Systems and methods for repairing machined slots in gas turbine components

Abstract

To provide repair methods and systems that enable turbine components to be repaired and / or fabricated without requiring the components to be replaced.SOLUTION: A method includes providing a braze foil 300 variably sized to fit within at least a portion of a slot of a component being repaired, and positioning a locking insert 400 proximate to the braze foil 300. The method also includes pressing the braze foil 300 and the locking insert 400 into at least the portion of the slot being repaired, such that the locking insert 400 is securely coupled within the portion of the slot being repaired via a friction fit, and brazing the braze foil 300 and the locking insert 400 together in the slot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to gas turbine components, and more particularly to methods and systems for repairing machined slots in gas turbine components. [Background technology]

[0002] Combustion turbines, such as gas turbine engines, typically include a compressor section, a combustor section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section coupled together in a serial-flow configuration. During operation, the compressor section receives and compresses ambient air, which is discharged toward the combustor section. The combustor section typically includes multiple combustors that receive the compressed air and mix it with fuel to generate a fuel / air mixture. When the mixture is combusted in the combustors, hot working gases are generated that may be channeled to the turbine section, where they expand through alternating rows of fixed and rotating airfoils and are used to generate power that can drive a rotor. The expanded gases exiting the turbine section may be exhausted from the engine via an exhaust section.

[0003] The effective operation of a combustion turbine is based on the proper functioning of its components. Turbine system operation can be adversely affected, for example, if a component fails after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, pressures, and / or high rotational stresses. Other component failures can occur if components are not manufactured to tight tolerances and / or are not accurately positioned within the combustion turbine, such as if the component is not accurately machined, i.e., incorrectly, prior to installation. For example, seals used within combustion turbines may include curved surfaces and / or other surface features that may be prone to dislodgement when subjected to various forces during turbine operation. Furthermore, such seals may be more susceptible to failure if, for example, any portion of the seal is incorrectly machined.

[0004] Traditionally, after such components fail or become damaged, they are typically replaced and discarded. Removing such components often requires taking the turbine out of service to allow for a time-consuming, labor-intensive process. Furthermore, discarding incorrectly machined parts, which may be functional, increases the overall costs associated with replacing components and maintaining the turbine system.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to implement repair methods and systems that allow turbine components to be repaired and / or fabricated without the need to replace the components. Furthermore, such methods and systems facilitate reducing waste and costs by reducing the likelihood that damaged components will have to be discarded. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a method of repairing a component is provided. The method includes providing a brazing foil variably sized to fit within at least a portion of a slot of the component being repaired and positioning a locking insert adjacent to the brazing foil. The method also includes forcing the brazing foil and the locking insert into at least a portion of the slot being repaired such that the locking insert is securely coupled within the portion of the slot being repaired by a friction fit, and brazing the brazing foil and the locking insert together in the slot.

[0007] In another aspect, a repair kit is provided for use with a machined component including a slot, where at least a portion of the slot is damaged or improperly machined. The repair kit includes a brazing foil and a locking insert. The brazing foil is variably sized to fit within at least a portion of the slot being repaired. The locking insert is sized to be positioned adjacent to the brazing foil so that when the locking insert and brazing foil are pressed into at least a portion of the slot being repaired, the brazing foil extends completely across a portion of a surface defining a portion of the slot being repaired before the brazing foil and locking insert are simultaneously brazed in the slot.

[0008] A method for repairing a turbine component is provided that includes providing a brazing foil variably sized to fit within at least a portion of a slot defined in the turbine component being repaired, positioning the brazing foil to extend across a portion of the slot to be repaired, and positioning a lock insert relative to the brazing foil. The method also includes simultaneously pressing the brazing foil and the lock insert into the portion of the slot being repaired such that the lock insert is securely coupled within the portion of the slot being repaired by a friction fit and such that the brazing foil extends completely across surfaces defining the portion of the slot being repaired, and simultaneously brazing the brazing foil and the lock insert in the portion of the slot being repaired.

[0009] The above brief description is provided as an overview of only some of the implementations disclosed herein. These and other implementations are described in more detail herein. Furthermore, some implementations may include one or more processors of one or more computing devices, the one or more processors operable to execute instructions stored in associated memory, the instructions configured to cause the performance of any of the methods described herein. Some implementations also include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media that store computer instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0010] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts described in more detail herein, are considered to be part of the subject matter disclosed herein, for example, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered to be part of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0011] The above-mentioned and other features of the present invention will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary gas turbine engine; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary component including a C-seal slot that may be used with a gas turbine engine, such as the gas turbine engine of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of an exemplary fishbone brazing foil. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary spring-like lock insert machined to fit inside a slot, such as the C-slot shown in FIG. 2, so that the insert extends over a fishbone brazing foil, such as the foil shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fishbone braze foil being placed over and into the C-seal slot to cover the slot with the foil and with a spring-like lock insert placed over the foil. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spring-like locking insert shown in FIG. 5 fully inserted into the C-slot with the foil. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary C-slot repaired using the spring lock insert and fishbone braze foil shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for repairing an incorrectly machined part using a combination of fishbone brazing foil and spring-like locking inserts.

[0013] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. On the contrary, however, the present invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, and it is apparent that many alternatives, combinations, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention as set forth above are illustrative only and not in a limiting sense. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In the following specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings.

[0015] The singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "said" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances when the event occurs and instances when it does not occur.

[0016] References to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, particular features of various embodiments described herein may be shown in some drawings and not in others, but this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of any drawing and / or embodiment described herein may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing and / or embodiment described herein. That is, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment "including" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may further include such elements without that characteristic.

[0017] As used herein, the term "real-time" refers to either the time when relevant events occur, the time when certain data are measured and collected, the time when data is processed, or the time when a system responds to events and circumstances. In the embodiments described herein, these operations and events occur substantially simultaneously.

[0018] As used herein, the terms “processor” and “computer,” as well as related terms such as “processing device,” “computing device,” and “controller,” are not limited to those integrated circuits commonly referred to in the art as computers, but instead broadly refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits, and / or other programmable circuits, and such terms are used interchangeably herein. In the embodiments described herein, memory may include computer-readable media such as, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), and computer-readable non-volatile media such as flash memory. Alternatively, floppy disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks (MODs), and / or digital versatile disks (DVDs) may also be used. Also, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be computer peripherals associated with an operator interface, such as, but not limited to, a mouse and keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals, such as, but not limited to, a scanner, may also be used. Furthermore, in the embodiments described herein, additional output channels may include, but are not limited to, an operator interface monitor.

[0019] Unless otherwise specified, 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 one or more terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some cases, approximation terms may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used herein merely as labels and do not impose any order, position, or hierarchy requirements on the items they refer to. Furthermore, for example, a reference to a "second" item does not require or exclude the presence of, for example, a "first" item or lower-numbered items, or a "third" or higher-numbered item.

[0020] In one embodiment, a repair method is provided for salvaging improperly machined parts by repairing them using a combination of a fishbone brazing foil and a spring-like locking insert. In an exemplary method, a surface (e.g., a slot) to be repaired is identified, and a fishbone brazing foil is created based on the dimensions of the slot or other identified surface. An exemplary fishbone brazing foil is variably sized to extend across the entire interior surface of the slot. For example, the fishbone brazing foil may be variably sized to allow the foil to extend across the bottom and both sides of the surfaces defining the slot after the brazing foil is inserted into the slot.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method includes machining the spring-like lock insert based on the dimensions of the slot. For example, the spring-like lock insert may have a width, length, and thickness variably selected to allow the spring-like lock insert to fit snugly against the inside of the walls defining the slot. When the spring-like lock insert is fully inserted into the bottom of the slot, a click may be heard when the spring-like lock insert snaps into place. Once fully inserted in this manner, in an exemplary embodiment, the spring-like lock insert generally may not be removed from the slot without the use of a tool.

[0022] In another embodiment, the repair method may include placing a fishbone brazing foil over and into the C-seal slot so that the slot is completely covered by the foil. In one embodiment, brazing paste may be applied along the inner surface of the spring-like lock insert. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring-like lock insert is placed over and on the fishbone brazing foil and inserted into the slot along with the foil. In one embodiment, additional brazing paste may be applied along the gap defined between the spring-like lock insert and the base metal. In one exemplary implementation, the insert is brazed in a vacuum furnace. After brazing, the repair method may include re-machining the C-seal slot to meet industrial requirements.

[0023] Although implementations are described herein with respect to repairing slots such as C-seal slots, the processes described herein may be applied to other grooves and / or surfaces in need of repair in an engine or any other type of machine component.

[0024] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary gas turbine engine 100. In the exemplary embodiment, engine 100 includes a compressor section 112, a combustor section 114, a turbine section 116, and an exhaust section 118. In the exemplary embodiment, combustor section 114 includes multiple combustors 120, each including a combustion shell and a cover plate. A combustor liner or basket 126 and a transition duct 127 define a passage that carries hot working gases as they flow toward turbine section 116. The present invention is operable with any other known combustor geometry and / or any other gas turbine engine design, including, but not limited to, can-type, cannular-type, or annular-type combustors, in stationary land-based and / or vehicle applications.

[0025] During operation of engine 100, compressed air from compressor section 112 is supplied to combustor section 114, where it is combined with fuel supplied by a fuel injection system 128 in combustor section 114. When the fuel / air mixture is ignited, combustion products are generated, which constitute hot working gases. It can be appreciated that combustion of the fuel and air can occur at various axial locations along its path through combustor liner or basket 126 and transition duct 127 to the inlet of turbine section 116. The hot working gases expand through turbine section 116 and are discharged through exhaust section 118.

[0026] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary turbine component 200 including a C-seal slot 202. In this example, slot 202 is an improperly machined or damaged slot. Alternatively, the methods and systems described herein may be used with any other component, including any other type of component that may be used in turbine engine 100 shown in FIG. 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, slot 202 is defined by a bottom surface 201 and a pair of opposing sidewall surfaces 206 and 208. Thus, slot 202 has a depth Ds measured from an outer surface 210 of component 200 to bottom surface 201, and a width Ws measured between opposing surfaces 206 and 208 of slot 202.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a brazing foil 300 that may be used to repair the component 200 shown in FIG. 2 . In the exemplary embodiment, the brazing foil 300 is a fishbone brazing foil that includes a plurality of slits 302 defined therein. Alternatively, any other brazing foil that enables the repair methods described herein to function may be used. In the exemplary embodiment, the slits 302 cooperate to enable the brazing foil 300 to easily conform to the interior dimensions, i.e., width Ws, of the slot to be repaired, such as the slot 202 shown in FIG. 2 . More specifically, the brazing foil 300 may be variably sized to enable the foil 300 to extend across and completely cover the slot being repaired after the foil 300 is fully inserted into the slot 202. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, when slot 202 is being repaired, foil 300 is sized to allow foil 300 to completely cover bottom surface 201 (shown in FIG. 2 ) as well as the inner surfaces of walls 206 and 208 that define slot 202. In other words, foil 300 has a width Wf and length Lf that allow foil 300 to completely cover the surface that defines slot 202 being repaired, i.e., surface 201. In other embodiments, foil width Wf and length Lf are selected to allow a portion of the component being repaired to be completely covered by foil 300 during the repair process.

[0028] 4 is a side perspective view of an exemplary spring-like lock insert 400 machined with dimensions selected to enable the insert 400 to fit snugly and to close tolerances within an improperly machined slot, such as slot 202 shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, the lock insert 400 is machined with a variably selected width Wi, thickness Ti, and length Li that enable the insert 400 to extend completely across and into the slot 202 being repaired. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, when used to repair a C-seal slot, the combination of the material used in fabricating the lock insert 400 and the dimensions Wi, Ti, and Li of the lock insert 400 enables the spring-like lock insert 400 to snap or click into place when fully inserted into and against the bottom surface 201 of the slot 202 being repaired. Once fully seated, in the exemplary embodiment, the friction fit between the lock insert 400 and the slot 202 being repaired allows the spring-like lock insert 400 to remain in place without the use of tools and / or any fastening hardware or adhesive materials.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, brazing paste 402 is applied over the inner surface 404 of the spring-like lock insert 400. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the brazing paste 402 is applied such that the paste 402 is between the lock insert 400 and the bottom surface 201 of the slot 202 being repaired. In alternative embodiments, the brazing paste 402 may be applied in a different location than shown in FIG. 4 and / or may be applied to other surfaces of the lock insert 400. In the exemplary embodiment, the paste 402 is a nickel- or cobalt-based paste, such as, but not limited to, BNi-2 (MBF20), BNi-3 (MBF30), BNi-5b (MBF31), BNi-6 (MBF60), BNi-9 (MBF80), and / or DF4B. Alternatively, any other brazing alloy may be used that provides high strength, is braze compatible with the types of materials used in making the turbine component, and enables the insert 400 and the repair methods described herein to function as described herein.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, braze paste 402 is applied across the inner surface 404 of spring-like lock insert 400. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, braze paste 402 is applied such that paste 402 is between lock insert 400 and the bottom surface of the slot being repaired. In alternative embodiments, braze paste 402 may be applied in a different location than shown in FIG. 4 and / or may be applied to other surfaces of lock insert 400. In the exemplary embodiment, paste 402 is a nickel- or cobalt-based paste, such as, but not limited to, BNi-2 (MBF20), BNi-3 (MBF30), BNi-5b (MBF31), BNi-6 (MBF60), BNi-9 (MBF80), and / or DF4B. Alternatively, any other braze alloy may be used that provides high strength, is braze-compatible with the types of materials used in fabricating turbine components, and enables insert 400 and the repair methods described herein to function as described herein.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the fishbone brazing foil 300 being positioned over and entering the C-seal slot 202 to completely cover the slot 202 with the foil 300 and so that a spring-like lock insert 400 can be placed on top of the foil 300. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the spring-like lock insert 400 shown in FIG. 5 and fully inserted into the C-seal slot 202 with the foil 300. In the exemplary illustration, the brazing foil 300 is selected and sized to extend over and across the C-seal slot being repaired, such as the slot 202 shown in FIG. 2, so that the slot 202 being repaired is completely covered with the foil 300. The spring-like lock insert 400 is placed over the top of the fishbone brazing foil 300, and the spring-like lock insert 400, along with the foil 300 and the brazing paste 402 applied to the lock insert 400, is pressed into the slot 202 being repaired. Additional brazing paste (not shown) may be applied along the gap defined between the spring-like lock insert 400 and the component being repaired (e.g., along the sides of the slot being repaired). The component being repaired 500 may then be brazed in a vacuum furnace such that the lock insert 400 is securely bonded within the repaired slot by the brazing process. Note that in each embodiment, the lock insert and brazing foil are braze-compatible with the type of material used in fabricating the turbine component. Following the brazing process, the spring-like lock insert 400 and the fishbone brazing foil 300 are joined together and securely bonded within the repaired slot. A post-braze inspection may be performed to determine whether and / or how much of the repaired slot requires additional machining to return the component to a slot of the desired dimensions. With the slot repaired, it becomes easier to reduce the cost of replacing the component with a newer component.

[0032] 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 800 for salvaging improperly machined parts by repairing them using a combination of fishbone brazing foil and spring-like locking inserts. Referring more particularly to the flow diagram, the exemplary method 800 first identifies 802 a surface to be repaired (e.g., a component containing a slot). For example, in one embodiment, a technician may identify an improperly machined part, such as slot 202 (shown in FIG. 2). In another embodiment, the automated procedure includes an inspection device coupled to a processor that is used to identify whether the component needs repair.

[0033] A fishbone braze foil, such as foil 300 (shown in FIG. 3 ), may be manufactured 804 based on the measured dimensions of the slot being repaired and / or based on another surface or portion of the component to be repaired. In an exemplary embodiment, the foil is variably sized and selected to allow foil 300 to extend across the entire interior surface defining the slot, including the slot bottom and opposing sides. For example, the fishbone braze foil may be variably sized to extend completely across the bottom and opposing sides of the surface after the foil is pressed into the slot being repaired.

[0034] Further, in the exemplary method 800, a spring-like locking insert is machined 806 based on the measured dimensions of the slot being repaired. For example, the spring-like locking insert 400 shown in FIG. 4 has a width W variably selected to ensure that the insert 400 fits snugly, i.e., to close tolerances, against the surfaces defining the slot, i.e., against the inner surfaces of the walls defining the slot being repaired. i , thickness T i , and length L iWhen the spring-like locking insert is fully inserted into the slot and pressed firmly against the bottom of the slot, a click may be heard as the insert snaps into place. When positioned in this manner, the spring-like locking insert may be sized so that it may not be removed from the slot being repaired without the use of a tool.

[0035] The fishbone braze foil may be placed completely over the C-seal slot to ensure that the entire surface defining the slot to be repaired is covered by the foil 808. For example, the fishbone braze foil 300 shown in FIG. 5 is placed completely over the C-seal slot so that the slot is completely covered by the foil 300.

[0036] In one embodiment, brazing paste may be applied over the inner surface of the spring-like lock insert used in the repair process 810. For example, brazing paste 402 shown in FIG. 4 may be applied over the inner surface of spring-like lock insert 400 such that the brazing paste is between the lock insert and the bottom surface of the slot being repaired.

[0037] The spring lock insert is placed 812 over the top of the fishbone braze foil and pressed into the slot at the same time as the foil. For example, the spring lock insert 400 shown in FIG. 5 is placed over the fishbone braze foil 300 and pressed, along with the foil 300, into the slot being repaired. In one embodiment, additional braze paste 402 may be applied 814 across the gap defined between the spring lock insert and the base metal.

[0038] The components are then brazed in a vacuum furnace. After brazing, the slots can be re-machined to meet desired requirements.

[0039] An advantage of the implementations may be increased productivity by facilitating repairs without the need to recase the entire part. Waste in the form of time and physical resources may be facilitated by not having to scrap the entire turbine part. In doing so, the processes described herein are more environmentally friendly.

[0040] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0041] A method for repairing a component includes providing a brazing foil variably sized to fit within at least a portion of a slot of the component being repaired, positioning a lock insert adjacent to the brazing foil, forcing the brazing foil and lock insert into at least a portion of the slot being repaired such that the lock insert is securely coupled within the portion of the slot being repaired by a friction fit, and brazing the brazing foil and lock insert together in the slot.

[0042] 10. The method of any preceding clause, wherein providing a brazing foil further comprises creating a fishbone brazing foil.

[0043] 10. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising identifying at least a portion of the turbine component to be repaired.

[0044] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising identifying the slot as being incorrectly machined or damaged.

[0045] 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying brazing paste over at least a portion of the lock insert such that when the lock insert is in place to be brazed to the component being repaired, the brazing paste is between an inner surface of the lock insert and at least a portion of the component being repaired.

[0046] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying brazing paste into a gap defined between the lock insert and an edge of the slot after the lock insert is fully inserted into the portion of the slot being repaired.

[0047] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising disposing a lock insert, and further comprising manufacturing a spring-like lock insert.

[0048] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising re-machining the slot after the lock insert and brazing foil are brazed in place within the component being repaired.

[0049] A repair kit for use with a machined component including a slot, at least a portion of which is damaged or improperly machined, the repair kit including: a brazing foil configured to fit within at least a portion of the slot being repaired; and a locking insert sized to be positioned adjacent to the brazing foil, so that when the locking insert and brazing foil are pressed into at least a portion of the slot being repaired, the brazing foil extends completely across a portion of a surface defining a portion of the slot being repaired before the brazing foil and locking insert are simultaneously brazed in the slot.

[0050] 10. The repair kit of any preceding clause, wherein the brazing foil comprises a fishbone brazing foil.

[0051] 10. The repair kit of any preceding clause, wherein the component to be repaired is a turbine component, and the braze foil and lock insert are braze-compatible with materials used in fabricating the turbine component.

[0052] 10. The repair kit of claim 1, further comprising a brazing paste applied between the lock insert and the brazing foil such that after the lock insert is fully positioned against the portion of the component being repaired, the brazing paste extends between an inner surface of the lock insert and the portion of the component being repaired.

[0053] 10. The repair kit of any preceding clause, wherein a brazing paste is applied between an inner surface of the lock insert and a bottom surface of the slot being repaired.

[0054] 10. The repair kit of any preceding clause, further comprising a brazing paste applied onto a gap defined between the lock insert and an edge of the slot after the lock insert is fully positioned against the portion of the component being repaired.

[0055] The repair kit of any preceding clause, wherein the lock insert comprises a spring-loaded lock insert.

[0056] 10. The repair kit of any preceding clause, wherein the slot having the lock insert is re-machined after the lock insert and brazing foil are brazed together in the slot being repaired.

[0057] A method for repairing a turbine component includes providing a brazing foil variably sized to fit within at least a portion of a slot defined in the turbine component being repaired, positioning the brazing foil to extend across a portion of the slot to be repaired, and positioning a locking insert relative to the brazing foil. The method also includes simultaneously pressing the brazing foil and the locking insert into the portion of the slot being repaired such that the locking insert is securely coupled within the portion of the slot being repaired by a friction fit and such that the brazing foil extends completely across surfaces defining the portion of the slot being repaired, and simultaneously brazing the brazing foil and the locking insert in the portion of the slot being repaired.

[0058] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein simultaneously brazing the brazing foil and lock insert further comprises inserting the turbine component to be repaired into a vacuum furnace and brazing the brazing foil and lock insert within a portion of the slot being repaired.

[0059] 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying brazing paste over an inner surface of the lock insert prior to inserting the lock insert against the brazing foil and into the portion of the slot being repaired, such that the brazing paste is between the lock insert and a bottom surface that defines a portion of the slot being repaired.

[0060] 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying brazing paste across a gap defined between the lock insert and an outer surface of the component being repaired after the lock insert is fully inserted into the portion of the slot being repaired.

[0061] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features defined by the following claims.

[0062] The methods and systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. For example, each system component and / or each method step may be utilized separately and independently from other components and / or steps described herein. For example, the methods and systems may also be used in combination with other combustion systems and are not limited to practice solely with gas turbine engines as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented and utilized in connection with many other rotary machines and combustion applications.

[0063] Examples are used herein to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing any methods incorporated therein. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100 Gas turbine engine, engine 112 Compressor section 114 Combustor section 116 Turbine section 118 Exhaust section 120 Multiple Combustors 126 Combustor liner or basket 127 Transition Duct 128 Fuel injection system 200 Turbine components, components, incorrectly machined parts 201 bottom, surface, at least a part of the component (200) 202 C seal slot, C slot, slot 206 Pair of opposing side walls, opposing surfaces, walls 208 Pair of opposing side walls, opposing surfaces, walls 210 Exterior 300 Fishbone Brazing Foil, Brazing Foil, Foil 302 Multiple slits, slits 400 Spring Lock Insert, Lock Insert, Insert 402 Brazing paste, paste 404 Inner surface 500 components 800 ways Ds Depth Ws width Wf width Lf length Wi width Ti Thickness Li length W i width T i Thickness L i length

Claims

1. A method of repairing a component (200), the method comprising: providing a brazing foil (300) variably sized to fit within at least a portion of the slot (202) of the component (200) being repaired; placing a lock insert (400) adjacent to said brazing foil (300); forcing the brazing foil (300) and the lock insert (400) into at least the portion of the slot (202) being repaired such that the lock insert (400) is securely coupled within the portion of the slot (202) being repaired by a friction fit; brazing said brazing foil (300) and said lock insert (400) together in said slot (202); A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing a brazing foil (300) further comprises creating a fishbone brazing foil.

3. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising identifying at least a portion of the turbine component (200) to be repaired.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the slot (202) as being incorrectly machined or damaged.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying brazing paste (402) over at least a portion of the lock insert (400) such that when the lock insert (400) is in position to be brazed to the component (200) being repaired, the brazing paste (402) is between an inner surface of the lock insert (400) and at least a portion (201) of the component (200) being repaired.

6. applying brazing paste (402) into a gap defined between the lock insert (400) and an edge of the slot (202) after the lock insert (400) is fully inserted into the portion of the slot (202) being repaired; remachining the slot (202) after the lock insert (400) and the brazing foil (300) are brazed in place within the component (200) being repaired; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

7. A method (800) of repairing a turbine component (200), the method (800) comprising: providing a brazing foil (300) variably sized to fit within at least a portion of a slot (202) defined in the turbine component (200) being repaired; Positioning (808) the brazing foil (300) to extend across the portion of the slot (202) to be repaired; placing (812) a lock insert (400) against the brazing foil (300); simultaneously pushing the brazing foil (300) and the lock insert (400) into the portion of the slot (202) being repaired so that the lock insert (400) is firmly coupled within the portion of the slot (202) being repaired by a friction fit and so that the brazing foil (300) completely extends over the surface (201) defining the portion of the slot (202) being repaired; simultaneously brazing the brazing foil (300) and the lock insert (400) in the portion of the slot (202) being repaired; The method (800) includes:

8. simultaneously brazing the brazing foil (300) and the lock insert (400); Inserting the turbine component (200) to be repaired into a vacuum furnace; brazing the brazing foil (300) and the lock insert (400) within the portion of the slot (202) being repaired; The method of claim 7 further comprising:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying the brazing paste (402) over an inner surface of the lock insert (400) before inserting the lock insert (400) against the brazing foil (300) and into the portion of the slot (202) being repaired such that the brazing paste (402) is between the lock insert (400) and a bottom surface (201) that defines the portion of the slot (202) being repaired.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying the brazing paste (402) across a gap defined between the lock insert (400) and an outer surface (210) of the component (200) being repaired after the lock insert (400) is fully inserted into the portion of the slot (202) being repaired.

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