Inner Compressor Casing Suspension for In-Situ Thrust Face Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of inner and outer casings in a double walled compressor is challenging due to gravitational tipping during shutdown, necessitating complex and costly procedures in the factory environment, which are impractical in the field.
Innovation Solution
The inner compressor casing suspension device employs a combination of linear slides, support frames, and rotationally capable lifting assemblies, including C-clamps and swivel lift eyes, to lift and maneuver the inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly, allowing alignment with the outer compressor casing in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the inner compressor casing is lifted off the ears using heavy equipment and overhead cranes in the factory, then the alignment precision of the thrust face is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is divided into modular components including C-clamps that attach to the inner compressor casing, adjustable suspension elements, and support structures. This segmentation allows the complex alignment function to be achieved through simpler, interchangeable parts rather than a single complex heavy equipment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary alignment devices (C-clamps with suspension elements) that mediate between the inner compressor casing and the outer casing. These intermediaries provide the necessary lifting and alignment functions without requiring direct use of heavy overhead cranes, simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If the outer compressor casing is removed to perform alignment in the field, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time and productivity increase due to disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The C-clamps and suspension devices are pre-configured and attached to the inner compressor casing before the alignment operation. This preliminary preparation allows the alignment to proceed directly without needing to remove the outer casing, saving time while maintaining ease of operation in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is designed to be self-contained and self-supported, attaching directly to the inner casing and providing its own suspension and positioning mechanisms. This eliminates the need for external heavy equipment and outer casing removal, enabling field operations without time-consuming disassembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the inner compressor casing is supported on the ears during shutdown, then the stability of the casing assembly is maintained, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to gravitational tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension elements and adjustable support structures provide counterbalancing forces to offset gravitational tipping. By distributing the weight and providing adjustable support points, the device maintains both stability and alignment precision, preventing the inner casing from tipping while keeping the thrust face properly aligned.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device incorporates adjustable and movable components that can adapt to the gravitational forces during shutdown. The suspension elements can be adjusted to maintain proper alignment while supporting the weight, and the system can dynamically respond to gravitational tipping forces rather than being rigidly fixed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inner compressor casing suspension device 350 for lifting an inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 with an outer compressor casing 75 removed, the suspension device 350 including a linear slide 360, a support frame 370 positioned on the linear slide, and a rotationally capable lifting assembly 375 supported by the support frame. The inner compressor casing-inner diffuser casing assembly 72 is maneuvered on the linear slide 360 and lifted by the rotationally capable lifting assembly 375.