Hardware mounting system for fixed structures

Abstract

We provide a mounting system for hardware to fixed structures. [Solution] A system is disclosed for removably mounting hardware such as a probe to a fixed structure such as a casing element of a turbine section. The receptacle element includes a base configured to be fixed to the fixed structure and a collar extending from the base. The collar includes an internal opening for receiving the hardware and a locking element aperture. The locking element is movable within the locking element aperture between a locked position in which it is fixedly engaged with the hardware and a unlocked position that allows the hardware to be removed. The mounting element is movable relative to the receptacle element and has a tapered portion for moving the locking element to the locked position. A disc spring element is configured to bias the mounting element relative to the receptacle element toward the locked position of the locking element and provides inherent anti-rotation and anti-loosening features.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a hardware mounting system for industrial machinery. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a mounting system for hardware, such as instrumentation probes, on a fixed structure of an industrial machine, such as a casing element of a turbine section of a gas turbine system.

Background Art

[0002] Industrial machinery uses various removable hardware coupled to the fixed structure of the industrial machine. One exemplary use is, for example, attaching instrumentation (sensor) probes to a casing element of a turbine section of a gas turbine system to measure the characteristics of the movement of turbine rotor blades. Ideally, the hardware receptacle enables repeated installation and removal of the hardware without using complex threaded, welded or brazed configurations.

[0003] One method for mounting detachable hardware uses distinct physical features on the detachable hardware that are complementary to the physical features present on the receptacle on the fixed structure, allowing the hardware to be secured to and released from the receptacle. One common quick-disconnect configuration uses a spherical ball, possibly biased / captured by a spring force, to engage with a corresponding physical feature on the detachable hardware, such as the groove on an air hose or a pressure washer wand nozzle. However, this configuration has challenges that can lead to undesirable results in some applications. For example, the detachable hardware typically has some limited mobility, i.e., some play, for example, in its axial direction. Furthermore, the configuration may have a structure that can loosen during operation, reducing the grip on the detachable hardware. In some applications, such as instrumentation probes, any movement or loosening of the detachable hardware relative to the receptacle can interfere with precise operations, such as laser measurement. Another challenge with this method is that it may not be applicable in situations where access to the receptacle or detachable hardware is restricted.

[0004] Screw connections are also a common method for mounting removable hardware. However, screw connections can present problems. For example, mounting a threaded instrumentation probe to a threaded opening in the casing of the turbine section of a gas turbine system can be extremely difficult because the probe is in a very confined space and the line of sight is obstructed. Screwing an instrumentation probe into a threaded probe receptacle can be particularly difficult if the probe is very long. Furthermore, any screw connection requires thread alignment and can result in cross-threading. If cross-threading occurs within the probe receptacle, it may not be easily accessible for repair. Screw connections can also retract or loosen over time, potentially causing structural problems and / or leaks. In addition, direct screw connections between the probe and the threaded receptacle often make it difficult to accurately position the probe. Improved receptacles for the removable mounting of instrumentation probes to gas turbine casings would be useful in industry. [Overview of the project]

[0005] All aspects, examples, and features described below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a system for detachably mounting hardware to a fixed structure, comprising a receptacle element including a base configured to be fixed to the fixed structure and a collar extending from the base, wherein the collar includes an internal opening configured to slidably receive hardware and a locking element aperture of the collar opening into the internal opening; and locking between a locking position that partially extends into the internal opening and is fixedly engaged with the hardware and a release position that retracts from the internal opening and allows the hardware to be removed from the internal opening The system is provided comprising: a locking element movable within an element aperture; a mounting element axially movable relative to a receptacle element, the mounting element having a central opening defined inside the mounting element through which hardware extends, and a tapered portion configured to move the locking element to a locked position based on the position of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element; and a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, configured to bias the mounting element toward the locked position of the locking element relative to the receptacle element.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the receptacle element comprises a plurality of locking element apertures, and the locking element comprises a locking element in each of the plurality of locking element apertures.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the locking element includes a sphere.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the disc spring element includes a plurality of stacked disc springs.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the mounting element and the receptacle element are screw-coupled, and the screw-in advance of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element overcomes the force of a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, allowing the locking element to enter the unlocked position and the hardware to be removed.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects and further comprises a tool having a tubular body configured to receive hardware internally, a first portion configured to engage non-rotatably with a mounting element, and a second portion configured to rotate the tubular body to rotatably adjust the position of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element using a threaded connection between the receptacle element and the mounting element.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the mounting element and the receptacle element are slidably coupled, and the pushed forward movement of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element overcomes the force of a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, allowing the locking element to enter the unlocked position and the hardware to be removed.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects and further comprises a tool having a tubular body configured to receive hardware internally, a first portion configured to engage with a mounting element, and a second portion accessible to the user to apply a force that slides forward the mounting element relative to the receptacle element in order to overcome the force of a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, thereby allowing the locking element to enter a disengaged position and the hardware to be removed.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the base of the receptacle element is configured to connect to a fixed structure and further includes: an end portion on which a collar extends; an outer wall portion extending concentrically from the end portion to the collar and defining a circular space between itself and the collar configured to rotatably receive the end of the mounting element; and a plurality of cooling passages extending radially in the end portion and configured to deliver a coolant to a portion of the fixed structure enclosed by the receptacle element.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the locking element aperture includes a retaining member that prevents the locking element from fully entering the internal opening of the collar of the receptacle element.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, further comprising hardware and a sealing element for sealing between at least one of the mounting element and the receptacle element.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the hardware includes a probe and the fixed structure includes a casing element of the turbine section of a gas turbine system.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the hardware includes an end having an end fitting coupled to the hardware, and the end fitting includes a retaining element configured to engage with a locking element.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a system for detachably mounting a probe to a casing element of a turbine section of a gas turbine system, the system comprising a receptacle element comprising a base configured to be fixed to the casing element and a collar extending from the base, wherein the collar comprises an internal opening configured to slidably receive a probe and a locking element aperture of the collar opening into the internal opening; and within the locking element aperture, between a locking position that partially extends into the internal opening and is fixedly engaged with the probe and a dislocking position that retracts from the internal opening and allows the probe to be removed from the internal opening The locking element aperture comprises: a movable locking element; a mounting element movable axially relative to a receptacle element, the mounting element having a central opening defined inside the mounting element through which a probe extends, and a tapered portion configured to move the locking element to a locked position based on the position of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element; and a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, configured to bias the mounting element toward the locked position of the locking element relative to the receptacle element, wherein the locking element aperture includes a retaining member that prevents the locking element from fully entering the internal opening of the collar of the receptacle element.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the receptacle element comprises a plurality of locking element apertures, and the locking element comprises a locking element in each of the plurality of locking element apertures.

[0021] Another aspect of this disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the locking element includes a sphere.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the disc spring element includes a plurality of stacked disc springs.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the mounting element and the receptacle element are screw-coupled, and the screw-in advance of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element overcomes the force of a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, allowing the locking element to enter the unlocked position and the probe to be removed.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects and further comprises a tool having a tubular body configured to receive a probe internally, a first portion configured to engage non-rotatably with a mounting element, and a second portion configured to rotate the tubular body to rotatably adjust the position of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element using a threaded connection between the receptacle element and the mounting element.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the mounting element and the receptacle element are slidably coupled, and the pushed forward movement of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element overcomes the force of a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, allowing the locking element to enter the unlocked position and the probe to be removed.

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects and comprises a tubular body configured to receive a probe internally, a first portion configured to engage an attachment element, and a second portion accessible by a user to apply a force to slidably advance the attachment element relative to the receptacle element to overcome the force of the disc spring element between the attachment element and the receptacle element and allow the locking element to enter the unlocked position and the probe to be removed.

[0027] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the base of the receptacle element is configured to couple to a casing element and includes an end portion where the collar extends; an outer wall portion extending concentrically with the collar from the end portion and defining a circular space therebetween configured to rotatably receive an end of the attachment element; and a plurality of cooling passages extending radially at the end portion and configured to deliver a coolant to a portion of the casing element surrounded by the receptacle element.

[0028] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects and further comprises a sealing element for sealing between the probe and at least one of the attachment element and the receptacle element.

[0029] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the probe includes an end having an end fitting coupled to the probe, the end fitting including a retaining element configured to be engaged by a locking element.

[0030] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a gas turbine (GT) system comprising a compressor section; a combustion section operably coupled to the compressor section; a turbine section comprising an outer casing element operably coupled to the combustion section and including a first opening, and an inner casing element surrounding rotating turbine blades and including a second opening within the outer casing element; a probe disposed through the first opening and operably mounted by a mounting system to the second opening of the inner casing element, the probe including retaining elements on at least an outer surface, the mounting system including a receptacle element having a base configured to be fixed to the inner casing element and a collar extending from the base, the collar including an internal opening configured to slidably receive the probe and a locking element aperture of the collar opening into the internal opening; a locking element movable within the locking element aperture between a locking position in which it extends partially within the internal opening and fixedly engages the retaining elements of the probe and an unlocking position in which it retreats from the internal opening to enable removal of the probe from the internal opening; a mounting element axially movable relative to the receptacle element, the mounting element having a central opening through which the probe extends and a tapered portion configured to move the locking element to the locking position based on the position of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element; and a disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, the disc spring element being configured to bias the mounting element toward the locking position of the locking element relative to the receptacle element.

[0031] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a system for detachably mounting a probe to a casing element of a turbine section of a gas turbine system, the system comprising: a receptacle element comprising a base configured to be fixed to the innermost casing element of the turbine section and a collar extending from the base, wherein the collar comprises an internal opening configured to slidably receive a probe and a locking element aperture of the collar opening into the internal opening; a locking element movable within the locking element aperture; and a mounting element screw-coupled to the receptacle element, wherein the mounting element comprises a central opening defined inside the mounting element through which a probe extends and a tapered portion configured to move the locking element relative to the locking element aperture based on the position of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element. A disc spring element between a mounting element and a receptacle element, the disc spring element biases the mounting element toward the locking position of the locking element relative to the receptacle element, wherein in the locking position, the tapered portion of the mounting element engages with the locking element, causing the locking element to partially extend into the internal opening and lockingly engage with the probe holding element, preventing the probe from being removed from the receptacle element, rotation of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element is resisted by the force from the disc spring element between the mounting element and the receptacle element, and in the unlocked position of the locking element with the probe, the mounting element is further screwed into the receptacle element against the force from the disc spring element, disengaging the tapered portion of the mounting element from the locking element, allowing the probe to move the locking element out of the internal opening when the probe is removed from the internal opening of the receptacle element.

[0032] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the preceding aspects, wherein the probe includes an end having an end fitting coupled to the probe, and the end fitting includes a retaining element configured to engage with a locking element.

[0033] Two or more embodiments described in this disclosure, including those described in this summary section, may be combined to form embodiments not specifically described herein. That is, all embodiments described herein can be combined with one another.

[0034] Details of one or more embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, purposes, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims.

[0035] These and other features of the Disclosure will be more readily understood by examining the following detailed description of various aspects of the Disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the Disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary industrial machine representing a gas turbine (GT) system using the mounting system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary turbine section of a GT system, including a mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting system in a locked position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the mounting system in a locked position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a side perspective view of a receptacle element of a mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a bottom perspective view of a collar separated from the base of a receptacle element of a mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a locking element of a mounting system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a side perspective view of a receptacle element of a mounting system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]This is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is in a locked position and includes the receptacle element shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is in a locked position and includes the receptacle element shown in Figure 8. [Figure 11] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the mounting system in the unlocked position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the mounting system in the unlocked position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting system in the unlocked position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tool used to release a mounting system for a turbine section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This is an end view of a tool for a mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a side view of a tool for a mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting system in the unlocked position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the use of a tool for inserting hardware in the unlocked position of the turbine section mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting system in a locked position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the removal of a tool used in a turbine section mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mounting system in the operating state of the turbine section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] This is a side view of a tool for a mounting system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] This is a side view of a tool for a mounting system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] This is a side view of a tool for a mounting system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of the base of a receptacle element according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing element of the mounting system where the collars of the mounting element and receptacle element contact the hardware, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view of hardware having an end, including an end fixture including a retaining element for a mounting system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Please note that the drawings in this disclosure are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and should not be considered to limit the scope of this disclosure. In the drawings, similar reference numerals represent similar elements between drawings.

[0038] As a first issue, in order to clearly explain the subject matter of this technology, it is necessary to select specific technical terms when referring to and describing relevant mechanical components in exemplary applications of gas turbine systems. When doing so, common industry terminology is used whenever possible and adopted in a manner that is consistent with the meaning it is intended to convey. Unless otherwise stated, such terminology should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that in many cases, a particular component may be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What may be described herein as a single part may include multiple components and may be referred to in another context as consisting of multiple components. Or, what may be described herein as including multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single part.

[0039] In many cases, it is necessary to describe components that are located at different radial positions with respect to the central axis. The term "axial" refers to movement or position parallel to the axis, for example, the axis of a turbomachinery or the axis of a probe mounting system. The term "radial" refers to movement or position perpendicular to the axis, for example, the axis of a turbomachinery or probe. In such cases, if the first component is located closer to the axis than the second component, it is stated herein that the first component is "radially inward" or "inside" the second component. On the other hand, if the first component is located further from the axis than the second component, it may be stated herein that the first component is "radially outward" or "outside" the second component. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or position around the axis, for example, the circumferential inner surface of a casing extending around the axis of a probe. As stated above, it will be understood that such terms may be applied with respect to the axis of a turbomachinery or probe.

[0040] Furthermore, as described below, several descriptive terms may be used repeatedly in this specification. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of any individual component.

[0041] The technical terms used herein are intended solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Where used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates. Where used herein, the terms “comprise” and / or “comprising” express the existence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but it will be further understood that this does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the event described thereafter may or may not occur, or the feature described thereafter may or may not exist, and that the description includes cases where the event occurs or the feature exists, and cases where the event does not occur or the feature does not exist.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as “on top of,” “engaged with,” “connected with,” “joined with,” or “attached to,” it may be directly on top of, engaged with, connected with, joined with, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on top of,” “directly engaged with,” “directly connected with,” or “directly joined to,” it is not an intervening element or layer. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent”). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any combination of one or more of the related enumerated items. The verb forms “join” and “attach” may be used interchangeably herein.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for removably mounting hardware, such as an instrumentation probe, to a fixed structure, such as a casing element of a turbine section of a gas turbine system. The system includes a receptacle element, which includes a base configured to be fixed to the fixed structure and a collar extending from the base. The collar includes an internal opening configured to slidably receive the hardware and a locking element aperture of the collar that opens into the internal opening. The locking element is movable within the locking element aperture between a locked position, which partially extends into the internal opening and is fixedly engaged with the hardware, and a unlocked position, which retracts from the internal opening, allowing the hardware to be removed from the internal opening. The mounting element is axially movable relative to the receptacle element and has a defined central opening through which the hardware extends, and a tapered portion is configured to move the locking element to the locked position based on the position of the mounting element relative to the receptacle element. The disc spring element is located between the mounting element and the receptacle element and is configured to bias the mounting element toward the locking position of the locking element relative to the receptacle element, providing inherent anti-rotation and anti-loosening features.

[0044] The system allows for the mounting of hardware and ensures that the hardware is securely mounted in the correct position and depth. Furthermore, the system prevents any relative movement between the receptacle element and the hardware during operation (i.e., no play), which, in the case of instrumentation probes, prevents inaccurate measurements due to probe movement. The system can also be used in difficult or confined space locations, or in places where a line of sight to the mounting position is not possible (e.g., double-wall casing applications in gas turbine systems). Although this specification has described probes for casing elements of turbine sections in gas turbine systems, the mounting system has a wide range of potential applications for all kinds of hardware other than probes, such as plugs and other hardware, mounted to any form of fixed structure.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an industrial machine in which the mounting system 90 (Figure 2) taught in this disclosure can be used. In this example, the industrial machine includes a gas turbine (GT) system 100. The GT system 100 includes a compressor section 102 and a combustion section 104 operably coupled to the compressor section 102. The combustion section 104 includes a combustion area 106 and a fuel nozzle assembly 108. The GT system 100 also includes a turbine section 110 (also known as an expansion turbine) operably coupled to the combustion section 104 and a common compressor / turbine shaft 112 (sometimes called a rotor 112). The GT system 100 may be any model commercially available from GE Vernova in Cambridge, Massachusetts, e.g., HA, F, B, LM, GT, TM, and E class GT system models, or GT system models from other companies. This disclosure is not limited to any particular turbomachinery and may be applicable to, for example, steam turbines, jet engines, compressors, turbofans, etc. Furthermore, as stated above, the teachings of this disclosure may be applicable to a wide variety of industrial machinery other than turbomachinery.

[0046] In the operation of the GT system 100, air flows through the compressor section 102, and the compressed air is supplied to the combustion section 104. Specifically, the compressed air is supplied to a fuel nozzle assembly 108, which is integrated with the combustion section 104. The assembly 108 is in flow communication with the combustion region 106. The fuel nozzle assembly 108 is also in flow communication with a fuel source (not shown in Figure 1), which directs fuel and air into the combustion region 106. The combustion section 104 ignites and burns the fuel. The combustion section 104 is in flow communication with a turbine section 110, where the thermal energy of the gas stream is converted into mechanical rotational energy. The turbine section 110 is rotatably coupled to a rotor 112 and drives the rotor 112. The compressor section 102 is also rotatably coupled to the rotor 112. In an exemplary embodiment, there are multiple combustors and fuel nozzle assemblies 108 in the combustion region 106.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary turbine section 110 of a GT system 100 (Figure 1) using the mounting system 90 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The turbine section 110 is coupled to a fixed casing 122 of the GT system 100 and includes a row of nozzles or vanes 120 axially adjacent to a row of rotating blades 124. The nozzles or vanes 126 may be held in the turbine section 110 by radially outer platforms 128 and radially inner platforms 130. The row of blades 124 of the turbine section 110 includes rotating blades 132 coupled to a rotor 112 and rotating with the rotor. The rotating blades 132 may include a radially inner platform 134 (at the base of the blade) coupled to the rotor 112 and a radially outer tip shroud 136 (at the tip of the blade).

[0048] The fixed casing 122 of the turbine section 110 represents an example of a fixed structure 140 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fixed casing 122, and therefore the turbine section 110, may include several casing elements 142, 146, which can take various forms. In the illustrated example, the turbine section 110 includes an outer casing element 142 including a first opening 144 and an inner casing element 146 (actually several elements 146 in an annular arrangement) surrounding the rotating blades 132. The inner casing element 146 includes a second opening 148 through which hardware 150 passes and an access opening 149 for accessing the rotating blades 132.

[0049] In the illustrated example, system 90 mounts hardware 150 to an inner casing element 146 to access the rotating blades 132 using an access opening 149. The inner casing element 146 may include a fixed casing 122 or part of a turbine shroud. The turbine shroud is a replaceable component located radially outward of the rotating blades 132 and mounted on other parts of the fixed casing 122 adjacent to the blades. The fixed casing 122 may also optionally include an intermediate casing element 152 between the inner casing element 146 and the outer casing element 142. The intermediate casing element 152 may include a third opening 154 through which the hardware 150 extends. The hardware 150 may be mounted in or through the first opening 144 of the outer casing element 142 and the second opening 148 of the inner casing element 146, and optionally, the third opening 154 of the intermediate casing element 152, if provided. The hardware 150 can access the space within the inner casing element 146 through the access opening 149 of the inner casing element 146.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 2, the hardware 150 may include an instrumentation probe 160 of any form. Thus, the hardware 150 includes the probe 160, and the fixed structure 140 includes an inner casing element 146 of the turbine section 110 of the gas turbine system 100 (Figure 1). In a non-exclusive list, the instrumentation probe 160 (hereinafter, "probe 160") may include, but is not limited to, any currently known or future-developed data acquisition device or part of a data acquisition device, such as an optical sensor (e.g., laser, visible light, infrared, waveguide, etc.), an electrical sensor (e.g., capacitance, impedance, etc.), a pressure sensor (e.g., transducer, pressure tube, etc.), and / or a temperature sensor (e.g., thermocouple). Although the probe 160 is shown herein as having a cylindrical shape, other shapes are also possible. In a non-exclusive example, the probe 160 has a diameter in the range of 0.64 to 1.27 centimeters (approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches).

[0051] It will be understood that “hardware” 150 may mean any of the very wide variety of other devices, such as tools, machines, sensors, or other durable equipment (not the probe 160) to be mounted on the fixed structure 140 (other than the inner casing element 146). Regardless of the form, the hardware 150 (probe 160) includes, at least on its outer surface, a retaining element 162 (Figure 3) which can be used by the system 90 to mount the hardware 150 (probe 160) to the fixed structure 140. As described herein, the retaining element 162 is shaped and sized to receive and hold the locking element 180 of the system 90 in place. For this purpose, the retaining element 162 may include one or more features extending within, on, or from the probe 160 that can receive the locking element 180, such as, but not limited to, a circumferential groove or notch, a series of concave openings, a series of diametrically extending openings, projections, or a combination thereof.

[0052] For further explanation, hardware 150 is described as probe 160, and the fixed structure 140 is described as inner casing element 146. Hereinafter, it will be recognized that the mounting system 90 according to embodiments of the present disclosure has a wide variety of other applications besides mounting probe 160 to inner casing element 146 of turbine section 110. Mounting probe 160 to inner casing element 146 can be difficult. Depending on the stiffness of probe 160, some of the openings 144, 148, 154 of casing elements 142, 146, 152 may be aligned, but this is not necessary if probe 160 has some bending ability as it passes through the opening. Furthermore, as observed in Figure 2, mounting probe 160 to inner casing element 146 by accessing through a second opening 148 is difficult from the outside of outer casing element 142. For example, the probe 160 must successfully traverse the distance D between the outside of the outer casing element 142 and the inside of the inner casing element 146, a distance that depends on the size of the turbine section 110. In a non-limiting example, the distance D could range from 25 to 60 centimeters (approximately 10 to 24 inches). Furthermore, especially when an intermediate casing element 152 is present, there is often no line of sight from the outside of the outer casing element 142 to the inside of the inner casing element 146 where the probe 160 must be mounted. In addition to the challenge of mounting the probe 160, the openings 144, 154 in each casing element 142, 152 through which the probe 160 must pass, and the space adjacent to the inner casing element 146 where the probe 160 must be securely mounted, can be very small.

[0053] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a mounting system 90 (hereinafter, "system 90") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view thereof. As will be further described, Figures 3 and 4 show system 90 in a locking position that securely holds the probe 160 to the inner casing element 146. As described above, system 90 is for removably mounting hardware 150, such as the probe 160, to a fixed structure 140, such as the inner casing element 146. System 90 includes a receptacle element 170 configured to couple with the inner casing element 146. The receptacle element 170 includes a base 172 configured to be fixed to the inner casing element 146, i.e., the fixed structure 140, and a collar 174 extending from the base 172. The collar 174 includes an internal opening 176 configured to slidably receive the probe 160, for example, hardware 150, and a locking element aperture 178 of the collar 174 that opens into the internal opening 176. In the illustrated example, both the probe 160 and the internal opening 176 have a circular cross-section, but other cross-sectional shapes are possible as long as the probe 160 can slide within the internal opening 176. The base 172 and the collar 174 can be joined in any way currently known or hereafter developed, for example, by fasteners (illustrated), welding, or integral manufacturing (such as casting or additive manufacturing). The base 172 can be joined to the inner casing element 146 in any way currently known or hereafter developed, such as, but not limited to, screw fasteners (illustrated), welding, brazing, or a combination thereof.

[0054] System 90 also includes a locking element 180 that is movable within the locking element aperture 178. Figure 5 shows a side perspective view of the receptacle element 170 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 shows a bottom perspective view of the collar 174 away from the base 172 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in certain embodiments, the receptacle element 170 may include a plurality of locking element apertures 178. When a plurality of locking element apertures 178 are used, the locking element 180 is positioned in each of the plurality of locking element apertures 178 (hereinafter "aperture 178"). The apertures 178 may be spaced circumferentially around the collar 174 in any desired manner, for example, facing each other or equidistant from each other.

[0055] As further described herein, the locking element 180 is movable between a locking position (e.g., shown in Figures 3, 4, and 19) in which it partially extends into the internal opening 176 to fixatively engage with the probe 160, i.e., the hardware 150, and a disengaged position (e.g., shown in Figures 11 and 13) in which it retracts from the internal opening 176, allowing the probe 160 to be removed from the internal opening 176 of the collar 174. Each locking element 180 and aperture 178 can take any various form that allows the locking element 180 to slide or roll along the respective aperture 178 to partially enter and exit the internal opening 176 of the collar 174. In Figure 5, the aperture 178 is substantially cylindrical, and the locking element 180 is spherical, for example, a ball bearing. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the locking element 180 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, in the same configuration of aperture 178 as in Figure 5, the locking element 180 may alternatively be a pin or cylinder whose rounded end 182 moves in and out of the internal opening 176, i.e., slides longitudinally along the aperture 178. In either case, as will be further described herein, the aperture 178 and the locking element 180 are shaped and sized such that the locking element 180 can extend radially outward from the outer surface 184 of the collar 174 in order to selectively engage with the tapered portion 210 of the mounting element 200.

[0056] The aperture 178 is configured to allow the locking element 180 to enter only partially into the internal opening 176. For this purpose, the aperture 178 may include a retaining member 186 that prevents the locking element 180 from entering the internal opening 176 of the collar 174 of the receptacle element 170 completely. That is, the retaining member 186 prevents the locking element 180 from moving completely into the internal opening 176. The retaining member 186 can take any various form, but is not limited to, a section of the aperture 178 that is narrower than the rest of the aperture 178 or a separate element that narrows the aperture 178. In Figures 3 and 5, for example, the aperture 178 has a retaining member 186 in the form of a narrower section of the aperture 178. That is, from the outer surface inward, the aperture 178 has a first diameter, and from the inner surface outward, the retaining member 186 has a second, smaller diameter. The retaining member 186 can be formed, for example, by drilling an aperture 178 in the collar 174 of the receptacle element 170 using a boring tool with a rounded end. Alternatively, the retaining member 186 may be formed together with the receptacle element 170 by additive manufacturing. Other forming processes are also possible, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0057] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the system 90 also includes a mounting element 200 that is axially movable relative to the receptacle element 170. More specifically, the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170 interlock so that they can selectively move longitudinally (up / down in the plane of the illustration) relative to each other. In certain embodiments, the mounting element 200 generally has a cup shape with an open central portion 202 and a central opening 204 defined inside it, through which the probe 160, i.e., hardware 150, extends. The central opening 204 is located at the capped end 206 of the mounting element 200. The mounting element 200 also includes a tapered portion 210. The tapered portion 210 is located at the end 212 of the mounting element 200, opposite the capped end 206 and closest to the base 172 of the receptacle element 170. As will be further described herein, the tapered portion 210 is configured to move the locking element 180 to the locking position based on the position of the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 19. The end 212 of the mounting element 200 and / or the tapered portion 210 also prevent the locking element 180 from exiting the respective aperture 178, for example radially outward, in the unlocked position (see, for example, Figure 17).

[0058] In certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the collar 174 includes an outward-facing threaded portion 192 at its end opposite the base 172, and the mounting element 200 includes an inward-facing threaded portion 193 that engages with it, i.e., screw-fits with the outward-facing threaded portion 192 in its axial position. As will be further described herein, the outward-facing threaded portion 192 and the inward-facing threaded portion 193 enable the receptacle element 170 and the mounting element 200 to screw-couple to each other.

[0059] Figure 8 shows a side perspective view of the receptacle element 170 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 shows a partial cross-sectional perspective view, and Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the system 90 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In these alternative embodiments, the end of the collar 174 opposite the base 172 may have a smooth outer surface 194 on the collar 174. Similarly, the mounting element 200 has a smooth inner surface 195 in a position that axially meshes with the smooth outer surface 194 of the receptacle element 170. As will be further described herein and as shown in Figures 9-10, the smooth (outer and inner) surfaces 194,195 allow the receptacle element 170 and the mounting element 200 to slide together.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 9, and 10, the system 90 also includes a disc spring element 220 between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170. As further described herein, the disc spring element 220 is configured to bias the mounting element 200 toward the locking position of the system 90 toward the receptacle element 170, so that the locking element 180 engages with the probe 160. The disc spring element 220 can include any currently known or hereafter developed structures that can apply an expansion force F between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170, i.e., push them apart. In certain embodiments, the disc spring element 220 can include a plurality of stacked disc springs 222, also known as a frustoconical spring or Belleville spring. As further described herein, the disc spring element 220 provides a force F sufficient to resist the movement of the mounting element 200 toward the receptacle element 170 toward the unlocking position of the system 90.

[0061] Next, the operation of system 90 will be described. Figures 3 and 4 show system 90 in the locked position, and Figures 11 and 12 are similar to Figure 4, but show cross-sectional views of system 90 in the unlocked position. In Figure 11, the probe 160 has been removed, and in Figure 12, the probe 160 is inserted into system 90 but is not locked inside. To further illustrate the operation of system 90, Figures 13, 17 and 19 show enlarged cross-sectional views of system 90 across the locking element 180, and Figures 14, 18, 20 and 21 show schematic cross-sectional views of the turbine section 110 in which system 90 is used.

[0062] Figures 11–14 show the system 90 in the unlocked position, ready for use, and mounted on the inner casing element 146 of the turbine section 110. The base 172 of the system 90 can be mounted on the inner casing element 146 during the manufacture of the turbine section 110 or during repairs to the inner casing element 146 when it is exposed, by the method described herein. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170 are screw-coupled, and the screw-in advance of the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170 overcomes the force F of the disc spring element 220 between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170. As a result, in this unlocked position, the mounting element 200 is positioned relative to the receptacle element 170 such that the tapered portion 210 does not engage with the locking element 180, or does not engage with the locking element 180 by pushing it into the internal opening 176 of the collar 174. That is, in the unlocked position of the locking element 180 with the probe 160 inserted, the mounting element 200 is screwed into the receptacle element 170 against the force F from the disc spring element 220, disengaging the tapered portion 210 of the mounting element 200 from the locking element 180. The unlocked position also allows the probe 160 to move the locking element 180 out of the internal opening 176 when the probe 160 is removed from the internal opening 176 of the receptacle element 170. As will be described later, in this unlocked position, the locking element 180 also allows the probe 160 to enter the internal opening 176 and the system 90.

[0063] As shown in Figure 14, the system 90 can be positioned in the unlocked position using the tool 230. Figure 15 shows an end view of the tool 230, and Figure 16 shows a side view of the tool 230. The tool 230 has a tubular body 232 configured to receive the probe 160, i.e., the hardware 150, internally. The tool 230 fits through any required openings, e.g., 144, 148, 154 (Figure 14), to reach the system 90 on the inner casing element 146. The tool 230 also includes a first part 234 configured to engage non-rotatably with the mounting element 200, and a second part 236 configured to rotate the tubular body 232 (see arrow in Figure 14) to rotatably adjust the position of the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170 using a threaded connection between the receptacle element 170 and the mounting element 200. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the mounting element 200 may include a tool-engageable end 238 into which a first portion 234 of the tool 230 can engage meshingly with the tubular body 232 to rotate it. The tool-engageable end 238 of the mounting element 200 (on the capped end 206) is shown as a hexagonal bolt head, but any form of tool-engageable structure can be used. The second portion 236 of the tool 230 may include any type of structure that allows rotation of the tool 230 to rotate the mounting element 200, thereby screwing the mounting element 200 forward / backward relative to the receptacle element 170. In the example shown in Figure 14, the second portion 236 includes a handle 240 for manual rotation by the user, but the second portion 236 may include any form of power tool attachment, for example for a power drill, to enable powered rotation. The tool 230 is applicable to exemplary applications of the elongated instrumentation probe 160 described herein, and it is emphasized that the tool 230 can take various alternative forms depending on the different forms of hardware 150 mounted by the system 90.

[0064] As described above, the disc spring element 220 provides a force F (Figure 4) that resists the rotation of the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170, which increases as the disc spring element 220 is further compressed. In this way, the disc spring element 220 provides the system 90 with an anti-rotation function. In a non-limiting example, the disc spring element 220 may first have to overcome an axial resistance of 880 Newtons (approximately 200 pounds) to initiate the disengagement of the system 90, and may eventually provide an axial resistance of up to 1800 Newtons (approximately 400 pounds) as the mounting element 200 moves further toward the base 172 of the receptacle element 170.

[0065] Figures 12, 17, and 18 show the system 90 after the probe 160 has been inserted through the tool 230 into the receptacle element 170 of the system 90, specifically into the internal opening 176 of the collar 174 of the receptacle element 170. The system 90, in particular the central opening 204 of the mounting element 200, the internal opening 176 of the receptacle element 170, and the tool 230 work together to guide the probe 160 into a predetermined position in the system 90, ensuring proper positioning and seating. For example, in the case of the probe 160, the above structure guides the probe 160 to a desired position relative to the inner casing element 146, the access opening 149, and the rotating blade 132 (as indicated by the user based on the placement of the system 90 on the inner casing element 146). In this way, the user can be sure that the probe 160 is properly positioned despite the lack of a line of sight from the outside of the outer casing element 142 and the narrow gap between the outer casing element 142 and the inner casing element 146. The mounting element 200 and / or the receptacle element 170 may include any form of guide surface, such as a tapered opening 246 on the capped end 206 of the mounting element 200 (Figures 3-4), to ensure that the probe 160 enters the system 90 in the desired direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the internal opening 176 of the receptacle element 170 may have an end within the base 172 having any desired shape, size, and / or position to position the end of the probe 160 in the desired location relative to the access opening 149 and the inner casing element 146 for precise operation. The shape and / or size of the internal opening 176 and the probe 160 are also configured to ensure that the probe 160 does not vibrate and has no play that would allow it to move from side to side and / or axially during use.

[0066] Figures 3, 4, 19, and 20 show the system 90 in the locked position. Here, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170 are screw-coupled, and the mounting element 200 is retracted relative to the receptacle element 170 by rotation under the influence of the force F of the disc spring element 220 between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170. When this happens, the tapered portion 210 of the mounting element 200 engages with the locking element 180, pushing the locking element 180 toward the internal opening 176 of the collar 174, where the locking element 180 engages fixedly with the retaining element 162 of the probe 160. In other words, in the locked position shown in Figure 19, the tapered portion 210 of the mounting element 200 engages with the locking element 180, causing the locking element 180 to partially extend into the internal opening 176, locking into the retaining element 162 of the probe 160, for example, seating the probe 160 on the retaining element 162 and preventing the probe 160 from being removed from the receptacle element 170. In the locked position, rotation of the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170 is resisted by a force F from the disc spring element 220 between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170. To move to the locked position, the tool 230 is rotated to retract the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170, as shown in Figure 20. When the tapered portion 210 engages with the locking element 180, preventing any further retraction, rotation of the tool 230 becomes impossible, so the user knows that the retraction of the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170 is complete. Once retraction is complete, the tool 230 can be removed from the probe 160, as shown in Figure 20.

[0067] Figure 21 shows the system 90 in the operating state of the turbine section 110. At this stage, the communication line 242 can be coupled to the probe 160, and the first opening 144 of the outer casing element 142 can be closed around the probe 160 using a collar 244 that is screw-fastened or welded around the probe 160 in any currently known or future-developed method. In the locked operating position, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 19, the mounting element 200 is positioned relative to the receptacle element 170 such that the tapered portion 210 engages with the locking element 180 and pushes the locking element 180 into the internal opening 176 of the collar 174. In the locked position, in the illustrated exemplary locking and retaining element examples, the locking element 180 moves into the retaining element 162 of the probe 160. The locking element 180 and retaining element 162 are shaped and sized to hold the probe 160 in a rigid, fixed position in the locked position. The internal opening 176 of the receptacle element 170 may also be shaped and sized to provide a rigid, fixed position for the probe 160. The locking position ensures that the probe 160 does not vibrate and has no play that would allow it to move laterally and / or axially during use, thereby ensuring accurate measurements. During operation, the disc spring element 220 applies a force F between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170, the force F continuously pushing the parts toward the locking position. For example, if there is any possibility that the system 90 may loosen due to vibration or other operating forces, the mounting element 200 will retract further relative to the receptacle element 170, further tightening the tapered portion 210 against the locking element 180 to hold the probe 160 in place.

[0068] To remove the probe 160, reverse the process described. That is, as shown in Figure 14, the tool 230 is positioned over the probe 160 (after any communication lines 242 and collar 244 have been removed (Figure 21)), and the second portion 236 (Figures 15-16) engages with the tool engagement end 238 (Figures 3, 4). By rotating the tool 230, the mounting element 200 is advanced against the receptacle element 170 against a force F (Figure 11), and the tapered portion 210 of the mounting element 200 is disengaged from the locking element 180, as shown in Figure 13. In this disengaged position, the probe 160 can be easily removed, and the retaining element 162 easily pushes the locking element 180 out of the internal opening 176 of the collar 174, along or into the aperture 178 of the collar 174 of the receptacle element 170.

[0069] Returning to Figures 8-10, in the alternative embodiment, the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170 are not screw-coupled but slidably coupled. That is, the screw portions 190, 193 (Figures 3-6) are replaced by sliding smooth surfaces 194, 195 (Figures 8-10). In this configuration, the linear forward movement of the mounting element 200 pushed against the receptacle element 170 overcomes the force F of the disc spring element 220 between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170, allowing the locking element 180 to enter the unlocked position (as shown in Figure 13), and enabling the removal of the probe 160. The linear (non-rotational) force applied to the mounting element 200 to move the system 90 to the unlocked position in this sliding configuration can be applied in several ways, which will be explained with reference to Figures 22-24.

[0070] Figure 22 shows an end view of a tool 250 on a system 90 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 23 shows a side view of a tool 250 for linearly pushing a mounting element 200 against a receptacle element 170, where the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170 are in a sliding configuration. The tool 250 has a tubular body 252 configured to receive a probe 160, i.e., hardware 150, internally. Similar to the tool 230 in Figure 14, the tool 250 fits through any required openings, e.g., 144, 148, 154, to reach the system 90 on an inner casing element 146. The tool 250 also includes a first portion 254 configured to engage with the mounting element 200 and a second portion 256 (accessible to the user through the outer casing element 142, as with the tool 230 in Figure 14) for applying a linear force LF to slide the mounting element 200 forward against the receptacle element 170. The linear force LF overcomes the force F of the disc spring element 220 between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170, allowing the locking element 180 to enter the unlocked position, and enabling the removal of hardware 150, such as a probe 160. That is, referring to Figures 8-10, 22 and 23, the tool 250 is configured to receive the linear force LF (e.g., directly from the user or another force-applying tool) and apply it along the tubular body 252 (see arrow in Figure 23) to further slide and linearly push the mounting element 200 toward the base 172 of the receptacle element 170. This method simplifies the system 90 and the tool 250 and eliminates the need to rotate the mounting element 200, so that the mounting element 200 or the tool does not require a specially molded tool-engageable end. The tool 250 is applicable to exemplary applications of the elongated instrumentation probe 160 described herein, and it is emphasized that the tool 250 can take various alternative forms depending on the different forms of hardware 150 mounted by the system 90.

[0071] Figure 24 shows a side view of a tool 260 for pushing a mounting element 200 against a receptacle element 170 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, where the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170 are in a sliding configuration. The tool 260 is similar to the tool 250 (Figures 22-23), except that the tool 260 includes a threaded portion 262 configured for screwing forward into a similar threaded fixing member 264 that provides a fixing or base element for applying force to the mounting element 200 of the system 90. The tool 260 has a tubular body 266 configured to receive a probe 160, i.e., hardware 150, internally. The tool 260 also includes a first portion 268 configured to engage rotatably and slidably with the mounting element 200 and a second portion 270 for applying rotational force to the tool 260 (accessible to the user through an outer casing element 142, as in the tool 230 of Figure 14). Except for the threaded portion 262, the tool 260, in its other parts, fits through any required openings, e.g., 148, 154, to reach the system 90 on the inner casing element 146. The second portion 270 may include a handle for manual rotation by the user (similar to 240 in Figure 14), but the second portion 270 may also include any form of power tool attachment, such as for a power drill, to enable powered rotation.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the fixing member 264 of the tool 260 includes an outer casing element 142 having a threaded opening 272 that engages with the threaded portion 262 of the tool 260. However, in other embodiments, the fixing member 264 may include any form of fixing structure that is outside the outer casing element 142 or coupled to the outer casing element. During operation, the tool 260 advances relative to the mounting element 200 (via rotation of the tool 260 and the threaded connection between the threaded portions (between portion 262 of the tool 260 and the threaded opening 272)) and advances the mounting element 200 relative to the receptacle element 170, overcoming the force F of the disc spring element 220 between the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170, allowing the locking element 180 to enter the unlocked position, enabling the removal of hardware 150, such as a probe 160. Similar to the tool 250 in Figures 22-23, the tool 260 is configured to apply a linear force LF to move the mounting element 200 onto the receptacle element 170. This method does not require a specially molded tool-engageable end between the mounting element 200 and the tool. The tool 260 is applicable to exemplary applications of the elongated instrumentation probe 160 described herein, and it is emphasized that the tool 260 can take various alternative forms depending on different forms of hardware 150 mounted by the system 90.

[0073] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, it is observed that system 90 surrounds a portion 278 of the inner casing element 146 around the access opening 149. In some cases, as in the case of GT system 100 (Figure 1), the inner casing element 146 may experience extremely high temperatures that require cooling where system 90 surrounds the inner casing element 146, for example where the probe 160 covers the surface of the base 172. Cooling can be provided in several ways. Figure 25 shows a perspective view of the base 172 of the receptacle element 170 with the collar 174 removed for clarity. (Note that the collar 174 in Figure 6 is either coupled to the base 172 as shown in Figure 25, or formed together with the base 172.) In certain embodiments, the base 172 of the receptacle element 170 includes an end portion 280 configured to couple to the inner casing element 146, i.e., the fixed structure 140. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the collar 174 extends from the end portion 280. The base 172 may also optionally include an outer wall portion 282 extending concentrically from the end portion 280 to the collar 174, defining a circular space 284 between them, configured to rotatably receive the (radially inward) end 212 of the mounting element 200. As shown in Figure 25, the base 172 may also include a plurality of cooling passages 286 that extend radially in the end portion 280 and are configured to deliver coolant (arrow) to the inner casing element 146, i.e., portion 278 of the fixing structure 140, surrounded by the receptacle element 170. The cooling passages 286 may also extend axially at their radially inward ends, but this is not necessary in all cases.

[0074] The coolant can enter from a high-pressure air chamber 290 within a fixed casing 122 (Figure 2) that surrounds the outside of the inner casing element 146, as conventionally provided in the turbine section 110 (Figure 2) of the GT system 100 (Figure 1). The coolant can also be supplied from several other coolant sources, for example, in different applications of industrial machinery. The coolant can enter the cooling passage 286 directly from the high-pressure air chamber 290, or, if an outer wall portion 282 is provided, holes 292 may be provided in the outer wall portion 282 to provide a passage for the coolant to reach the cooling passage 286 of the end portion 280. It will be recognized that other cooling passage configurations are also possible. For example, cooling holes extending radially from the outer circumference of the base 172 can extend directly to portion 278 of the inner casing element 146, rather than to its axial surface, as shown in Figure 25.

[0075] Figure 26 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the system 90 where the collars 174 of the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170 contact the probe 160, i.e., the hardware 150. In certain applications, sealing of the hardware 150 within the system 90 may be desirable. In this case, a sealing element 296 can be provided to seal between the probe 160, i.e., the hardware 150, and at least one of the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170. In Figure 26, the sealing element 296 is shown for both the mounting element 200 and the receptacle element 170, but this is not necessary in all cases. The sealing element 296 can take any currently known or future-developed form suitable for sealing against the hardware 150. In the illustrated example, since the probe 160 has a smooth outer surface 297, an elastomer O-ring can be used if temperature permits. To accommodate the sealing element to be used, any form of seat 298 can be formed on the probe 160, mounting element 200, and / or receptacle element 170. It will be recognized that a wide variety of other forms of sealing elements can be used.

[0076] The components of System 90 can be made from any material having properties suitable for the intended application, such as strength, wear resistance, and heat resistance. In the application of GT System 100 (Figure 1), certain components of System 90 that are exposed to high temperatures can be made from high-temperature materials (e.g., capable of withstanding up to 648°C (1200°F)), such as, but not limited to, Inconel® alloy (a nickel-chromium superalloy known for its oxidation and corrosion resistance and ability to form a protective oxide layer) or other high-temperature metals or metallic alloys. Although each component of System 90 is shown as a single unit, it will be recognized that one or more components can be segmented, for example, for assembly purposes. For example, the mounting element 200 may include two components fixed to each other by, for example, welding, fasteners, etc. In another example, the receptacle element 170 may be two components joined together, such as the joined components shown in Figures 6 and 25.

[0077] For embodiments requiring rotation, arrows are provided to indicate the rotational motion. It is emphasized that the direction of rotation may vary depending on the direction of the threads used. Therefore, the direction of the arrows should not be considered restrictive.

[0078] It will be recognized that, in order for system 90 to function as described herein, the probe 160 or other form of hardware 150 must include a retaining element 162. That is, the probe 160 includes the retaining element 162 at least on its outer surface. A new probe 160 with the retaining element 162 can be easily manufactured. Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the end 300 of the probe 160, which does not include the retaining element 162 but instead includes an end fitting 302 that defines the retaining element 162. The end fitting 302 can take any form configured to be fixedly coupled to the end 300 of the probe 160, for example, using an internal opening 304 configured to mesh closely with the outer surface 306 of the probe 160. In this way, the end fitting 302 allows the probe 160 to include the retaining element 162 at least on its outer surface, so that the probe 160 can be modified for use with system 90, for example, an old or used probe. The end fitting 302 can be fixedly coupled to the probe 160 by any method, such as laser welding, pinning, crimping, or compression fitting. The end fitting 302 may include an end 310 having any shape, size, and / or other configuration desirable for easy access and secure placement within the system 90, for example, into the mounting element 200, the internal opening 176 of the receptacle element 170, and / or seating within the base 172 of the receptacle element 170. The end fitting 302 is configured to be fixedly coupled to the probe 160 and can be made of any material that is suitable for the environment in which it is used and can maintain resistance to the wear that the probe 160 will experience due to any repeated removal and installation in the system 90.

[0079] Embodiments of this disclosure offer various technical and commercial advantages, examples of which are discussed herein. The system allows for mounting hardware and ensuring that the hardware is securely and properly mounted, and prevents subsequent loosening or movement of the hardware using the anti-rotation features described herein. Furthermore, the system prevents any relative movement between the receptacle element and the hardware during operation (i.e., no play), which, in the case of instrumentation probes, prevents inaccurate measurements due to probe movement. The system can also be used in difficult or confined space locations, or in locations where a line of sight to the mounting position is not possible (e.g., double-wall or triple-wall casing applications in gas turbine systems). The system can also be used in unfavorable environmental conditions, such as high temperatures. Although this specification has described probes for casing elements of turbine sections in gas turbine systems, the mounting system has a wide range of potential applications for all kinds of hardware other than probes, such as plugs and other hardware, mounted on any form of fixed structure.

[0080] Throughout this specification and the claims, the approximation language used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may vary within an acceptable range without altering the fundamental function of the expression. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some cases, the approximation language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Herein, and throughout this specification and the claims, range limitations are interchangeable and / or substitutable, and unless the context or wording specifically indicates otherwise, such ranges are identified and include all subranges encompassed therein. “Approximately” or “about,” applied to a particular value within a range, may indicate + / - 10% of the stated value, unless applied to the values ​​at both ends and particularly dependent on the precision of the instrument used to measure the value.

[0081] All corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of all means-plus-function elements or step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structures, materials, or actions for performing a function in combination with any other claimed elements specifically claimed. The descriptions in this disclosure are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The embodiments have been selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles of this disclosure and the practical applications of the art, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure in order to consider various modifications to these embodiments that may be suitable for a particular intended use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 90 Mounting System 100 Gas Turbine (GT) System 102 Compressor Section 104 Combustion Section 106 Combustion Region 108 Fuel Nozzle Assembly 110 Turbine Section 112 Compressor / Turbine Shaft, Rotor 120 rows of nozzles or vanes 122 Fixed casing 124 Rotating Blades 126 Nozzles or vanes 128 Radial Outer Platform 130 Radial Inner Platform 132 Rotating Blades 134 Radial Inner Platform 136 Radial outer tip shroud 140 Fixed structure 142 Casing elements, outer casing elements 144 First opening 146 Casing elements, inner casing elements 148 Second opening 149 Access openings 150 Hardware 152 Intermediate casing element 154 Third opening 160 Instrumentation probes, probes 162 Holding Element 170 Receptacle Elements 172 Base 174 Colors 176 Internal opening 178 Locking element aperture, aperture 180 Locking element 182 End 184 Exterior 186 Retaining member 190 Screw part 192 Outward-facing threaded portion 193 Inward-facing threaded portion 194 Smooth exterior 195 Smooth interior 200 Mounting elements 202 Open central section 204 Central opening 206 Capped End 210 Tapered section 212 End 220 Disc spring element 222 Disc spring 230 Tools 232 Tubular body 234 Part 1 236 Part 2 238 Tool-engagable end 240 Handle 242 Communication lines 244 Color 246 Tapered opening 250 Tools 252 Tubular body 254 Part 1 Part 2 of 256 260 Tools 262 Threaded part 264 Screw-type fixing member, fixing member 266 Tubular body 268 Part 1 270 Part 2 272 Threaded opening 278 part, portion 280 End section 282 External wall part 284 Circular Space 286 Cooling passage 290 High-pressure air chamber 292 holes 296 Sealing element 297 Smooth exterior 300 end 302 End fitting 304 Internal opening 306 Exterior D distance F: Expansion force, force LF Linear force

Claims

1. A system (90) for detachably attaching hardware (150) to a fixed structure (140), A receptacle element (170) comprising a base (172) configured to be fixed to the fixing structure (140) and a collar (174) extending from the base (172), wherein the collar (174) comprises an internal opening (176) configured to slidably receive the hardware (150) and a locking element aperture (178) of the collar (174) opening into the internal opening (176), A locking element (180) is movable within the locking element aperture (178) between a locking position that partially extends into the internal opening (176) and is fixedly engaged with the hardware (150), and a release position that retracts from the internal opening (176) and allows the hardware (150) to be removed from the internal opening (176), A mounting element (200) that is axially movable relative to the receptacle element (170), wherein the mounting element (200) has a central opening (204) defined inside the mounting element (200) through which the hardware (150) extends, and a tapered portion (210) configured to move the locking element (180) to the locking position based on the position of the mounting element (200) relative to the receptacle element (170), A disc spring element (220) between the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170), wherein the disc spring element (220) is configured to bias the mounting element (200) toward the locking position of the locking element (180) relative to the receptacle element (170), and A system (90) comprising the above.

2. The system (90) according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle element (170) includes a plurality of locking element apertures (178), and the locking element (180) includes a locking element (180) in each of the plurality of locking element apertures (178).

3. The system (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (180) includes a sphere.

4. The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disc spring element (220) includes a plurality of stacked disc springs (222).

5. The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170) are screw-type coupled, and the screw-in advance of the mounting element (200) relative to the receptacle element (170) overcomes the force of the disc spring element (220) between the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170), allowing the locking element (180) to enter the unlocked position and the hardware (150) to be removed.

6. The system (90) according to claim 5, further comprising a tool (230) having a tubular body (232) configured to receive the hardware (150) inside; a first portion (234) configured to engage non-rotatably with the mounting element (200); and a second portion (236) configured to rotate the tubular body (232) to rotatably adjust the position of the mounting element (200) relative to the receptacle element (170) using a screw connection between the receptacle element (170) and the mounting element (200).

7. The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170) are slidably coupled, and the pushed forward movement of the mounting element (200) relative to the receptacle element (170) overcomes the force of the disc spring element (220) between the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170), allowing the locking element (180) to enter the unlocked position and the hardware (150) to be removed.

8. The system (90) according to claim 7, further comprising a tool (230) having a tubular body (232) configured to receive the hardware (150) inside; a first portion (234) configured to engage with the mounting element (200); and a second portion (236) accessible by a user to apply a force to slide forward the mounting element (200) relative to the receptacle element (170) in order to overcome the force of the disc spring element (220) between the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170), thereby allowing the locking element (180) to enter the unlocked position and the hardware (150) to be removed.

9. The base (172) of the receptacle element (170) The fixed structure (140) is configured to connect to the end portion (280) to which the collar (174) extends, An outer wall portion (282) extends concentrically from the end portion (280) to the collar (174) and defines a circular space (284) between the collar (174) that is configured to rotatably receive the end portion (212) of the mounting element (200), A plurality of cooling passages (286) extend radially in the end portion (280) and are configured to deliver coolant to a part of the fixed structure (140) surrounded by the receptacle element (170), and The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking element aperture (178) includes a retaining member (186) that prevents the locking element (180) from fully entering the internal opening (176) of the collar (174) of the receptacle element (170).

11. The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a sealing element (296) for sealing between the hardware (150) and at least one of the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170).

12. The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hardware (150) includes an end (300) having an end fitting (302) coupled to the hardware (150), and the end fitting (302) includes a retaining element (162) configured to engage with the locking element (180).

13. The system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hardware (150) includes a probe (160), the fixing structure (140) includes casing elements (142, 146) of the turbine section (110) of the gas turbine system (100), and the system (90) is configured to detachably mount the probe (160) to the casing elements (142, 146) of the turbine section (110) of the gas turbine system (100).

14. Compressor section (102), A combustion section (104) is operably coupled to the compressor section (102), A turbine section (110) is operably coupled to the combustion section (104) and includes an outer casing element (142) having a first opening (144) and an inner casing element (146) surrounding rotatable turbine blades and having a second opening (148) of the outer casing element (142), A probe (160) positioned through the first opening (144) and operably mounted to the second opening (148) in the inner casing element (146) by the system (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the probe (160) includes a retaining element (162) on at least its outer surface (306) A gas turbine system (100) equipped with the following.

15. The base (172) is configured to be fixed to the innermost casing element (146) of the turbine section (110), and the mounting element (200) is screw-type coupled to the receptacle element (170). In the locking position, the tapered portion (210) of the mounting element (200) engages with the locking element (180), causing the locking element (180) to partially extend into the internal opening (176), locking into the retaining element (162) on the probe (160), preventing the probe (160) from being removed from the receptacle element (170), and the rotation of the mounting element (200) relative to the receptacle element (170) is resisted by the force from the disc spring element (220) between the mounting element (200) and the receptacle element (170). In the unlocked position of the locking element (180) having the probe (160), the mounting element (200) is further screwed into the receptacle element (170) against the force from the disc spring element (220), disengaging the tapered portion (210) of the mounting element (200) from the locking element (180), and allowing the probe (160) to move the locking element (180) out of the internal opening (176) when the probe (160) is removed from the internal opening (176) of the receptacle element (170). The gas turbine system (100) according to claim 14.

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