Assembling Fluid Flow Directing Devices, E.g., Stators, Diaphragms, Nozzles Patents (Class 29/889.22)
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Patent number: 8215904Abstract: A groove 50 formed in each stator ring segment piece 41 is formed to have side wall portions 50b on opposite sides inclined with respect to a bottom 50a so that a width of the groove 50 gradually decreases from an outer peripheral side toward the bottom 50a. A coupling member 42 has a sectional shape so as to have a maximum width at protrusions 42b at an intermediate portion in a thickness direction. The protrusions 42b on the opposite sides abut against or approach the side wall portions 50b of the groove 50 when the coupling member 42 is placed in the groove 50, a space 100 is formed on the side of the bottom 50a of the groove 50, and a welding groove 200 having a substantially V-shaped section is formed on the side remote from the bottom 50a of the groove 50.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Ikuo Nakamura, Kunihiko Waki
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Patent number: 8215902Abstract: A variable vane arm has a hook portion comprising a radially inner leg connected to a radially outer leg by an arcuate connection, and an actuation lever extending from the hook portion. The hook portion and actuation lever are formed from a singular piece of material.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Daniel W. Major, Bernard W. Pudvah
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Publication number: 20120163967Abstract: An axial flow compressor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed having a casing treatment that includes a shrouded rotor and an airflow member disposed in a passage between a casing and the shrouded rotor. In one form the airflow member is stationary with the casing and in another the airflow member is coupled to rotate with the shrouded rotor. The airflow member can have an airfoil shape in some embodiments. A passage inlet that extracts working fluid and provides it to the passage can be formed between a leading edge of the rotor and a trailing edge. A passage outlet can be formed upstream of the leading edge of the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventor: Michael S. Krautheim
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Patent number: 8205336Abstract: A combustor heat shield comprises a heat shield member defining at least one opening for receiving a fuel nozzle. A louver is received in the opening. The louver has a flow diverting portion extending radially outwardly from the opening for directing air along the hot side of the heat shield member.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Honza Stastny, Parthasarathy Sampath, Carol Desjardins, Kenneth Parkman, John Greer, Stephen Phillips, Eduardo Hawie, Yvan Schraenen
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Publication number: 20120156021Abstract: A fan rotor ring for an air cycle machine includes a ring body that defines a main bore having a main bore diameter and central axis. An annular flange extends axially from the ring body over a length and defines a fan ring bore having a fan ring bore inner diameter. A ratio of the fan ring bore inner diameter to the length of the annular flange is 1.63-1.69.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Valentina Lugo, Lawrence Binek, Victoria S. Richardson
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Publication number: 20120156031Abstract: An example seal shaft includes a cylindrical body establishing a bore that extends axially between a first end portion of the body and a second end portion of the body. Apertures are also established in the body. The apertures extend radially between an outer surface of the body and the bore. The seal shaft further includes a first group knife edge seals and a second group of knife edge seals. The first group of knife edge seals have a diameter, and a ratio of the diameter to the total cross-sectional area of the apertures is between 58.79 and 78.77.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Craig M. Beers
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Publication number: 20120141260Abstract: A steam turbine singlet nozzle airfoil with integral outer sidewall is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. The interface of the outer sidewall with the outer ring may include a plurality of mechanical hooks on one or both of the upstream face and the outer radial face of the outer sidewall that engage with complimentary structures on the outer ring. The outer interface may further include low energy welds along limited distances of one or both of the upstream or downstream interface of the outer sidewall and the outer ring. An inner radial end of the singlet nozzle airfoil is pinned into position and fastened to the inner ring. Without a need for high heat welds, distortion of the airfoil and the steam flow path and the associated rework is eliminated and stage performance is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
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Publication number: 20120110849Abstract: A method for assembling a vane ring with a vane support of a vane assembly in a gas turbine engine is described, and includes flexing each of the radial loading elements into the resiliently flexed state simultaneously by sliding the radial loading elements against corresponding lead-in tapers. This can be achieved, for example, using a guide tool which includes a plurality of segments bearing the lead-in tapers and which is previously assembled to the vane support.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Eric Durocher, Anca Mateescu
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Publication number: 20120107103Abstract: A gas turbine shroud includes a ceramic abradable coating superior in abradable property and durability. The gas turbine ceramic abradable coating of the present invention is configured by an abradable metal layer and a porous ceramic abradable layer (hardness RC15Y: 80±3), the porous ceramic abradable layer is provided with slit grooves by machining work, and a slit groove width is 0.5 to 5 mm. Thereby, the abradable property, and durability against a thermal cycle and high-temperature oxidation are improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Yoshitaka Kojima, Hideyuki Arikawa, Akira Mebata, Tadashi Kasuya, Hiroyuki Doi, Kunihiro Ichikawa, Takao Endo, Kazuto Mikazuki, Hidetoshi Kuroki
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Patent number: 8127443Abstract: A method of fabrication of a rocket engine nozzle assembly using pressure brazing generally includes initially assembling a rocket engine nozzle liner into a rocket engine nozzle jacket for a rocket engine nozzle assembly. The rocket engine nozzle assembly may then be sealed. Prior to pressure brazing the rocket engine nozzle assembly, pressure brazing parameters may be determined. The pressure brazing may be performed with the determined pressure brazing parameters to complete the fabrication of the rocket engine nozzle. The rocket engine nozzle assembly may include a rocket engine nozzle jacket and a rocket engine nozzle liner having a plurality of channels, with the space between each channel defining a land, and the rocket engine nozzle liner having at least a pair of endlands disposed at each end thereof. The rocket engine nozzle liner is bonded to the rocket engine nozzle jacket by the endlands being bonded to the nozzle jacket and the lands being pressure brazed to the nozzle jacket.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jeffry A. Fint, Michael B. Hankins, Myron L. Jew, Donald G. Ulmer, Brian L. Wherley, William D. Romine, Frederick M. Kuck, Douglas S. Ades
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Patent number: 8109719Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a compressor has a support structure which carries and is bounded by an annular stator vane structure. The stator vane structure comprises a central bore and a sleeve carried on the central bore. The sleeve is disposed between the support structure and bore of the annular stator vane structure. The annular stator vane structure is made from a non-metallic composite material and the sleeve is made from a first material. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the non metallic material is equal to or less than the co-efficient of thermal expansion of the first material.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Mark J. Savage
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Publication number: 20120027576Abstract: A shroud segment for a turbine stage of a gas turbine engine forms an endwall for the working gas annulus of the stage. The segment also provides a close clearance to the tips of a row of turbine blades which sweep across the segment. In use a leakage flow of the working gas passes through the clearance gap between the blade tips and the segment. The segment has a plurality of cooling holes and respective air feed passages for the cooling holes. The cooling holes are distributed over that part of the gas-washed surface of the segment which is swept by the blade tips. The cooling holes deliver, in use, cooling air which spreads over the gas-washed surface. The feed passages are configured such that the delivered air opposes the leakage flow of the working gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Ian TIBBOTT, Peter IRELAND, Anthony J. RAWLINSON, Lynne H. TURNER
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Publication number: 20120023746Abstract: A method for fabricating a nozzle segment for use within a turbine nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a nozzle segment including an outer band, an inner band, and at least one vane extending there between, wherein at least one of the inner band and the outer band is formed with a transition piece groove defined therein, positioning an inspection tool in contact with the nozzle assembly such that the inspection tool is aligned relative to the nozzle segment using at least one datum, and verifying an alignment of each transition piece groove using the inspection tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Graham David Sherlock, Christopher Edward Thompson
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Patent number: 8096757Abstract: A gas turbine engine nozzle is described. The gas turbine engine nozzle includes at least one nozzle vane having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to an inner sidewall and the second end is coupled to an outer sidewall. The gas turbine engine nozzle also includes at least one stress relief pocket defined within at least one of the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall proximate to the at least one nozzle vane. The at least one stress relief pocket is configured to reduce stress on the proximate nozzle vane.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel David Snook, Edward Durell Benjamin
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Patent number: 8092165Abstract: A stator vane segment, for constructing a circumferential array of like segments in a gas turbine engine, each segment in the array being separated by an axially extending joint from an adjacent segment and being releasably mounted to an outer engine casing. Each stator vane segment has: a number of vane airfoils spanning radially between an inner platform and an outer platform, and the outer platform includes: a casing mounting fastener on an outer surface and mating lateral joint edges extending between forward and aft edges.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Guy Bouchard, Danny Mills
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Publication number: 20110265328Abstract: A method for mounting an integral inner ring (10) of a turbocompressor stator to a guide vane ring (12) comprises the following steps: Providing the guide vane ring (12) with an inner radius S; Providing inner ring (10) with an outer radius R, which corresponds to the inner radius S; Pre-tensioning inner ring (10) to an outer radius r that is smaller than the outer radius R of the untensioned inner ring (10); and Relaxing inner ring (10) to the outer radius R.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: MTU AERO ENGINES GMBHInventor: Frank Stiehler
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Patent number: 8047778Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compressor case assembly that includes a compressor case section having an assembly track and a set of stator portions that are insertable in the assembly track, the compressor case section and the set of stator portions are configured such that the set of stator portions only assembles to the compressor case section in a single configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Donald Joseph Kasperski, Dwight Eric Davidson
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Publication number: 20110252803Abstract: A fuel nozzle includes a fuel plenum, an outer body surrounding the fuel plenum, and bore holes that extend longitudinally through the outer body. The fuel nozzle also includes means for fixedly attaching the fuel plenum to the outer body and passages that provide fluid communication between the fuel plenum and the bore holes. A method for manufacturing a fuel nozzle includes drilling bore holes longitudinally through an outer body and drilling passages in the outer body to the bore holes. The method further includes inserting a fuel plenum into the outer body, wherein the passages provide a fluid communication between the bore holes and the fuel plenum, and attaching the fuel plenum to the outer body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Karthik Subramanian, Bryan Wesley Romig
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Publication number: 20110250064Abstract: Tip shrouds on last stage buckets for condensing steam turbines may create significant blockage and form a vortex at the wall of the steam guide of the diffuser, causing the steam flow to separate from the wall of the steam guide. Vortex formation reduces the effective flow area for the remaining fluid to diffuse, causing poor recovery. An inward radial depression is provided of a predetermined depth and distance along an outer steam guide, which redirects the tip leakage flows slightly downward, reducing a shroud blockage effect. This deflection assists the main flow in rejoining the steam guide, thereby making the diffuser more effective.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Sudhakar Neeli, Prakash Bavanjibhai Dalsania
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Publication number: 20110243742Abstract: A turbomachine stator stage comprising two coaxial shrouds, respectively an inner shroud and an outer shroud with substantially radial vanes extending therebetween, the radially outer ends of the vanes being welded to the outer shroud and the radially inner ends of the vanes passing through orifices in an outer ring of the inner shroud, the inner ends being held by elastomer spacers in an annular cavity formed between the outer ring and an inner ring that is fastened to the outer ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: SNECMAInventors: Laurent Gilles Dezouche, Patrick Edmond Kapala
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Publication number: 20110232290Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an inner radial surface of a housing of a turbomachine from corrosion. The method includes tapering the inner radial surface of the housing and a corresponding outer radial surface of a corrosion-resistant liner, and heating the housing to increase a diameter of the inner radial surface of the housing. The method also includes inserting the corrosion-resistant liner at least partially into the housing, and attaching the corrosion-resistant liner to the inner radial surface of the housing a solid-state bonding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANYInventors: Byron L. Mohr, David C. Seib
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Publication number: 20110211946Abstract: A nozzle blade and nozzle ring assembly includes a nozzle blade having radially inner and outer sidewalls with an airfoil portion extending therebetween; the inner and outer sidewalls walls formed with axially-extending first surface features along forward and aft marginal edges of the inner and outer sidewalls, respectively; and radially inner and outer nozzle rings formed with corresponding axially-extending second surface features mated with the first surface features, wherein the radially inner and outer sidewalls are welded to the radially inner and outer nozzle rings only along the mated first and second surface features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Sebastion BURDGICK, Thomas Patrick RUSSO
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Patent number: 8007229Abstract: A ring vane nozzle for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a multiple of fixed turbine vanes between an inner vane ring and an outer vane ring and a multiple of rotational turbine vanes between the inner vane ring and the outer vane ring, each of the rotational turbine vanes rotatable about an axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, John R. Farris, Eric A. Hudson, George T. Suljak, Jr.
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Patent number: 8001792Abstract: Apparatus for channeling combustion gases to a turbine in a gas turbine engine. The engine has a compressor for providing compressed air, a combustor for combusting fuel with the compressed air to provide combustion gases, and a radial inflow turbine having an inlet configured to receive the combustion gases. The turbine is rotatable about an axis for expanding the combustion gases to produce work. The apparatus includes a subassembly of plurality of nozzle guide vanes fixed between a pair of spaced apart, ring-shaped sidewalls. A pair of spaced apart supports is configured to position the subassembly therebetween, concentric with the axis, and adjacent the turbine inlet. The apparatus further includes a plurality of bolt assemblies extending axially through the pair of supports, apertures in the sidewalls, and holes in the guide vanes.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: OPRA Technologies B.V.Inventors: Marek Dvorak, R. Jan Mowill
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Patent number: 7997860Abstract: A nozzle blade comprising radially inner and outer walls with an airfoil portion extending therebetween; the inner and outer walls formed with alignment features on respective oppositely-facing surfaces aligned with a longitudinal center axis through the nozzle blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven S. Burdgick, Thomas P. Russo
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Patent number: 7980813Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine engine component that contains a series of lined apertures. The component is removed from the engine, and then at least one of the aperture liners is also removed. The area adjacent the aperture is machined to remove a portion of the parent material of the component. An insert which replaces the material removed by machining is secured adjacent the aperture. The liner about the aperture is then replaced.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Andrew W. Medynski, Ronald N. Zappone
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Patent number: 7955048Abstract: A steam turbine is provided that is configured for post-modification for operation in a carbon capture mode. The turbine includes a turbine rotor, a turbine casing and a plurality of turbine stages. In an initial configuration of the turbine, the turbine rotor and turbine casing are each longer, by respective lengths, than is necessary to accommodate the plurality of turbine stages. The lengths are sufficient to accommodate at least one further turbine stage at an exit of the turbine during the post-modification, such that after modification, the turbine operates with an increased expansion ratio and an increased volumetric flow rate at the exit.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventors: Martin Robert Lord, Philip David Hemsley
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Patent number: 7941920Abstract: An outer seal assembly of a turbine rotor stage is secured within a circumferential groove of the turbine casing in such a manner as to both fix the outer seal assembly in its installed position and also provide for sealing around its outer periphery so as to thereby prevent the leakage of cooling air therearound. A plurality of arcuate elements having an angle-shaped cross sectional profile are provided to interface between radially extending arms of the outer seal assembly and the inner surface of the casing, with a locking mechanism then being applied to secure the two structures in their installed positions. Each of the arcuate elements includes a radially extending panel, a plurality of forwardly extending hooks that are disposed within a groove in the casing, and a second forwardly extending flange that engages the rear surface of the outer seal assembly arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Ralph J. Thompson, Susan M. Tholen
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Publication number: 20110110763Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a turbine, an exhaust ring, and a method of reducing the acoustic signature of a turbomachine. In an embodiment, the turbine includes an exhaust ring disposed downstream from at least one stage of rotor blades and upstream from at least one fluid flow obstruction. An embodiment of the exhaust ring includes exhaust guide vanes having camber angles that are varied in a predetermined manner that cause a fluid flow to be diverted around a downstream obstruction in a manner that suppresses formation of a bow wave at the obstruction. An embodiment of the method includes adjusting a camber angle of a portion of a plurality of vanes, the camber angle directing a fluid flow around at least one fluid flow obstruction in a manner that suppresses formation of a bow wave at the fluid flow obstruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANYInventors: Joseph Andrew Tecza, Stephen Samuel Rashid
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Patent number: 7914255Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a diaphragm assembly for a steam turbine. The method includes forming at least one opening within a radially outer band and forming at least one opening within a radially inner band. The method further includes coupling at least one partition to at least one opening within the radially outer band including a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface wherein the at least one opening is at least partially defined by a wall that extends obliquely between the outer band radially inner surface and the outer band radially outer surface. The method additionally includes coupling the at least one partition to the at least one opening within the radially inner band wherein the at least one partition extends between the at least one radially outer band opening and the at least one radially inner band opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexander W. Workman, Jeffery Gerald, Richard C. Jesionowski, Mark Bowen, Daniel Ray Foote, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110016877Abstract: A compressor shroud has a continuous slot defined in a gaspath side surface thereof for communicating through the body of the shroud. Spaced-apart structural bridges span a rear portion of the slot in the shroud to maintain structural rigidity of the shroud. The method of forming the continuous slot is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Jason NICHOLS, Hien Duong, Peter Townsend, Grigory Rukin
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Publication number: 20110016881Abstract: A gas turbine (10) has an annular exhaust gas casing (16) which is arranged at the outlet of the turbine at a distance from the supporting foundation (22) and includes an outer shell (20a). Sagging of the exhaust gas casing (16) is avoided by supporting devices (26, 27, 28), each with a predetermined supporting direction, being arranged between the foundation (22) and the outer shell (20a) of the exhaust gas casing (16) for absorbing deformations of the exhaust gas casing (16), which are fastened by one end on the outer shell (20a) of the exhaust gas casing (16) and supported by the other end on the foundation (22), and by each of the supporting devices (26, 27, 28) having a pre-loaded spring support (30) which acts in a supporting direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Jose Luis Ruiz, Orestes Jesus Maurell, Kevin Brady Powell, Harold Richard Siegert, JR., Kevin Damian Carpenter
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Publication number: 20110016713Abstract: A protocol for assembling a fuel shut off pin valve assembly for a gas turbine engine. The protocol outlines a specific sequence of events in order to ensure failsafe incorporation of a fuel shut off valve assembly within the low pressure turbine area and specifically within the engine casing of the gas turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Guy Lefebvre, Claude Giardetti
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Publication number: 20100322763Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a turbomachine rectifier comprising an outer ring (5) and a plurality of stator vanes (2), said vanes comprising a platform (9) and a blade (12), wherein said method comprises at least the following steps: a) first folds (7) are draped over a core comprising perforations and having the shape of the aerodynamic flow; b) optionally, the first folds (7) are cut along incisions (8) placed opposite the perforations of the core; c) the blades (12) of the vanes or, alternatively, the blades (12) of the vane preforms, are inserted through the incisions (8) of the first folds (7) and through the perforations of the core; d) last folds (10) are draped over the platforms (9) thus forming a rectifier preform; e) a resin is injected into a closed mold with the preform and the resin-impregnated preform is polymerized; f) a molded piece, essentially having the shape and dimensions of said rectifier, is retrieved from the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: TECHSPACE AERO S.A.Inventors: Enrique Penalver Castro, Benoit Baldewijns
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Publication number: 20100313420Abstract: There is provided a through-hole manufacturing method for a cylindrical body wall that enables the operation of forming a through-hole without leaving a machining burr on the wall of a cylindrical member to be easily and reliably carried out without depending on experts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Junya Michinishi, Koichi Akagi, Shuichi Kajiwara, Katsunori Akiyama, Sunao Aoki
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Publication number: 20100300104Abstract: A burner incorporating a pilot cone and a mounting insert is provided. The pilot cone is constructed as a pilot cone assembly which is decoupled from the mounting insert. Further, an operating method for increasing the service life of a burner which incorporates a pilot cone assembly and a mounting insert is provided. The pilot cone assembly has a cone side and incorporates at least one further side where the further side is arranged to be essentially parallel to one of the sides of the mounting insert and spaced apart from it, so that between the further side and the side of the mounting insert there is a defined gap. In an operation of the burner, the gap is significantly reduced by the thermal expansion in at least at one point of contact between the further side and the side of the mounting insert. Finally, an assembly method is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Andreas Böttcher, Thomas Grieb, Matthias Hase, Peter Kaufmann, Werner Krebs, Tobias Krieger, Patrick Lapp, Mark F. Rubio, Udo Schmitz, Daniel Vogtmann, Ulrich Wörz
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Publication number: 20100303620Abstract: An arrangement and method adapted for providing a reinforced lower exhaust hood for a steam turbine. Double-wall sidewalls and endwalls for a lower exhaust hood include an outer corrugated wall joined to an inner plate wall. The enhanced strength provided by the corrugation provides reduced deformation of the lower exhaust hood and allows reduction of structural complexity and improved aero-performance within the lower exhaust hood.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Kumar Navjot, Hayagreeva KV Rao
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Publication number: 20100303619Abstract: An arrangement and method adapted for providing a stiffened lower exhaust hood for a steam turbine. Sidewalls of the lower exhaust hood may taper inward between a horizontal joint and an inlet to a condenser for the steam turbine, providing an enhanced flow path for the exhaust steam. Stiffening of the sidewalls may be provided by stiffening bends, stiffening curvature, and external stiffening beams on the wall plate of the sidewalls of the lower exhaust hood, permitting reduction or elimination of structural supports within the exhaust hood, which degrade exhaust steam flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Daniel R. Predmore, Edward J. Sharrow, Kumar Navjot
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Patent number: 7836596Abstract: A rotor stack is assembled to a turbine engine shaft. A force is exerted to at least one of the rotor stack and the shaft to at least one of place the shaft under tension and place the rotor stack under compression. One or more retainer segments are inserted into a rebate in the shaft. The exerted force is released to permit the rotor stack to bear against the retainer segments.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, James W. Norris
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Publication number: 20100275614Abstract: A gas turbine engine case having a working fluid flow, includes inner and outer case portions defining an annular duct for directing the working fluid flow, and a plurality of struts positioned within the annular duct and extending between the inner and outer case portions. The struts are welded to the inner and outer case portions with a first weld along a peripheral line of the respective struts and with second weld, of fillet type, in selected locations for additionally connecting a portion of each strut to the respective inner and outer case portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Mike FONTAINE, Rene PAQUET, Jean FOURNIER
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Publication number: 20100272565Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine where each vane is connected to at least one adjacent portion of at least one of the inner and the outer shrouds through a melt-weld connection. The melt-weld connection includes non-metallic heat-meltable material with a metal wire mesh layer trapped therein, the metal wire mesh being heatable to melt the heat-meltable material for formation and breakdown of the melt-weld connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Kin-Leung Cheung
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Publication number: 20100263194Abstract: A bushing (30, 31) in a hole (26) through a ceramic matrix composite structure (20) with a flange (34, 38) on each end of the bushing (30, 31) extending beyond and around the hole and pressing against opposed surfaces (22,24) of the CMC structure (20) with a preload that resists buckling of the composite structure fibers and resists internal CMC fiber separation. A connecting element (40), such as a bolt or pin, passes through the bushing (30, 31) for engagement with a supporting element (50). The bushing (31) may be formed in place as a single piece of ceramic, and cured along with the CMC structure (20), or it may be formed as two ceramic or metal parts (32, 36) that are joined together and preloaded by threads (33). The connecting element (40) may be a pin, or it may be a bolt with a shaft threaded into one part (32) of the bushing and a head (42) that pushes the second flange (38) toward the first flange (34).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2006Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Jay A. Morrison, Jay E. Lane
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Patent number: 7814753Abstract: An exhaust duct assembly includes a cooling liner spaced apart from an exhaust duct case that articulate for use in a short take off vertical landing (STOVL) type of aircraft. The cooling liner assembly is attached to the exhaust duct case through a foldable attachment hanger system. The foldable attachment hanger system provides a low profile (foldable up/down) for a limited access installation envelope typical of a three bearing swivel duct (3BSD) which rotates about three bearing planes to permit transition between a cruise configuration and a hover configuration. In this way, each cooling liner segment may be formed as a complete cylindrical member requiring joints only between the swivelable duct sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jorge I. Farah, William G. Hoop
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Publication number: 20100260597Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. A plurality of guide pins for the unison ring are inserted into apertures in the nozzle ring and are rigidly affixed therein such that the guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each guide pin projecting axially from the face of the nozzle ring. Each guide portion defines a shoulder radially overlapping the inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Lorrain Sausse, Pierre Barthelet, Francis Abel, Olivier Espasa, Mohamed Tahyry, Emmanuel Bouvier
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Publication number: 20100254804Abstract: A stator vane assembly comprising: an inner vane support (44); an outer vane support; and a plurality of vanes (50) extending radially between the inner vane support (44) and the outer vane support; wherein each of the inner (44) and outer vane supports has openings for receiving respective first and second ends of the vanes (50) and each said vane (50) is connected to the inner vane support (44) at its first end by a first vane boot (40) received in a said opening and to the outer vane support at its second end by a second vane boot (40) received in another said opening, wherein each vane boot (40) has a rim portion (41) shaped to locate the boot (40) within the corresponding opening in the vane support, the rim portion (41) engaging with the inner surface defining the opening, an abutting portion (47) for abutting against the vane support (44) in the region surrounding the opening, and a vane pocket (42) for accommodating the end of the vane, wherein the vane pockets (42) of the first and second vane bootsType: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Cedric B HARPER
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Patent number: 7798773Abstract: A method of repairing a vane segment for a gas turbine engine includes removing an engine-run cooling baffle from the vane segment, forming a non-engine-run manufacturing detail that includes an inner platform, an outer platform, and an airfoil, attaching the engine-run cooling baffle to the non-engine-run manufacturing detail, and marking the non-engine-run manufacturing detail with a serial number associated with the vane segment from which the engine-run cooling baffle was removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul M. Pellet, David J. Hiskes, Orville L. Dunn
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Patent number: 7794201Abstract: A stator vane that may be used in an engine assembly is provided. The stator vane includes an airfoil that has a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which connects to the first sidewall at a leading edge and at a trailing edge. The airfoil also includes a root portion and a tip portion. The first and second sidewalls both extend from the root portion to the tip portion. The airfoil root portion is formed with a negative lean, and the airfoil tip portion is formed with a positive lean.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Scott Andrew Burton, Chander Prakash, Joseph Machnaim, David Glenn Cherry, Robert John Beacock, Ching-Pang Lee, Craig Miller Kuhne
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Patent number: 7788806Abstract: A process for manufacturing an integrally bladed disk for a turbomachine rotor by friction welding is disclosed. The manufacturing process includes arranging a plurality of blades in the form of a ring in a mold having symmetry of revolution; casting a degradable material, preheated to a temperature above its melting point, onto the ring of blades in the mold; extracting the molded ring which is obtained after the degradable material has solidified; welding the molded ring onto a disk; and eliminating the degradable material.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Adrien Fabre, Stephane Rousselin
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Publication number: 20100215490Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for linking machine stators are provided. A bracket may be utilized to link adjacent stators within a machine, for example, a turbine. The bracket may include a body portion, a first plurality of extensions, and a second plurality of extensions. The body portion may include a first edge operable to align with a base of a first stator and a second edge opposite the first edge and operable to align with a base of a second stator. The first plurality of extensions may extend from the first edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the first stator. The second plurality of extensions may extend from the second edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the second stator. When utilized to link the first stator and the second stator, the bracket may facilitate a reduction of vibrations in the first stator and the second stator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Lisa A. Wichmann, Thomas R. Tipton, Nick Martin
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Patent number: 7780407Abstract: A rotary machine and a method of assembling a rotary machine having a casing extending at least partially around a rotor are provided. The method includes providing a diaphragm patch ring. The method also includes assembling a diaphragm assembly by configuring a diaphragm bore portion to receive the diaphragm patch ring and forming a diaphragm patch member sub-assembly by coupling the diaphragm patch ring to the configured diaphragm bore portion, such that the diaphragm bore portion defines at least one dowel passage and at least one bolt passage. The method further includes inserting at least one dowel generally radially into the at least one dowel passage, inserting at least one fastening bolt generally radially into the at least one bolt passage to secure the diaphragm patch ring to the diaphragm bore portion, and positioning the diaphragm assembly in a gap formed by the casing and the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James P. Anderson, Robert J. Piechota