Abstract: A link device between an enclosure for passing cooling air and a stator nozzle in a turbomachine, the device comprising metal tubes having their ends mounted in leaktight manner in orifices in a casing and in orifices in the stator nozzle, each tube including a bellows between its ends and accommodating relative displacements and changes of alignment between the orifices in the casing and the orifices in the nozzle.

Abstract: The gastight sealing device associated with a functional clearance existing between two sectors of a turbomachine includes an annular plate wound up on itself over at least one turn, covering functional clearance.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method comprises coupling a first turbine nozzle within the engine, coupling a second turbine nozzle circumferentially adjacent the first turbine nozzle such that a gap is defined between the first and second turbine nozzles and providing at least one spline seal including a substantially planar body. The method also comprises forming at least one retainer tab to extend outward from the body portion of the at least one spline seal, and inserting the at least one spline seal into a slot defined in at least one of the first and second turbine nozzles to facilitate reducing leakage through the gap, such that the at least one retainer tab facilitates retaining the retainer tab within the turbine nozzle slot.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a first turbine structure that supports a seal. The seal is movable within a recess of the first turbine structure. The seal is arranged in close proximity to a seal land of a second turbine structure for preventing a fluid from leaking past the seal and seal land. A thermal expansion member interconnects the first turbine structure and the seal. The thermal expansion member expands in response to an increase in temperature to move the seal toward the seal land preventing the typical enlarged gap between the seal and seal land resulting from thermal growth. In one example, the thermal expansion member, which is arranged at each opposing end of a seal segment, is a bimetallic coil spring supported on the first turbine structure by a cage. A free end of the coil spring is secured to the seal at the opposing end portions.

Abstract: A link device between an enclosure for passing cooling air and a stator nozzle in a turbomachine, the device comprising metal tubes having their ends mounted in leaktight manner in orifices in a casing and in orifices in the stator nozzle, one end of each tube being engaged in a ring having an outer collar movable in sliding between two surfaces carried by the nozzle, the guide surface situated beside the casing being held stationary relative to the nozzle, while the other guide surface is movable axially relative to the nozzle and is associated with return means urging it towards the casing.

Abstract: A system for attaching a ring seal to a vane carrier in a turbine engine can allow the ring seal to radially expand and contract at least partially independently of the vane carrier. The system can also be configured to substantially restrict axial and/or circumferential movement of the ring seal. In one embodiment, the ring seal can include a plurality of radial slots circumferentially spaced about the ring seal. A pin can extend substantially through each of the slots and into operative engagement with isolation rings, which are connected to the vane carrier. In another embodiment, the ring seal and the isolation rings can include a series of axially-extending protrusions extending substantially circumferentially about each component. The protrusions on the ring seal can substantially matingly engage the protrusions on the isolation rings. The protrusions can be configured as a Hirth coupling.

Abstract: A shroud assembly is provided for a gas turbine engine having a temperature at a hot operating condition substantially greater than at a cold assembly condition thereof. The shroud assembly includes at least one arcuate shroud segment adapted to surround a row of rotating turbine blades. The shroud segment has an arcuate, axially extending mounting flange. A shroud hanger includes an arcuate, axially-extending hook. A dimension of one of the shroud segments and the shroud hanger are selected to produce a preselected dimensional relationship therebetween at the hot operating condition.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a modular turbine vane assembly. The vane assembly includes an airfoil portion, an outer shroud and an inner shroud. The airfoil portion can be made of at least two segments. Preferably, the components are connected together so as to permit assembly and disassembly of the vane. Thus, in the event of damage to the vane, repair involves the replacement of only the damaged subcomponents as opposed to the entire vane. The modular design facilitates the use of various materials in the vane, including materials that are dissimilar. Thus, suitable materials can be selected to optimize component life, cooling air usage, aerodynamic performance, and cost. Because the vane is an assemblage of smaller sub-components as opposed to one unitary structure, the individual components of the vane can be more easily manufactured and more intricate features can be included.

Abstract: A shroud segment is adapted to surround a row of rotating turbine blades in a gas turbine engine. The shroud segment includes: an arcuate, axially extending first mounting flange having a first radius of curvature, and an arcuate, axially extending first overhang having a second radius of curvature. The overhang is disposed parallel to and radially inboard of the first mounting flange so that a first groove is defined between the first mounting flange and the first overhang. The first and second radii of curvature are substantially different from each other. The shroud segment may attached to a supporting structure or shroud hanger to form a shroud assembly.

Abstract: A compressor includes a stator having a plurality of vane sectors each with an outer shroud having a forward and a rearward guide vane extending there form, the vane sector being mounted in an annular slot of the casing, the guide vanes forming a gap between the tips and an inner shroud, and a spring member located on the outer shroud in the rearward portion to bias the rearward shroud in a radial direction, where a space is formed in the slot to allow for the outer shroud to move in the radial direction when the rearward guide vane tip makes contact with the inner shroud due to thermal growth of the stator components. This arrangement allows for the rearward guide vane tip to maintain contact with the inner shroud without inducing high compressive stresses in the stator components due to the thermal growth.

Abstract: A C-clip for a gas turbine engine includes an arcuate outer arm having a first radius of curvature; an arcuate, inner arm having a second radius of curvature which is substantially greater than the first radius of curvature; and an arcuate extending flange connecting the outer and inner arms. The flange, the outer arm, and the inner arm collectively define a generally C-shaped cross-section. A shroud assembly includes a shroud segment with a mounting flange, and a shroud hanger with an arcuate hook disposed in mating relationship to the mounting flange. An arcuate C-clip having inner and outer arms overlaps the hook and the mounting flange. The shroud segment and the C-clip are subject to thermal expansion at the hot operating condition. A dimension of one of the shroud segment and the C-clip are selected to produce a preselected dimensional relationship therebetween at the hot operating condition.

Abstract: A shroud assembly is provided for a gas turbine engine that has a temperature at a hot operating condition substantially greater than at a cold assembly condition thereof. The shroud assembly includes: at least one arcuate shroud segment adapted to surround a row of rotating turbine blades which has an arcuate, axially extending mounting flange; a shroud hanger having an arcuate, axially-extending hook disposed in mating relationship to the mounting flange; and an arcuate C-clip having inner and outer arms overlapping the hook and the mounting flange. The curvatures of the mounting flange and the inner arm of the C-clip are selected so as to define a matched interface therebetween. Their curvatures are substantially greater that the curvature of the hook.

Abstract: A shroud support method and apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A shroud support method and apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A turbine stage in a turbomachine comprising ring sectors (20) arranged about a turbine impeller (18), and an annular support (50) supporting the ring sectors and attached to a turbine casing (22), this annular support being able to be deformed elastically in the radial direction to cushion at least a portion of the deformations of the turbine casing in operation.

Abstract: A ceramic seal element (200) for use in a turbo-machine comprises a first, rigid portion (210) comprising ceramic fibers (212) bound within a ceramic matrix binder (214), a second, flexible portion (220) comprising ceramic fibers (222), and a third, rigid portion (230) comprising ceramic fibers (232) bound within a ceramic matrix binder (234). Ceramic fibers (222) retain a desired flexibility because they are not bound in ceramic matrix binder. In some embodiments the ceramic fibers (212, 222, 232) are stacked as horizontally disposed layers (225). Also, the fibers (212, 222, 232) of any layer (225) comprise bundles of fibers wherein some of the bundles extend continuously across portions (210, 220, 230). An alternative sealing element (300) comprises a first, rigid portion (310) comprising ceramic fibers (312) that are bound within a ceramic matrix binder (314), and a second, flexible portion (320) that comprises ceramic fibers (313) that retain a desired flexibility. Methods of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine includes a ceramic matrix composite airfoil held between radially inner and outer metal platforms wherein an interface between the airfoil and at least one of the radially inner and outer platforms is shaped to create a circuitous leakage path for gas from the gas turbine hot gas path.

Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed having lower thermally induced stresses resulting in improved component durability. The stresses in the vane assembly airfoils are lowered by increasing the flexibility of the vane platform and reducing its resistance to thermal deflection. This is accomplished by placing an opening along the innermost vane assembly rail that reduces the effective stiffness of the platform, thereby lowering the operating stresses in the airfoils of the vane assembly. A removable seal is then placed in the opening in order to prevent undesired leakages, while maintaining the benefit of the increased platform flexibility.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing between two static portions of a turbomachine includes a brush gasket formed by a plurality of resilient bristles which are, at least in part, held in a housing. Each bristle has a main portion and a secondary portion interconnected by a bent portion. The secondary portion has a free end ensuring leaktight contact with a surface that is to be sealed of the other static portion. The sealing device further includes a flexible washer of bent section which has a free end bearing both against the free ends of the secondary portions of the bristles of the brush gasket, and against the surface that is to be sealed so that the free ends of the secondary portions of the bristles of the brush gasket are permanently in contact with the surface that is to be sealed.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement has two bodies with two end faces which extend along a longitudinal axis, adjoin one another while forming a gap, the width of which can vary between zero and a maximum width. The gap is covered by a sealing strip which lies transversely to the gap, extends along the longitudinal axis and is mounted with clearance in two opposite grooves of a predetermined depth. In such a sealing arrangement, an increased maximum width of the gap is made possible by the sealing strip having a basic width transversely to the longitudinal axis, this basic width being less than or equal to twice the depth of the grooves, and by the sealing strip is constructed to prevent the sealing strip from slipping out of the grooves if the sum of the maximum width of the gap and the depth of the grooves is greater than or equal to the basic width of the sealing strip.

Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed having lower thermally induced stresses resulting in improved component durability. The stresses in the vane assembly airfoils are lowered by increasing the flexibility of the vane platform and reducing their resistance to thermal deflection. This is accomplished by placing an opening along the vane assembly rail that reduces the effective stiffness of the platform, thereby lowering the operating stresses in the airfoils of the vane assembly. A removable seal is then placed in the opening in order to prevent undesired leakages, while maintaining the benefit of the increased platform flexibility.

Abstract: A casing assembly for a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine includes a rotor casing having an intake duct and an exhaust flow passage which is connected to an exhaust flange and constructed for attachment to the rotor casing such as to allow a relative movement between the exhaust flow passage and the rotor casing. In this way, a sliding fit is provided which prevents thermal stress in the system rotor casing and exhaust flow passage. An outer housing surrounds the exhaust flow passage, rotor casing and intake duct.

Abstract: The mounting of low expansion full ring shrouds in a turbine engine requires radial compliance to limit the stresses experienced by the shroud due to thermal growth differences between the shroud and its support. A method provides radial compliance with no looseness in a mounting system. The mounting system also allows for axial motion of the shroud, should such motion be needed or desired. The lack of looseness in the mounting system results in an ability to achieve smaller tip clearances and thus better engine performance.

Abstract: A spring seal for sealing a gap defined between first and second gas turbine engine components. The spring seal has a grasping portion for graspingly receiving a portion of the first component, and a spring loading portion adapted to extend between the first and second gas turbine engine components for spring loading the first and second gas turbine engine components relative to one another.

Abstract: A shroud support apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement that can be employed to maintain a seal in any suitable pressure vessel including but not limited to a gas turbine engine. The sealing arrangement is forg sealing a leakage gap between at least two relatively moveable parts that are adjacent to each other in a flow path between a region of high fluid pressure and a region of low fluid pressure. The sealing arrangement comprises at least two resilient sealing strips, each strip having a portion formed along at least part of its width to locate in a groove provided along adjacent faces of the relatively moveable parts. The remaining portion of each of the sealing strips has a substantially flat surface which, in operation, abuts a corresponding flat surface of an adjacent sealing strip, thereby forming a seal.

Abstract: An improved turbine spring clip seal for directing gases to be mixed with fuel in a combustor basket. The turbine spring clip seal is composed of inner and outer housings and a center sealing member disposed between the inner and outer housings. The center sealing member is flexible and prevents a fluid, such as air, from leaking through the seal. In operation, the center sealing member flexes and is sealed against the outer housing by a pressure differential that is created by the relatively higher pressure on the inner housing side and the relatively lower pressure on the outer housing side.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a stator assembly for a turbine engine. The method comprises positioning a shroud fabricated from a ceramic matrix composite material adjacent a metallic stator block, and coupling the shroud to the stator block using a coupling arrangement such that a predetermined radial clearance is defined between the shroud and a rotor assembly coupled radially inward thereof.

Abstract: The damper system includes a ceramic composite shroud in part defining the hot gas path of a turbine and a spring-biased piston and damper block which bears against the backside surface of the shroud to tune the vibratory response of the shroud relative to pressure pulses of the hot gas path in a manner to avoid near or resonant frequency response. The damper block has projections specifically located to bear against the shroud to dampen the frequency response of the shroud and provide a thermal insulating layer between the shroud and the damper block.

Abstract: A bypass duct sealing grommet, for sealing between an opening in a gas turbine engine bypass duct wall and the external surface of a projection extending through the opening, where the grommet has an annular body with a central aperture having an interior periphery adapted to sealingly engage the external surface of the projection. A first flange and second flanges define an external slot about an exterior periphery of the body adapted to receive and seal the bypass duct wall between the flanges.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas turbine shroud structure comprising: a shroud support component 12 attached to an inner surface of a gas turbine casing 3; a shroud segment 14 divided in a peripheral direction and supported by the inner surface of the shroud support component; and a heat-resistant restricting spring 18 held between the shroud segment and shroud support component to urge the shroud segment inwards in a radial direction. The shroud segment 14 is formed of a ceramic composite material, and includes a coating layer 15 having heat insulation and impact absorption effect on an inner surface of the segment.

Abstract: The steam-cooling-type gas turbine is provided with communication passages in number equal to that of the front-stage stator blades and the rear-stage stator blades. Many communication passages are placed in the blade ring densely. As a result, in the blade ring, the temperature difference between the portion having the communication passages and the portion without the communication passages becomes smaller. This makes it possible to minimize the thermal deformation of the blade ring, thereby making it possible to provide uniform clearance between the fixed side such as the blade ring and the rotary side members.

Abstract: A membrane seal includes a pair of confronting annular sealing grooves. A first annular sealing member is received in one of the oppositely facing sealing grooves and a second annular sealing member is received in the other of the oppositely facing sealing grooves. The first and second sealing members are sealably connected together by an annular membrane. A pressure difference across the membrane forces the first and second sealing members into contact with a side wall of each of the oppositely facing sealing grooves to effect a seal. Known sealing members have a circular cross-section but in the present invention at least one of them has an oval cross-section. The oval cross-section gives the first and/or second sealing member(s) a larger zone of contact with the oppositely facing sealing groove(s). This reduces the amount of wear on the first and/or second sealing member(s) and produces a better seal.

Abstract: A turbine shroud segment attachment with a casing (1) and several shroud segments (2) arranged in the casing (1), wherein the individual shroud segments (2) are located in the casing (1) with a circumferential clearance (3) between the individual shroud segments (2), in that the clearance (3) is reduced to zero at a given temperature difference between the casing (1) and the shroud segments (2), and in that the shroud segments (2) are retained on the casing (1) by way of an elastically deformable locating arrangement.

Abstract: A thermal turbomachine, an axial flow gas turbine (10) in particular, includes a rotor (16), which at its exit side is supported on a bearing (15), which is situated on a bearing saddle (14) within an annular inner part (11) of an exhaust casing, the bearing saddle (14) being supported on a foundation of the machine by means of a spring support (25). In such a turbomachine, the stiffness of the bearing support is improved or restored by attaching the bearing saddle (14) to the inner part (11) of the exhaust casing by a spring-loaded bolted connection (19, . . . .,22).

Abstract: A steam turbine is provided that includes in an exemplary embodiment, a steam inlet pipe coupled to a steam inlet port in a steam turbine housing. At least a portion of the steam inlet pipe is fabricated from at least one of a shape memory alloy having a memorized activated configuration and a negative thermal expansion ceramic having an activated configuration.

Abstract: A shroud assembly for a turbine portion of a gas turbine engine, the shroud assembly comprising an annular ceramic shroud ring, a plurality of arcuate shroud support segments, and a plurality of inwardly biased resilient members. The annular ceramic shroud ring is circumferentially disposed about radially extending blades of a turbine rotor and partially defines an annular hot gas passage of the turbine portion. The plurality of arcuate shroud support segments are radially disposed outwardly of the ceramic shroud ring and are contiguous therewith. The plurality of inwardly biased resilient members are each engaged between one of the shroud support segments and an outer annular turbine support case composed of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient than the ceramic shroud ring. The resilient members maintain contact between the shroud support segments and the ceramic shroud ring.

Abstract: A vapor tube structure in a gas turbine comprises first connecting tubes fixed to a casing, second connecting tubes fixed to a blade ring, a recovery ring and a cooling recovery ring, a bellows tube of the flexible structure, springs, a tube and a piston rings provided between the first connecting tubes and the second connecting tubes. As a result, it is possible to absorb and follow the thermal expansion/contraction difference and prevent leaking of vapor.

Abstract: A gas turbine having a metallic outer shroud and a ceramic inner shroud. The ceramic inner shroud being secured to the outer shroud by hooks carried on the outer shroud. The hooks on the outer shroud being coated with TBC. A pin and spring system being provided to hold the ceramic inner shroud against the forward hook of the outer shroud. An anti-rotation pin being provided to trap the aft bend of the ceramic inner shroud against the aft hook of the outer shroud. The gas turbine further including a damping spring and pin system, disposed between a heat shield, within the outer shroud, and the ceramic inner shroud, to provide damping of the inner shroud.

Abstract: A process for producing a groove-like recess which is part of a strip seal between two components which enclose a gap, uses a material-removing process technology to create the groove-like recess in the two components in such a manner that the groove-like recess in each of the two components, after orientation with respect to one another, lie substantially opposite one another in an end position in which they enclose the gap between them, and that a strip element can be introduced into the groove-like recesses in such a manner that the strip element at least partially projects into both groove-like recesses and, under the action of a force, forms a substantially gastight joint with the groove-like recesses in the two components. Furthermore, a groove-like recess of this type is part of a strip seal.

Abstract: A turbine includes a sealing element with a receiving area for sealing the guide blade vanes which are adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction of the turbine. The foot plates of the guide blade vanes extend into the receiving area. The edge area of the foot plates does not have to be reinforced compared to a conventional seal, which enables the entire foot plate to be cooled homogeneously. A closed cooling system can therefore be used for cooling, especially with steam.

Abstract: A turbine installation, especially a gas turbine installation, includes foot plates of the guide blades of adjacent turbine stages being interconnected with a clip-type sealing element on their rear sides facing away from the gas area. This provides a simple seal between adjacent foot plates which is effective regardless of the thermal expansion of the foot plates. The clip-type sealing element is also suitable for sealing the tiles of a combustor of the turbine installation together.

Abstract: An inlet bleed heater for flowing heated air to the inlet of a compressor is fabricated wholly at a factory site. The heater interconnects a manifold which receives extraction air from the compressor to down tubes in the inlet air duct to supply heated extraction air to the ambient inlet air via piping with bellows. The bellows accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the manifold and the down tubes. The pipe and bellows lie within the height envelope of the bleed heater, facilitating transportation of the heater on its side within overall height and width limitations permitted for road travel.

Abstract: Upper and lower halves of the inner barrel of a compressor for a turbine are bolted to one another along a horizontal midline joint with metal-to-metal surface contact. Elongated grooves are provided in the engaging surfaces, with the upper groove having a depth greater than the depth of the lower groove. Elongated seals are provided in the grooves, including an elongated shim with a metallic woven covering on opposite sides, and margins having sealing edges. The depth of the seal is equal to or less than the depth of the upper groove and an adherent material maintains the seal in the upper groove during installation. In operation, the adherent material dissolves at temperatures above ambient and the seal drops by gravity to bear against the walls of the grooves in response to high pressure air leaking through any gap at the horizontal midline joint.

Abstract: Spline seals are formed at the joints between packing casing shells in a steam turbine having high pressure and intermediate pressure turbine sections sealing between the high pressure and intermediate pressure regions on opposite axial sides of the packing casing. The spline seals extend in registering grooves from adjacent the seal segments of the rotor radially outwardly to adjacent axial load surfaces cooperable between the outer shell and the packing casing. The spline seals minimize or eliminate steam leakage paths through the horizontal joint of the packing casing shells.

Abstract: A shroud assembly for a turbine portion of a gas turbine engine, the shroud assembly comprising an annular ceramic shroud ring, a plurality of arcuate shroud support segments, and a plurality of inwardly biased resilient members. The annular ceramic shroud ring is circumferentially disposed about radially extending blades of a turbine rotor and partially defines an annular hot gas passage of the turbine portion. The plurality of arcuate shroud support segments are radially disposed outwardly of the ceramic shroud ring and are contiguous therewith. The plurality of inwardly biased resilient members are each engaged between one of the shroud support segments and an outer annular turbine support case composed of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient than the ceramic shroud ring. The resilient members maintain contact between the shroud support segments and the ceramic shroud ring.

Abstract: In a gas turbine having a chordal hinge seal between an inner rail of each nozzle segment and an annular axially facing sealing surface of a nozzle support ring, a supplemental seal is disposed between the support ring and inner rail of the nozzle segment on a high pressure side of the chordal hinge seal. The supplemental seal includes a pair of sheet metal shims overlaid by a woven metallic cloth supported by a bracket secured to the nozzle support ring. The radially outer end of the cloth seal bears against a back side of the inner rail. The shims of the legs of the supplemental seal are slit along their distal margin and staggered in a circumferential direction relative to one another to provide flexibility and effective sealing engagement with the inner rail.

Abstract: A low stress seal seals boundaries between rotor sections of a turbofan engine. The low stress seal includes rounded feet on the ends of legs, which rounded feet cooperate with rounded interior corners within a seal groove. The elimination of sharp interior corners reduces stress and prevents the fatigue failures.

Abstract: A transition piece seal assembly includes a transition piece seal support having a first flange for supporting a transition piece seal, and a second flange adapted for mounting in an adjacent nozzle; and at least one spring seal element having a mounting flange adapted to engage the second flange of the transition piece seal support, and a flex portion having a free edge adapted to engage a forward face of the nozzle.

Abstract: The gas-path leakage seal is provided for generally sealing a gas-path leakage-gap between spaced-apart first and second members of a turbine. The seal includes an elongated seal member having an elongated, imperforate, and flexible first portion and a rigid second portion that defines a mounting bracket. The first portion has first and second surfaces and raised longitudinal edges that extend a generally identical distance above the first surface and generally the aforesaid identical distance below the second surface. A cloth layer having a thickness generally equal to or slightly greater than the aforesaid identical distance is superimposed on the second surface between the raised edges.