Inner compressor case suspension apparatus and alignment method

Abstract

The present application provides an inner compressor casing suspension apparatus for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly with an outer compressor casing removed.SOLUTION: The inner compressor casing suspension apparatus may include a linear slide, a support frame disposed on the linear slide, and a rotatable lift assembly supported by the support frame. The inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly is maneuvered on a linear slide and lifted by a rotatable lift assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application and the resulting patent relate generally to gas turbine engines, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for aligning the inner compressor casing and inner diffuser casing of a double-walled compressor in the field. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a double-wall compressor design includes an inner compressor case, an inner diffuser casing assembly mounted inside the compressor discharge case, and a main compressor case. During alignment of the inner compressor casing and the inner diffuser casing assembly, the thrust surfaces between the inner and outer casings must be in full circumferential contact for proper operation and efficiency. During unit shutdown, the aft weight of the inner casing assembly tends to tilt downward due to gravity, so that the thrust surfaces may no longer be in full circumferential contact and the entire casing assembly may no longer be aligned.

[0003] To aid in alignment, the inner compressor casing needs to be lifted from the "ears" of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, which provides support for the casing at the horizontal joint. Once the inner compressor casing is lifted, the assembly can be pressed fully rearward against the thrust face. Clearances in the thrust face can be checked via feeler gauges and sight holes. At the factory, the casing is installed and aligned using overhead cranes and other types of heavy equipment. This alignment process was never expected to occur on-site or with the upper half of the outer compressor casing or rotor in place. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application and the resulting patent provide an inner compressor casing suspension device for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly with the outer compressor casing removed. The inner compressor casing suspension device may include a linear slide, a support frame disposed on the linear slide, and a rotatable lift assembly supported by the support frame. The inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly is operated on the linear slide and lifted by the rotatable lift assembly.

[0005] The present application and the resultant patent may further provide an inner compressor casing suspension device for lifting the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly with the outer compressor casing removed. The inner compressor casing suspension device may include a linear slide and a lift plate assembly disposed on the linear slide, the lift plate assembly including a swivel lift eye or a swivel lift hook. The inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly is operated on the linear slide and lifted by the lift plate assembly.

[0006] These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resulting patent will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas turbine engine including a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, and an external load. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the compressor of the gas turbine engine of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the inner compressor casing and the outer compressor casing. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a front view of a pair of front inner compressor casing suspension arrangements of the inner compressor casing suspension arrangement; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the front inner compressor casing suspension arrangements of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a side view of a C-clamp of the front inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a C-clamp of the front inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pair of rear inner compressor casing suspension arrangements of the inner compressor casing suspension arrangement; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the rear inner compressor casing suspension arrangements of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an inner compressor casing suspension arrangement having a swivel eye lift assembly; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an inner compressor casing suspension arrangement having a lift plate assembly; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a gas turbine engine 10 that may be used herein. The gas turbine engine 10 may include a compressor 15. The compressor 15 compresses an incoming flow of air 20. The compressor 15 delivers the compressed flow of air 20 to a number of combustor cans 25. The combustor cans 25 mix the compressed flow of air 20 with a pressurized flow of fuel 30 and ignite the mixture to generate a flow of hot combustion gases 35. Although only a single combustor can 25 is shown, the gas turbine engine 10 may include any number of combustor cans 25 arranged, such as in a circumferential array. Alternatively, the combustor 25 may be an annular combustor. The flow of combustion gases 35 is then delivered to a turbine 40. The flow of combustion gases 35 drives the turbine 40 to generate mechanical work. The mechanical work generated in the turbine 40 drives the compressor 15 via a rotor 45 and an external load 50, such as an electrical generator.

[0009] The gas turbine engine 10 may use natural gas, various types of synthetic gas, liquid fuel, and / or other types of fuel, and mixtures thereof. The gas turbine engine 10 may be any one of several different gas turbine engines offered by GE Vernova, including, but not limited to, engines such as a 7 Series or 9 Series heavy-duty gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine 10 may have a different configuration and may use other types of components. Other types of gas turbine engines may also be used herein. Multiple gas turbine engines, other types of turbines, and other types of power generation equipment may also be used herein.

[0010] 2 and 3 show the compressor 15 in more detail. In this example, the compressor 15 may have a double-walled compressor casing design 60. The double-walled compressor casing 60 may have an inner compressor casing 65 and an inner diffuser casing 70 within an outer compressor casing 75. The inner compressor casing 65 and the inner diffuser casing 70 define an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72. The outer compressor casing 75 may have an upper half 77 and a lower half 78. The inner compressor casing 65 may also have several segments 80. Each segment 80 may be joined by a pair of inner compressor casing flanges 82 secured by bolts 84, other types of fasteners, or the like. (For clarity, only one of these is shown in FIG. 3.)

[0011] As explained above, the inner compressor casing 65 and the outer compressor casing 75 must be in full contact with the thrust surface 85 of the inner diffuser casing 70 so that the components are aligned. As shown in Figure 3, the inner compressor casing 65 has a pair of ears 90 along a horizontal plane. The ears 90 of the inner compressor casing 65 rest on a pair of wedges 95 on the outer compressor casing 75. The wedges 95 provide anti-rotational support during operation by friction with the ears 90.

[0012] FIGS. 4-9 show an inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 100 as may be described herein. FIGS. 4-7 show a pair of forward inner compressor casing suspension arrangements 110, a first forward inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 120, and a second forward inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 130. FIGS. 8 and 9 show a pair of aft inner compressor casing suspension arrangements 140, a first aft inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 150, and a second aft inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 160. The forward inner compressor casing suspension arrangements 110 and the aft inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 140 cooperate to lift the inner compressor casing 65 within the outer compressor casing 75. While a pair of forward inner compressor casing suspension arrangements 110 and a pair of aft inner compressor casing suspension arrangements 140 are shown, one or more of the arrangements 110, 140 may be used herein.

[0013] Each inner compressor casing suspension device 110 shown in FIGS. 4-7 includes a "C-clamp" 170 attached to the inner compressor casing 65. The cast outer surface of the inner compressor casing 65 may have significant dimensional variations without a flat surface suitable for gripping or mounting. The C-clamp 170 may have a substantially "C"-shaped frame 180 that may be positioned around a pair of flanges 82 horizontally disposed around the inner compressor casing 65. A tapered pin 190 may extend through the frame 180 and the flanges 82. The use of the tapered pin 190 protects the internal components within the flanges 82. Therefore, the C-clamp 170 may be tightened over the flanges 82 in place of bolts 84 or other types of fasteners. The tapered pin 190 may have a bending moment that may be applied to carry a load to lift the inner compressor casing 65. The C-clamp 170 may also have a hook 200 on the top of the frame 180 for lifting. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0014] Each forward inner compressor casing suspension device 110 has an eyebrow bracket holder 210 attached to the outer compressor casing 75. The eyebrow bracket holder 210 may include a flat plate 220 and a bracket 230. The flat plate 220 of the eyebrow bracket holder 210 may be attached to the outer compressor casing 75 via existing bolt holes, conventional body-bound bolts, or the like. The bracket 230 may support a lifting device 240 thereon. In this example, the lifting device 240 may be a hydraulic cylinder 250. The hydraulic cylinder 250 may be of conventional design and capable of lifting approximately 10 to 15 tons or more. Other capacities and types of lifting devices 240 may be used herein.

[0015] Each forward inner compressor casing suspension device 110 includes a turnbuckle 260 or other type of drive screw, extension screw, or the like, extending between a C-clamp 170 and an eyebrow bracket holder 210. The turnbuckle 260 may be of conventional design and may have a capacity of approximately 15,000 pounds or more. Any type of length adjustment device may be used herein. Several lock nuts 270 may be used as safety stops herein. One or more of the lock nuts 270 may be washers, shims, or the like set for a predetermined maximum distance. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0016] Each aft inner compressor casing suspension device 140 of Figures 8 and 9 may include a swivel lift eye 280 attached to the inner diffuser casing 70. The swivel lift eye 280 may be of a conventional design having a pair of arms 290 connected by a pin 300. Other types of connection devices may be used herein. The swivel lift eye 280 may be attached to an existing inner diffuser casing lift hole 310 via the pin 300 extending through a bolt 320.

[0017] As described above, the rear inner compressor casing suspension device 140 includes an eyebrow bracket holder 210 attached to the outer compressor casing 75. The eyebrow bracket holder 210 may include a flat plate 220 and a bracket 230. The flat plate 220 of the eyebrow bracket holder 210 may be attached to the outer compressor casing 75 via existing bolt holes, conventional bolts, or the like. Other types of fastening means may be used herein. The bracket 230 may support a lifting device 240 thereon. In this example, the lifting device 240 may be a hydraulic cylinder 250. The hydraulic cylinder 250 may be of a conventional design and be capable of lifting approximately 10 to 15 tons or more. Other capacities and types of lifting devices 240 may be used herein.

[0018] Each aft inner compressor casing suspension device 140 includes a turnbuckle 260 or other type of drive screw, extension screw, or the like, extending between a swivel lift eye 280 and an eyebrow bracket holder 210. The turnbuckle 260 may be of conventional design and may have a capacity of approximately 15,000 pounds or more. Any type of length adjustment device may be used herein. Several lock nuts 270 may be used as safety stops herein. One or more of the lock nuts 270 may be washers, shims, or the like set for a predetermined maximum distance. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0019] In use, the pair of forward inner compressor casing suspension devices 110 and the pair of aft inner compressor casing suspension devices 140 of the inner compressor casing suspension device 100 are attached to the inner compressor casing 65 and the inner diffuser casing 70 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 as described above. Thus, the inner compressor casing suspension device 100 lifts the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 a predetermined distance. The inner compressor casing suspension device 100 allows the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 to be lifted with the outer compressor casing 75 in place over a highly controlled lift range of approximately 0.025 to 0.050 inches (approximately 0.635 to 1.27 millimeters). Specifically, the ears 90 of the inner compressor casing 65 are lifted from the wedges 95 of the outer compressor casing 75. The inner compressor casing suspension system 100 measures and monitors the lift height while the alignment procedure is in progress. Once lifted, the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 can be manipulated left and right and rearward for full circumferential engagement with the thrust face 85. The clearance within the thrust face 85 can be verified with feeler gauges and sight holes and laser alignment. The inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 can then be lowered into position by the inner compressor casing suspension system 100.

[0020] 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 350 that may be described herein. This embodiment may be used when either or both of the outer compressor casings 75 are removed. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 350 may have an XY linear slide 360 ​​to manipulate the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72. The XY linear slide 360 ​​may be of conventional design and may move along the X and Y axes via threaded rods, hydraulics, or the like. Alternatively, a Teflon plate with a screw adjustment or the like may be used.

[0021] The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 350 may have a support frame 370 extending from the XY linear slide 360. The support frame 370 may be made of any solid load-bearing material and may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 350 may have a lift mechanism 375 associated with the support frame 370. In this example, the lift mechanism 375 may be a swivel lift eye assembly 380 or other type of rotatable lift assembly, etc. The swivel lift eye assembly 380 may be disposed on the support frame 370. The swivel lift eye assembly 380 may include a swivel lift eye 390, a swivel lift hook, etc. attached to a threaded rod 400. The threaded rod 400 may extend through a threaded hole 410 in the support frame 370 or another fixture for rotation therewith. Multiple swivel lift eye assemblies 380 may be used herein. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0022] One or more swivel lift eye assemblies 380 of the inner compressor casing suspension device 350 may be attached to the C-clamp 170 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 in a manner similar to that described above. The threaded rod 400 of the swivel lift eye assembly 380 may then be rotated to raise or lower the swivel lift eye 390 attached to the C-clamp 170 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72. Other types of rotatable lift assemblies may be used herein.

[0023] FIG. 11 shows a further alternative embodiment of the inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 430. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 430 may use the XY linear slide 360 ​​as described above. Instead of using the support frame 370 and swivel lift eye assembly 380, the inner compressor casing suspension arrangement 430 may use a lift plate assembly 440 as the lift mechanism 375. The lift plate assembly 440 may have several jacking bolts 450 extending from the XY linear slide 360. Given the weight involved, more than one pair of jacking bolts 450 may be used. One or more guide rods 460 may also be used. The jacking bolts 450 may be threaded, or the guide rods 460 may be smooth. The lift plate assembly 440 may also include a lift plate 470 attached to the jacking bolts 450 and guide rods 460. The lift plate 470 may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The lift plate 470 may have threaded holes 480 suitable for mating with and moving with the jacking bolts 450. The lift plate 470 may also have attached swivel lift eyes 390, swivel lift hooks, etc. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0024] The swivel lift eye 390 of the lift plate assembly 440 may be attached to the C-clamp 170 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72, as described above. The jacking bolts 450 of the lift plate assembly 440 may then be rotated to raise or lower the lift plate 470 and the swivel lift eye 390 attached to the C-clamp 170 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72. Raising and lowering the lift plate 470 may also be performed by hydraulic pressure, air bags, etc.

[0025] Thus, the inner compressor casing suspension arrangement described herein provides a means to align the inner compressor casing whether or not the outer casing is present. Removing the outer casing is time-consuming and expensive. The ability to perform alignment with the outer casing in place saves work days and downtime.

[0026] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of this 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 following claims and their equivalents.

[0027] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0028] 1. An inner compressor casing suspension device for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly with the outer compressor casing removed, the inner compressor casing suspension device comprising a linear slide, a support frame disposed on the linear slide, and a rotatable lift assembly supported by the support frame, wherein the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly is operated on the linear slide and lifted by the rotatable lift assembly.

[0029] 2. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, wherein the rotatable lift assembly comprises a swivel lift eye or a swivel lift hook.

[0030] 3. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, wherein the rotatable lift assembly comprises a threaded rod connected to a swivel lift eye or swivel lift hook and extending through the support frame.

[0031] 4. The inner compressor casing suspension device of any preceding clause, wherein the support frame includes a threaded hole for mating with a threaded rod.

[0032] 5. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, further comprising a C-clamp attached to the rotatable lift assembly.

[0033] 6. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, wherein the C-clamp comprises a substantially "C" shaped frame.

[0034] 7. The inner compressor casing suspension device of any preceding clause, wherein the inner compressor casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly includes a flange, and the C-clamp includes a pin extending through the flange.

[0035] 8. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, wherein the pin comprises a tapered pin.

[0036] 9. The inner compressor casing suspension device of any preceding clause, wherein the C-clamp comprises a hook.

[0037] 10. An inner compressor casing suspension device for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly with the outer compressor casing removed, the inner compressor casing suspension device comprising: a linear slide; and a lift plate assembly disposed on the linear slide, the lift plate assembly comprising a swivel lift eye or a swivel lift hook, and the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly being operated on the linear slide and lifted by the lift plate assembly.

[0038] 11. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, wherein the lift plate assembly comprises a lift plate operated by one or more jacking bolts.

[0039] 12. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more guide rods extending between the linear slide and the lift plate assembly.

[0040] 13. The inner compressor casing suspension device of any preceding clause, further comprising a C-clamp attached to the swivel lift eye or swivel lift hook.

[0041] 14. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of any preceding clause, wherein the C-clamp comprises a substantially "C" shaped frame.

[0042] 15. The inner compressor casing suspension device of any preceding clause, wherein the inner compressor casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly includes a flange, and the C-clamp includes a pin extending through the flange.

[0043] 16. An inner compressor casing suspension arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the pin comprises a tapered pin.

[0044] 17. An inner compressor casing suspension device according to any preceding clause, wherein the C-clamp comprises a hook. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10. Gas turbine engine 15 Compressor 20 Air Flow 25 Combustor can, combustor 30 Fuel flow 35 Combustion gas flow 40 Turbine 45 rotors 50 External Load 60 Double-wall compressor casing design, double-wall compressor casing 65 Inner compressor casing 70 Inner diffuser casing 72 Inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 75 Outer compressor casing 77 Upper half 78 Lower half 80 segments 82 Pair of inner compressor casing flanges, pair of flanges, flanges 84 volts 85 Thrust surface 90 Pair of ears, ears 95 Pair of wedges, wedges 100 Inner compressor casing suspension device 110 Pair of forward inner compressor casing suspension devices, forward inner compressor casing suspension devices, inner compressor casing suspension devices, devices 120 first forward inner compressor casing suspension device 130 second forward inner compressor casing suspension device 140 Pair of rear inner compressor casing suspension devices, rear inner compressor casing suspension device 150 first rear inner compressor casing suspension device 160 second rear inner compressor casing suspension device 170 C-clamp 180 "C" shaped frame, frame 190 Tapered pin 200 hooks 210 Eyebrow Bracket Holder 220 Flat Plate 230 Bracket 240 Lifting device 250 hydraulic cylinder 260 turnbuckle 270 Lock nut 280 Swivel Lift Eye 290 Pair of Arms 300 pins 320 volts 350 Inner compressor casing suspension device 360 XY linear slide 370 Support Frame 375 Lift Mechanism 380 Swivel Lift Eye Assembly 390 Swivel Lift Eye 400 threaded rod 410 screw hole 430 Inner compressor casing suspension device 440 Lift Plate Assembly 450 jacking bolt 460 guide rod 470 lift plate 480 screw holes

Claims

1. An inner compressor casing suspension device (100, 350, 430) for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) with an outer compressor casing (75) removed, comprising: a linear slide (360); a support frame (370) disposed on the linear slide (360); a rotatable lift assembly supported by said support frame (370); wherein the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) is operated on the linear slide (360) and lifted by the rotatable lift assembly.

2. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 1, wherein the rotatable lift assembly comprises a swivel lift eye (280, 390) or a swivel lift hook.

3. 3. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement of claim 2, wherein the rotatable lift assembly comprises a threaded rod connected to the swivel lift eye or the swivel lift hook and extending through the support frame.

4. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 3, wherein the support frame (370) comprises a threaded hole (410) for mating with the threaded rod (400).

5. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 1, further comprising a C-clamp (170) attached to the rotatable lift assembly.

6. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 5, wherein the C-clamp (170) comprises a substantially "C" shaped frame (180).

7. 6. The inner compressor casing suspension device of claim 5, wherein the inner compressor casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly includes a flange, and the C-clamp includes a pin extending through the flange.

8. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 7, wherein the pin comprises a tapered pin (190).

9. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 5, wherein the C-clamp (170) comprises a hook (200).

10. An inner compressor casing suspension device (100, 350, 430) for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) with an outer compressor casing (75) removed, comprising: a linear slide (360); a lift plate assembly (440) disposed on said linear slide (360); wherein the lift plate assembly (440) comprises a swivel lift eye (280, 390) or a swivel lift hook; An inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) wherein the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) is operated on the linear slide (360) and lifted by the lift plate assembly (440).

11. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 10, wherein the lift plate assembly (440) comprises a lift plate (470) operated by one or more jacking bolts (450).

12. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 10, further comprising one or more guide rods (460) extending between the linear slide (360) and the lift plate assembly (440).

13. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 10, further comprising a C-clamp (170) attached to the swivel lift eye (280, 390) or the swivel lift hook.

14. The inner compressor casing suspension arrangement (100, 350, 430) of claim 13, wherein the C-clamp (170) comprises a substantially "C" shaped frame (180).

15. 14. The inner compressor casing suspension device of claim 13, wherein the inner compressor casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly includes a flange, and the C-clamp includes a pin extending through the flange.

Images