Abstract: A rotor wheel for a gas turbine rotor has a first side having a plurality of curved paddles separated by a plurality of curved slots and a second side having a plurality of radial paddles separated by a plurality of radial slots. A method of purging a rotor of a gas turbine includes providing a flow of compressed air between adjacent rotor wheels of the rotor in a radially downward direction on a first side of each wheel and in a radially upward direction on a second side of each wheel; passing the flow through a curved slots on the first side of each rotor wheel; and passing the flow through radial slots on the second side of each rotor wheel.

Abstract: A wheel member includes a body having a first surface that extends to a second surface through an intermediate portion. The body includes an outer diametric surface and a central bore. A first plurality of purge circuits are formed in the body. The first plurality of purge circuits extend from a first end to a second end through the body. The first plurality of purge circuits are arranged to direct a first purge flow in a first direction. A second plurality of purge circuits are formed in the body and fluidly isolated from the first plurality of purge circuits. The second plurality of purge circuits extend from a first end portion to a second end portion through the body and are arranged to direct a second purge flow in a second direction, that is distinct from the first direction, to establish a cross-over purge flow system.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for controlling a thermal differential within a turbine rotor for use with a turbine system. A thermal barrier coating is applied to a surface of the turbine rotor. The surface is proximate to a wheel rim of the turbine rotor.

Abstract: A rotor wheel for a gas turbine rotor has a first side having a plurality of curved paddles separated by a plurality of curved slots and a second side having a plurality of radial paddles separated by a plurality of radial slots. A method of purging a rotor of a gas turbine includes providing a flow of compressed air between adjacent rotor wheels of the rotor in a radially downward direction on a first side of each wheel and in a radially upward direction on a second side of each wheel; passing the flow through a curved slots on the first side of each rotor wheel; and passing the flow through radial slots on the second side of each rotor wheel.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling flow through a rotor. The system includes an inlet port in the rotor and an outlet port in the rotor. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. A fixed orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports. A variable orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports in a separate location from the fixed orifice.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a plurality of compressor rotors that include ventilation slots to vent the spaces between adjacent compressor rotors. Each compressor rotor is formed from a flat disk of material having first and second circular faces. A circular ridge of material protrudes outward from the one of the circular faces of the disc adjacent an outer edge of the disc. The ventilation slots are formed in the circular ridge of material. Each ventilation slot is a depression in the circular ridge of material, the depression having a longitudinal axis that extends substantially in a radial direction of the disc.

Abstract: A wheel member includes a body having a first surface that extends to a second surface through an intermediate portion. The body includes an outer diametric surface and a central bore. A first plurality of purge circuits are formed in the body. The first plurality of purge circuits extend from a first end to a second end through the body. The first plurality of purge circuits are arranged to direct a first purge flow in a first direction. A second plurality of purge circuits are formed in the body and fluidly isolated from the first plurality of purge circuits. The second plurality of purge circuits extend from a first end portion to a second end portion through the body and are arranged to direct a second purge flow in a second direction, that is distinct from the first direction, to establish a cross-over purge flow system.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for controlling a thermal differential within a turbine rotor for use with a turbine system. A thermal barrier coating is applied to a surface of the turbine rotor. The surface is proximate to a wheel rim of the turbine rotor.

Abstract: A system for controlling flow through a rotor includes an inlet port in the rotor and an outlet port in the rotor. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. A variable orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports. A method for controlling flow through a rotor includes diverting a process fluid and flowing the diverted process fluid through a fluid passage in the rotor. The method further includes reducing the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor.