Gas Turbine Mid-Frame Annular Ring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of mid-frames for gas turbines is time-consuming and costly due to the complex mounting of numerous individual hangers for duct segments, which are subject to high thermal stresses and require extensive assembly time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A single, annular ring element is used to hold and fasten duct segments to the outer casing element, eliminating the need for separate hangers and simplifying the assembly process, while also incorporating relief openings and a sealing device to manage thermal stresses and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual hangers are used for each duct segment, then the duct segments can be securely mounted to the outer casing element, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual hangers are merged into a single annular ring element that is divided into segments. The ring element comprises multiple annular segments that can be separately manufactured and then assembled to form a complete circular structure, eliminating the need for numerous individual hanger components while maintaining secure mounting of all duct segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular ring element is segmented into multiple annular segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled to form the complete ring. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, transportation, and assembly of the ring element while still providing continuous support around the entire circumference to secure all duct segments to the outer casing element.
2Reliability
If multiple individual hangers are used, then each duct segment can be independently supported, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hanger functions are combined into a single integrated annular ring element structure. The ring element provides continuous circumferential support for all duct segments simultaneously, reducing the total number of components from many individual hangers to one unified structure composed of manageable annular segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular ring element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for all duct segments, acts as a mounting interface to the outer casing element, and maintains the geometric configuration of the duct assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures, mounting brackets, and alignment components.
3Stress or pressure
If a segmented duct construction is used, then thermal stresses are minimized, but the number of joints and potential leakage points increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate duct segments are merged into a continuous annular ring element structure that provides unified support. The ring element creates fewer discrete joints compared to individual hanger installations, reducing potential leakage points while still allowing the duct segments to expand and contract independently to manage thermal stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular ring element can be constructed from composite materials or materials with graded properties that provide both structural integrity and thermal flexibility. This allows the ring to maintain its shape and provide secure mounting while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the duct segments without creating stress concentration points that could lead to leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mid-frame (10) for a gas turbine, having at least one outer casing element (12) and having a plurality of duct segments (16), which are arranged in succession in the radial direction on the inside of the outer casing element (12) and in the peripheral direction of the casing element (12) and by which segments, in each case, at least one duct (18) through which a gas can flow is delimited at least in the radial direction at least partially, wherein a ring element (22) that is common to the duct segments (16) and is formed in one piece is provided, by means of which the duct segments (16) are held at the outer casing element (12).