Abstract: Apparatus and method for installing an array of rotatable turbine blades each having an integral shroud segment. A removable blade anchor for installing the turbine blades comprises a root portion positionable in registry with a turbine rotor blade groove, a support member extending from the root portion for supporting a first of the blades to be installed and an anchor support extending from the support member and positionable against the rotor to secure the support member against circumferential forces. The installation method comprises the steps of positioning the removable blade anchor in a rotor groove and then wedging a plurality of blades in place about the rotor so that the integral shroud segment of each blade abuts an adjacent integral shroud segment and all shroud segments are forced against the blade anchor. Next, a first portion of the blades are rewedged in order to force the first portion of blades away from the blade anchor.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a circular array of rotatable blades from blades having an integral shroud with a leading planar surface and a trailing planar surface, the leading planar surface being generally parallel to an axial radial plane passing through the center of the root of the blade and the trailing surface, if extended, intersecting the axial radial plane passing through the center of the root of the blade to form an angle generally equal in degrees to 360 divided by the number of blades forming the circular array. Strict radial alignment is provided by assembling the complete blade row such that all blade center lines coincide with the groove center lines, with the shroud mating surfaces in complete contact and in tangential compression.