Apparatus and method for protecting replacement parts of a turbine assembly

Abstract

A device configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from and installation into an assembly. The device includes a body having two or more supports and at least two clamp rods. Each clamp rod extends from a first end to a second end. The body defines pockets extending between the supports on the first side of the clamp rods. End clamps releasably engage with the second end of each clamp rod. The end clamps have legs extending on the first side of the clamp rods. Wheels are received within each support. The pockets and the legs of each end clamp releasably hold the diffuser segment, and the wheels rotate to allow the diffuser segment to be removed without damaging the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to gas turbines, and more specifically, to an apparatus that removably mates with replaceable components and protects the surface coating of the components during removal and installation of the components within a surrounding gas turbine assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Rotating machines such as gas turbines include complex assemblies in which large and heavy diffusers are held within a housing or a compressor discharge case. Generally, a diffuser has an annular shape surrounding a central axis occupied by a spacer held within the assembly. The diffuser is supplied and installed in separate panels or diffuser segments.

[0003] Generally, the diffuser must be coated to prevent rusting. The assembly is initially assembled in a vertical direction, and the diffuser is stacked around the spacer. Repairs and maintenance are generally performed on assemblies held in a horizontal direction. This orientation makes it difficult and time-consuming to remove the annular diffuser. To spray a surface coating on the diffuser, as currently known in the art, the diffuser segments must be removed from the assembly, coated, and reinserted into the assembly without damaging the surface coating. Since it is necessary to remove the hardware of the turbine in addition to the diffuser segments in this way, the process takes a great deal of time and effort, and in some cases, the downtime of the gas turbine may be extended for several days.

[0004] As a result, there is a need for an apparatus that releasably secures the diffuser segments so that the spacer does not need to be removed and the diffuser segments can be safely removed and reinstalled on site.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10287920 [Overview of the project]

[0006] The following provides a simplified overview of the disclosed subject matter to give a basic understanding of some aspects of the various embodiments described herein. This overview is not a comprehensive overview of the various embodiments. This overview is not intended to exclusively identify any important or essential features of the claimed subject matter as described in the claims, nor is it intended to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some of the concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed descriptions that will follow.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a device is provided configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from an assembly. The device includes a body having two or more supports and at least two clamp rods. Each clamp rod extends from a first end to a second end. The body defines pockets extending between the supports on the first side of the clamp rods. End clamps releasably engage with the second end of each clamp rod. The end clamps have legs extending on the first side of the clamp rods. Wheels are received within each support. The pockets and the legs of each end clamp releasably hold a diffuser segment, and the wheels rotate so that the diffuser segment can be removed without damaging the surface coating of the diffuser segment or the surface coating of the adjacent casing.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a method is provided for removing or reinstalling a diffuser segment from an assembly using a device. The method includes using a drill guide to drill and tap lift holes in the surface of the diffuser segment; installing lift eyes in the lift holes; removing one or more mounting bolts that secure the diffuser segment to the assembly; replacing the removed one or more mounting bolts with one or more guide pins; inserting the device between the diffuser segment and the assembly; rotating the device within the defined gap between the diffuser segment and the assembly; tightening at least one end clamp of the device configured to hold the diffuser segment within the device; tightening at least one set screw configured to tighten a pocket of the device on the outer surface of the diffuser segment; removing all remaining mounting bolts that secure the diffuser segment to the assembly; rotating at least one guide pin to engage the pin with the diffuser, then pushing the diffuser segment to disengage it from the assembly; removing one or more guide pins from the diffuser segment and the assembly; and lifting the lift eyes to remove or reinstall the diffuser segment from the assembly. The pocket is designed to protect the outer surface of the diffuser segment when removing the diffuser segment from the assembly.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment, a device is provided configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from an assembly. The device includes a body formed by a curve complementary to the outer surface of the diffuser segment. The body has a support, a clamp rod, and defines a pocket. The clamp rod extends from a first end to a second end, and the pocket extends along the body on the first side of the clamp rod. An end clamp releasably engages with the second end of the clamp rod. The end clamp has a leg extending on the first side of the clamp rod. The pocket and the leg of the end clamp releasably hold the diffuser segment.

[0010] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, with its top removed to expose a diffuser segment compatible with the apparatus disclosed herein. [Figure 2] This is a top view of one embodiment of the apparatus disclosed herein, installed on the diffuser segment of the assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an end view of a device installed in the assembly shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an end view of the opposite side of the apparatus shown in Figure 3, relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a top view of a device installed on the diffuser segment shown in Figure 3, which has a lift eye installed on the diffuser segment, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the lift eye and device in the surrounding assembly shown in Figure 5, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus and assembly shown in Figure 3, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for removing a diffuser segment from an assembly having an apparatus such as the exemplary apparatus shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, though not all, embodiments. In fact, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided to satisfy the legal requirements to which this disclosure may apply. Throughout, similar reference numerals may refer to similar elements.

[0013] This disclosure relates to a fastener in the form of a device 20 that generally enables the safe removal and reinstallation of a diffuser / splitter component (collectively, the "diffuser") of a gas turbine assembly 10. The device 20 allows for the in-situ application of a coating to inhibit rust formation to the lower half of the diffuser of the assembly 10. The diffuser is supplied and installed in a separate panel or section. In the embodiments described herein, the diffuser comprises a total of six diffuser segments 12, with three lower diffuser segments 12 each weighing up to approximately 400 pounds and forming the lower half of the diffuser of the assembly 10. The device 20 disclosed herein is compatible with a variety of diffuser / splitter components and can be used for diffuser segments of different sizes, different positions, and different weights.

[0014] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an exemplary rotating machine assembly 10 of a gas turbine with its upper section removed, suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention. In the field, the upper part of the periphery housing and the upper half of the diffuser are removed using lifting equipment (e.g., a crane, winch, etc.). The remaining lower half of the diffuser (one of the three lower-half diffuser segments 12 is visible in Figure 1) must be carefully removed and reinstalled to prevent damage to the surface coating of the diffuser segment 12 and the surface coating of the periphery assembly 10. Exemplary embodiments of a device 20 configured to support the diffuser segment 12 during removal from the assembly 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention, are shown in Figures 2 to 7.

[0015] Referring to Figure 2, the device 20 has a body 22 including two or more support members 24 and at least one clamp rod 30. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7, the body 22 has three support members 24 and two clamp rods 30. Each clamp rod 30 extends from a first end 32 to a second end 34. Referring to Figure 3, the body 22 of the device 20 is formed by a curve complementary to the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12. The body 22 defines a pocket 40 extending between the support members 24 on the first side of the clamp rod 30, as shown in Figure 2.

[0016] In some embodiments not shown, the body has a single support and / or a single clamp rod. A single support may be sufficient to lift several diffuser segments. A single clamp rod may be sufficient to lift several diffuser segments. In one embodiment, the single clamp rod is a flattened member extending substantially parallel to the pocket so that the diffuser segments can be balanced when the single clamp rod is removed from the surrounding assembly. Incorporating additional support elements, including lateral supports, gussets, turnbuckles, etc., into the clamp rod does not depart from the invention disclosed herein.

[0017] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the support 24 is disposed at each end of the pocket 40, and the support 24 is disposed at approximately the midpoint of the pocket 40 (as shown in FIG. 3). The pocket 40 extends substantially the entire length from the first support of the support 24 to the second support of the support 24. However, different numbers and positions of supports are also within the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

[0018]

[0017] The cross-section of the pocket 40 is defined by a shape complementary to the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12. In some embodiments, the pocket 40 is defined by a C-shaped cross-section that can be deformed to accommodate the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12. Alternative shapes of the cross-section of the pocket, including but not limited to curves, V-shaped cross-sections, etc., are not departing from the invention disclosed herein. Specifically, in some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pocket 40 receives a cushioning material 46 made of a material having a lower material hardness than the material hardness of the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12. The cushioning material 46 may be made of any material having a desired material hardness, including but not limited to thermoplastic materials such as ultra-high weight polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, etc.

[0019] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the first end 32 of each clamping rod 30 is disposed at approximately the midpoint of the body 22 between two adjacent supports 24. In some embodiments (not shown), the clamping rod 30 is disposed adjacent to the protrusion 28 of each support 24 or incorporated into the protrusion 28. Aligning the support 24 with respect to the clamping rod 30 helps to balance the weight of the diffuser segment when the diffuser segment 12 is removed from the assembly 10. The device 20 can efficiently lift the diffuser segment 12 without damaging the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12 when rotating out of the gap between the surrounding assembly 10 and the spacer 11.

[0020] An optional cross member 50 extends between the clamp rods 30. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-7, the cross member 50 and the clamp rods 30 are formed as a single integrated device, but a detachable cross member is not outside the scope of the invention disclosed herein. The cross member 50 provides additional stability to the body 22 of the device 20, and in particular, maintains the second ends 34 of the clamp rods 30 at a substantially constant distance from each other. In one embodiment, the body 22, the support 24, the clamp rods 30, and the cross member 50 form a single integrated element. By manufacturing the device 20 as a single unit in this way, it is possible to contribute to the stability of the body 22 and / or utilize an additive manufacturing process for the manufacture of all or part of the device 20.

[0021] Referring back to FIG. 2, the end clamp 36 releasably mates with the second end 34 of each clamp rod 30. The end clamp 36 has legs 38 that extend to the first side of the clamp rod 30. The pockets 40 and the legs 38 of each end clamp 36 releasably hold the diffuser segment 12. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-7, at least one end clamp 36 contacts a portion of the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12 and at least one leg 38 contacts the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12. The end clamp 36 releasably engages the second end 34 of the clamp rod 30 by suitable connecting means including, but not limited to, screws, push buttons, etc. In some embodiments, the end clamp 36 engages the clamp rod 30 at a variable position along the second end 34, allowing diffuser segments 12 of different lengths to be received by the same device 20. In some embodiments, various end clamps are utilized with a single device 20 depending on the size and position of each diffuser segment 12.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, the wheel 42 is received within each support 24. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7, the wheel 42 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the central axis of at least one clamp rod 30. In other words, the axis of the wheel 42 (not shown) is substantially parallel to the central axis of at least one clamp rod 30. In some embodiments not shown, the wheel is configured to rotate about a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel (e.g., a multidirectional wheel mounted on a ball socket joint, etc.). The wheel 42 rotates so that the diffuser segment 12 can be removed without damaging the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12. Each support 24 includes a channel 26 configured to accommodate the wheel 42 and a projection 28 extending away from the channel 26 and configured to accommodate a set screw 44. Wheels aligned in other ways, or wheels received in other ways by the device 20, do not depart from the invention disclosed herein. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7, each channel 26 is configured to mount the wheel 42 in a low profile therein. In other words, the channel 26 is configured to receive the axle of each wheel 42, which is roughly aligned with the center of the cross-section of the pocket. Alternatively, the wheel 42 is configured to displace the pocket 40 by a distance equal to the radius of the wheel 42 from the assembly 10.

[0023] In some embodiments, the set screw 44 is configured to tighten a pocket 40 of the device 20 onto the surface coating 16 of the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12. The set screw 44 helps the pocket 40 engage with the front end of the diffuser segment 12, thereby allowing the device 20 to adapt to variations in the casting of the diffuser segment 12. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the set screw 44 (or a tip attached to the set screw 44) tightens directly against the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12. In some embodiments, the set screw 44 tightens a buffer 46 against the surface coating 16 of the diffuser segment 12.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device 20 is used with a drill guide 60. The drill guide 60 is a flat member that provides multiple holes of different diameters. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the drill guide 60 defines a central or pilot drill hole 62, a tapped drill hole 64, and a tapped hole 66. To use the holes in the drill guide 60, the user translates the drill guide 60 along the diffuser segment 12 and aligns the edge of the drill guide 60 with the diffuser segment 12 and / or the surrounding assembly 10.

[0025] An exemplary embodiment of method 800 for removing a diffuser segment from an assembly containing a device is shown in the flowchart of Figure 8. Referring to Figures 1 to 8, method 800 involves using a drill guide 60 to drill and tap a lift hole 18 in the surface of the diffuser segment 12 802, installing a lift eye 70 in the lift hole 18 804, removing one or more mounting bolts 72 that secure the diffuser segment 12 to the assembly 10 806, replacing the removed one or more mounting bolts 72 with one or more guide pins 74 808, inserting a device 20 between the diffuser segment 12 and the assembly 10 810 (as shown in Figure 5), rotating the device 20 within the defined gap between the diffuser segment 12 and the assembly 10 812 (as shown in Figure 6), and configuring the device 20 to hold the diffuser segment 12 within the device 20. This includes tightening at least one end clamp 36 of the device 20 814, tightening at least one set screw 44 configured to tighten the pocket 40 of the device 20 onto the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12 816, removing all remaining mounting bolts 72 that secure the diffuser segment 12 to the assembly 10 818, rotating at least one guide pin 74 820 to engage with the diffuser segment 12 and then pushing the diffuser segment 12 to disengage it from the assembly 10 (as shown in Figure 7), removing one or more guide pins 74 from the diffuser segment 12 and the assembly 10 822, and lifting the lift eye 70 824 to remove the diffuser segment 12 from the assembly 10. The pocket 40 is configured to protect the outer surface 14 of the diffuser segment 12 when the diffuser segment 12 is removed from the assembly 10. Step 824, which involves lifting the lift eye 70 to remove the diffuser segment 12 from the assembly 10, includes rotating the front end of the diffuser segment 12 on the wheel 42 and sliding the rear end of the diffuser segment 12 on the casing of the assembly 10.

[0026] Referring to Figure 7, in certain embodiments, a guide pin 74 is inserted to push the diffuser segment 12 and release the ravet fit between the diffuser segment 12 and the assembly 10. In other words, the guide pin 74 displaces the diffuser segment 12 longitudinally in a controlled manner, releasing part of the radial connection between the diffuser segment 12 and the surrounding assembly 10. The structure of the guide pin 74 and the way in which it is used in combination with the mounting bolt 72 ensure that the diffuser segment 12 is secured during the removal and reinstallation of the mounting bolt 72. In some embodiments, method 800 includes moving to a further diffuser segment 12 in the assembly 10 by lifting the lift eye 70 824 826 and repeating the step 802 of drilling and tapping the lift hole 18. In another embodiment, step 802 of drilling and tapping the lift holes 18 using the drill guide 60 includes using a drill tool having a rotary cutting device positioned substantially perpendicular to the drill guide 60 and located on the mounting surface 15 of each diffuser segment 12.

[0027] The above description relating to the illustrated embodiments of the subject matter disclosure, including those described in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the forms disclosed herein. Certain embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications are possible that would be recognized by those skilled in the art as falling within the scope of such embodiments and examples. For example, parts, components, steps, and aspects from different embodiments may be combined or appropriate for use in other embodiments, even if they are not described or depicted in the drawings herein. Therefore, since certain modifications to the invention described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein, all subject matter of the above description shown in the accompanying drawings should be construed only as illustrative examples illustrating the concept of the invention herein, and not as limiting the invention.

[0028] In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in relation to various embodiments and corresponding drawings, it should be understood that, where applicable, other similar embodiments can be used to perform functions identical, similar, alternative, or substitute for the disclosed subject matter without departing from the disclosed subject matter, or that modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be interpreted broadly in accordance with the appended claims below. For example, the reference to “one embodiment” of the present invention is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of further embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0029] In the attached claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as plain English synonyms for “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” and “top” are used merely as markers and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on those objects. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and “about” indicate conditions within manufacturing and assembly tolerances that are reasonably achievable for an ideal desired condition suitable for achieving the functional purpose of the component or assembly. Furthermore, the following limitations on the claims are not written in means-plus-function form, nor are they intended to be interpreted in that way, unless such limitations on the claims explicitly use the phrase "means for," which is followed by a description of a function lacking further structure.

[0030] The foregoing includes examples of systems and methods illustrating the disclosed subject matter. Naturally, it is impossible to describe here every possible combination of components or techniques. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many more combinations and substitutions of the subject matter described in the claims are possible. Furthermore, insofar as terms such as “includes,” “has,” and “possesses” are used in the modes for carrying out the invention, the claims, appendices, and drawings, such terms are intended to be as comprehensive as “comprising,” as the term “comprising” is interpreted when used as a transitional term in the claims. That is, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that “comprises,” “include,” or “have” an element or a number of elements having a particular characteristic may further include such elements that do not possess that characteristic. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" used in this specification and the accompanying drawings should generally be interpreted as meaning "one or plural" unless otherwise specified or it is clear from the context that they refer to a singular form.

[0031] This specification uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the present invention, including in best mode, and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the present invention, including the manufacture and use of any device or system, and the execution of any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that are conceivable by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not substantially differ from the language of the claims.

[0032] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0033] 1. A device configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from or installation to an assembly, the device comprising a body including a plurality of supports and at least two clamp rods, each extending from a first end to a second end, the body comprising a body defining a pocket extending between the supports on the first side of the clamp rods, and end clamps releasably fitted to the second end of each clamp rod, the end clamps comprising an end clamp having a leg extending on the first side of the clamp rod, A device comprising a wheel received within each support, wherein the legs of the pockets and each end clamp hold the diffuser segment in a releasable manner, and the wheel rotates so that the diffuser segment can be removed without damaging the surface coating of at least one of the diffuser segment and assembly.

[0034] 2. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein at least one wheel is aligned substantially perpendicular to the central axis of at least one clamp rod.

[0035] 3. Any aforementioned device in which at least one wheel is configured to rotate about a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation.

[0036] 4. Any of the aforementioned devices further comprising a transverse member extending between the clamp rods.

[0037] 5. Any of the aforementioned devices, in which the main body, multiple supports, at least two clamp rods, and cross members form a single integrated element.

[0038] 6. Any of the aforementioned devices further comprising a guide defining at least one of a center or pilot drill hole, a tap drill hole, and a tap hole.

[0039] 7. Any of the aforementioned devices further comprising set screws configured to tighten the pockets of the device against the surface coating of the diffuser segments.

[0040] 8. Any of the aforementioned devices further comprising set screws configured to tighten against the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

[0041] 9. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein the support further comprises a channel configured to accommodate a wheel, and a projection extending away from the channel and configured to accommodate a set screw.

[0042] 10. Any aforementioned device, wherein the channel is configured to receive the axle of each wheel, and the axle is approximately aligned with the center of the cross-section of the pocket.

[0043] 11. Any aforementioned device configured such that the wheel displaces the pocket by a distance equal to the radius of the wheel from the assembly.

[0044] 12. Any aforementioned device in which the cross-section of the pocket is defined by a C-shape, and the pocket extends substantially along the entire length from the first support to the second support.

[0045] 13. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein the pocket extends from a first end to a second end, with supports positioned at each end of the pocket and supports positioned approximately midway through the pocket.

[0046] 14. Any aforementioned device, wherein the pocket receives a buffer made of a material having a material hardness lower than the material hardness of the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

[0047] 15. Any of the aforementioned devices further comprising set screws configured to tighten a buffer against the surface coating of a diffuser segment.

[0048] 16. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein the body of the device is formed by a curve complementary to the outer surface of the diffuser segment.

[0049] 17. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein the first end of each clamp rod is positioned approximately midway between the body of two adjacent supports.

[0050] 18. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein at least one end clamp contacts a portion of the surface coating of the diffuser segment, and at least one leg contacts the outer surface of the diffuser segment.

[0051] 19. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein at least one end clamp engages with a clamp rod at a variable position along the second end.

[0052] 20. A method for removing or installing a diffuser segment from or into an assembly using a device, the method comprising: drilling and tapping lift holes in the surface of the diffuser segment using a drill guide; installing lift eyes in the lift holes; removing one or more mounting bolts securing the diffuser segment to the assembly; replacing the removed one or more mounting bolts with one or more guide pins; inserting the device between the diffuser segment and the assembly; rotating the device within the defined gap between the diffuser segment and the assembly; and at least one end of the device configured to hold the diffuser segment within the device. A method comprising: tightening a clamp; tightening at least one set screw configured to tighten a pocket of the device on the outer surface of the diffuser segment; removing all remaining mounting bolts that secure the diffuser segment to the assembly; inserting at least one guide pin to push the diffuser segment and disengage the diffuser segment from the assembly; removing one or more guide pins from the diffuser segment and the assembly; and lifting a lift eye to remove the diffuser segment from the assembly, wherein the pocket is configured to protect the outer surface of the diffuser segment when the diffuser segment is removed from the assembly.

[0053] 21. Any of the aforementioned methods, further comprising disengaging the ravet mating between the diffuser segment and the assembly.

[0054] 22. Any of the aforementioned methods further comprising repeating the step of drilling and tapping the lift hole by lifting the lift eye to a further diffuser segment in the assembly.

[0055] 23. Any of the foregoing methods, further comprising the step of drilling and tapping lift holes using a drill guide, positioning the drill guide on the mounting surface of each diffuser segment, and using a drill tool having a rotary cutting device positioned substantially perpendicular to the drill guide to drill and tap the lift holes.

[0056] 24. A device configured to support a diffuser segment during removal from or installation into an assembly, the device comprising a body formed by a curve complementary to the outer surface of the diffuser segment, the body including at least one support and at least one clamp rod defining a pocket, the clamp rod extending from a first end to a second end, the pocket extending along the body on the first side of the clamp rod, and an end clamp releasably fitted to the second end of the clamp rod, the end clamp having a leg extending on the first side of the clamp rod, the device comprising the pocket and the leg of the end clamp releasably holding the diffuser segment.

[0057] 25. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein the support further comprises a channel configured to accommodate a wheel, and a projection extending away from the channel and configured to accommodate a set screw.

[0058] 26. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein the pockets receive a buffer made of a material having a material hardness lower than the material hardness of the surface coating of the diffuser segment, and each set screw is configured to tighten the buffer against the surface coating of the diffuser segment.

[0059] 27. Any of the aforementioned devices further comprising two clamping rods and a transverse member extending between the clamping rods.

[0060] 28. Any of the aforementioned devices further comprising a wheel housed within a support, the wheel rotating such that the diffuser segment can be removed without damaging the surface coating of the diffuser segment and / or assembly.

[0061] 29. Any of the aforementioned devices, wherein the pocket extends from a first end to a second end, the first support is located at the first end of the pocket, the second support is located approximately midway through the pocket, and the third support is located at the second end of the pocket. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 10 Assembly 11 Spacers 12 Diffuser Segments 14 Exterior 15 Mounting surface 16 Surface coating 18 lift holes 20 equipment 22 Main unit 24 Support 26 channels 28 Protrusion 30 Clamp Rods 32 First end 34 Second end 36 End clamps 38 Legs 40 pockets 42 wheels 44 Set screws 46 Cushioning material 50 Crosspiece 60 Drill Guide 62 Center or pilot drill hole 64 Tapped drill holes 66 tapped holes 70 Lift Eye 72 Mounting bolts 74 Guide pins 800 ways

Claims

1. A device (20) configured to support the diffuser segment (12) during removal from or installation onto the assembly (10), wherein the device (20) A body (22) comprising a plurality of supports (24) and at least two clamp rods (30), each extending from a first end (32) to a second end (34), wherein the body (22) defines a pocket (40) extending between the supports (24) on the first side of the clamp rods (30), An end clamp (36) that releasably fits with the second end (34) of each clamp rod (30), wherein the end clamp (36) has a leg portion (38) extending to the first side of the clamp rod (30), A wheel (42) is received within each support (24), Equipped with, The pocket (40) and the legs (38) of each end clamp (36) hold the diffuser segment (12) in a releasable manner, and the wheel (42) rotates so that the diffuser segment (12) can be removed without damaging the surface coating (16) of at least one of the diffuser segment (12) and the assembly (10). Apparatus (20).

2. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein at least one wheel (42) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the central axis of at least one clamp rod (30).

3. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein at least one wheel (42) is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel (42).

4. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a horizontal member (50) extending between the clamp rods (30).

5. The apparatus (20) according to claim 4, wherein the main body (22), the plurality of supports (24), the at least two clamp rods (30), and the cross member (50) form a single integrated element.

6. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a drill guide (60) defining at least one of a central or pilot drill hole (62), a tap drill hole (64), and a tap hole (66).

7. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a set screw (44) configured to tighten the pocket (40) of the apparatus (20) against the surface coating (16) of the diffuser segment (12).

8. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a set screw (44) configured to tighten against the surface coating (16) of the diffuser segment (12).

9. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the support (24) further comprises a channel (26) configured to accommodate the wheel (42) and a projection (28) extending away from the channel (26) and configured to accommodate a set screw (44).

10. The apparatus (20) according to claim 9, wherein the channel (26) is configured to receive the axle of each wheel (42), and the axle is substantially aligned with the center of the cross-section of the pocket (40).

11. The apparatus (20) according to claim 9, wherein the wheel (42) is configured to displace the pocket (40) by a distance equal to the radius of the wheel (42) from the assembly (10).

12. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the pocket (40) is defined by a C shape, and the pocket (40) extends substantially over the entire length from the first support (24) to the second support (24).

13. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the pocket (40) extends from a first end (32) to a second end (34), the support (24) is positioned at each end of the pocket (40), and the support (24) is positioned approximately midway through the pocket (40).

14. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the pocket (40) receives a cushioning material (46) made of a material having a material hardness lower than the material hardness of the surface coating (16) of the diffuser segment (12).

15. The apparatus (20) according to claim 14, further comprising a set screw (44) configured to tighten the cushioning material (46) against the surface coating (16) of the diffuser segment (12).

16. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (22) of the apparatus (20) is defined by a curve complementary to the outer surface (14) of the diffuser segment (12).

17. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first end (32) of each clamp rod (30) is positioned approximately midway between two adjacent supports (24) of the body (22).

18. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein at least one end clamp (36) is in contact with a portion of the surface coating (16) of the diffuser segment (12), and at least one leg (38) is in contact with the outer surface (14) of the diffuser segment (12).

19. The apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein at least one end clamp (36) engages with the clamp rod (30) at a variable position along the second end (34).

20. A method (800) for removing a diffuser segment (12) from or installing it into an assembly (10) using a device (20), wherein the method (800) is Using a drill guide (60), drill and tap lift holes (18) on the surface of the diffuser segment (12), Install a lift eye (70) in the lift hole (18), Remove one or more mounting bolts (72) that secure the diffuser segment (12) to the assembly (10), Replacing one or more of the removed mounting bolts (72) with one or more guide pins (74), The device (20) is inserted between the diffuser segment (12) and the assembly (10), and the device (20) is rotated within the gap defined between the diffuser segment (12) and the assembly (10), Tighten at least one end clamp (36) of the device (20) which is configured to hold the diffuser segment (12) inside the device (20), Tighten at least one set screw (44) configured to fasten the pocket (40) of the device (20) onto the outer surface (14) of the diffuser segment (12), Remove all remaining mounting bolts (72) that secure the diffuser segment (12) to the assembly (10), Inserting at least one guide pin (74) to push the diffuser segment (12) and disengaging the diffuser segment (12) from the assembly (10), Removing one or more guide pins (74) from the diffuser segment (12) and the assembly (10), Lift the lift eye (70) and remove the diffuser segment (12) from the assembly (10), Includes, The pocket (40) is configured to protect the outer surface (14) of the diffuser segment (12) when the diffuser segment (12) is removed from the assembly (10). Method (800).

21. The method according to claim 20 (800), further comprising disengaging the ravet fit between the diffuser segment (12) and the assembly (10).

22. The method according to claim 20 (800), further comprising repeating the step of drilling and tapping the lift hole (18) by raising the lift eye (70) to a further diffuser segment (12) in the assembly (10).

23. The method according to claim 22 (800), wherein the step of drilling and tapping the lift holes (18) using the drill guide (60) further comprises positioning the drill guide (60) on the mounting surface (15) of each diffuser segment (12) and using a drill tool having a rotary cutting device positioned substantially perpendicular to the drill guide (60) to drill and tap the lift holes (18).

24. A device (20) configured to support the diffuser segment (12) during removal from or installation onto the assembly (10), wherein the device (20) A body (22) defined by a curve complementary to the outer surface (14) of the diffuser segment (12), the body (22) includes at least one support (24) and at least one clamp rod (30) defining a pocket (40), the clamp rod (30) extending from a first end (32) to a second end (34), and the pocket (40) extending along the body (22) on the first side of the clamp rod (30), the body (22) and An end clamp (36) that releasably fits with the second end (34) of the clamp rod (30), wherein the end clamp (36) has a leg portion (38) extending to the first side of the clamp rod (30), Equipped with, The pocket (40) and the leg portion (38) of the end clamp (36) are used to releasably hold the diffuser segment (12). Apparatus (20).

25. The apparatus (20) according to claim 24, further comprising a support (24) configured to accommodate a wheel (42) and a projection (28) extending away from the channel (26) and configured to accommodate a set screw (44).

26. The apparatus (20) according to claim 25, wherein the pocket (40) receives a cushioning material (46) made of a material having a material hardness lower than the material hardness of the surface coating (16) of the diffuser segment (12), and each set screw (44) is configured to tighten the cushioning material (46) against the surface coating (16) of the diffuser segment (12).

27. The apparatus (20) according to claim 24, further comprising a horizontal member (50) extending between the clamp rods (30).

28. The support (24) further comprises a wheel (42) received within it. The wheel (42) rotates so that the diffuser segment (12) can be removed without damaging the diffuser segment (12) and / or the surface coating (16) of the assembly (10). The apparatus (20) according to claim 24.

29. The apparatus (20) according to claim 24, wherein the pocket (40) extends from a first end (32) to a second end (34), the first support (24) is positioned at the first end (32) of the pocket (40), the second support (24) is positioned at approximately the midpoint of the pocket (40), and the third support (24) is positioned at the second end (34) of the pocket (40).

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