Lifting Fixture for Gas Turbine Torque Converter Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of heavy starting motors and torque converters from the auxiliary compartment of gas turbines poses engineering challenges due to limited headspace and lack of support structures, requiring expensive modifications or custom-built removal apparatuses that can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A lifting fixture and jib crane system is integrated within the auxiliary compartment, featuring a frame with lifting lugs and hooks that attach to the torque converter or starting motor, allowing for secure lifting and removal without damaging the compartment or requiring custom modifications, utilizing a trolley system and hoisting support for balanced and controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slide or skid of I-beams and plate is constructed during each outage for removal, then the starting motor and/or torque converter can be removed, but the structure requires fabrication and welding to existing motor mounting structure, and the complete structure must be cut out and discarded after maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The removal apparatus is divided into separate modular components: a lifting fixture that attaches to the equipment, a jib crane system, and a support structure. This segmentation allows the lifting fixture to be removed independently without discarding the entire structure, eliminating the need to fabricate and weld complete I-beam slides during each outage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting fixture acts as an intermediary device between the starting motor/torque converter and the jib crane system. It provides a standardized attachment interface that enables removal without requiring custom fabrication during each outage, reducing both manufacturing complexity and waste.
2Ease of operation
If the roof of the auxiliary compartment is customized to include an access port large enough for removal, then the starting motor and/or torque converter can be removed with an external crane, but the roof would have to be outfitted with a removable section that adds potential for leakage and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting fixture serves as an intermediary that enables removal through existing roof openings without requiring custom access ports. The fixture bridges the gap between the equipment and the limited opening space, eliminating the need to modify the roof structure and thereby preventing leakage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting fixture is designed to be self-contained and can be installed through existing openings without requiring permanent roof modifications. This self-service approach allows the system to utilize existing structural features rather than requiring customizations that would compromise the roof's integrity.
3Volume of moving object
If the auxiliary compartment is designed to keep as small a profile as possible, then headspace is extremely limited, but removal of heavy equipment becomes challenging without support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting fixture incorporates a jib crane system with a mast that can be positioned and adjusted within the limited headspace. The trolley system allows the lifting fixture to be moved along the mast, providing dynamic positioning capability that enables heavy equipment removal without requiring permanent structural modifications to the compact auxiliary compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting fixture utilizes the vertical dimension by extending a mast upward from the floor, creating a three-dimensional lifting mechanism within the compact horizontal space. This dimensional approach allows heavy equipment to be lifted vertically without requiring additional horizontal headspace, solving the contradiction between compact compartment size and removal capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting fixture for attachment to a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is provided. The lifting fixture generally includes a frame configured to attach to a hoisting support, a pair of lifting lugs attached to the frame and positioned above the frame, and a plurality of lifting hooks attached to the frame and positioned such that each lifting hook has a bend extending below the frame. A removal apparatus for moving a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is also generally provided.