Barrel Turbomachine Shear Ring Assembly for Easier Cover Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing covers in turbo-machine barrel casings are cumbersome, requiring increased size and material, and do not facilitate easy mounting and dismounting, which complicates maintenance and alignment due to thermal expansion.
Innovation Solution
A split shear ring system with complementary circumferential grooves on the cover and barrel casing allows for complete accommodation of the shear ring's cross-section, enabling easier assembly and disassembly by radial movement, utilizing springs and screwing mechanisms for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the groove on the barrel casing is designed to completely accommodate the shear ring cross section, then the shear ring can be easily inserted and removed radially, but the barrel casing wall thickness must be increased, leading to larger overall dimensions and more material
Solution Approach 1:
The shear ring is divided into two separate components: a first shear ring portion that fits in the groove on the barrel casing, and a second shear ring portion that fits in the groove on the cover. This segmentation allows each groove to be smaller and shallower, eliminating the need for increased barrel casing wall thickness while still providing complete radial accommodation when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The two shear ring portions are nested together to form the complete shear ring structure. The first portion is positioned radially outward from the second portion, with both portions working together to provide the full shear ring function. This nesting arrangement allows the complete shear ring to be accommodated within the existing barrel casing dimensions without requiring increased wall thickness.
2Reliability
If the shear ring is firmly fixed by screws, then the cover and barrel casing are securely connected, but disassembly becomes difficult and time-consuming for maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The shear ring portions are designed with radial movement capability, allowing them to be easily inserted and removed in the radial direction during assembly and disassembly. This dynamic design enables quick maintenance operations while maintaining secure fixation during operation through the combined action of both shear ring portions in their respective grooves.
3Strength
If the shear ring is positioned partially in both grooves, then fixation is achieved, but the groove depth on the barrel casing must be sufficient to contain the entire cross section, increasing material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shear ring is segmented into two portions, each accommodated in a separate groove. This allows the grooves to be optimized for their specific functions: the groove on the cover can be deeper to provide strong fixation, while the groove on the barrel casing can be shallower, reducing the material required for the barrel casing wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Each groove is designed with local quality optimized for its specific location and function. The groove on the cover is designed to accommodate a larger portion of the shear ring cross section for strong fixation, while the groove on the barrel casing is designed to be shallower, reducing material requirements while still providing adequate support.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the overall size and material requirements of the turbo-machine, simplifies maintenance by allowing easier access and alignment, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing axial movement of the cover.
Implementation Method 1
a split shear ring adapted to fix said barrel casing with said cylindrical cover
Implementation Method 2
utilizing springs and screwing mechanisms for precise positioning
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A turbo machine (100) comprising a barrel casing (1) having a cylindrical internal surface defining an internal containment volume, a bundle (5) having a cylindrical shape, adapted to be accommodated into said internal containment volume, a cylindrical cover (2) connected to the bundle (5) to close said internal containment volume and hold the bundle (5) inside the barrel casing (1), a split shear ring (3) adapted to fix said barrel casing (1) with said cylindrical cover (2) wherein the external cylindrical surface of the cylindrical cover (2) and the cylindrical internal surface of the barrel casing (1) are provided with a first circumferential groove (6) and a second circumferential groove (4) adapted to accommodate said shear ring (3) and wherein said first grooves (6) is adapted to completely accommodate the cross section of said split shear ring (3).