Sectored Turbomachine Distributor with Sliding Abradable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for replacing abradable material members in turbomachine distributors are lengthy, expensive, and require dismounting and re-brazing of distributor segments, while also involving costly and difficult stelliting for axial bearing, which can damage complex 3D platforms.
Innovation Solution
A sectored distributor design with annular mounting segments that can be easily slid and secured circumferentially, allowing for independent replacement and brazing of abradable members without stelliting, and providing structural rigidity to reduce vibrations and deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If abradable members are fixed by brazing on the annular partition of the distributor segment, then the members are securely attached, but the replacement process becomes long and expensive requiring complete dismounting and remachining of distributor segments
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is divided into multiple independent distributor segments that can be assembled and disassembled separately. Each segment contains abradable members that can be replaced without affecting other segments, enabling localized maintenance and reducing overall replacement time
Solution Approach 2:
The abradable members are extracted as replaceable components from the distributor segment structure. They can be removed and replaced independently through access openings in the distributor casing, eliminating the need to dismount entire distributor segments for maintenance
2Stability of the object's composition
If stelliting is used to rigidify the distributor and limit deformations, then structural stability is improved, but the process becomes long, expensive, difficult to implement, and risks deteriorating the distributor segments
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor segments combine different materials with complementary properties: a rigid base structure for structural stability and abradable material layers for sealing functionality. This composite approach eliminates the need for stelliting while maintaining both stability and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor is segmented into multiple independent segments that can be manufactured separately using standard casting processes. This segmentation avoids the need for complex stelliting operations on 3D platforms while maintaining structural integrity through precise joining of segments
3Reliability
If distributor segments are placed close together to minimize circumferential play, then sealing is improved, but thermal expansion is restricted causing vibrations and deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes the circumferential gap between segments to a specific parameter range that simultaneously satisfies sealing requirements and thermal expansion needs. This parameter optimization balances both sealing quality and structural stability without requiring extreme positioning
4Productivity
If the distributor segments are subjected to vibrations and dynamic stress, then operation is maintained, but static movements and deformations occur affecting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is divided into multiple segments with independent mounting and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows each segment to absorb and accommodate vibrations and dynamic stresses independently, preventing cumulative deformations and maintaining overall positioning precision during continuous operation
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 rapid and economical replacement of abradable members, eliminates the need for stelliting, and enhances the structural integrity of distributor segments by allowing thermal expansion while reducing vibrations and deformations.
Implementation Method 1
The members made of abradable material engage with annular lips carried by the rotor of the turbine in order to form seals of the labyrinth type
Implementation Method 2
In the event of substantial wear of the members made of abradable material, it is necessary to replace them with new ones
Implementation Method 3
the distributor segments are separated from each other with low play in the circumferential direction in order to authorise thermal dilatations of their platforms during operation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sectored distributor (112) for a turbomachine, including two coaxial platforms mutually connected by radial blades, the inner platform (130) being connected to an annular partition (138) for suspending an annular mounting (140) carrying elements (136) made of material subject to abrasion, this mounting sliding circumferentially on the partition and comprising a means engaging with means corresponding to the inner periphery of the partition to ensure radial restraint of the mounting on this partition.