Apparatus and method for protecting replacement part of turbine assembly

Abstract

An apparatus configured to support a diffuser segment during removal of the diffuser segment from an assembly or placement of the diffuser segment into the assembly. The device includes a body having two or more supports and at least two clip bars. The clip bars each extend from a first end to a second end. The body defines a pocket on a first side of the clip bar extending between the supports. An end clip is releasably mated with the second end of each clip bar. The end clamp has a base extending into the first side of the clamp bar. A wheel is received within each support. The pocket and the base of each end clamp retain the diffuser segment in a releasable manner, and the wheel rotates to allow the diffuser segment to be removed without damaging the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

Description

Background Technology Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to gas turbines, and more specifically to a device that engages releasably with replaceable parts and protects the surface coating of the parts during removal and placement within an enclosure of the gas turbine assembly.

[0002] Discussion of the field

[0003] Rotating machines (such as gas turbines) comprise complex components in which large, heavy diffusers are held within a housing or compressor exhaust casing. Generally, diffusers have an annular shape surrounding a central axis, which is occupied by spacers held within the assembly. Diffusers are supplied and housed in separate panels or diffuser sections.

[0004] Generally, diffusers must be coated to prevent rust. Initially, the assembly is assembled in a vertical orientation, with the diffusers stacked around the spacers. Repair and maintenance are typically performed on the assembly held in a horizontal orientation. This orientation makes the removal of the annular diffuser difficult and time-consuming. As is currently known in the art, in order to utilize the surface coating for spraying the diffuser, the diffuser section must be removed from the assembly so that the diffuser section can be coated and reinserted into the assembly without damaging the surface coating. In addition to the diffuser section, turbine hardware also needs to be removed in this manner, which significantly increases the time and effort required in the process and, in some cases, can extend the downtime of the gas turbine by several days.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that can be releasably secured to the diffuser segment to provide safe removal and relocation of the diffuser segment in the field without the need to remove the spacer. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following is a simplified overview of the disclosed subject matter to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the various embodiments described herein. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of the various embodiments. It is not intended to exclusively identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter set forth in the claims, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to introduce some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form in the preface, followed by a more detailed description.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an apparatus is provided configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from an assembly. The apparatus includes a body having two or more supports and at least two clamping rods. Each clamping rod extends from a first end to a second end. The body defines a recess extending between the supports on a first side of the clamping rod. End clamps releasably engage with the second end of each clamping rod. The end clamps have bases extending into the first side of the clamping rod. Wheels are received within each support. The recesses and the bases of each end clamp releasably hold the diffuser segment, and the wheels rotate to allow the diffuser segment to be removed without damaging the surface coating of the diffuser segment or the surface coating of adjacent housings.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a method is provided for removing or repositioning a diffuser segment from an assembly having a device. The method includes: drilling and tapping a lifting hole in the surface of the diffuser segment using a drill guide; placing a lifting ring in the lifting hole; removing one or more mounting bolts attaching the diffuser segment to the assembly; replacing the removed one or more mounting bolts with one or more guide pins; inserting the device between the diffuser segment and the assembly; rolling the device into a gap defined between the diffuser segment and the assembly; securing at least one end clamp of the device, the at least one end clamp being configured to hold the diffuser segment within the device; securing at least one set screw, the at least one set screw being configured to secure a recess of the device to an outer surface of the diffuser segment; removing all remaining mounting bolts attaching the diffuser segment to the assembly; rotating at least one guide pin to engage the pin in the diffuser, and subsequently pushing the diffuser segment to disengage the diffuser segment from the assembly; removing one or more guide pins from the diffuser segment and the assembly; and lifting the lifting ring to remove or reposition the diffuser segment from the assembly. The recess is configured to protect the outer surface of the diffuser segment during removal from the component.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment, an apparatus is provided configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from an assembly. The apparatus includes a body defined by a curve complementary to the outer surface of the diffuser segment. The body has a support member, a clamping rod, and defines a recess. The clamping rod extends from a first end to a second end, and the recess extends along the body on a first side of the clamping rod. An end clamp releasably engages with the second end of the clamping rod. The end clamp has a base extending into the first side of the clamping rod. The recess and the base of the end clamp releasably hold the diffuser segment. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The invention will be better understood by referring to the following description of non-limiting embodiments, in which:

[0011] Figure 1A perspective view of a component according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, with the top portion of the component removed to reveal a diffuser segment compatible with the device disclosed herein;

[0012] Figure 2 A top view of an embodiment of the device disclosed herein, according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown, the device being disposed in Figure 1 On the diffuser segment of the component;

[0013] Figure 3 The arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 2 An end view of the device within the component;

[0014] Figure 4 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The relative end views of the device;

[0015] Figure 5 The arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 3 A top view of the device on the diffuser section, wherein the lifting ring is placed in the diffuser section;

[0016] Figure 6 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 A perspective view of the lifting rings and devices within the surrounding assembly;

[0017] Figure 7 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A side sectional view of the device and components; and

[0018] Figure 8 An apparatus for utilizing an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as Figure 2 The flowchart illustrates an exemplary apparatus for removing a diffuser segment from a component. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments. In fact, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments listed herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. Similar numerals may always refer to similar elements.

[0020] This disclosure relates throughout to a mounting device in the form of an apparatus 20 that enables the safe removal and repositioning of diffuser / separator components (collectively, “diffusers”) of a gas turbine assembly 10. Apparatus 20 enables the on-site application of a coating to the lower half of the diffuser of assembly 10 to inhibit rust. The diffuser is supplied and mounted in a separate panel or section. In the embodiments described herein, the diffuser comprises a total of six diffuser segments 12, three of which are lower diffuser segments 12, each weighing up to approximately 400 pounds, forming the lower half of the diffuser of assembly 10. The apparatus 20 disclosed herein is compatible with a variety of diffuser / separator components and can be used for diffuser segments of different sizes, locations, and weights.

[0021] Now turn to the attached image. Figure 1 An exemplary rotating machine of a gas turbine with its top portion removed is shown as component 10, suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention. In the field, lifting equipment (e.g., crane, winch, etc.) is used to remove the top portion surrounding the housing and the upper half of the diffuser. The remaining lower half of the diffuser (where one of the three lower diffuser segments 12 is...) Figure 1 (As can be seen) it must be carefully removed and repositioned to prevent damage to the surface coating of diffuser section 14 and the surface coating surrounding component 10. According to one embodiment of the invention, in Figures 2 to 7 An exemplary embodiment of the device 20 is depicted, which is configured to support the diffuser segment 12 during removal from component 10.

[0022] Reference Figure 2 The device 20 has a main body 22, which includes two or more support members 24 and at least one clamping rod 30. Figures 2 to 7 In the depicted embodiment, the body 22 has three supports 24 and two clamping rods 30. Each of the clamping rods 30 extends from a first end 32 to a second end 34. (See reference...) Figure 3 The main body 22 of the device 20 is defined by a curve complementary to the outer surface 14 of the diffuser section 12. For example... Figure 2 The depicted body 22 defines a recess 40 extending between the support members 24 on the first side of the clamping rod 30.

[0023] In some embodiments not depicted, the body has a single support member and / or a single clamping rod. A single support member may be sufficient to lift some diffuser sections. A single clamping rod may also be sufficient to lift some diffuser sections. In one embodiment, the single clamping rod is a flat member extending substantially parallel to the width of the recess, such that the single clamping rod can balance the diffuser sections when they are removed from the surrounding assembly. Incorporating additional support elements (including lateral supports, gussets, screws, etc.) into the clamping rod does not depart from the invention disclosed herein.

[0024] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the depicted embodiment, the support member 24 is disposed at each end of the recess 40, and the support member 24 is disposed approximately at the midpoint of the recess 40 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). The recess 40 extends substantially the entire distance from the first support 24 to the second support 24. However, different numbers or different positions of supports do not depart from the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

[0025] The cross-section of the recess 40 is defined by a shape complementary to the outer surface 14 of the diffuser section 12. In some embodiments, the recess 40 is defined by a C-shaped cross-section that is deformable to accommodate the outer surface 14 of the diffuser section 12. Alternative shapes for the cross-section of the recess (including, but not limited to, curved, V-shaped, etc.) do not depart from the invention disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such as specifically in Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the embodiment depicted, the recess 40 receives a buffer 46 made of a material with a hardness less than that of the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12. The buffer 46 can be made of any material having the desired hardness, including but not limited to thermoplastics, such as ultra-high weight polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, etc.

[0026] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the depicted embodiments, the first end 32 of each clamp 30 is positioned approximately at the midpoint between two adjacent supports 24 on the body 22. In some embodiments (not depicted), the clamp 30 is positioned adjacent to or engaged with a protrusion 28 of each support 24 within that protrusion. Alignment of the supports 24 with respect to the clamp 30 helps to balance the weight of the diffuser segment 12 when it is removed from the assembly 10. The device 20 allows for efficient lifting of the diffuser segment 12 as it rotates out of the gap surrounding the assembly 10 and the spacer 11 without damaging the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12.

[0027] An optional crossbeam 50 extends between the clamps 30. Figures 2 to 7 In the depicted embodiments, although the crossbeam 50 and the clamping rod 30 are formed as a single combined device, the releasable crossbeam does not depart from the scope of the invention disclosed herein. The crossbeam 50 provides additional stability to the body 22 of the device 20 and specifically maintains the second ends 34 of the clamping rod 30 at a substantially constant distance relative to each other. In one embodiment, the body 22, support 24, clamping rod 30, and crossbeam 50 form a single combined element. Manufacturing the device 20 as a single unit in this way can contribute to the stability of the body 22 and / or allow the use of additive manufacturing processes in the manufacture of all or part of the device 20.

[0028] Return to reference Figure 2 The end clamp 36 releasably engages with the second end 34 of each clamp 30. The end clamp 36 has a base 38 extending into a first side of the clamp 30. The recess 40 and the base 38 of each end clamp 36 releasably hold the diffuser segment 12. Figures 2 to 7 In the depicted embodiments, at least one end clamp 36 contacts a portion of the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12, and at least one base 38 contacts the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12. The end clamp 36 releasably engages the second end 34 of the clamping rod 30 via a suitable connecting means, including but not limited to screws, buttons, etc. In some embodiments, the end clamp 36 engages the clamping rod 30 at variable positions along the second end 34 to allow diffuser segments 12 of different lengths to be received by the same device 20. In some embodiments, multiple end clamps are used with a single device 20, depending on the size and location of each diffuser segment 12.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 Wheel 42 is received within each support member 24. Figures 2 to 7 In the depicted embodiments, wheel 42 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the central axis of at least one of the clamps 30. In other words, the axis (not depicted) of wheel 42 is substantially parallel to the central axis of at least one of the clamps 30. In some embodiments not depicted, the wheel is configured to rotate about a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel (e.g., a multi-directional wheel mounted to a ball joint, etc.). Wheel 42 rotates to allow diffuser section 12 to be removed without damaging the surface coating 16 of diffuser section 12. Each support 24 includes a channel 26 configured to receive wheel 42, and a protrusion 28 extending away from channel 26 and configured to receive set screw 44. Wheels otherwise aligned or otherwise received by device 20 do not depart from the invention disclosed herein. Figures 2 to 7 In the depicted embodiment, each channel 26 is configured for low-profile mounting of the wheel 42 therein. In other words, the channel 26 is configured to receive the shaft of each wheel 42, which is substantially aligned with the center of the cross-section of the recess. Alternatively, the wheel 42 is configured to displace the recess 40 from the assembly 10 by a radius of the wheel 42.

[0030] In some embodiments, the set screw 44 is configured to secure the recess 40 of the device 20 to the surface coating 16 of the outer surface 14 of the diffuser section 12. The set screw 44 facilitates engagement of the recess 40 with the forward end of the diffuser section 12, which allows the device 20 to accommodate casting variations in the diffuser section 12. In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 7As depicted, the set screw 44 (or the tip of the set screw 44) is secured directly against the surface coating 16 of the diffuser section 12. In some embodiments, the set screw 44 secures the buffer 46 against the surface coating 16 of the diffuser section 12.

[0031] In some embodiments, the device 20 is used in conjunction with a drill guide 60. The drill guide 60 is a flat member that provides multiple holes of different diameters. In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As depicted, the drill guide 60 defines a center or centered drill hole 62, a tap drill hole 64, and a tap hole 66. To use the holes of the drill guide 60, the user translates the drill guide 60 along the diffuser section 12 and mates the edge of the drill guide 60 with the diffuser section 12 and / or the surrounding assembly 10.

[0032] exist Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates an exemplary implementation of a method 800 for removing a diffuser segment from a component using a device. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 8 Method 800 includes: drilling and tapping a lifting hole 18 in the surface of the diffuser section 12 using a drill guide 60 (802); placing a lifting ring 70 in the lifting hole 18 (804); removing one or more mounting bolts 72 that attach the diffuser section 12 to the assembly 10 (806); replacing the removed one or more mounting bolts 72 with one or more guide pins 74 (808); and inserting the device 20 between the diffuser section 12 and the assembly 10 (810). Figure 5 (as depicted); the device 20 is rolled into the gap (812) defined between the diffuser section 12 and the assembly 10 (as shown in the figure); Figure 6 (as depicted in the image); at least one end clamp 36 of the fastening device 20, the at least one end clamp being configured to hold the diffuser section 12 within the device 20 (814); fastening at least one set screw 44, the at least one set screw being configured to fasten the recess 40 of the device 20 to the outer surface 14 of the diffuser section 12 (816); removing all remaining mounting bolts 72 attaching the diffuser section 12 to the assembly 10 (818); rotating at least one guide pin 74 to engage the diffuser section 12 and subsequently pushing to disengage the diffuser section 12 from the assembly 10 (820) (as depicted in the image). Figure 7 (as described in the text); remove one or more guide pins 74 (822) from diffuser segment 12 and assembly 10; and lift the lifting ring 70 to remove diffuser segment 12 from assembly 10 (824). The recess 40 is configured to protect the outer surface 14 of diffuser segment 12 during removal from assembly 10. Step 824 of lifting the lifting ring 70 to remove diffuser segment 12 from assembly 10 includes rolling the forward end of diffuser segment 12 on wheel 42 and sliding the rearward end of diffuser segment 12 on the housing of assembly 10.

[0033] Reference Figure 7 In some embodiments, a guide pin 74 is inserted and the diffuser segment 12 is pushed to disengage the diffuser segment 12 from the engagement between the diffuser segment 12 and the assembly 10. In other words, the guide pin 74 causes the diffuser segment 12 to be displaced in a controlled manner in the longitudinal direction to disengage a portion of the radial connection between the diffuser segment 12 and the surrounding assembly 10. The configuration of the guide pin 74 and the method of using the guide pin 74 secure the diffuser segment 12 during the removal and repositioning of the mounting bolt 72. In some embodiments, method 800 includes moving 826 to an additional diffuser segment 12 within the assembly 10, and repeating the step of drilling and tapping 802 lifting holes 18 by lifting 824 lifting eye 70. In other embodiments, the step of drilling and tapping 802 lifting holes 18 using a drill guide 60 includes using a drill bit with a rotary cutting device aligned substantially perpendicular to the drill guide 60, which is disposed on the mounting surface 15 of each diffuser segment 12.

[0034] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, including those described in the specification summary, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to their precise forms. While specific embodiments and examples have been described herein for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications are possible within the scope of these embodiments and examples. For example, parts, components, steps, and aspects from different embodiments may be combined or adapted to other embodiments, even if not described in this disclosure or depicted in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, since certain changes may be made to the above-described invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as it pertains to, all the subject matter described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0035] In this regard, although the disclosed subject matter has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and corresponding drawings, it should be understood that other similar embodiments can be used, or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments to perform the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but should be interpreted in accordance with the breadth and scope of the appended claims. For example, a reference to “one embodiment” of the invention is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also include the listed features.

[0036] In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as their plain English equivalents. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc., are used only as illustrative marks and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and “about” indicate conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances relative to the ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of the part or component. Moreover, the limitations in the following claims are not written in an average-plus-function format and are not intended to be construed as such limitations, unless, and until such claims are limited by the phrase “in a manner for…” explicitly used after the description of the gap function of other structures.

[0037] The above description includes examples illustrating systems and methods of the disclosed subject matter. Of course, it is impossible to describe every combination of components or methods herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other combinations and arrangements of the claimed subject matter are possible. Furthermore, with regard to the terms “comprising” or “including” used in the detailed description or claims, they are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as translated when used as a transitional word in the claims. That is, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” one or more elements having a particular attribute may include other such elements that do not have that attribute. Furthermore, the articles “a” and “an” used in this specification and drawings should generally be interpreted as meaning “one or more,” unless otherwise indicated or clearly understood from the context relating to the singular form.

[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are contemplated within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

[0039] Other aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following provisions:

[0040] 1. An apparatus configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from or placement into an assembly, the apparatus comprising: a body including a plurality of supports and at least two clamps, each clamp extending from a first end to a second end, the body defining a recess extending between the supports on a first side of the clamps; an end clamp releasably engaging with the second end of each clamp, the end clamp having a base extending into the first side of the clamps; and

[0041] A wheel, received within each support member, wherein the base of the recess and each end clamp releasably holds the diffuser segment, and wherein the wheel rotates to allow the diffuser segment to be removed without damaging the surface coating of the diffuser segment and at least one of the components.

[0042] 2. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one wheel is aligned substantially perpendicular to the central axis of at least one clamping rod.

[0043] 3. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one wheel is configured to rotate about a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0044] 4. The device according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes a crossbeam extending between the clamps.

[0045] 5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the main body, the plurality of supports, the at least two clamps and the crossbeam form a single combined element.

[0046] 6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a guide that defines at least one of a centering or locating bore, a tap bore, and a tap hole.

[0047] 7. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a set screw configured to secure the recess of the device against a surface coating of the diffuser section.

[0048] 8. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a set screw configured to fasten against the surface coating of the diffuser section.

[0049] 9. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the support further includes a channel and a protrusion, the channel being configured to receive the wheel, and the protrusion extending away from the channel and being configured to receive a set screw.

[0050] 10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the channel is configured to receive the shaft of each wheel, the shaft being substantially aligned with the center of the cross-section of the recess.

[0051] 11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the wheel is configured to displace the recess from the assembly by a distance equal to the radius of the wheel.

[0052] 12. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cross-section of the recess is defined by a C-shape, and the recess extends substantially the entire distance from the first support member to the second support member of the support members.

[0053] 13. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess extends from a first end to a second end, a support is disposed at each end of the recess, and the support is disposed approximately at the midpoint of the recess.

[0054] 14. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess receives a buffer made of a material having a material hardness less than that of the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

[0055] 15. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a set screw configured to secure the buffer against the surface coating of the diffuser section.

[0056] 16. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the body of the apparatus is defined by a curve complementary to the outer surface of the diffuser segment.

[0057] 17. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of each clamp is disposed at approximately the midpoint between two adjacent supports on the body.

[0058] 18. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one end clamp contacts a portion of the surface coating of the diffuser segment, and at least one base contacts the outer surface of the diffuser segment.

[0059] 19. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one end clamp engages the clamp at a variable position along the second end.

[0060] 20. A method for removing a diffuser segment from or placing a diffuser segment into an assembly having a device, the method comprising: drilling and tapping a lifting hole in a surface of the diffuser segment using a drill guide; placing a lifting ring in the lifting hole; removing one or more mounting bolts attaching the diffuser segment to the assembly; replacing the removed one or more mounting bolts with one or more guide pins; inserting the device between the diffuser segment and the assembly; and rolling the device into a gap defined between the diffuser segment and the assembly; and securing at least one end clamp of the device, the at least one end clamp being configured The process involves: retaining the diffuser segment within the device; tightening at least one set screw configured to secure a recess in the device to the outer surface of the diffuser segment; removing all remaining mounting bolts attaching the diffuser segment to the assembly; inserting at least one guide pin to push the diffuser segment and disengage it from the assembly; removing the one or more guide pins from the diffuser segment and the assembly; and lifting the lifting ring to remove the diffuser segment from the assembly, wherein the recess is configured to protect the outer surface of the diffuser segment during removal from the assembly.

[0061] 21. The method according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes disengaging the diffuser segment from the component.

[0062] 22. The method according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes the step of repeatedly drilling and tapping a lifting hole by lifting the lifting ring into an additional diffuser section within the assembly.

[0063] 23. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step of drilling and tapping the lifting hole using the drill guide further comprises placing the drill guide on the mounting surface of each diffuser section, and drilling and tapping the lifting hole using a drill bit with a rotary cutting device aligned substantially perpendicular to the drill guide.

[0064] 24. An apparatus configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from or placement into an assembly, the apparatus comprising: a body defined by a curve complementary to an outer surface of the diffuser segment, the body including at least one support member and at least one clamping rod and defining a recess, the clamping rod extending from a first end to a second end, and the recess extending along the body on a first side of the clamping rod; an end clamp releasably engaging with the second end of the clamping rod, the end clamp having a base extending into the first side of the clamping rod, wherein the recess and the base of the end clamp releasably hold the diffuser segment.

[0065] 25. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the support further includes a channel and a protrusion, the channel being configured to receive a wheel, and the protrusion extending away from the channel and being configured to receive a set screw.

[0066] 26. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess receives a buffer made of a material with a material hardness less than that of the surface coating of the diffuser segment, and wherein each set screw is configured to secure the buffer against the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

[0067] 27. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further includes two clamps and a crossbeam extending between the clamps.

[0068] 28. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a wheel received within the support, wherein the wheel rotates to allow the diffuser segment to be removed without damaging the surface coating of the diffuser segment and / or the component.

[0069] 29. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess extends from a first end to a second end, a first support is disposed at the first end of the recess, a second support is disposed approximately at the midpoint of the recess, and a third support is disposed at the second end of the recess.

Claims

1. A device configured to support a diffuser segment during removal of the diffuser segment from an assembly or placement of the diffuser segment into an assembly, the device comprising: a body including a plurality of supports and at least two clamping bars, each clamping bar extending from a first end to a second end, the body defining a recess on a first side of the clamping bar extending between the supports; an end clamp releasably engaged with the second end of each clamp bar, the end clamp having a base extending into the first side of the clamp bar; and a wheel received in each support, wherein the pocket and the base of each end clamp releasably retain the diffuser segment, and wherein the wheel rotates to allow the diffuser segment to be removed without damaging a surface coating of at least one of the diffuser segment and the assembly.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one wheel is aligned generally perpendicular to a central axis of the at least one clamping rod.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one wheel is configured to rotate about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a crossbar extending between the clamping bars.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the body, the plurality of supports, the at least two clamping bars and the crossbar form a single united element.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a guide defining at least one of a center or pilot drill hole, a tap drill hole, and a tap hole.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a set screw configured to secure the pocket of the device against a surface coating of the diffuser segment.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a set screw configured to be tightened against a surface coating of the diffuser segment.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the support further comprises a channel configured to receive the wheel and a protrusion extending away from the channel and configured to receive a set screw.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the channel is configured to receive an axle of each wheel, the axle being generally aligned with a center of a cross-section of the pocket.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wheel is configured to displace the pocket from the assembly by a distance of the radius of the wheel.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the recess is defined by a C-shape, and the recess extends substantially the entire distance from a first one of the supports to a second one of the supports.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the recess extends from a first end to a second end, a support is disposed at each end of the recess, and a support is disposed approximately at a midpoint of the recess.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the recess receives a bumper made of a material having a material hardness less than a material hardness of a surface coating of the diffuser segment.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a set screw configured to secure the bumper against the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the body of the device is defined by a curve that is complementary to an outer surface of the diffuser section.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end of each clamping rod is disposed approximately midway between two adjacent supports on the body.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one end clamp contacts a portion of a surface coating of the diffuser segment and at least one base contacts an outer surface of the diffuser segment.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one end clamp engages the clamping rod at a variable position along the second end.

20. A method of removing a diffuser segment from or placing a diffuser segment into an assembly having a device, the method comprising: drilling and tapping lifting holes in the surface of the diffuser section using a drill guide; Placing a lifting ring in the lifting hole; removing one or more mounting bolts attaching the diffuser segment to the assembly; replacing the removed one or more mounting bolts with one or more guide pins; inserting the device between the diffuser segment and the assembly, and rolling the device into a gap defined between the diffuser segment and the assembly; securing at least one end clamp of the device, the at least one end clamp being configured to retain the diffuser segment within the device; tightening at least one set screw configured to tighten a pocket of the device on an outer surface of the diffuser section; removing all remaining mounting bolts attaching the diffuser segment to the assembly; inserting the at least one guide pin to push the diffuser segment and disengage the diffuser segment from the assembly; removing the one or more guide pins from the diffuser segment and the assembly; as well as lifting the lifting ring to remove the diffuser section from the assembly, Wherein the pocket is configured to protect the outer surface of the diffuser segment during removal of the diffuser segment from the assembly.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising disengaging the scarf fit between the diffuser segment and the assembly.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising repeating the steps of drilling and tapping lifting holes by lifting the lifting ring into additional diffuser segments within the assembly.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of drilling and tapping the lifting holes using the drill guide further comprises placing the drill guide on a mounting surface of each diffuser segment and drilling and tapping the lifting holes using a drill having a rotary cutting device aligned substantially perpendicular to the drill guide.

24. An apparatus configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from an assembly or placement of the diffuser segment into an assembly, the apparatus comprising: a body defined by a curve complementary to an outer surface of the diffuser segment, the body including at least one support member and at least one clamping bar and defining a pocket, the clamping bar extending from a first end to a second end, and the pocket extending along the body on a first side of the clamping bar; an end clamp that releasably engages the second end of the clamp rod, the end clamp having a base that extends into the first side of the clamp rod, wherein the pocket and the base of the end clamp releasably retain the diffuser segment.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the support further comprises a channel configured to receive a wheel and a protrusion extending away from the channel and configured to receive a set screw.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the pocket receives a bumper made of a material having a material hardness less than a material hardness of a surface coating of the diffuser segment, and wherein each set screw is configured to tighten the bumper against the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

27. The device of claim 24, further comprising two clamping bars and a crossbeam extending between the clamping bars.

28. The device of claim 24, further comprising a wheel received within the support, Wherein the wheel rotates to allow the diffuser segment to be removed without damaging the diffuser segment and / or the surface coating of the component.

29. The device of claim 24, wherein the recess extends from a first end to a second end, a first support member is disposed at the first end of the recess, a second support member is disposed approximately at a midpoint of the recess, and a third support member is disposed at the second end of the recess.

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