Semi-Annular Counter Weight for Turbine Casing Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal and reinstallation of the lower half of the inner turbine casing in gas turbine engines pose challenges due to limited workspace and tight tolerances, risking damage to components during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A semi-annular counter weight system with a radial gear rack and drive system allows for the rotation and removal of the lower inner casing portion, providing access for maintenance without full disassembly, using a counter weight with a semi-annular main body and radial gear rack segments for alignment and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lower half of the inner turbine casing is removed for complete inspection, then access to all turbine components is improved, but the risk of damage to turbine components increases due to tight tolerances and limited workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The inner turbine casing is divided into an upper half and a lower half that can be separated from each other. The lower half can be independently removed while the upper half remains in place, allowing access to turbine components without complete disassembly. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to access the turbine rotor and other components while maintaining structural support and reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized removal tool or mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lower half casing and the turbine components. This intermediary device facilitates the removal and reinstallation processes by providing controlled support and alignment, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the turbine components during the maintenance operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical jacks are used to support the lower half casing, then proper alignment is improved, but the complexity of the support system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed to provide uniform support at multiple points around the lower half casing, creating an equipotential support condition that maintains proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The support points are positioned to distribute the load evenly and maintain the casing's natural alignment position.
3Ease of operation
If the entire turbine rotor is removed for maintenance, then complete access to all components is achieved, but the downtime and complexity of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine casing is segmented into removable sections (upper and lower halves) that can be independently accessed. This allows maintenance personnel to remove only the necessary section to access specific components, rather than removing the entire rotor assembly. Consequently, maintenance can be performed more quickly with reduced downtime while still achieving complete access to all turbine components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A counter weight (62) for installing and removing a lower portion of an inner casing of a turbine section generally includes a semi-annular main body (72) having a first radially extending mating surface (84) and a second radially extending mating surface (86). A radial gear rack (90) extends radially outward from the main body. The radial gear rack (90) includes a primary segment that extends a first angular distance between the first radially extending mating surface (84) and the second radially extending mating surface (86) of the main body (72). A secondary segment of the radial gear rack (90) extends a second angular distance from the second radially extending mating surface (86) of the main body (72). The secondary segment defines an at least partially linear inner surface and an outer arcuate surface.