Turbomachine Exhaust Frame Rail Lifting for Precise Shell Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine exhaust frame separation methods require cranes, which may not be feasible in all environments, and existing lifting systems lack precise control and alignment during separation of upper and lower shell portions for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing guide members, lifting members, and cribbing blocks to align and lift the exhaust frame shell portions, followed by installation of a trolley and rail system for stable shifting, enabling separation without cranes and ensuring even lifting and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a crane is used to separate the upper shell portion from the lower shell portion, then the separation can be achieved, but the equipment requirement becomes complex and the method is not feasible in all environments
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is divided into multiple independent lifting members (first lifting member, second lifting member, etc.) that can be distributed at different locations on the exhaust frame. Each lifting member operates independently to lift the upper shell portion, eliminating the need for a single complex crane system while achieving the same separation goal.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide members are introduced as intermediary elements between the lifting members and the exhaust frame. These guide members ensure proper alignment and controlled separation of the upper and lower shell portions during the lifting process, enabling precise separation without requiring complex crane positioning and control systems.
2Measurement precision
If existing lifting systems are used to separate shell portions, then separation can be achieved, but precise control and alignment during separation is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
Guide members serve as intermediary components that provide mechanical guidance and alignment between the lifting members and the exhaust frame shell portions. These guide members constrain the movement path during separation, ensuring precise alignment control without requiring complex control systems or difficult operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members are pre-installed on the exhaust frame before the lifting operation begins. This preliminary action establishes the alignment path in advance, so that when the lifting members are activated, the shell portions automatically follow the predetermined alignment trajectory, achieving precise control without complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An exhaust frame (2) includes a first shell portion (4) including a flange portion (8,10), and a second shell portion (6) including a flange section configured to be joined to the flange portion (8,10). The second shell portion (6) is spaced from the first shell portion (4) a desired distance. A rail system (94) is mounted to the flange portion (8,10), and a trolley (90) is mounted to the flange section (14,16). The second shell portion (6) is axially shiftable along the rail system (94) to expose an internal portion of the exhaust frame (2). A method of lifting and shifting the first shell portion comprises installing and operating one or more lift members (42, 44) to separate the first shell portion from the second shell portion.