Axially adjustable insertion ring and use method for the same

Abstract

To provide an axially adjustable insertion ring and a use method for the same.SOLUTION: In a turbine assembly including a casing and a turbine static component located on the radial inner side of the casing, a steam joint is defined between the casing and the turbine static component. The turbine static component defines a groove opened relative to the steam joint. The turbine static component defines: a first seal surface on the side opposite to a portion opened relative to the steam joint within the groove; and a second seal surface located adjacent to the first seal surface within the groove. The turbine assembly includes an insertion ring. The insertion ring includes a body including: a first surface disposed in proximity to the first seal surface of the turbine static component; a second surface located adjacent to the first surface and disposed in proximity to the second seal surface of the turbine static component; and a third surface disposed in proximity to the casing on the side opposite to the first surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to insert rings used in rotary machines, and more particularly to methods for axially adjusting such insert rings.

[0002] Rotary machines, such as steam and gas turbines used in power generation and mechanical drive applications, are large machines that typically contain multiple turbine stages. High-pressure fluid flowing through these stages must pass through a series of adjacent stationary and rotating components. Seals between the stationary and rotating components are used to control fluid leakage.

[0003] Over time, stationary and rotating components, such as diaphragms, may require refurbishment and / or replacement so that the associated rotating machinery can continue to operate efficiently. This refurbishment may include, but is not limited to, repairing the diaphragm's sealing surface, commonly referred to as the "steamface" or "seal face," located between the diaphragm and the axially downstream casing interface. Currently, parts requiring refurbishment often must be removed from service for analysis and / or repair, as necessary. However, removing parts from service is time-consuming and expensive, and, particularly in the power generation industry, shutdowns often result in further penalties, such as the need to purchase replacement power.

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a method for refurbishing components used in rotary machines that effectively and easily limits rotary machine downtime. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, an insert ring for a turbine assembly is provided. The turbine assembly includes a casing and a turbine stationary component disposed radially inward from the casing to define a steam joint between the casing and the turbine stationary component. The insert ring includes a first face disposed adjacent to the casing and a second face disposed proximate to the turbine stationary component such that the second face is spaced apart from and opposite the first face. The insert ring has an axial width defined by the first face and the second face.

[0006] In another aspect, a turbine assembly is provided. The turbine assembly includes a casing and a turbine stationary component radially inward from the casing, the casing and the turbine stationary component defining a steam joint therebetween. The turbine stationary component defines a groove opening to the steam joint. The turbine stationary component includes a first sealing surface in the groove opposite a portion opening to the steam joint and a second sealing surface in the groove adjacent to the first sealing surface. The turbine assembly includes an insert ring, the insert ring including a body including a first face, a second face adjacent to the first face, and a third face opposite the first face. The first face is positioned adjacent to the first sealing surface of the turbine stationary component, the second face is positioned adjacent to the second sealing surface of the turbine stationary component, and the third face is positioned adjacent to the casing.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a method for selectively positioning an insert ring relative to a turbine assembly including a casing and a turbine stationary component disposed radially inward from the casing to define a steam joint between the casing and the turbine stationary component is provided. The method includes identifying a seal location required at a packing seal location and identifying an axial width defined between a first seal face of the turbine stationary component and a radially inner surface of the casing. The method includes selecting an insert ring having an axial width approximately equal to the identified axial width between the first seal face of the turbine stationary component and the radially inner surface of the casing. The method includes at least partially inserting the insert ring into a groove defined circumferentially in the turbine stationary component. The method includes securing the insert ring in the groove of the turbine stationary component to facilitate improving the operating efficiency of the turbine assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a prior art cross-sectional view of a portion of a steam turbine assembly. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary steam turbine assembly including an insert ring. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another exemplary steam turbine assembly including an insert ring. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the steam turbine assembly shown in FIG. 3 taken within Detail 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary diaphragm paddle ring that may be used with the steam turbine assembly shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary insert ring that may be used with the steam turbine assembly shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary steam turbine assembly including an insert ring. [Figure 8] 3 is a top schematic view of an exemplary steam turbine assembly including multiple insert rings such as those shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method that may be implemented to identify and insert an insert ring in a steam turbine assembly, such as the steam turbine assemblies shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary steam turbine assembly including an angled insert ring and packing material. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative exemplary steam turbine assembly including an insert plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods that enable insert ring / plate axial adjustment for use in rotary machines. Compared to the prior art, at least some of the advantages of the systems described herein include at least (i) selective adjustment of the axial position of the insert ring / plate, (ii) incremental adjustment of the insert ring / plate for ease of repair, (iii) reduced rotary machine downtime, and (iv) reduced analysis required to select an appropriate insert ring / plate based on a determined axial width between rotary machine components.

[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments disclosed herein, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0011] Unless otherwise indicated, approximation terms such as "generally," "substantially," and "about" used herein indicate that the modified term may apply only to an approximate degree, as recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, rather than to an absolute or complete degree. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation terms may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring a value. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "first," "second," and "second" are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose any hierarchical, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items referred to by these terms. Furthermore, a reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or exclude the presence of, for example, a "first" or lower-numbered item, or a "third" or higher-numbered item.

[0012] As used herein, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "front," "back," "side," "left," "right," "rear," "top," and "bottom" are used for ease of description and to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another. Furthermore, it is understood that the terms "front," "rear," "left," and "right" are not intended to be limiting and, where appropriate, are intended to be interchangeable. Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first," "second," and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or relative importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0013] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as"), is intended merely to better describe the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention or any embodiment thereof, unless otherwise stated.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a prior art version of a steam turbine assembly 10′. The steam turbine assembly 10′ includes a casing 12′ and a diaphragm outer ring 14′ disposed relative to the casing 12′. The steam turbine assembly 10′ includes a nozzle 15′ and an inner ring 16′ disposed proximate to the diaphragm outer ring 14′. The steam turbine assembly 10′ includes a packing ring 19′ disposed proximate to the inner ring 16′. The packing ring 19′ defines one or more lobes 21′ extending outwardly toward opposing lobes 25′ of a rotor 23′.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an exemplary steam turbine assembly 10. In the exemplary embodiment, assembly 10 includes a casing 12 and a turbine stationary component 14 disposed relative to casing 12. Turbine stationary component 14 may include, but is not limited to, a diaphragm outer ring, a packing head, a packing ring, a packing carrier, an oil deflector, and / or variations thereof. Steam turbine assembly 10 includes a nozzle 15 and an inner ring 16 disposed proximate to diaphragm outer ring 14. More specifically, nozzle 15 is located between diaphragm outer ring 14 and inner ring 16. Steam turbine assembly 10 includes a packing ring 19 disposed proximate to inner ring 16. Packing ring 19 includes a protrusion 21 extending outwardly from packing ring 19. This protrusion relates to protrusion 21′ depicted in prior art FIG. 1. While steam turbine assembly 10 is illustrated, it should be understood that the following may apply to other turbine assemblies, including gas turbine assemblies.

[0016] 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of steam turbine assembly 10, including an enlarged view showing the relationship between casing 12 and diaphragm ring 14. In the exemplary embodiment, casing 12 and diaphragm ring 14 define a steam joint 17 that is in the steam flow path and therefore exposed to steam pressure. Steam joint 17 is defined by a surface 18 of casing 12 and a steam face 20 of diaphragm ring 14 that faces casing surface 18. Steam face 20 is the axial interface between casing 12 and diaphragm ring 14 and counteracts the axial pressure induced at nozzle 15.

[0017] Axial width W of steam joint 17 (1) may vary based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the size of the steam turbine assembly 10, the "dishing" of the diaphragm outer ring 14, and combinations thereof. The term "dishing" is used to describe creep deformation formed in the web portion (not shown) of the diaphragm outer ring 14. In certain embodiments, the axial width W1 may range between about 0 inches "in" and about 0.25 inches "in."

[0018] The diaphragm outer ring 14 includes a groove 22 formed relative to the casing 12. The groove 22 opens to the steam joint 17, as best shown in FIG. 5 . The diaphragm outer ring 14 includes a first sealing surface 24 defined opposite the steam joint 17. The diaphragm outer ring 14 defines a second sealing surface 26 adjacent to the first sealing surface 24 and facing away from the direction of steam pressure flow. The diaphragm outer ring 14 also includes a third surface 28 defined opposite the second sealing surface 26. The first sealing surface 24, the second sealing surface 26, and the third surface 28 at least partially define the groove 22.

[0019] The groove 22 has an axial width W measured between the steam face 20 of the outer diaphragm ring 14 and the first seal face 24 on the opposite side of the outer diaphragm ring 14, as best seen in FIG. (2)In some embodiments, the axial width W2 may be between about 0.25 inches and about 0.50 inches. The groove 22 has an axial width W measured between the casing surface 18 and the first sealing surface 24 of the diaphragm outer ring 14. (3) In some cases, the radial axial width W3 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.50 inches.

[0020] In some cases, groove 22 may be formed during a refurbishment, for example, to correct downstream deflection (dishing) at shaft packing seal location 19. In other instances, groove 22 may be formed before or after a refurbishment, for example, when steam turbine assembly 10 is initially manufactured.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, steam turbine assembly 10 includes an insert ring 52 sized and shaped to be at least partially inserted, directly or indirectly, into groove 22. Insert ring 52 has a standard size, and insert rings 52 are manufactured in various incremental sizes that can be combined to increase the overall size. Similarly, portions of insert ring 52 can be removed to decrease the overall size. The term "size" is not limited to diameter and can also include, but is not limited to, thickness, width, and / or combinations thereof. Size may be measured relative to insert ring 52 and / or may be based on a radial dimension from an axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis).

[0022] Referring to FIG. 6, the insert ring 52 has an axial width W (a) The insert ring 52 has a body 54 having an axial width W (a) may vary and be incrementally sized depending on the application. (a) can be selected prior to installation within groove 22. Body 54 of insert ring 52 includes first sealing surface 60 and second sealing surface 62. First sealing surface 60 and second sealing surface 62 are adjacent to one another. Body 54 includes a third surface 64 opposite second sealing surface 62. Body 54 can also include angled features 66 defined at one or more corners 67 relative to first sealing surface 60, second sealing surface 62, and / or third surface 64.

[0023] 3, 4, and 7, the insert ring 52 may be sized and shaped to be at least partially inserted into the groove 22 of the outer diaphragm ring 14. The distance D between the second sealing surface 26 and the third surface 28 of the groove 22 is (1) (See, e.g., FIG. 5) is the distance D measured between the second sealing surface 62 and the third surface 64 of the insert ring 52. (2) (See, for example, FIG. 6 ) may be equal to or greater than the distance D between the second sealing surface 62 and the third surface 64 of the insert ring 52. (2) is the distance D between the second sealing surface 26 and the third surface 28 of the groove 22 (1) The insert ring 52 has an axial width W measured between the casing face 18 and the first sealing face 24 of the diaphragm outer ring 14. (3) Axial width W is approximately the same as (a) (See, e.g., FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the insert ring 52 may have an axial width W (3) Axial width W is approximately the same as (a) It has.

[0024] 3 and 7, the axial width W of the insert ring 52 (3) is the axial width W of the steam joint 17 (1)When installed, the insert ring 52 at least partially contacts the first sealing surface 24 of the groove 22 such that a seal is formed between the first sealing surface 24 of the groove 22 and the first sealing surface 60 of the insert ring 52. The insert ring 52 also at least partially contacts the second sealing surface 26 of the groove 22 such that a seal is formed between the second sealing surface 26 of the groove 22 and the second sealing surface 62 of the insert ring 52. In some embodiments, the insert ring 52 at least partially contacts the first sealing surface 24 and the second sealing surface 26 of the groove 22 such that a seal is formed between the first sealing surface 24 of the groove 22 and the first sealing surface 60 of the insert ring 52, and between the second sealing surface 26 of the groove 22 and the second sealing surface 62 of the insert ring 52.

[0025] The insert ring 52 is inserted into the groove 22 and can be held in place using a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, peening, welding, adhesives, press fitting, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the insert ring 52 is peened so that a portion 68 of the third surface 28 of the outer diaphragm ring 14 is deformed toward the third surface 64 of the insert ring 52, as shown. The deformed portion 68 at least partially holds the insert ring 52 within the groove 22 of the outer diaphragm ring 14. In one embodiment, a peening tool 72, such as a punch or impact hammer, is oriented obliquely relative to the steam face 20 of the outer diaphragm ring 14 to form the peened portion 68.

[0026] Although only a single insert ring 52 is depicted, it should be understood that multiple insert rings 52 may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , in an exemplary embodiment, the steam turbine assembly 10 is oriented along a longitudinal axis (L (1) ) and includes a plurality of insert rings 52 arranged axially relative to the longitudinal axis (L (1)) may be selectively positioned at various circumferential positions relative to the first half 10A of the steam turbine assembly 10. For example, in one embodiment, the first half 10A of the steam turbine assembly 10 may include a first quantity of insert rings 52, and the second half 10B of the steam turbine assembly 10 may include a second quantity of insert rings 52. The first and second quantities of insert rings 52 may be the same or different. As depicted, in the exemplary embodiment, the first and second quantities each include one insert ring 52. It should be understood that various quantities of insert rings 52 may be used without departing from the spirit / scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first half 10A of the steam turbine assembly 10 may include two or more insert rings 52, and the second half 10B of the steam turbine assembly 10 may include two or more insert rings 52. The insert ring(s) 52 may be held in place at one or more positions about the axis (L1), e.g., multiple positions relative to the first half 10A and multiple positions relative to the second half 10B. For example, the deformations 68 at least partially hold the insert ring 52 within the groove 22 of the diaphragm outer ring 14.

[0027] In operation (FIG. 9), an exemplary method 100 using insert ring 52 involves identifying a required seal location 102 for packing ring 19 and determining an axial width W measured between surface 18 of casing 12 and first seal surface 24 of diaphragm outer ring 14. (3 The preferred seal location is based on the axial distance 27' between the protrusion 21 on the packing ring 19 and the protrusion 25' on the rotor 23'. The axial distance 27' can vary based in part on the turbine selected. The axial width W is approximately equal to or slightly less than the measured axial width W3. (a)A corresponding insert ring 52 having a groove 22 is selected. The insert ring 52 is at least partially inserted 106 into the groove 22 in the diaphragm outer ring 14. The insert ring 52 is secured 108 within the groove 22 of the diaphragm outer ring 14 to facilitate improving the operating efficiency of the steam turbine assembly 10. To ensure that the insert ring 52 remains in place during assembly of the steam turbine assembly 10, the insert ring 52 is held in place as described herein.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 6, the body 54 of the insert ring 52 has an axial width W (a) The insert ring 52 has an axial width W (a) The insert ring is available in a variety of standard sizes, as defined at least in part by the axial width W of the insert ring. a The axial width W of the body 54 can be incrementally sized such that the axial width W ranges from about 0.15 inches to about 0.50 inches. a may vary and may depend, in part, on the overall size of the steam turbine assembly 10.

[0029] In some embodiments, the body 54 of the insert ring 52 may include multiple inserts (not shown). Each insert (not shown) may include a tear line (not shown) that allows for selective removal of one or more inserts (not shown) from the plurality of inserts (not shown). The tear line (not shown) may represent a region of reduced material where at least one or more of the inserts (not shown) may be selectively separated from the plurality of inserts (not shown). In some embodiments, the tear line (not shown) is not visible, but rather is created by removing one or more inserts (not shown) from the plurality of inserts (not shown). For example, in some embodiments, the tear line (not shown) is formed by removing at least one insert (not shown) via bending, cutting, etc. However, it should be understood that alternatives to tear lines (not shown) may be used without departing from the spirit / scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary steam turbine assembly 200 including a casing 12 and a diaphragm paddle ring 14 disposed relative to the casing 12. It should be understood that the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 7 are used to identify identical components in FIG. 10. The diaphragm paddle ring 14 includes a groove 22 disposed relative to the casing 12. The groove 22 opens to a steam joint 17. The diaphragm paddle ring 14 includes a first sealing surface 24 defined facing the steam joint 17 and a second sealing surface 26 defined adjacent to the first sealing surface 24 and facing in a direction opposite the steam flow direction. The diaphragm paddle ring 14 includes a third surface 28 defined opposite the second sealing surface 26. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the first sealing surface 24, the second sealing surface 26, and the third surface 28 at least partially define the groove 22.

[0031] Steam turbine assembly 200 includes an insert ring, for example, an angled insert ring 202 sized and shaped to be at least partially inserted, directly or indirectly, into groove 22. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, angled insert ring 202 is at least partially disposed within groove 22 such that first face 204 of angled insert ring 202 at least partially contacts second sealing surface 26 of diaphragm outer ring 14. Steam turbine assembly 200 includes packing material 208 disposed relative to angled insert ring 202 and at least partially disposed within groove 22. Packing material 208 may be disposed between second face 206 of angled insert ring 202 and third face 28 of diaphragm outer ring 14. The packing material 208 may include, but is not limited to, caulking wire, and / or the packing material 208 may be peened and / or rolled into the groove 22 between the second surface 206 of the angled insert ring 202 and the third surface 28 of the diaphragm outer ring 14.

[0032] The angled insert ring 202 may also be positioned relative to the diaphragm outer ring 14 and the casing 12, for example, in the steam joint 17. For example, when installed, the angled seal 202 at least partially contacts the surface 18 of the casing 12 and the steam face 20 of the diaphragm outer ring 14. The angled insert ring 202 may form a seal between the diaphragm outer ring 14 and the casing 12. The axial width W of the angled insert ring 202 may be (a) is the axial width W (a) is the axial width (W (1) ) The angled insert ring 202 can be dimensioned to accommodate various steam joint widths W (a) Various axial widths W (a ) may be formed.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary steam turbine assembly 300 including a casing 12 and a diaphragm paddle ring 302 disposed relative to the casing 12. It should be understood that the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 7 are used to identify identical components in FIG. 11. It should also be understood that the diaphragm paddle ring 302 is similar to the diaphragm paddle ring 14 described above, but does not include a groove defined therein. Rather, in the exemplary embodiment, the casing 12 and the diaphragm paddle ring 302 define a steam joint 17 that faces the steam flow pressure. The steam joint 17 is defined by the surface 18 of the casing 12 and a steam face 306 of the diaphragm paddle ring 302 opposite the surface 18. The diaphragm paddle ring 302 includes a radius 304 defined in the steam face 306.

[0034] The steam turbine assembly 300 includes an insert ring, e.g., an insert plate 308, including a first sealing face 310 and a second sealing face 312 opposite the first sealing face 310. The insert plate 308 is sized and shaped to be positioned in at least partial contact with the surface 18 of the casing 12 and the steam face 306 of the diaphragm outer ring 14. The insert plate 308 may include a third sealing face 314 positioned in at least partial contact with a third face 316 of the diaphragm outer ring 302. The insert plate 308 may form a seal between the diaphragm outer ring 14 and the casing 12. The axial width W of the insert plate 308 (a)は , axial width W (a) is the axial width W of the steam joint 17 (1) The insert plate 308 can be dimensioned to have a width W of various steam joint sizes. (1) Various axial widths W (a) The insert plate 308 may also include an angled feature 318 opposite the third sealing surface 314. The angled feature 318 may aid in the insertion of the plate 308 into the casing 12 and the diaphragm outer ring 302. A corner 319 of the insert plate 308 adjacent the third sealing surface 314 may be at least partially disposed within the radial feature 304 of the diaphragm outer ring 302.

[0035] At least some of the advantages of the system described herein over the prior art include: (i) selective adjustment of the axial position of the insert ring / plate; (ii) incremental adjustments of the insert ring / plate to facilitate repairs; (iii) reduced downtime of the rotating machine; and (iv) reduced analysis required to select the appropriate insert ring / plate based on the determined axial width between the rotating machine components.

[0036] The systems described herein allow for the retrofitting of steam turbine assemblies 10, 200, and 300, thereby reducing the extent to which the systems are not fully operational, and in some cases, removing them from service altogether. In some instances, such as in the power generation industry, retrofitting steam turbine assemblies 10, 200, and 300 can reduce the extent of outages and save users and / or energy suppliers money based in part on the extent of the outage.

[0037] The above description is intended to be illustrative only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. Modifications that fall within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, portions of the various systems can be utilized independently and separately from other systems described herein.

[0038] Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Moreover, references to "one embodiment" in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0039] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses. [Embodiment 1] An insert ring for a turbine assembly, the turbine assembly including a casing and a turbine stationary component radially inward from the casing to define a steam joint therebetween, the insert ring including a first face positioned adjacent to the casing and a second face positioned in close proximity to the turbine stationary component such that the second face is spaced a distance from and opposite the first face, the inserted ring having an axial width defined by the first and second faces. [Embodiment 2] An insert ring for a turbine assembly as described in embodiment 1, wherein the insert ring includes a plate that is oriented within the turbine assembly such that the first face at least partially contacts the casing, and the second face at least partially contacts the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 3] An insert ring for a turbine assembly as described in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the turbine stationary component includes a groove defined therein that opens towards the steam joint, and the inserted ring is sized to be inserted at least partially within the groove of the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 4] 10. An insert ring for a turbine assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the turbine stationary component includes a first seal face opposite from the portion of the groove that opens towards the steam joint, and the second face of the inserted ring at least partially contacts the first seal face of the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 5] The insert ring has an axial width W that ranges between about 0.15 inches and about 0.50 inches. (a) 10. The insert ring for a turbine assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the inserted ring defines a body that has an axial width Wa that is in a range between about 0.15 inches and about 0.50 inches. [Embodiment 6] 10. The insert ring for a turbine assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the turbine stationary component is selected from the group comprising a diaphragm outer ring, a packing head, a packing ring, a packing carrier, an oil deflector, and combinations thereof. [Embodiment 7] 10. The insert ring for a turbine assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the turbine stationary component defines a second seal face that is adjacent to the first seal face, the second face of the inserted ring at least partially contacts the first seal face of the turbine stationary component, and a third face of the inserted ring at least partially contacts the second seal face of the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 8] 10. An insert ring for a turbine assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the turbine assembly has a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of inserted rings are circumferentially spaced relative to the longitudinal axis and coupled to the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 9] A turbine assembly including a casing and a turbine stationary component radially inward from the casing to define a steam joint therebetween, the turbine stationary component defining a groove open to the steam joint, the turbine stationary component defining a first seal face within the groove opposite from the portion open to the steam joint, and a second seal face within the groove adjacent to the first seal face, the turbine assembly including an inserted ring The insert ring includes a body including a first face, a second face adjacent to the first face, and a third face opposite the first face.and a third face opposite from the first face, the first face is positioned in close proximity to the first seal face of the turbine stationary component, the second face is positioned in close proximity to the second seal face of the turbine stationary component, and the third face is positioned in close proximity to the casing, forming a turbine assembly. [Embodiment 10] 10. The turbine assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the body of the inserted ring has an axial width Wa in a range between about 0.25 inches to about 0.50 inches. [Embodiment 11] 10. The turbine assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the body of the inserted ring has an axial width W(a) that is in a range between about 0.15 inches and about 0.50 inches. [Embodiment 12] 10. The turbine assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the inserted ring is fixedly secured within the groove of the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 13] 10. The turbine assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the steam turbine assembly has a longitudinal axis, and wherein a plurality of inserted rings are spaced relative to the longitudinal axis and coupled to the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 14] 10. The turbine assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the body of the inserted ring is angled such that the third face of the body is longer than the first face. [Embodiment 15] 10. The turbine assembly of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a packing material positioned in close proximity to and opposite from the second face of the inserted ring. [Embodiment 16] 10. The turbine assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert ring is an inserted plate that is positioned within the steam joint and in contact with both the casing and the turbine stationary component. [Embodiment 17] A method for selectively positioning an inserted ring relative to a turbine assembly that includes a casing and a turbine stationary component positioned radially inward from the casing so as to define a steam joint therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a seal position required at a packing seal location and identifying an axial width defined between a first seal face of the turbine stationary component and a radially inner surface of the casing; and selecting an inserted ring having an axial width that is approximately the same as the axial width identified between the first seal face of the turbine stationary component and the radially inner surface of the casing. of the turbine stationary component and the radially inner surface of thecasing; inserting the inserted ring at least partially within a groove defined circumferentially within the turbine stationary component; and fixedly securing the inserted ring within the turbine stationary component groove to facilitate improving the operating efficiency of the turbine assembly. [Embodiment 18] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting an insert ring further includes selecting an inserted ring that includes a body that is positioned relative to the radially inner surface of the casing. [Embodiment 19] 10. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein selecting an insert ring further includes selecting an inserted ring that includes a body that has an axial width W(a) that is in a range between about 0.15 inches and about 0.50 inches. [Embodiment 20] 10. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting an insert ring further includes selecting an inserted ring that comprises a first face and a second face adjacent to the first face, the first face of the inserted ring being positioned in close proximity to the first seal face of the turbine stationary component, the second face of the inserted ring being positioned in close proximity to a third seal face adjacent to the first seal face of the turbine stationary component, and the first and second faces of the inserted ring combining to produce a seal relative to the turbine stationary component.

[0040] While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0041] 10, 200, 300: Steam turbine assembly 10A: First half 10B: Second half 12: Casing 14, 302: Diaphragm outer ring / turbine stationary component 15: Nozzle 16: Inner ring 17: Steam joint 18: Casing surface 19: Packing ring 20, 306: Steam face 21: Protrusion 22: Groove 23: Rotor 24: First seal face 25: Protrusion 26: Second seal face 27: Axial distance 28: Third face 52: Insert ring 54: Body 60: First seal face 62: Second seal face 64: Third face 66: Angled feature 67: Corner 68: Deformation / peening area 72: Peening tool 202: Angled insert ring / angled seal 204: First face 206: Second surface 208: Packing material 304: R-shaped / radial feature 308: Insert plate 310: First sealing surface 312: Second sealing surface 314: Third sealing surface 316: Third surface 318: Angled feature 319: Corner

Claims

1. An insert ring for a turbine assembly, the turbine assembly including a casing and a turbine stationary component disposed radially inward from the casing to define a steam joint between the casing and the turbine stationary component; The insert ring is a first surface disposed adjacent the casing; a second surface disposed proximate to the turbine stationary component; and Including, the second surface is disposed opposite the first surface at a distance from the first surface; An insert ring for a turbine assembly, wherein the insert ring has an axial width defined by first and second faces.

2. 2. The insert ring for a turbine assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert ring comprises a plate oriented within the turbine assembly such that a first surface at least partially contacts the casing and a second surface at least partially contacts a turbine stationary component.

3. 10. The insert ring for a turbine assembly of claim 1, wherein the turbine stationary component has a groove defined therein that opens toward the steam joint, and the insert ring is sized to be inserted at least partially within the groove of the turbine stationary component.

4. 4. The insert ring for a turbine assembly of claim 3, wherein the turbine stationary component includes a first sealing surface opposite a portion of the groove that opens toward the steam joint, and wherein a second surface of the insert ring at least partially contacts the first sealing surface of the turbine stationary component.

5. The insert ring has an axial width W in the range of about 0.15 inches to about 0.50 inches. ａ The insert ring for a turbine assembly according to claim 1 , defining a body having:

6. The insert ring for a turbine assembly of claim 1 , wherein the turbine stationary component is selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm outer ring, a packing head, a packing ring, a packing carrier, an oil deflector, and combinations thereof.

7. 5. The insert ring for a turbine assembly of claim 4, wherein the turbine stationary component defines a second sealing face adjacent the first sealing face, the second face of the insert ring at least partially contacting the first sealing face of the turbine stationary component, and the third face of the insert ring at least partially contacting the second sealing face of the turbine stationary component.

8. The insert ring for a turbine assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the turbine assembly has a longitudinal axis, and the plurality of insert rings are circumferentially spaced apart about the longitudinal axis and coupled to the turbine stationary component.

9. 1. A turbine assembly including a casing and a turbine stationary component radially inward from the casing to define a steam joint between the casing and the turbine stationary component, the turbine stationary component defining a groove opening to the steam joint, the turbine stationary component defining a first sealing surface in the groove opposite a portion opening to the steam joint, and a second sealing surface in the groove adjacent the first sealing surface, the turbine assembly including an insert ring, the insert ring comprising: a body including a first surface, a second surface adjacent to the first surface, and a third surface opposite the first surface; a turbine assembly, wherein the first surface is positioned proximate a first sealing surface of a turbine stationary component, the second surface is positioned proximate a second sealing surface of the turbine stationary component, and the third surface is positioned proximate a casing.

10. The body of the insert ring has an axial width W ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 0.50 inches. （ａ） The turbine assembly of claim 9 , comprising:

11. The body of the insert ring has an axial width W ranging between about 0.15 inches and about 0.50 inches. （ａ） The turbine assembly of claim 9 , comprising:

12. The turbine assembly of claim 9 , wherein the insert ring is secured within a groove in a turbine stationary component.

13. The turbine assembly of claim 9 , wherein the steam turbine assembly has a longitudinal axis, and the plurality of insert rings are spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis and coupled to a turbine stationary component.

14. The turbine assembly of claim 9 , wherein the body of the insert ring is angled such that the third side of the body is longer than the first side.

15. The turbine assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a packing material disposed adjacent the second surface of the insert ring and opposite the second surface.

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