned in the axial operating position can be either the initiator sealing member 210 or the main sealing member 142. If the sealing member A initially positioned in the interstage support structure 164 is the first sealing member actually installed, then sealing member A will be the initiator sealing member 210. If the sealing member A initially positioned on the interstage support structure 164 is a subsequent assembly of the initiator sealing member 210 (not shown in this case), then sealing member A can be any main sealing member 142. That is, a main sealing member 142 is positioned next to the initiator sealing member 210 (not shown in this case). Then, each subsequent main sealing member 142 is positioned in the axial operating position close to the previously installed main sealing member 142 until only the locking sealing member 212 needs to be assembled.

[0082] By axially sliding the retaining mechanism 166 and the interstage support structure 166 together, for example, by sliding the convex retaining mechanism 166 into the corresponding concave opening in the interstage support structure 164, each sealing member 142, 210, 212 can be positioned in an axially operating position. Figure 12 As shown in the following figures, each sealing member 142, 210, 212 can be axially held in the interstage support structure 164 using any now-known or later-developed retaining member 220 (such as, but not limited to, retaining pins in slots in the interstage support structure 164 and the seal base 162). As shown, the sealing member A, initially positioned in the axial operating position, includes a stationary slot 174A defined in its first inclined surface 170A (in... Figure 9 (Centering counterclockwise). The first inclined surface 170A includes a stationary slot 174A, which includes a spline seal entry opening 182A defined to pass through the front axial end portion 146A of the first axial sealing portion 144A of the sealing member A.

[0083] Figure 13 shows an axially offset position for positioning the sealing member B in the interstage support structure 164 at an operational axial position. An "axially offset position" is a position that is only partially oriented toward the operational axial position of the plurality of sealing members. Here, the sealing member B is only partially mounted in the interstage support structure 164, and the axial facing surfaces of the mechanism 166 and the interstage support structure 164 are kept not nearly coplanar. The sealing member B includes a movable slot 176 defined in its second inclined surface 172. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the movable slot 176 includes a second spline seal entry opening 184 defined as passing through the front axial end 146B (FIG. 13) of the second axial sealing portion 144B of the sealing member B. FIG. 14 shows an enlarged perspective view along line 14 in FIG. 13, with the sealing member in an offset axial position.

[0084] As shown in Figures 13 and especially 14, the sealing slots 174 and 176 are aligned at axially offset positions in the sealing member B to receive the spline seal 180 therein. More specifically, the spline seal entry opening 184 of the movable slot 176 is located at a second radial position R2, but axially ahead of the spline seal entry opening 182A in the sealing member A, which is located at a first radial position R1. The remainder of the movable slot 176B in the ramp 172B in the sealing member B is radially aligned with the stationary slot 174 in the sealing member A. Therefore, despite the different radial positions of the openings 182 and 184, the spline seal 180 can slide into the spline seal entry opening 184 of the movable slot 176 to move into the spline seal entry opening 182 in the sealing member A. Therefore, the axial offset position is also the position where the portion of the moving slot 176 (in the axial offset sealing member B being installed) located axially downstream of its curved slot portion 186B is circumferentially aligned with the spline seal entry opening 182A of the stationary slot 174A in the already installed sealing member A.

[0085] At this stage, the spline seal 180 can be inserted into the stationary and moving slots 174 and 176. Figure 15 A perspective view of sealing members A and B in an axially offset position is shown, wherein spline seal 180 begins to slide into slots 174 and 176; and Figure 16 A perspective view of sealing members A and B is shown, in which the spline seal 180 slides as far as possible into slots 174 and 176 in an axially offset position. Figure 17 shows along... Figure 16 An enlarged perspective view of line 17 in Figure 18, and Figure 18 shows the view along... Figure 16An enlarged perspective view of line of sight 18 in Figures 17 and 18. Both Figures 17 and 18 show the interaction between the spline seal 180 and the sealing slots 174 and 176 of the adjacent sealing members A and B in axially offset positions.

[0086] As shown in Figure 17, the spline seal 180 can slide along the curved slot portion 186B into the opening 184B of the moving slot 176B and into the opening 182A of the stationary slot 174A. That is, although the radial positions of the openings 182A and 184B are different, the spline seal 180 sliding into the opening 184B in the moving slot 176B, and the spline seal moving into the sealing member A, enters the opening 182A. Figure 16 As shown in Figure 18, when the spline seal 180 slides into the slots 174A, 176B, the spline seal can extend out of the sealing member B via the spline seal through-opening 192B in the rear axial end portion 148B. That is, in the axially offset position of the sealing member B, the spline seal 180 (rear end portion 195) extends through the spline seal through-opening 192B, which is defined to pass through the rear axial end portion 148B of the axial sealing portion 144B. As described above, the spline seal through-opening 192B is radially aligned with the stationary slot 174A, thereby allowing this positioning to occur. Simultaneously, when the spline seal 180 slides into the slots 174A, 176B, it slides through the stationary slot 174A in the sealing member A until it reaches the closed end 190A of the adjacent slot. The spline seal through opening 192B is radially aligned with the stationary slot 174A, thereby preventing the rear end 195 of the spline seal 180 from moving radially outward into the seal seat 198A in the rear axial end 148A of the sealing member A. When the spline seal 180 reaches the closed end 190A of the stationary slot 174A, the sliding of the spline seal 180 stops. That is, the spline seal 180 remains in the closed end 190A of the stationary slot 174A located in the first ramp 170A at the rear axial end 148B of the axial sealing portion 144A.

[0087] Figures 19-23 This is a perspective view showing the sealing member B after it has been positioned in the axial operational position of a plurality of sealing members within the interstage support structure 164. Positioning may include further axially moving the sealing member B into the interstage support structure 164. Figure 19 As shown, when the sealing member B in the interstage support structure 164 is in one of the operating axial positions of multiple sealing members, the sealing member B can be fixed in the appropriate position by retaining member 220. Figure 20 An enlarged perspective view of the rear axial end portion 148A of the first sealing member A is shown, but sealing member B has been removed from the view; Figure 21An enlarged perspective view of the front axial end portion 146A of the first sealing member A is shown, but sealing member B has been removed from the view. Similarly, Figure 22 An enlarged perspective view of the rear axial end portion 148B of the second sealing member B is shown, but sealing member A has been removed from the view; and Figure 23 An enlarged perspective view of the front axial end 146B of the second sealing member B in the axial position of axial operation is shown, but sealing member A has been removed from the view.

[0088] like Figures 20-23 As shown in the enlarged perspective view, positioning the sealing member B in the interstage support structure 164 adjusts the position of the spline seal 180 in the moving slot 176B, and to a lesser extent, adjusts the position of the spline seal in the stationary slot 174A. More specifically, the adjustment of the spline seal 180 relative to the spline seal slots 174A, 176B allows the spline seal to remain in the operating position of the spline seal in at least one spline seal holder 196A, 198A, 200A in at least one spline seal slot 174A, 176B. For example, Figure 20 and Figure 22 The rear end 195 of the seal seat 198A in the stationary slot 174A and the seal seat 200B in the moving slot 176B is shown. Figure 22 As shown in the optimal configuration, after the sealing member B slides to the operating axial position, the rear axial end 148B of the axial sealing portion 144B slides on the rear end 195 of the spline seal 180, that is, end 195 moves inward from the rear axial end 146B beyond the spline seal through opening 192. When this occurs, as... Figure 20 As shown, the end 195 of the spline seal 180 also remains in the proper position within the closed end 190A of the stationary slot 174A, and the spline seal 180 does not move even though the sealing member B moves axially rearward (in the direction of arrow WF) thereon. Figure 22As shown, in the axial position of operation of sealing member B, the rear end 195 is no longer constrained in the through opening 192 of the spline seal. The circumferentially opposite seal seats 198A and 200B are configured such that once the rear end 195 of the spline seal 180 passes through the through opening 192B in the moving slot 176B, the end 195 can move into the seal seats 198A, 200B under centrifugal force during operation of the turbine 100 to seal between the opposing axial sealing portions 144A, 144B. Closing end 190A prevents axial removal of the spline seal 180 from the rear axial ends 148A, 148B of sealing members A and B. Therefore, in the axial position and under the application of centrifugal force, the end 195 of the spline seal 180 moves into the seal seat 200B in the rear axial end 148B of the axial sealing portion 144B, and into the seal seat 198A in the rear axial end 148A of the axial sealing portion 144A. In this position, the spline seal 180 seals between adjacent axial sealing portions 144A, 144B.

[0089] On the front end of the spline seal 180, such as Figure 23 As shown, after the sealing member B slides to the operating axial position (see arrow WF), the spline seal 180 slides inward along the curved slot portion 186. The curved slot portion 186 is configured to at least partially correspond to the opposing seal seat 196A in the front axial end 146A of the sealing member A. Figure 21 Circumferentially opposite. Therefore, when the sealing member B moves to the operating axial position, the front end portion 194 of the spline seal 180 slides inward along the curved slot portion 186B and exits from the first spline seal entry opening 182A defined as passing through the axial sealing portion 144A. Figure 21 As shown, the front end portion 194 of the spline seal 180 can then be moved into the seal seat 196A in the stationary seal 174A, thereby preventing the spline seal 180 from being removed from the front axial ends 146A, 146B of the sealing members A, B. Figure 23 As shown, the front end 194 of the spline seal 180 can rest in the curved slot portion 186B of the moving slot 176B, which is shaped to allow the end 194 to move into the seal slot 196A. Figure 21Therefore, while the rear end 195 of the spline seal 180 is freely received by the seal seats 198A and 200B and the closed end 190A holds the spline seal 180, the end 194 of the spline seal 180 is held in the seat 196 in the front axial end 146A of the axial sealing portion 144A. Thus, the spline seal 180 is prevented from axially moving in either direction. Advantageously, during its insertion or positioning of the sealing members A and B, the spline seal 180 is not subjected to any manipulation that would otherwise damage the spline seal 180, any sealing member, or any adjacent structure.

[0090] Any form of lubricant may be applied to slots 174, 176 and / or spline seal 180 to ensure proper sliding. If spline seal 180 fails to slide into slots 174, 176 during positioning of seal member B, a tool (not shown) such as a flathead screwdriver may be inserted between bevels 170, 172 to push spline seal 180 into its final position.

[0091] As described above, the positioning of the initiator sealing member 210 can occur before the positioning of any main sealing member 142. In this case, as Figure 12 As shown, the method may include sealing the initiator sealing member 210 (such as...) Figure 12 The sealing member A shown is positioned in the interstage support structure 164 at an axial position corresponding to the operating axial position of the plurality of sealing members. As described above, the initiator sealing member 210 is configured adjacent to the first main sealing member 142 ( Figure 12 Positioning of sealing component B in the middle. For example, relative to... Figure 4 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As described, the initiator sealing member 210 has a stationary slot 174 on its opposing inclined surfaces 170, 172, and a spline seal inlet opening 182 in the front axial end 146 of its axially extending sealing portion 144. Each spline seal inlet opening 182 in the stationary slot 174 has a first radial position R1 (e.g., Figure 10 (as shown) is the same radial position as one of the second radial positions R2.

[0092] As relative to Figure 12-23 As described, any number of primary sealing members 142 can be sequentially positioned in the interstage support structure 164 via corresponding spline seals 180. That is, in addition to locking sealing member 212, the positioning of sealing member 142 can be repeated as needed to form sealing assembly 140.

[0093] Figure 24A perspective view of the positioning locking seal member 212 is shown. Positioning of the locking seal member 212 occurs in the main seal member 142F (see also...). Figure 9 The last primary sealing member in the process is positioned in the interstage support structure 164. That is, except for the locking sealing member 212, the positioning of the locking sealing member 212 occurs after the multiple primary sealing members 142 are repeatedly positioned to assemble the sealing assembly 140. Figure 24 This illustrates the positioning of the locking sealing member 212 within the interstage support structure 164, along with multiple sealing members (see [link]). Figure 9 Before reaching an axial position commensurate with the operating axial position, the locking seal member 212 is positioned at an axially offset position for insertion of spline seals 180A and 180B. As described above, the locking seal member 212 is configured to be located between the last main seal member 142F and the initiator seal member 210. As described above, the locking seal member 212 has a moving slot 176 on both of its opposing inclined surfaces 170 and 172. Figure 11 As shown, each spline seal entry opening in the spline seal entry opening 184 in the front axial end portion 146 of the axially extended sealing portion 144 has a first radial position R1 and a second radial position R2 in the initiator sealing member 210 (e.g., Figure 11 The same radial position as the other one shown. Here, since the initiator sealing member 210 has a stationary slot 174, the stationary slot has a first radial position R1 (shown). Figure 10 The spline seal in the front axial end 146 of the axially extending sealing portion 144 enters the opening 184, and each spline seal enters the opening having a second radial position R2. Figure 11 In this way, the first bevel 170 of the locking seal member 212 has a movable slot 176 that can engage with a stationary slot 174 in the first bevel 170 of the last main seal member 142F. Its second bevel 172, having the movable slot 176, can engage with the stationary slot 174 in the second bevel 172 of the initiator seal member 210.

[0094] Once in the axially offset position between the last main sealing member of the main sealing member 142F and the initiator sealing member 210, spline seals 180A and 180B can be inserted into the movable slot 176 of the locking sealing member 212. More specifically, spline seal 180A can be inserted into the movable slot 176 defined in the second ramp 172 of the locking sealing member 212, and into the mating stationary slot 174 defined in the first ramp 170 of the last main sealing member of the main sealing member 142F. Similarly, spline seal 180B can be inserted into the movable slot 176 defined in the first ramp 170 of the locking sealing member 212 and the mating stationary slot 174 defined in the second ramp 172 of the initiator sealing member 210.

[0095] Once inserted, such as Figure 9 As shown, the locking seal member 212 can be positioned within the interstage support structure 164, entering the axial operating position of multiple sealing members. This positioning positions both spline seals 180A and 180B within the sealing slot 176 of the locking seal member 212. Additionally, this positioning holds spline seals 180A and 180B in their operating positions within at least one sealing seat 196, 198, 200 in at least one of the spline sealing slots 174 and 176 of the locking seal 212, the final main sealing member 142F, and / or the initiator sealing member 210. Therefore, both spline seals 180A and 180B are held in the operating position of the spline seal between adjacent sealing members, such as... Figure 12-23 As shown. Figure 9 As shown, the positioning of the locking sealing member 212 completes the edge of the sealing assembly 140, and thus completes the sealing assembly 140.

[0096] It should be understood that although the main sealing member 142 has been described herein as including a stationary slot 174 on the first inclined surface 170 and a movable slot 176 on the opposing second inclined surface 172, the positions of the slots can be switched. That is, the main sealing member 142 will include the stationary slot 174 on the second inclined surface 172 (in Figure 9 The center surface is clockwise (instead of counterclockwise as shown in the figure), and the moving slot 176 on the opposite first inclined surface 170 (in Figure 9 The center face is counterclockwise instead of clockwise as shown in the figure. If this choice is made, the initiator sealing member 210 will include a movable slot 176 on its two inclined surfaces 170, 172, and the locking sealing member 212 will include a stationary slot 174 on its two inclined surfaces 170, 172 to accommodate the switch.

[0097] The spline seal 180 can be removed from between the axial sealing portions 144A and 144B by reversing the described process. Here, a tool can be used to radially move end 194 out of slot 196A, allowing end 194 to slide through the spline seal defined to pass through the front axial end 146A of the first axial sealing portion 144A of sealing member A into opening 182A. Additionally, a tool can be used to radially move end 195, allowing end 195 to slide through the spline seal in the rear axial end 146B of sealing member B through opening 192B. Once the spline seal ends 194 and 195 are thus positioned, the axial sealing portion 144B can slide away from the axially operating position on the spline seal 180, and the spline seal 180 can slide away from the stationary slot 174 and the moving slot 176. This process can be repeated for each sealing member.

[0098] The embodiments disclosed herein allow for easy assembly of the sealing assembly with proper positioning of the spline seal, without damaging the spline seal, sealing member, or adjacent structure. Compared to conventional systems, the sealing assembly requires no additional parts and no other modifications to the turbine, thus allowing application to both new and old turbines.

[0099] The foregoing figures illustrate some associated processes according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each figure or block within the flowcharts of the figures represents a process associated with an embodiment of the method. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the actions mentioned in the figures or blocks may not occur in the order shown in the figures, or, for example, may actually be performed substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the actions involved. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that additional blocks may be added to describe the process.

[0100] As used throughout the specification and claims, approximate language can be used to modify any quantitative expression that allows for variation without causing a change in its underlying function. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially”) are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims; unless the context or language otherwise indicates, these ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein. The term “about” applied to a specific value within a range applies to both ends of the range and may indicate + / - 10% of the value unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument measuring that value.

[0101] All means or steps plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, action, and equivalent for performing a function in conjunction with other claimed elements of a particular claim. This disclosure has been described for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand various embodiments of this disclosure with various modifications suitable for the intended particular use.

Claims

1. A sealing member for a sealing assembly, the sealing assembly comprising a plurality of sealing members configured to be positioned adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages of a turbine, wherein the sealing members comprise: A sealing element base, the sealing element base including a fixing mechanism operable to fix to an interstage support structure; An axially extending sealing portion is coupled to the sealing base, the axially extending sealing portion having a first axial end and an opposing second axial end, as well as a first inclined surface and an opposing second inclined surface, wherein each inclined surface extends between the first axial end and the opposing second axial end; A first spline seal slot is defined in the first slope and includes a first spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the first axial end of the axially extending seal portion. and The second spline seal slot is defined in the second slope and includes a second spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the first axial end of the axially extending sealing portion. The first spline seal entry opening is located at a first radial position, which is different from the second radial position of the second spline seal entry opening, and The first spline seal slot and the second spline seal slot of the adjacent sealing member cooperate to hold the spline seal in its operating position.

2. The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the first spline seal slot in the first inclined surface includes a closed end located at the second axial end of the axially extending sealing portion.

3. The sealing member of claim 1, wherein the spline seal second spline seal slot in the second bevel includes a spline seal through opening defined to pass through the second axial end of the axially extended sealing portion, wherein the spline seal through opening is radially aligned with the first spline seal slot defined in the first bevel.

4. The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the first spline seal slot in the first inclined surface includes a first spline seal end retainer in the first axial end of the axially extending sealing portion and a second spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the axially extending sealing portion, wherein the first spline seal inlet opening is connected to the first spline seal end retainer, and The second spline seal slot in the second inclined surface includes a third spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the axially extended sealing portion.

5. A sealing assembly, the sealing assembly comprising: A plurality of first sealing members, the plurality of first sealing members being configured to be positioned adjacent to each other between adjacent rotating blade stages in a turbine, wherein each first sealing member includes: A first sealing element base, the first sealing element base including a first fixing mechanism, the first fixing mechanism being operable to fix the first sealing element to an interstage support structure; A first axially extended sealing portion is coupled to a first sealing base. The first axially extended sealing portion has a first axial end and an opposing second axial end, as well as a first ramp and an opposing second ramp, wherein each ramp extends between the first axial end and the opposing second axial end. A first spline seal slot, defined in the first bevel, includes a first spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the first axial end of the first axially extending seal portion; and The second spline seal slot is defined in the second slope and includes a second spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the first axial end of the first axially extending sealing portion. The first spline seal entry opening is located at a first radial position, which is different from the second radial position of the second spline seal entry opening, and The first spline seal slot and the second spline seal slot of the first sealing member, adjacent to the first sealing member, cooperate to hold the spline seal in the operating position.

6. The sealing assembly of claim 5, wherein the first spline seal slot in the first bevel includes a closed end located at the second axial end of the axially extending sealing portion.

7. The sealing assembly of claim 5, wherein the spline seal second spline seal slot in the second bevel includes a spline seal through opening defined to pass through the second axial end of the axially extended sealing portion, wherein the spline seal through opening is radially aligned with the first spline seal slot defined in the first bevel.

8. The sealing assembly of claim 5, wherein the first spline seal slot in the first bevel includes a first spline seal end retainer in the first axial end of the first axially extending sealing portion and a second spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the first axially extending sealing portion, wherein the first spline seal inlet is connected to the first spline seal end retainer.

9. The sealing assembly of claim 8, wherein the spline seal second spline seal slot in the second bevel includes a third spline seal end retainer in the second axial end of the first axially extending sealing portion.

10. The sealing assembly of claim 9, wherein the second spline seal in the second bevel is connected to the remaining portion of the spline seal slot defined in the second bevel via a bend in the slot defined in the second bevel.

11. The sealing assembly of claim 10, wherein the curved slot portion continues the curved slot portion and remains circumferentially aligned with the third spline seal end in the second axial end of the first axially extended sealing portion.

12. The sealing assembly of claim 8, further comprising a spline seal within a spline seal slot adjacent to the first sealing member, each spline seal comprising a planar body having opposing ends angled relative to the planar body in a relaxed state, wherein at least one of the opposing ends is held in a retainer in one of the spline seal end retainers in the relaxed state.

13. The sealing assembly of claim 12, wherein the first spline seal in the first bevel is connected in a linear succession to the remainder of the first spline seal slot defined in the first bevel.

14. The sealing assembly according to claim 5, further comprising: A second sealing member, configured to be positioned adjacent to one of the first sealing members, the second sealing member comprising: The second sealing base includes a second fixing mechanism operable to fix to the interstage support structure. A second axially extending sealing portion, coupled to a second sealing element base, has a third axial end and an opposing fourth axial end, as well as a third inclined surface and an opposing fourth inclined surface, wherein each of the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface extends between the third axial end and the opposing fourth axial end; and A third spline seal slot is defined in the third slope, the third spline seal slot including a third spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the third axial end of the second axially extended seal portion. A fourth spline seal slot, defined in the fourth bevel, includes a fourth spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the third axial end of the second axially extending seal portion. The third spline seal inlet and the fourth spline seal inlet are located at a first radial position, which is different from the second radial position of the second spline seal inlet, and One of the third spline seal slot and the fourth spline seal slot engages with the corresponding spline seal slot of the adjacent first sealing member to hold the spline seal in the operating position.

15. The sealing assembly of claim 14, further comprising: A third sealing member, configured to be located between one of the first sealing members and the second sealing member, the third sealing member comprising: A third sealing element base, the third sealing element base including a third fixing mechanism, the third fixing mechanism being operable to fix to the interstage support structure; A third axially extending sealing portion, coupled to the third sealing element base, the third axially extending sealing portion having a fifth axial end and an opposing sixth axial end, and a fifth inclined surface and an opposing sixth inclined surface, wherein each of the fifth inclined surface and the sixth inclined surface extends between the fifth axial end and the opposing sixth axial end; and A fifth spline seal slot is defined in the fifth inclined plane, the fifth spline seal slot including a fifth spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the fifth axial end of the third axially extended seal portion; A sixth spline seal slot, defined in the sixth bevel, includes a sixth spline seal entry opening defined to pass through the sixth axial end of the third axially extending seal portion. The fifth spline seal inlet and the sixth spline seal inlet are located at the second radial position of the second spline seal inlet, and One of the fifth spline seal slot and the sixth spline seal slot engages with the corresponding spline seal slot of the adjacent first sealing member to hold the spline seal in the operating position.

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