Inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit

Abstract

An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removing an inlet guide vane pin having a head with a groove in the head from an inlet guide vane segment is provided. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit may include: a bolt; the first wrench is used for inserting the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide wheel vane pin; and a second wrench having an internal aperture such that twisting the second wrench pulls the bolt and the inlet guide vane pin into the internal aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application and the resultant patent relate generally to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, to an inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removing a segment pin from an inlet guide vane segment attached to a lower half of a compressor inner casing without removing the rotor. Background Art

[0002] In a gas turbine engine, a compressor draws in an air flow. This air flow may be guided therein by a plurality of inlet guide vanes. The inlet guide vanes may be arranged circumferentially around the inlet of the compressor. Specifically, known inlet guide vanes may be supported in two semi-annular portions of a turbine assembly, such as within an upper inlet casing and a lower inlet casing. Removal and replacement of the inlet guide vanes in the upper inlet casing may be relatively easy to accomplish using known tools. However, removal and replacement of the inlet guide vanes in the lower inlet casing may be difficult. Due to space limitations, access is also limited, necessitating the removal of the entire rotor and other types of equipment. Therefore, removing the inlet guide vanes in the lower inlet casing using known tools and methods may be challenging, time consuming, and expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Thus, the present application and the resulting patent provide an inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removing an inlet guide vane pin having a head with a groove therein from an inlet guide vane segment. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit may include: a bolt; a first wrench for inserting the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane pin; and a second wrench having an internal aperture such that twisting the second wrench draws the bolt and the inlet guide vane pin into the internal aperture.

[0004] The present application and the resultant patent further provide a method of removing an inlet guide vane segment pin having a head with a groove therein from an inlet guide vane segment. The method may include the steps of inserting a bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin; attaching a wrench having an internal aperture to the bolt; and twisting the wrench to drive the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin into the internal aperture of the wrench.

[0005] The present application and the resultant patent further provide an inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removing an inlet guide vane pin having a head with a groove therein from an inlet guide vane segment. The inlet guide vane removal kit may include: a bolt having a first portion and a second portion; a bolt insertion wrench for inserting the second portion of the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane pin; and a pin puller wrench having an internal aperture sized to receive the first portion of the bolt such that twisting the pin puller wrench pulls the bolt and the inlet guide vane pin into the internal aperture.

[0006] These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resultant patent will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gas turbine engine including a compressor with a plurality of inlet guide vanes, a combustor, a turbine, a rotor shaft, and an external load.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of inlet guide vanes extending between an inner casing and an outer casing.

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inlet guide vane segment with pins and bolts.

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a banana bolt insertion wrench that may be used with the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit described herein.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-section view of a banana bolt insertion wrench with the sprocket and bolt positioned within the insertion seat.

[0012] Figure 6 Is used with Figure 4 A plan view of a banana-shaped bolt inserted into a bolt for use with a wrench.

[0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a pin puller wrench that may be used in an inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit as described herein.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a pin puller wrench with a sprocket having an internal aperture.

[0015] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit in use.

[0016] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit in use.

[0017] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit in use.

[0018] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a gas turbine engine 10 that can be used herein is shown. The gas turbine engine 10 may include a compressor 15. The compressor 15 compresses an incoming air flow 20. The compressor 15 delivers the compressed air flow 20 to a combustor 25 (e.g., a plurality of combustor cans). Each combustor can 25 mixes the compressed air flow 20 with a pressurized fuel flow 30 and ignites the mixture, thereby producing a hot combustion gas flow 35. Although only a single combustor can 25 is shown, the gas turbine engine 10 may include any number of combustor cans 25 positioned in a circumferential array around a rotor 45. Alternatively, the combustor 25 may be an annular combustor. The hot combustion gas flow 35 is then delivered to a turbine 40. The hot combustion gas flow 35 drives the turbine 40 to produce mechanical work. The mechanical work produced in the turbine 40 drives the compressor 15 via the rotor 45 and drives an external load 50 (such as an electrical generator, etc.).

[0020] The gas turbine engine 10 can use natural gas, various types of synthetic gas, liquid fuels, and / or other types of fuels, and blends thereof. The gas turbine engine 10 can be any of a variety of different gas turbine engines offered by General Electric Company of Schenectady, New York, including, but not limited to, heavy-duty gas turbine engines such as the 7-series or 9-series. The gas turbine engine 10 can have different configurations and use other types of components. The present inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit can also be used with other types of gas turbine engines. Multiple gas turbine engines, other types of turbines, and other types of power generation equipment can also be used together herein.

[0021] Load control of the gas turbine engine 10 may be provided, in part, by a plurality of inlet guide vanes 55. As described above, the inlet guide vanes 55 may be positioned circumferentially around the inlet 60 of the compressor 15. Specifically, the output of the gas turbine engine 10 may be adjusted by varying the position of the inlet guide vanes 55 to vary the amount of air entering the compressor 15. Any number of inlet guide vanes 55 may be used herein.

[0022] Figure 2 The inlet guide vanes 55 are shown in greater detail. Each inlet guide vane 55 may have an airfoil portion 65 that extends from a drive gear 70 positioned about an outer casing 75 to a bushing 80 that is connected to an inner casing 85 via an inlet guide vane segment 90. Each inlet guide vane segment 90 may be substantially "L"-shaped and may have a plurality of apertures 95 therein for the bushing 80 and other components described below. In this case, the lower half 98 of the inner casing 85 is shown.

[0023] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each inlet guide vane segment 90 can be attached to the inner casing 85 via a pair of inlet guide vane segment pins 100. Specifically, the inlet guide vane segment pins 100 can be a pair of extraction dowel pins 110. The inlet guide vane segment pins 100 can have a groove 120 on one end with a plurality of pin threads 130 therein. The inlet guide vane segment 90 can also be attached to the inner casing 85 via a pair of inlet guide vane segment bolts 140 or the like. The inlet guide vane segment bolts 140 can have a head 150 with a plurality of points 160 thereon. Other types of fasteners can also be used herein. Other components and other configurations can also be used herein.

[0024] When repair or replacement is necessary or planned, the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 can be removed from the inlet guide vane segment 90 via an inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit 170. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit 170 may include two custom tools, a "banana-shaped" bolt insertion wrench 180 and a pin puller wrench 190. The shapes of the respective tools 180, 190 allow access to the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 despite the limited distance between the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 and the rotor 45.

[0025] Figures 4 to 6An example of a banana-shaped bolt insertion wrench 180 is shown. The banana-shaped bolt insertion wrench 180 may have a hollow insert body 200 having a substantially curved shape 210. As the name suggests, the substantially curved shape 210 of the hollow insert body 200 may be "banana-like." (Color is optional.) A rotating chain 220 may be positioned within the hollow insert body 200. The rotating chain 220 may extend from a first sprocket 230 to a second sprocket 240. The sprockets 230, 240 include a plurality of teeth 250 that cooperate with a plurality of links 260 in the chain 220 for rotation therewith. The sprockets 230, 240 can rotate and apply torque in only one direction via a clutch or similar mechanism. The first sprocket 230 may have an internal aperture 270. An insert seat 280 may be positioned within the internal aperture 270. Insert seat 280 can have a first end 290 in communication with drive rod 300 of first sprocket 230 and a second end 310 having a generally square drive adapter 320, used as described below. Other components and other configurations can also be used herein.

[0026] Banana bolt insertion wrench 180 can be used to insert custom bolt 330. Custom bolt 330 can have a first portion 340 sized to mate with drive adapter 320 of banana bolt insertion wrench 180. First portion 340 can also have a plurality of first portion threads 350 sized to mate with pin puller wrench 190, as described below. Custom bolt 330 also has a second portion 360 having a plurality of second portion threads 370 sized to mate with pin threads 130 in recess 120 of inlet guide vane segment pin 100. Other components and other configurations can also be used herein.

[0027] Figure 7 and Figure 8An example of a pin puller wrench 190 is shown. Pin puller wrench 190 may have a hollow pin puller body 380 having a substantially curved shape 390. Similar to the banana-shaped bolt insertion wrench 180, the substantially curved shape 390 of the hollow pin puller body 380 may also be "banana"-shaped. (Color is optional.) A rotating chain 400 may be positioned within the hollow pin puller body 380. The rotating chain 400 may extend from a first sprocket 410 to a second sprocket 420. The sprockets 410, 420 include a plurality of teeth 430 that cooperate with a plurality of links 440 in the chain 400 for rotation therewith. The sprockets 410, 420 can rotate and apply torque in only one direction via a clutch or similar mechanism. The first sprocket 410 may have an internal aperture 450 with a plurality of sprocket threads 460 formed therein. The sprocket threads 460 may be sized to mate with the first portion of threads 350 of the custom bolt 330. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0028] Figures 9 to 12 Shown is the use of the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit in operation. Figure 9 , a first portion of a custom bolt 330 is inserted into the insertion seat 280 of the banana bolt insertion wrench 180. The banana bolt insertion wrench 180 is positioned about the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 so that the second portion threads 370 of the second portion 360 of the custom bolt 330 contact the pin threads 130 of the groove 120 of the inlet guide vane segment pin 100. The banana bolt insertion wrench 180 is then twisted to drive the custom bolt 330 into the groove 120 of the inlet guide vane segment pin 100. The banana bolt insertion wrench 180 can then be removed.

[0029] exist Figure 10 , the pin puller wrench 190 may be positioned around the custom bolt 330 inserted into the groove 120 of the inlet guide vane segment pin 100. Specifically, the first portion threads 350 of the first portion 340 of the custom bolt 330 may contact the sprocket threads 460 of the internal aperture 450 of the pin puller wrench 190. Figure 11 As shown, the pin puller wrench 190 can then be twisted until the pin puller wrench 190 contacts the inlet guide vane segment 90. Figure 12 As shown, the pin puller wrench 190 can be further torqued so that the custom bolt 330 and the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 are completely withdrawn within the internal aperture 450 of the pin puller wrench 190. The pin puller wrench 190 with the custom bolt 330 and the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 therein can then be removed. The process can then be repeated for the next inlet guide vane segment pin 100. Other and different components, configurations, and method steps may be used herein.

[0030] The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit 170 thus allows for quick and efficient removal of the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 from the inlet guide vane segment 90. Despite the limited space between the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 and the rotor 45, the tools of the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit 170 allow access to the inlet guide vane segment pin 100. Thus, the inlet guide vane segment pin 100 can be removed and replaced without having to remove the rotor 45 and associated equipment. Avoiding removal of the rotor 45 results in significant savings in time and money.

[0031] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present application and the resulting patent. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by those skilled in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0032] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0033] 1. An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removing an inlet guide vane pin having a head with a groove in the head from an inlet guide vane segment, the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit comprising: a bolt; a first wrench for inserting the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin; and a second wrench having an internal aperture such that twisting the second wrench draws the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin into the internal aperture.

[0034] 2. An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the inlet guide vane segment is attached to the lower half of the inner casing.

[0035] 3. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the first wrench comprises a bolt insertion wrench for inserting the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin.

[0036] 4. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the bolt comprises a first portion having a first portion of threads and a second portion having a second portion of threads.

[0037] 5. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the bolt insertion wrench comprises an insert seat, and wherein the insert seat is sized to receive the first portion of the bolt.

[0038] 6. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the second portion threads of the second portion of the bolt are sized to receive threads of the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin.

[0039] 7. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the bolt insertion wrench comprises a body having a substantially curved shape.

[0040] 8. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the body comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, and a chain located between the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

[0041] 9. An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the second wrench comprises a pin puller wrench.

[0042] 10. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the pin puller wrench comprises an internal aperture.

[0043] 11. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the internal aperture comprises sprocket threads, and wherein the sprocket threads are sized to receive the first portion of the threads of the first portion of the bolt.

[0044] 12. An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the internal aperture is sized to receive the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin.

[0045] 13. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the pin puller wrench comprises a body having a substantially curved shape.

[0046] 14. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the body comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, and a chain located between the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

[0047] 15. A method of removing an inlet guide vane segment pin having a head with a groove therein from an inlet guide vane segment, the method comprising: inserting a bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin; attaching a wrench having an internal aperture to the bolt; and twisting the wrench to drive the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin into the internal aperture of the wrench.

[0048] 16. An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removing an inlet guide vane pin having a head with a groove in the head from an inlet guide vane segment, the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit comprising: a bolt having a first portion and a second portion; a bolt insertion wrench for inserting the second portion of the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin; and a pin puller wrench having an internal aperture sized to receive the first portion of the bolt such that twisting the pin puller wrench draws the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin into the internal aperture.

[0049] 17. An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the inlet guide vane segment is attached to the lower half of the inner casing.

[0050] 18. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the bolt insertion wrench comprises an insert seat, and wherein the insert seat is sized to receive the first portion of the bolt.

[0051] 19. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the bolt insertion wrench comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, and a chain located between the first and second sprockets.

[0052] 20. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit according to any preceding clause, wherein the pin puller wrench comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a chain located between the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

Claims

1. An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removing an inlet guide vane pin having a head with a groove therein from an inlet guide vane segment, the inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit comprising: bolt; a first wrench for inserting the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin; and A second wrench having an internal aperture such that twisting the second wrench draws the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin into the internal aperture. 2 . The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 1 , wherein the inlet guide vane segment is attached to a lower half of an inner casing. 3 . The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 1 , wherein the first wrench comprises a bolt insertion wrench for inserting the bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin. 4 . The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 3 , wherein the bolt includes a first portion having a first portion of threads and a second portion having a second portion of threads. 5 . The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 4 , wherein the bolt insertion wrench includes an insert seat, and wherein the insert seat is sized to receive the first portion of the bolt. 6 . The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 4 , wherein the second portion threads of the second portion of the bolt are sized to receive threads of the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin. 7 . The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 3 , wherein the bolt insertion wrench includes a body having a substantially curved shape.

8. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 7, wherein the body comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, and a chain located between the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

9. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 4, wherein the second wrench comprises a pin puller wrench.

10. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 9, wherein the pin puller wrench includes an internal aperture.

11. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 10, wherein the internal aperture comprises sprocket threads, and wherein the sprocket threads are sized to receive the first portion threads of the first portion of the bolt.

12. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 10, wherein the internal aperture is sized to receive the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin.

13. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 9, wherein the pin puller wrench comprises a body having a substantially curved shape.

14. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit of claim 13, wherein the body comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, and a chain located between the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

15. A method of removing an inlet guide vane segment pin having a head with a groove therein from an inlet guide vane segment, the method comprising: inserting a bolt into the groove of the inlet guide vane segment pin; attaching a wrench having an internal aperture to the bolt; as well as The wrench is torqued to drive the bolt and the inlet guide vane segment pin into the internal bore of the wrench.

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