Disk Stack Repair Insert With Grooved Segments for Localized Steam Path Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk stacks in power plants, used to dissipate pressure and heat from steam, often require replacement due to damage from high-pressure fluids, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A disk stack repair insert comprising replacement disk segments with specific groove patterns is used to repair damaged regions by forming fluid passageways, allowing for the restoration of the disk stack's functionality without replacing the entire assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire disk stack is replaced after damage, then reliability is restored, but loss of time and increase in maintenance cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The disk stack is divided into replaceable individual disk segments. When damage occurs, only the affected segment needs to be removed and replaced, rather than replacing the entire stack. This segmentation allows for localized repair that restores reliability while minimizing maintenance time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where damaged disk segments can be discarded and replaced with new or refurbished segments. The replacement segments can be prepared in advance, allowing quick installation without replacing the entire disk stack, thus reducing maintenance downtime while restoring full functionality.
2Reliability
If the entire disk stack is replaced after damage, then reliability is restored, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the disk stack into individual replaceable disks, the patent enables cost-effective maintenance where only the damaged portion is replaced. This eliminates the need to discard and pay for replacement of the entire disk stack, significantly reducing maintenance costs while restoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for selective replacement of only the damaged disk segments rather than the entire assembly. This reduces material waste and maintenance costs by preserving undamaged portions of the disk stack while restoring functionality through targeted replacement of affected segments.
3Power
If high pressure fluid flows through the disk stack, then pressure dissipation function is performed, but damage to the disk stack occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the disk stack into multiple independent replaceable segments. This segmentation allows the system to withstand high-pressure fluid flow by enabling easy replacement of any segment that becomes damaged, thus maintaining the pressure dissipation function while mitigating the harmful effect of potential damage through rapid repair capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A disk stack repair insert includes a first replacement disk segment defining a first groove pattern comprising first grooves; and a second replacement disk segment defining a second groove pattern comprising second grooves, the first replacement disk segment coupled to the second replacement disk segment, wherein the first groove pattern and the second groove pattern define a fluid passageway therebetween.