Abstract: A gas turbine engine configured to rotate in a circumferential direction about an axis extending through a center of the gas turbine engine comprises a turbine stage. The turbine stage comprises a disk, a plurality of blades and a mini-disk. The disk comprises an outer diameter edge having slots, an inner diameter bore surrounding the axis, a forward face, and an aft face. The plurality of blades is coupled to the slots. The mini-disk is coupled to the aft face of the rotor to define a cooling plenum therebetween in order to direct cooling air to the slots. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plenum is connected to a radially inner compressor bleed air inlet through all rotating components so that cooling air passes against the inner diameter bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering cooling air to a seal arrangement in a turbine stage of a gas turbine engine. The system comprises at least one vane having a passageway extending from an outer platform of the at least one vane to an inner platform of the at least one vane. A tube insert is positioned within the passageway. The tube insert has an inlet at one end for receiving cooling air from a source of cooling air and an outlet at a second end. A cover assembly is attached to the second end of the tube for receiving cooling air from the tube and delivering the cooling air to the seal arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling air is pre-swirled in the direction of rotation of a rotor stage of the turbine stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering cooling air to a seal arrangement in a turbine stage of a gas turbine engine. The system comprises at least one vane having a passageway extending from an outer platform of the at least one vane to an inner platform of the at least one vane. A tube insert is positioned within the passageway. The tube insert has an inlet at one end for receiving cooling air from a source of cooling air and an outlet at a second end. A cover assembly is attached to the second end of the tube for receiving cooling air from the tube and delivering the cooling air to the seal arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling air is pre-swirled in the direction of rotation of a rotor stage-of the turbine stage.