Combustor Alignment Plate and Tube for Gas Turbine Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of combustor assemblies in gas turbines require significant force and can be challenging, necessitating alternative systems for proper alignment and securement.
Innovation Solution
A combustor assembly alignment system comprising an alignment plate with holes that align with flange holes, an alignment tube extending from the plate, and a jacking system to secure the assembly to the turbomachine, facilitating alignment and securement through alignment rods and nuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to install and remove combustor assemblies, then the combustor assembly can be installed and removed, but significant force is required and the process is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment plates and alignment rods as intermediary components between the combustor assembly and the turbine engine. These intermediaries facilitate the alignment and installation process by providing guided pathways and reference points, thereby reducing the force and difficulty required for installation and removal operations
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional installation methods are used, then combustor assemblies can be installed, but precise alignment is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment plates are pre-equipped with multiple holes at specific positions and orientations before the installation process begins. These pre-positioned holes serve as guides for the alignment rods, establishing precise alignment pathways in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment rods act as intermediary elements that physically connect the pre-positioned holes in the alignment plates to corresponding features on the turbine engine. This intermediary mechanism transfers and maintains precise alignment relationships throughout the installation process
Data Source
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AI summary
A combustor assembly alignment system (210) comprises an alignment plate (220) comprising a plurality of alignment plate holes (221) that align with a plurality of combustor assembly flange holes, an alignment plate securement system (224) configured to secure the alignment plate (220) to a combustor assembly flange by passing through a first alignment plate hole of the alignment plate and a first combustor assembly flange hole of the combustor assembly flange, and an alignment tube (222) that extends away from the alignment plate (220), wherein a hollow interior (223) of the alignment tube aligns with a second combustor assembly flange hole when the alignment plate is secured to the combustor assembly flange.