Combustor Liner Flexible Retainer for Vibration Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine combustors face issues with misalignment and vibration-induced wear due to thermal expansion and vibratory loads, leading to costly repairs and extended outage periods, as existing mounting systems are prone to failure and require complex disassembly for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system with elastic members, such as leaf springs or Belleville springs, is positioned between the metering plate and end cover to support the combustor liner concentrically within the combustor casing, providing resilient connection and reducing relative motion, thus minimizing wear and facilitating easier assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If liner stops and liner guide stops are used to mount the combustor liner, then proper radial and axial location is ensured, but misalignment and vibration-induced wear occur leading to component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a rigid stop-based arrangement to a dynamic resilient connection using spring elements. These springs allow controlled movement and absorption of vibratory loads while maintaining proper liner positioning, preventing both misalignment and vibration-induced wear through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by introducing resilient elements with specific elastic properties. The spring constant and damping characteristics are optimized to maintain alignment precision while absorbing vibratory energy, resolving the contradiction between precision and reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If combustor components are designed to freely thermally expand, then durability requirements are met, but relative movement at sliding interfaces causes wear and material loss
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient mounting system provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating spring elements that anticipate and absorb thermal expansion movements and vibratory loads. This cushioning effect protects sliding interfaces from direct contact and wear while allowing necessary thermal expansion, extending component service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements act as intermediary components between the combustor liner and casing, mediating the interaction during thermal expansion and vibration. This intermediary resilient connection reduces direct sliding contact and associated wear while maintaining durability through controlled movement.
3Reliability
If liner stops engage with liner guide stops to prevent axial movement, then liner position is secured, but complex disassembly is required for repairs resulting in extended outage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components with the resilient elements designed as separate, replaceable parts. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and repair, reducing outage duration while maintaining liner position stability through the modular resilient connection system.
4Loss of substance
If resilient retainers are used to limit relative motions, then wear is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs flexible spring elements and resilient members that provide wear reduction through elastic deformation. These flexible components absorb relative motions and vibratory loads, reducing wear at sliding interfaces while adding minimal structural complexity compared to rigid mounting systems.
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
The retainer system effectively isolates vibratory movements, reduces wear, and simplifies the assembly process by allowing the combustor liner to be mounted concentrically, thereby enhancing the durability and reducing maintenance costs by minimizing the need for complex repairs.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer is comprised of an elastic arrangement positioned between the metering plate and the end cover
Implementation Method 2
the retainer system effectively isolates vibratory movements, reduces wear
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor for a gas turbine is described. The combustor comprises a combustor liner, a metering plate attached to an end of the combustor liner and a combustor casing at least partially surrounding the combustor liner. An end cover is further connected to the combustor casing. The combustor liner is connected to the combustor casing by means of a retainer arranged between the metering plate and the end cover, and attached to the metering plate and to the end cover.