Ramped Expander Segments for Gas Turbine Flow Sleeve Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face difficulties in coupling the flow sleeve to the transition piece in gas turbines due to the split ring seal, which requires expansion to fit around the transition piece, leading to challenges in sealing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
An installation apparatus with a radially inner ring and axially ramped expander segments that gradually expand the flow sleeve to couple with the transition piece, featuring circumferentially disposed spaces for access and removal, allowing for precise fitting and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a split ring seal is used to seal the flow sleeve/transition piece interface, then air leakage is minimized, but the assembly difficulty increases due to the need to expand the seal to fit around the transition piece
Solution Approach 1:
The installation apparatus is divided into multiple expander segments that can be independently positioned and expanded. Each segment contains a ramped surface that independently expands the flow sleeve at different locations, allowing the split ring seal to be gradually expanded around the transition piece without requiring excessive force or complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The expander segments incorporate movable elements with ramped surfaces that transition from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during sealing. The ramps provide a progressive expansion mechanism that dynamically adapts the seal dimensions, transforming the assembly process from a difficult single-step expansion to a controlled progressive expansion
2Reliability
If the flow sleeve is expanded to fit the transition piece, then a tight seal is achieved, but the risk of damage to the flow sleeve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramped surfaces provide a progressive expansion mechanism that gradually increases the flow sleeve diameter rather than applying sudden expansion force. This dynamic expansion process allows the flow sleeve material to deform progressively, distributing stress and reducing the risk of catastrophic failure or permanent damage
Solution Approach 2:
The installation apparatus is designed to distribute expansion forces through multiple contact points and ramped surfaces before the flow sleeve reaches its final expanded state. This pre-distribution of mechanical stress acts as a cushioning mechanism, preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause damage to the flow sleeve
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and secure coupling of the flow sleeve to the transition piece, minimizing air leakage and ensuring a tight seal, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of gas turbines.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of expander segments each having an axially ramped segment sized to gradually expand the flow sleeve to couple with the gas turbine transition piece as the flow sleeve is moved along the plurality of expander segments
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include approaches for installing a flow sleeve relative to a gas turbine transition piece. Some embodiments include an apparatus for coupling a gas turbine transition piece with a flow sleeve, the installation apparatus having: a radially inner ring; a plurality of expander segments extending radially outward from the radially inner ring, the plurality of expander segments each having an axially ramped segment sized to gradually expand the flow sleeve to couple with the gas turbine transition piece as the flow sleeve is moved along the plurality of expander segments; and a circumferentially disposed space separating each pair of adjacent expander segments in the plurality of expander segments.