Segmented Centerline Support Bar for Steam Turbine Diaphragm Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam turbine maintenance requires time-consuming and costly steps, such as removing the upper half hardware and rotor, to access and align the bottom half of the diaphragm due to the fixed support bars and centering pin, limiting accessibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A centerline support bar with a transverse configuration that connects to a steam turbine component and includes a flange to contact the casing, allowing non-affixed joining and shim adjustment for alignment and maintenance without removing the rotor or upper half, enabling transverse installation and versatility in support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fixed support bars are used to connect the bottom half of the diaphragm to the casing, then the diaphragm is securely supported, but maintenance and alignment require time-consuming removal of upper half hardware and rotor
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar is divided into multiple segments: a first portion that contacts the casing, a second portion that contacts the diaphragm, and a removable intermediate portion. This segmentation allows the intermediate portion to be removed for maintenance access while the end portions remain in place, providing secure support during operation but easy access during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bar transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The removable intermediate portion allows the support bar to be reconfigured between a connected state (providing support) and a partially removed state (providing access), enabling both secure support and easy maintenance without complete disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bottom half of the diaphragm is rigidly coupled to the casing via support bars and centering pin, then alignment is maintained, but the bottom half cannot rotate or be accessed without extensive disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support bar into removable and fixed portions, the system allows the diaphragm to be rotated or accessed by removing only the intermediate portion, while the end portions maintain alignment references. This enables rotational capability when needed while preserving alignment stability when the support bar is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable intermediate portion acts as an intermediary element that can be present to maintain alignment and connection, or absent to allow rotation and access. This intermediary component mediates between the conflicting requirements of alignment stability and rotational capability, providing one or the other based on operational needs.
3Ease of repair
If extensive hardware removal is performed to access the bottom half of the diaphragm, then maintenance can be performed, but maintenance time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar is segmented into a removable intermediate portion and fixed end portions, allowing maintenance personnel to access the bottom half of the diaphragm by removing only the intermediate portion. This eliminates the need to remove upper half hardware and rotor, dramatically reducing maintenance time and costs while still providing full maintenance accessibility.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional support bars are used, then structural support is provided, but alignment adjustments require complete disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented support bar structure allows alignment adjustments to be performed by removing only the intermediate portion, making shim installation and alignment precision work accessible without complete disassembly. This maintains manufacturing precision capabilities while dramatically improving the ease of manufacture and alignment adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A centerline support bar for steam turbine component assembly, installation, and/or alignment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the support bar includes a body portion configured to be disposed across a centerline of a steam turbine, the body portion configured to transversely connect to a steam turbine component; and a first flange extending from the body portion and configured to contact a steam turbine casing, wherein the steam turbine support bar is configured to non-affixedly join the steam turbine casing to the steam turbine component.