Abstract: A split runner for a Francis turbine has runner segments that are adapted to be joined together along confronting surface portions thereof to form a composite runner having a crown, a band and a plurality of blades extending between the crown and the band. The confronting surface portions of the runner segments are located only along portions of the crown and portions of the band, and the confronting surface portions of the runner segments are located in between and spaced from adjacent blades of the composite runner. Since the confronting surface portions are located only along portions of the crown and portions of the band, none of the blades are split eliminating the need to weld together blades during formation of the composite runner. Accordingly, the composite runner does not have weld joints formed in the blades which are highly stressed operating parts of the runner.

Abstract: Systems for supplying emergency oxygen or other gases to persons are addressed. The systems may include pod assemblies mounted on fixed-position masts between or adjacent passenger seats or pop-up modules installed within upper portions of seat backs. The pod assemblies and pop-up modules additionally may include other passenger-service equipment. Also optionally included in the systems are modular central gas supplies and alternative oxygen mask designs for passengers.

Abstract: A split runner for a Francis turbine has runner segments that are adapted to be joined together along confronting surface portions thereof to form a composite runner having a crown, a band and a plurality of blades extending between the crown and the band. The confronting surface portions of the runner segments are located only along portions of the crown and portions of the band, and the confronting surface portions of the runner segments are located in between and spaced from adjacent blades of the composite runner. Since the confronting surface portions are located only along portions of the crown and portions of the band, none of the blades are split eliminating the need to weld together blades during formation of the composite runner. Accordingly, the composite runner does not have weld joints formed in the blades which are highly stressed operating parts of the runner.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing hydraulic turbine noise vibrations involves recording the noise of a hydraulic turbine either during operation or intentionally produced for testing from a remote site. A standard laptop computer is utilized by personnel at the turbine site to record the sound at different power outputs as specified by turbine experts with a standard Windows sound recording program that produce sound files. The sound files are compressed at the site and sent to the expert office location via Email. Once received at the expert location, the sound files are uncompressed and analyzed immediately by the turbine experts without the experts having had to travel to the remote site. The analysis is done with a software sound analyzer. The analyzed signals are used to diagnose the machine and address any unusual recorded noise.