Combustion Liner Installation Tool for Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing and installing combustion liners in gas turbine engines are inefficient and can cause damage due to manual hammering, which results in inconsistent force application and potential injury, and lack proper alignment, leading to torsional loading that damages hula seals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an elongated handle with a pin and bracket, a tower clamp, alignment guide, liner push rod, and liner pull hook to facilitate controlled and aligned installation and removal of combustion liners, reducing the need for manual hammering and ensuring proper alignment to prevent seal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual hammering is used to install combustion liners, then installation force can be applied, but force application becomes inconsistent and parts may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A push rod is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the combustion liner. The push rod transmits force uniformly across the liner's end surface, replacing direct manual hammering. This intermediary mechanism ensures consistent force distribution and eliminates the variability and damage risks associated with direct hammering.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual hammering is used to install combustion liners, then installation can be performed, but potential injury to humans can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The push rod serves as a force-transmitting intermediary that allows the operator to apply installation force safely through a controlled mechanical interface. This eliminates direct contact between the hammer and the operator's hand, removing the injury risk while maintaining installation capability.
3Ease of operation
If proper liner stop alignment is not achieved, then installation can proceed, but the liner rotates while the hula seal is under load causing seal damage
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features on the push rod and combustion case enable preliminary alignment of the liner stops with the corresponding stops in the combustion case before the liner is fully installed. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper alignment is achieved before load is applied to the hula seal, preventing rotational damage while maintaining operational efficiency.
4Productivity
If known removal tooling is used, then combustion liners can be removed, but the process is awkward and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The push rod is designed as a multi-functional tool that can be used for both installation and removal operations. By integrating multiple functions into a single tool, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized tooling, improving operational convenience while maintaining removal capability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for removing and installing combustion liners in a combustion case of a turbine is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated handle having a pin disposed at one end, and a bracket attached to the elongated handle. A tower clamp, for attaching to a flange of a combustion case, includes a tower portion having a plurality of notches for receiving the pin of the elongated handle.