Combustor Aft Plate Removal Tool for Bound Micromixer Tubes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The aft inner cap plate in a gas turbine engine's combustor often deforms due to extreme temperatures, causing micromixer tubes to bind, making safe removal during repair challenging without damaging the fuel injectors.
Innovation Solution
A specialized aft plate removal tool with spring-loaded feet and a central screw system is used to gently push the aft plate off the micromixer tubes, allowing for safe and efficient removal without damaging the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aft plate is removed by moving it to the right, then the aft plate can be extracted from the combustor, but the fuel injectors may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool consisting of a drift manifold with drifts that fit into the micromixer tubes. This intermediary device transfers the removal force from the aft plate through the micromixer tubes to the fuel injectors in a controlled manner, preventing direct damage to the fuel injectors during extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first threading the drifts into the micromixer tubes and positioning the drift manifold before attempting to move the aft plate. This preliminary setup ensures that the fuel injectors are protected and guided throughout the removal process
2Strength
If the micromixer tubes are tightly fitted through the aft plate, then the seal and structural integrity are maintained, but the tubes bind and become difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The drifts act as intermediary components that fit inside the micromixer tubes and engage with the fuel injectors. They provide a mechanical interface that allows controlled movement during removal while maintaining the tight fit relationship during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The removal process is segmented into distinct steps: first positioning the drift manifold, then progressively moving the aft plate while the drifts guide the micromixer tubes and fuel injectors. This segmentation allows controlled extraction without binding
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
Enables safe and efficient removal of the aft plate and inner cap assembly from the micromixer tubes, preventing damage to the fuel injectors and ensuring successful repair and maintenance of the combustor.
Implementation Method 1
an aft plate removal tool with spring-loaded feet and a central screw system is used to gently push the aft plate off the micromixer tubes
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides an aft plate removal tool for servicing a combustor. The combustor includes an aft plate with a central passage and a number of tubes extending through the aft plate. The aft plate removal tool includes a central screw, a lower housing attached to the central screw, the lower housing including a number of spring loaded lower housing feet, and an upper housing attached to the center screw, the upper housing including a number of spring loaded upper housing feet. The aft plate removal tool is inserted through the central passage of the aft plate such that rotation of the upper housing advances the spring loaded upper housing feet against the aft plate until the spring loaded upper housing feet push the aft plate off of the tubes.