Rotary Flow Machine Detachable Support Means for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of rotary flow machines, such as gas and steam turbines, is time and cost-consuming due to the complexity of disassembling multiple components, with existing methods requiring removal of the upper housing halves before allowing access for repairs, and existing joints limiting the inner casing's mobility until the outer casing is partially disassembled.
Innovation Solution
A rotary flow machine design featuring a detachable support mechanism with recesses and shims that allow the inner housing to be supported and adjusted from the outside, enabling free access and reducing thermal stress through radially sliding support means, allowing for external insertion of adjustment devices without disassembling the outer housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper housing halves are removed to access the inner housing for maintenance, then access to the inner housing is enabled, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and complex due to multiple disassembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The support means is divided into a mounting section and a carrier section that can be detached from each other. The mounting section remains attached to the inner housing while the carrier section can be removed independently through the access opening, allowing maintenance personnel to service the inner housing without removing the entire upper housing half
Solution Approach 2:
The support means acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides structural support while enabling access. The carrier section serves as a mediator that can be inserted and removed through the access opening, facilitating maintenance operations without requiring complete disassembly of the housing structure
2Reliability
If the inner housing is supported during rotation to the uppermost position, then damage-causing contact with the lower outer housing half is avoided, but additional support means must be inserted complicating the maintenance process
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and the access mechanism are merged into a single integrated support means structure. The mounting section provides continuous support while the carrier section provides access, combining two functions that would otherwise require separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The support means serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to prevent damage during rotation, creates an access opening for maintenance, and allows for adjustable positioning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate support and access mechanisms
3Ease of repair
If the inner housing is made movable for maintenance access, then repair work is facilitated, but the inner housing must remain fixed to the outer housing until the upper part is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The support means is segmented into a stationary mounting section attached to the inner housing and a movable carrier section that can be independently inserted and removed through the access opening, enabling maintenance operations while the housing remains assembled
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 easier and safer maintenance by providing external access for support and adjustment, reducing the need for partial disassembly and minimizing thermal stress, thus reducing maintenance time and costs while ensuring precise alignment and protection from internal damage.
Implementation Method 1
the carrier section of the support means extends radially outward into the recess of the outer housing at each support position such that the carrier section of the support means encloses an upper gap with the upper periphery and a lower gap with the lower periphery
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
The invention refers to a rotary flow machine comprising a rotor unit, rotating about a rotational axis (13), around which in at least one partial axial area a stationary inner housing (IH) is provided at a radial distance which can be divided up along the rotational axis (13) in an upper and a lower inner housing half (3, 4) which adjoin each other along a horizontal split plane (12), said inner housing (IH) is surrounded in at least one axial section by an outer housing (OH) which can be divided up along the rotational axis (13) in one upper and one lower outer housing half (1,2). Further a method for disassembling of a rotary flow machine is disclosed. The invention is characterized in that the lower inner housing half (4) provides support means (5) which support the inner lower housing half (4) on the lower outer housing half (2), and said support means (5) are detachably mounted at the lower inner housing half (4) at least at two opposite support positions (P1, P2) relative to the rotational axis (13) along the split plane (12).