Inner turbine casing suspension and method of alignment

Abstract

The present application provides an inner compressor casing suspension for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly within an outer compressor casing.SOLUTION: The inner compressor casing suspension comprises one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions extending from the outer compressor casing to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, each forward inner compressor casing suspension comprising a C-clamp and a forward lifting device, and one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions extending from the outer compressor casing to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, each aft inner compressor casing suspension comprising an aft lifting device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Generally described, a double-wall compressor design includes an inner compressor casing, an inner diffuser casing assembly mounted inside the compressor discharge casing, and a main compressor casing. 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, resulting in the thrust surfaces no longer being in full circumferential contact and the entire casing assembly no longer being aligned.

[0003] To aid in alignment, the inner compressor casing must be lifted from the "ears" of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, which support the casing at the horizontal joint. Once the inner compressor casing is lifted, the assembly can be pressed fully rearward against the thrust face. All thrust face clearances can be verified via feeler gauges and sight holes. In the factory, overhead cranes and other types of heavy equipment are used to install and align the casing. This alignment process was never intended to be done on-site or with the upper half of the outer compressor casing or rotor in place. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application and resultant patent provide an inner compressor casing suspension for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly within an outer compressor casing, the inner compressor casing suspension including one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions extending from the outer compressor casing to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, each having a C-clamp and a forward lifting device, and one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions extending from the outer compressor casing to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, each having an aft lifting device.

[0005] The present application and resultant patent further provides a method for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly within an outer compressor casing, the method including the steps of attaching one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions from the outer compressor casing to a flange of the inner compressor casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly via C-clamps, attaching one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions from the outer compressor casing to the inner diffuser casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, and lifting the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly via the one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions and the one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions.

[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 a compressor in 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. 2 is a front plan view of a pair of front compressor inner casing suspensions in a compressor inner casing suspension system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the front inner compressor casing suspensions of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a C-clamp in the front inner compressor casing suspension of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a C-clamp in the front inner compressor casing suspension of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a pair of rear inner compressor casing suspensions in the compressor inner casing suspension system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the rear inner compressor casing suspensions of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an inner compressor casing suspension having a swivel lift eye assembly; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an inner compressor casing suspension 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 airflow 20. The compressor 15 delivers the compressed airflow 20 to a number of combustor cans 25. The combustor cans 25 mix the compressed airflow 20 with a pressurized fuel flow 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 positioned, 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, generating 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 fuels, and combinations 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, heavy duty gas turbine engines such as the 7 or 9 series. 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. Both 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 60 design. 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 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3 for clarity) secured by bolts 84 or other types of fasteners.

[0011] As mentioned 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 to align the components. 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 through friction with the ears 90.

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

[0013] Each of the inner compressor casing suspension devices 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 does not have a flat surface suitable for gripping or mounting, and dimensions may vary greatly. The C-clamp 170 may have a generally "C"-shaped frame 180 that may be positioned around a pair of flanges 82 arranged horizontally 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. Thus, the C-clamp 170 may be fastened onto 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 system 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 mounting 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 may be capable of lifting approximately 10 tons to 15 tons or more. Other capacities and types of lifting devices 240 may also be used herein.

[0015] Each forward inner compressor casing suspension 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 turnbuckles 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 herein as safety stops. One or more of the lock nuts 270 may be washers, shims, or the like, set at a predetermined maximum distance. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0016] Each aft inner compressor casing suspension 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 conventional design having a pair of arms 290 connected by a pin 300. Other types of connection devices may also 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 system 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 and conventional bolts, etc. 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 conventional design and may 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 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 herein as safety stops. One or more of the lock nuts 270 may be washers, shims, or the like, set at a predetermined maximum distance. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0019] In use, the pair of forward inner compressor casing suspensions 110 and the pair of aft inner compressor casing suspensions 140 of the inner compressor casing suspension system 100 are attached to the inner compressor casing 65 and inner diffuser casing 70 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 described above. The inner compressor casing suspension system 100 thus lifts the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 a predetermined distance. The inner compressor casing suspension system 100 enables the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72, along with the outer compressor casing 75 in place, to be lifted within 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 compressor inner casing suspension 100 measures and monitors the lift height while the alignment procedure is in progress. Once the compressor inner casing-diffuser inner casing assembly 72 is lifted, it can be manipulated side to side as well as front to back for full circumferential engagement with the thrust face 85. Any clearance within the thrust face 85 can be verified with feeler gauges and sight holes as well as laser alignment. The compressor inner casing-diffuser inner casing assembly 72 can then be lowered into place by the compressor inner casing suspension 100.

[0020] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an inner compressor casing suspension 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 350 may have an XY linear slide 360 ​​for manipulating the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72. The XY linear slide 360 ​​may be of conventional design and may be manipulated 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 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 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 350 may be attached to the C-clamps 170 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72, similar to those described above. Rotation of the threaded rods 400 of the swivel lift eye assemblies 380 may then raise or lower the swivel lift eyes 390 attached to the C-clamps 170 of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72. Other types of rotatable lift assemblies may also be used herein.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the inner compressor casing suspension 430. The inner compressor casing suspension 430 may use the XY linear slide 360 ​​described above. Instead of using the support frame 370 and swivel lift eye assembly 380, the inner compressor casing suspension 430 may use a lift plate assembly 440 as the lift mechanism 375. The lift plate assembly 440 may have several jack bolts 450 extending from the XY linear slide 360. Depending on the weight involved, one or more pairs of jack bolts 450 may be used. One or more guide rods 460 may also be used. The jack bolts 450 may be threaded, while the guide rods 460 may be smooth. The lift plate assembly 440 may also include a lift plate 470 attached to the jack 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 operating with the jack bolts 450. The lift plate 470 may also have attached thereto a swivel lift eye 390, a swivel lift hook, or the like. 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 described above. Then, by rotating the jack bolt 450 of the lift plate assembly 440, 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 may be raised or lowered. The lift plate 470 may be raised and lowered using hydraulic pressure, an air bag, or the like.

[0025] Thus, the inner compressor casing suspension system described herein provides a means to align the inner compressor casing whether or not the outer casing is present. Removal of the outer casing is time-consuming and expensive. Being able to perform alignment with the outer casing in place saves days of labor 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 for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly within an outer compressor casing, the inner compressor casing suspension comprising: one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions, each extending from the outer compressor casing to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly and each including a C-clamp and a forward lifting device; and one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions, each extending from the outer compressor casing to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly and each including an aft lifting device.

[0029] 2. The inner compressor casing suspension of clause 1, wherein each C-clamp of the one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions includes a generally "C" shaped frame.

[0030] 3. An inner compressor casing suspension device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 2, 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.

[0031] 4. The inner compressor casing suspension of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the pin comprises a tapered pin.

[0032] 5. The inner compressor casing suspension of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the C-clamp comprises a hook.

[0033] 6. The inner compressor casing suspension of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein each of the one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions comprises an eyebrow bracket holder attached to the outer compressor casing.

[0034] 7. The inner compressor casing suspension of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the eyebrow bracket holder comprises a flat plate and a bracket.

[0035] 8. The inner compressor casing suspension system of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the front lifting device comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

[0036] 9. The inner compressor casing suspension of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein each of the one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions comprises a turnbuckle extending between the C-clamp and the forward lifting device.

[0037] 10. The inner compressor casing suspension of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the turnbuckle comprises one or more lock nuts.

[0038] 11. The inner compressor casing suspension of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly includes an inner diffuser casing, and each of the one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions includes a swivel lift eye attached to the inner diffuser casing.

[0039] 12. An inner compressor casing suspension as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the swivel lift eye comprises a pair of arms connected by a pin.

[0040] 13. The inner compressor casing suspension system of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein each of the one or more aft inner compressor casing suspension systems includes a turnbuckle extending between the swivel lift eye and the aft lifting device.

[0041] 14. An inner compressor casing suspension system according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the rear lifting device comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

[0042] 15. A method for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly within an outer compressor casing, the method comprising the steps of: attaching one or more forward inner compressor casing suspension devices from the outer compressor casing to a flange of the inner compressor casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly via C-clamps; attaching one or more aft inner compressor casing suspension devices from the outer compressor casing to the inner diffuser casing of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly; and lifting the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly via the one or more forward inner compressor casing suspension devices and the one or more aft inner compressor casing suspension devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 10. Gas Turbine Engine 15 Compressor 20 Airflow 25 Combustor can, combustor 30 Fuel flow 35 Combustion Gas 40 Turbine 45 rotors 50 External Load 60 Double-walled 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 flange 84 volts 85 Thrust surface 90 Ears 95 Wedge 100 inner compressor casing suspension 110 Forward inner compressor casing suspension 120 first forward inner compressor casing suspension 130 second forward inner compressor casing suspension 140 Rear inner compressor casing suspension 150 first rear inner compressor casing suspension 160 second rear inner compressor casing suspension 170 C-clamp 180 frames 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 Arm 300 pins 310 Lift hole 320 volts 350 Inner compressor casing suspension 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 440 Lift Plate Assembly 450 Jack Bolt 460 guide rod 470 lift plate 480 screw hole

Claims

1. An inner compressor casing suspension (100) for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) within an outer compressor casing (75), the inner compressor casing suspension comprising: One or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions (110), each extending from the outer compressor casing (75) to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72); forward inner compressor casing suspensions (110), each including a C-clamp (170) and a forward lifting device; One or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions (140), each extending from the outer compressor casing (75) to the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72); and aft inner compressor casing suspensions (140), each of which includes a rear lifting device.

2. 2. The compressor inner casing suspension (100) of claim 1, wherein the C-clamp (170) of the one or more forward compressor inner casing suspensions (110) comprises a generally "C" shaped frame (180).

3. 2. The inner compressor casing suspension of claim 1, 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.

4. The inner compressor casing suspension (100) of claim 3, wherein the pin comprises a tapered pin (190).

5. The compressor inner casing suspension (100) of claim 1, wherein the C-clamp (170) comprises a hook (200).

6. 2. The compressor inner casing suspension (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more forward compressor inner casing suspensions (110) comprises an eyebrow bracket holder (210) attached to the compressor outer casing (75).

7. The inner compressor casing suspension (100) of claim 6, wherein the eyebrow bracket holder (210) comprises a flat plate (220) and a bracket (230).

8. The compressor inner casing suspension (100) of claim 1, wherein the front lifting device comprises a hydraulic cylinder (250).

9. 2. The compressor inner casing suspension system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more forward inner compressor casing suspension systems comprises a turnbuckle extending between the C-clamp and the forward lifting device.

10. The inner compressor casing suspension (100) of claim 9, wherein the turnbuckle (260) comprises one or more lock nuts (270).

11. 2. The inner compressor casing suspension (100) of claim 1, wherein the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) comprises an inner diffuser casing (70), and each of the one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions (140) comprises a swivel lift eye (280) attached to the inner diffuser casing (70).

12. The compressor inner casing suspension (100) of claim 11, wherein the swivel lift eye (280) comprises a pair of arms (290) connected by a pin (300).

13. 13. The inner compressor casing suspension (100) of claim 12, wherein each of the one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions (140) comprises a turnbuckle (260) extending between the swivel lift eye (280) and the aft lifting device.

14. The compressor inner casing suspension (100) of claim 1, wherein the aft lifting device comprises a hydraulic cylinder (250).

15. A method for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) within an outer compressor casing (75), comprising: attaching one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions (110) from the outer compressor casing (75) to a flange (82) of the inner compressor casing (65) of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) via C-clamps (170); attaching one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions (140) from the outer compressor casing (75) to an inner diffuser casing (70) of the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72); and lifting the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly (72) via the one or more forward inner compressor casing suspensions (110) and the one or more aft inner compressor casing suspensions (140).

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