Stator Vane Removal System Using Wedge Reaction Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of stator vanes from rotary machine casings is challenging due to the significant force required, which can damage the slots and casing, especially given the concave shape and size of the casing sections, making safe mechanical application difficult.
Innovation Solution
A stator vane removal system utilizing a reaction platform with wedge surfaces that couples between opposing sides of a slot in the casing, coupled with an actuator to apply a pushing force tangentially to the stator vane, facilitating the induction of a coupling force to move the vane along the slot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If significant mechanical force is applied to remove stator vanes from slots, then the stator vanes can be removed, but the slots and casing may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A reaction platform is introduced as an intermediary component between the removal tool and the stator vanes. This platform distributes the removal force across multiple stator vanes simultaneously and provides a stable reaction surface, preventing concentrated loads that could damage the slots or casing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal force is segmented and distributed across multiple stator vanes through the reaction platform. Instead of applying force to a single vane, the system divides the total removal force into multiple application points, reducing the stress on any single slot-cavity interface and preventing structural damage.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical methods are used to apply force to stator vanes, then removal can be achieved, but the concave shape and size of casing sections make safe force application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction platform extends the force application into a third dimension by providing a distributed surface rather than point contact. This dimensional approach allows force to be applied across the width of multiple vanes simultaneously, making the operation safer and easier by eliminating the need to precisely target individual vane positions in the concave casing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction platform serves as a mediator that adapts to the concave casing geometry and provides a stable platform for force application. It bridges the gap between the actuator and the stator vanes, accommodating the challenging geometry while ensuring safe and effective force transmission.
3Productivity
If stator vanes are removed one at a time using traditional methods, then complete removal is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction platform merges multiple force application functions into a single integrated component. It simultaneously contacts and applies force to multiple stator vanes, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate operations into one unified action, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction platform is designed as a universal component that can engage with multiple stator vanes of different positions and orientations. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform the removal function across the entire vane array, improving efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
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
The system enables safe and efficient removal of stator vanes by distributing the required force effectively, reducing the risk of damage to the slots and casing, and allowing for easier maintenance and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The reaction platform includes at least one wedge surface. The at least one wedge surface facilitates inducing a coupling force exerted by the reaction platform to the opposing sides of the slot when the actuator applies a pushing force to the at least one stator vane in the slot.
Data Source
AI summary
A stator vane removal system includes a reaction platform configured to couple between opposing sides of a slot defined in an inner surface of a casing of a rotary machine. At least one stator vane is retained in the slot. The reaction platform includes at least one wedge surface. The system also includes an actuator configured to couple to the reaction platform. The at least one wedge surface facilitates inducing a coupling force exerted by the reaction platform to the opposing sides of the slot when the actuator applies a pushing force to the at least one stator vane in the slot.