Axially Adjustable Inserted Ring for Turbine Seal Refurbishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for refurbishing components in rotating machinery, such as steam and gas turbines, require downtime for component removal and replacement, leading to increased costs and potential power outages.
Innovation Solution
An inserted ring system that allows for axial adjustment and secure fixation within the turbine assembly, enabling selective positioning and incremental adjustments to seal faces, reducing the need for component removal and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If component removal and replacement is performed for refurbishment, then repair quality is improved, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm assembly is segmented into multiple components including the diaphragm, inserted ring, and packing ring, allowing selective replacement of individual components without removing the entire assembly from the turbine. This enables refurbished components to be reinstalled in the groove, reducing downtime while maintaining repair quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserted ring is designed with adjustable features that allow it to be repositioned axially within the groove during operation or maintenance. This dynamic adjustability enables optimization of seal face contact and packing seal positioning without requiring complete disassembly, thereby reducing machine downtime while ensuring proper refurbishment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inserted ring is made adjustable in axial direction, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inserted ring is pre-configured with features such as axial adjustment slots, guide surfaces, and retention mechanisms during manufacturing. These preliminary structural elements enable axial repositioning capability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving adaptability while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserted ring acts as an intermediary component between the diaphragm and the packing ring, providing axial adjustability through its design features. This intermediary structure allows for flexible positioning of seal faces and packing seals without complicating the overall turbine assembly, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine assembly including a casing and a turbine stationary component radially inward from the casing. The casing and the turbine stationary component define a steam joint therebetween. The turbine stationary component defines a groove open to the steam joint, the turbine stationary component defines a first seal face within the groove and opposite from the portion open to the steam joint, and a second seal face within the groove and adjacent to the first seal face, the turbine assembly including an inserted ring. The inserted ring includes a body including a first face, positioned in close proximity to the first seal face of the turbine stationary component, a second face adjacent to the first face and positioned in close proximity to the second seal face of the turbine stationary component, and a third face opposite from the first face and positioned in close proximity to the casing.