Abstract: A machine casing section lift system includes a first attachment member configured to attach to a machine casing section, the first attachment member including a first jacking mechanism connection portion. The system also includes a second attachment member configured to attach to a lower casing section that, in operation, is positioned below the machine casing section, the second attachment member including a second jacking mechanism connection portion. The system also includes a jacking mechanism to raise the machine casing section and having a collar configured to couple with the first jacking mechanism connection portion and a base configured to rest in the second jacking mechanism connection portion.

Abstract: Solutions for minimizing the impact of servicing a turbo machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for conveying a turbo machine component can include: a motive system for moving the apparatus along a surface; a platform system operably connected to the motive system, the platform system for supporting the component of the turbo machine, the platform system can include: a first portion fixed to the motive system; and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion, the second portion for modifying a position of the turbo machine component; and a control system operably connected to the platform system, the control system for controlling at least one of a rate of movement or a direction of the second portion of the platform system.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a turbine shell of a turbomachine is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a shell support having a first member and a second member coupled to a side of an upper portion of a turbine shell. The apparatus also includes an actuator coupled to the shell support. The actuator may rotate the upper portion of the turbine shell to expose internal components of a turbine system. The apparatus may also include a platform positioned adjacent the shell support and a pivot assembly coupled to the shell support and actuator. The pivot assembly of the apparatus may be positioned on a first surface of the platform. Additionally, the apparatus may include a securing structure positioned on a second surface of the platform for preventing movement of the shell support during the rotating of the upper portion of the turbine shell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a more time efficient measurement of backlash in one or more variable guide vanes of a gas turbine system are provided. A mounting structure, with an indicator attached thereto, may be provided. Further, a guide structure may be provided to allow the mounting structure to be moved adjacent to two or more variable guide vanes without moving the guide structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a more time efficient measurement of backlash in one or more variable guide vanes of a gas turbine system are provided. A mounting structure, with an indicator attached thereto, may be provided. Further, a guide structure may be provided to allow the mounting structure to be moved adjacent to two or more variable guide vanes without moving the guide structure.

Abstract: A method of drilling one or more holes, substantially in situ, in a turbomachine casing includes locating piping including at least one vacuum head within the turbomachine casing in proximity to a hole to be drilled; drilling at least one hole in the casing such that drill chips or shavings caused by the drilling are collected in the vacuum head; and applying a vacuum through the piping to the at least one vacuum head to thereby remove the drill chips or shavings collected in the vacuum head to a location outside the turbomachine casing.

Abstract: Solutions for minimizing the impact of servicing a turbo machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for conveying a turbo machine component can include: a motive system for moving the apparatus along a surface; a platform system operably connected to the motive system, the platform system for supporting the component of the turbo machine, the platform system can include: a first portion fixed to the motive system; and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion, the second portion for modifying a position of the turbo machine component; and a control system operably connected to the platform system, the control system for controlling at least one of a rate of movement or a direction of the second portion of the platform system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a training apparatus, wherein embodiments of the training apparatus simulate operation of fan blades in a turbine engine. An advantage that practice of some disclosed embodiments of the training apparatus is to provide a platform to train skills for maintaining and servicing turbine engines without placing the individual and/or customer hardware in jeopardy.

Abstract: A method for use in inspecting a blade tip clearance is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of rotor blades including tips, wherein the plurality of rotor blades are rotatably mounted within a casing such that a blade tip clearance is defined between the rotor blade tips and the casing. The method also includes providing a system for use in inspecting the blade tip clearance by emitting electromagnetic energy toward the tips and detecting electromagnetic energy reflected by the tips. The method further includes positioning the system to facilitate inspection of the blade tip clearance, rotating the plurality of rotor blades within the casing, and simultaneously blending the tips using a blending apparatus and inspecting the blade tip clearance using the system.

Abstract: A method of drilling one or more holes, substantially in situ, in a turbomachine casing includes locating piping including at least one vacuum head within the turbomachine casing in proximity to a hole to be drilled; drilling at least one hole in the casing such that drill chips or shavings caused by the drilling are collected in the vacuum head; and applying a vacuum through the piping to the at least one vacuum head to thereby remove the drill chips or shavings collected in the vacuum head to a location outside the turbomachine casing.

Abstract: A machine casing section lift system includes a first attachment member configured to attach to a machine casing section, the first attachment member including a first jacking mechanism connection portion. The system also includes a second attachment member configured to attach to a lower casing section that, in operation, is positioned below the machine casing section, the second attachment member including a second jacking mechanism connection portion. The system also includes a jacking mechanism to raise the machine casing section and having a collar configured to couple with the first jacking mechanism connection portion and a base configured to rest in the second jacking mechanism connection portion.

Abstract: A method for use in inspecting a blade tip clearance is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of rotor blades including tips, wherein the plurality of rotor blades are rotatably mounted within a casing such that a blade tip clearance is defined between the rotor blade tips and the casing. The method also includes providing a system for use in inspecting the blade tip clearance by emitting electromagnetic energy toward the tips and detecting electromagnetic energy reflected by the tips. The method further includes positioning the system to facilitate inspection of the blade tip clearance, rotating the plurality of rotor blades within the casing, and simultaneously blending the tips using a blending apparatus and inspecting the blade tip clearance using the system.

Abstract: A method for inspecting blade tip clearance between at least one rotor blade and a case spaced radially outward from the rotor blade is provided. The method includes inserting a probe into an aperture defined in the case and emitting electromagnetic energy into the case using the probe. The method also includes detecting electromagnetic energy reflected from a blade tip portion of the rotor blade and determining a blade tip clearance defined between the blade tip and the case based on the detected electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A method for inspecting blade tip clearance between at least one rotor blade and a case spaced radially outward from the rotor blade is provided. The method includes inserting a probe into an aperture defined in the case and emitting electromagnetic energy into the case using the probe. The method also includes detecting electromagnetic energy reflected from a blade tip portion of the rotor blade and determining a blade tip clearance defined between the blade tip and the case based on the detected electromagnetic energy.