Removable Stator Vane Bushing for Compressor Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bushings in stator vane assemblies for rotary machines require disassembly of the compressor to replace, leading to increased time and costs due to the need for access to the interior casing and removal of the rotor.
Innovation Solution
A removable bushing design with an annular body and key portions that allow extraction without disassembly, using a tool to engage the key portions for removal from the exterior of the casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bushing design is used in the stator vane assembly, then the bushing provides friction reduction and wear protection between the trunnion and casing, but the bushing requires disassembly of the stator vane assembly and access to the compressor interior for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is segmented into a two-part design consisting of an inner bushing portion and an outer bushing portion. The inner portion remains installed in the compressor casing while the outer portion can be independently removed from the stator vane assembly. This segmentation allows the outer bushing portion to be replaced without disassembling the stator vane assembly or accessing the compressor interior, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining wear protection functionality and improving replacement accessibility.
2Device complexity
If the bushing is designed as a single integrated component, then the structure is simple, but replacement requires increased disassembly time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is divided into two separate portions that can be independently handled. The inner bushing portion stays permanently installed in the casing, while the outer bushing portion attaches to the stator vane assembly and can be independently removed. This segmentation enables rapid replacement of the outer portion without time-consuming disassembly of the entire stator vane assembly, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and replacement time.
3Reliability
If the bushing requires access to the compressor interior for replacement, then complete bushing replacement can be performed, but the rotor must be removed and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing replacement function is segmented between the inner and outer portions. The inner portion provides continuous wear protection within the compressor, while the outer portion can be independently replaced from the exterior. This allows complete functional replacement of the bushing system without requiring rotor removal or interior access, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving complete replacement and maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer bushing portion is designed to be extractable from the stator vane assembly without removing the stator vane itself. The outer portion can be detached and replaced from the exterior of the compressor casing, extracting the replacement operation from the complex interior disassembly process and enabling quick maintenance without affecting overall system productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing for use in a stator vane assembly that includes an annular body that extends between a first end and a second end. The bushing is configured to be removable from the stator vane assembly without disassembly of the stator vane assembly.