U.S. patent application number 14/010638 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for method for removing an end cap of a combustor cap assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to James Carroll Baummer, Mark Carmine Bellino, Heath Michael Ostebee, Patrick Shawn Reilly.
Application Number | 20150059177 14/010638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51357807 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150059177 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bellino; Mark Carmine ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
METHOD FOR REMOVING AN END CAP OF A COMBUSTOR CAP ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A method for removing an end cap assembly from a combustor cap
assembly includes inserting a push rod through an opening in a back
plate portion of the cap assembly. One end of the push rod is
engaged with a radial support feature of the end cap assembly and a
substantially linear force is applied to the push rod. The force is
distributed to the radial support feature, thereby preventing
damage to a cap plate portion of the end cap assembly.
Inventors: |
Bellino; Mark Carmine;
(Greenville, SC) ; Reilly; Patrick Shawn;
(Greenville, SC) ; Baummer; James Carroll;
(Greenville, SC) ; Ostebee; Heath Michael;
(Piedmont, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
51357807 |
Appl. No.: |
14/010638 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/890.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23R 3/60 20130101; F23R
2900/00019 20130101; F23R 3/46 20130101; Y10T 29/49346
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/890.01 |
International
Class: |
F23R 3/46 20060101
F23R003/46 |
Claims
1. A method for removing an end cap assembly from a combustor cap
assembly, comprising: a. inserting a push rod through an opening in
a back plate portion of the cap assembly; b. engaging one end of
the push rod with a radial support feature of the end cap assembly;
and c. applying a force to the push rod.
2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the push rod is threaded, the
method further comprising threading the push rod into the opening
until the one end of the push rod engages with the radial support
feature.
3. The method as in claim 2, wherein the step of applying a force
to the push rod further comprises applying torque to the push
rod.
4. The method as in claim 1, wherein the step of applying a force
to the push rod includes providing an opposing force to at least
one of an outer barrel assembly or an inner barrel assembly of the
cap assembly.
5. The method as in claim 1, further comprising removing a
mechanical fastener from the opening prior to inserting the push
rod through the opening.
6. The method as in claim 1, further comprising removing a
plurality of mechanical fasteners that extend radially between an
inner barrel of the cap assembly and the end cap assembly prior to
applying the force to the push rod.
7. The method as in claim 1, further comprising coupling the push
rod to an alignment plate.
8. A method for removing an end cap assembly from a combustor cap
assembly, comprising: a. inserting a plurality of push rods through
a plurality of corresponding openings defined in a back plate of
the cap assembly; b. engaging one end of each push rod with a
radial support feature of the end cap assembly; c. mounting the cap
assembly within a press; and d. applying a force to the push rods
via the press.
9. The method as in claim 8, further comprising boring the openings
into the back plate prior to inserting the plurality of push rods
through the plurality of openings.
10. The method as in claim 8, further comprising removing a
fastener from each of the openings prior to inserting the plurality
of push rods through the openings.
11. The method as in claim 8, wherein the step of applying a force
to the push rods includes providing an opposing force via the press
to at least one of an outer barrel assembly or an inner barrel
assembly of the cap assembly.
12. The method as in claim 8, further comprising positioning an
outer barrel of the cap assembly on a vertical support.
13. The method as in claim 8, further comprising coupling the push
rods to an alignment plate, wherein the force is applied to the
push rods via the alignment plate.
14. A method for separating an end cap assembly from an inner
barrel of a combustor cap assembly, comprising: a. removing a
plurality of mechanical fasteners that extend between the inner
barrel and the end cap assembly; b. inserting a plurality of push
rods through a corresponding plurality of openings defined within
one or more retention plates of the cap assembly; c. engaging one
end of each push rod with a radial support feature of the end cap
assembly; d. positioning an outer barrel portion of the cap
assembly atop one or more vertical supports; and e. applying a
force to the push rods.
15. The method as in claim 14, wherein the push rods are threaded,
the method further comprising threading the push rods into the
openings until the one end of each push rod engages with the radial
support feature.
16. The method as in claim 15, wherein the step of applying a force
to the push rods further comprises applying torque to the push
rods.
17. The method as in claim 14, further comprising coupling the push
rod to an alignment plate.
18. The method as in claim 17, wherein the force is applied to the
push rods via the alignment plate.
19. The method as in claim 14, further comprising positioning the
cap assembly within a press, wherein the force is applied to the
push rods via the press.
20. The method as in claim 14, wherein the force is applied to the
push rods via a manual tool.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally involves a cap assembly of a
gas turbine combustor. More specifically, the invention relates to
a method for removing an end cap assembly from the cap assembly for
repair or replacement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In particular gas turbine designs, a combustion section
includes an outer casing and a plurality of combustors that is
arranged in an annular array around the outer casing. Each
combustor includes an end cover that is coupled to the outer casing
and one or more axially extending fuel nozzles that extend inward
from the end cover within the outer casing. Each combustor may also
include an annular cap assembly that extends radially,
circumferentially and axially within the outer casing. The fuel
nozzles extend at least partially through one or more fuel nozzle
passages that are defined within the cap assembly. The cap assembly
may provide radial support for the fuel nozzles and/or may provide
for mitigation of combustion dynamics.
[0003] A conventional cap assembly includes an outer barrel, an
inner barrel assembly that is rigidly connected to the outer
barrel, and an end cap assembly that is inserted into one end of
the inner barrel assembly. The end cap assembly typically comprises
an outer ring, a cap plate or effusion plate that extends radially
and circumferentially around one end of the outer ring, and one or
more axially extending fuel nozzle collars that each at least
partially define the fuel nozzle passages of the cap assembly. A
compression seal such as a spring or hula seal circumferentially
surrounds the ring.
[0004] During assembly, the end cap assembly is pressed into the
inner barrel assembly. The compression springs provide radial
support to the end cap assembly and also may allow for thermal
growth and/or relative movement between the inner barrel assembly
and the end cap assembly during operation of the combustor. One or
more mechanical fasteners such as rivets or bolts may extend
between the inner barrel assembly and the ring of the end cap
assembly to hold the end cap assembly in position. Over time,
oxidation, thermal cycling and/or combustion dynamics may cause
weakening and/or damage to the cap plate. As a result, the cap
assembly must be removed from the combustor and the cap plate must
be repaired or replaced.
[0005] Current methods for removing the end cap assembly from the
inner barrel require disassembly of a major portion of the cap
assembly. This process is complex and time consuming In addition,
known methods for removing the end cap assembly potentially result
in damage such as deformation to or perforation of the cap plate,
thus substantially increasing repair time and costs. Therefore, an
improved method for removing the end cap assembly from the inner
barrel which reduces repair time and decreases the potential for
damage to the cap plate would be useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below
in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for
removing an end cap assembly from a combustor cap assembly. The
method includes inserting a push rod through an opening in a back
plate portion of the cap assembly, engaging one end of the push rod
with a radial support feature of the end cap assembly and applying
a force to the push rod.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for
removing an end cap assembly from a combustor cap assembly. The
method comprises inserting a plurality of push rods through a
plurality of corresponding openings defined in a back plate of the
cap assembly, engaging one end of each push rod with a radial
support feature of the end cap assembly, mounting the cap assembly
within a press and applying a force to the push rods via the
press.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a
method for separating an end cap assembly from an inner barrel of a
combustor cap assembly. The method comprises removing a plurality
of mechanical fasteners that extend between the inner barrel and
the end cap assembly, inserting a plurality of push rods through a
corresponding plurality of openings defined within one or more
retention plates of the cap assembly, engaging one end of each push
rod with a radial support feature of the end cap assembly,
positioning an outer barrel portion of the cap assembly atop one or
more vertical supports and applying a force to the push rods.
[0010] Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate
the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon
review of the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set
forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification,
including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cap
assembly as may be found in a conventional combustor of a
turbo-machine such as a gas turbine;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the cap
assembly as shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a backside of an end
cap assembly according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a backside of an end
cap assembly of the cap assembly as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 provides an enlarged partial back side view of the
cap assembly as shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 provides an assembled perspective view of the back
side of the cap assembly as shown in FIG. 2, according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly as shown in FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly as shown in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly as shown in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of the cap assembly as
shown in FIG. 8, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a push rod connected
to an alignment plate according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly including the push rods and the alignment plate as shown
in FIG. 10, according one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 12 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly as shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a cap assembly
mounted in an exemplary press, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a method for loosening and/or removing
the end cap assembly from the cap assembly according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a method for loosening and/or removing
the end cap assembly from the cap assembly according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates a method for loosening and/or removing
the end cap assembly from the cap assembly according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments
of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical
and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like
or similar designations in the drawings and description have been
used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention. As used
herein, the term "radially" refers to the relative direction that
is substantially perpendicular to an axial centerline of a
particular component, and the term "axially" refers to the relative
direction that is substantially parallel to an axial centerline of
a particular component.
[0030] Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features or steps
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on
another embodiment or in another step to yield a still further
embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers
such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
[0031] Certain gas turbine combustors include one or more axially
extending fuel nozzles that extend downstream from an end cover.
The fuel nozzles are cantilevered to the end cover at one end and
extend at least partially through a cap assembly that is disposed
within the combustor. The cap assembly extends radially,
circumferentially and axially within the combustor. Typically, the
cap assembly provides radial support to the cantilevered fuel
nozzles and may also help control combustion dynamics within the
combustor. An exemplary cap assembly may include multiple
subassemblies including an outer barrel assembly, an inner barrel
assembly and an end cap assembly which includes a cap plate. The
end cap assembly is positioned generally adjacent to an outlet end
of the fuel nozzles.
[0032] In operation, fuel is injected into the combustor from the
outlet end of the fuel nozzle where it is mixed with air and burned
proximate to the cap plate of the end cap assembly. As a result,
the cap plate is exposed to high thermal stresses caused by the
combustion flame. In addition, the cap plate may be exposed to
large mechanical stresses typically caused by combustor dynamics.
Consequently, the cap plate may develop cracks or other damage
which requires repair or replacement of the component. In order to
repair the cap plate, the end cap assembly must be removed from the
cap assembly. However, various factors such as oxidation and/or
material deformation create challenges to separating the end cap
assembly from the cap assembly without damaging the cap plate.
Therefore, an improved method for removing the end cap assembly
from the cap assembly and/or the inner barrel assembly which avoids
damage to the cap plate is provided herein.
[0033] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer
to like components, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an
exemplary cap assembly 10 as may be found in a conventional
combustor of a turbo-machine such as a gas turbine, and FIG. 2
provides an exploded perspective view of the cap assembly 10 as
shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cap assembly 10
generally includes an outer barrel 12, an inner barrel assembly 14
that is rigidly connected to the outer barrel 12 via one or more
struts 16, and an end cap assembly 18 that is inserted into a
forward end portion 20 of the inner barrel assembly 14. The outer
barrel 12 is typically coupled to an outer casing (not shown) that
surrounds the combustor.
[0034] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a backside of the end
cap assembly 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, the end cap assembly 18 generally includes an outer ring or band
22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cap plate or effusion plate 24
extends radially and circumferentially around one end of the outer
band 22. The cap plate 24 may at least partially define a plurality
of cooling passages (not shown). In particular designs, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 the cap plate 24 at least partially defines one or
more fuel nozzle passages 26. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the end
cap assembly 18 may further include one or more fuel nozzle sleeves
28. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel nozzle sleeves 28 are
substantially coaxially aligned with the one or more fuel nozzle
passages 26.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, a compression seal 30 such as a spring
or hula seal circumferentially surrounds the outer band 22.
Generally, the compression seal 30 provides radial support for the
end cap assembly 18 during and/or after insertion into the end
portion 20 of the inner barrel assembly 14 while allowing for
relative movement and/or thermal growth between the end cap
assembly 18 and the inner barrel assembly 14 during operation of
the combustor.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of radially extending
retention holes 32 may be defined in the outer band 22. The
retention holes 32 may generally align with a plurality of
complementary retention holes 34 (FIG. 1) defined by an outer ring
36 of the inner barrel assembly 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a
plurality of mechanical fasteners 38 such as rivets or bolts may be
inserted through the retention holes 32, 34 (FIG. 1) so as to fix
the end cap assembly 18 to the inner barrel assembly 14.
[0037] In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the end cap
assembly 18 includes a radial support feature 40. In one
embodiment, the radial support feature 40 includes an inner ring 42
and a plurality of support members or arms 44 that extend radially
between the inner ring 42 and the outer band 22. In particular
configurations, the support members 44 extend between the inner
ring 42 and an outer ring 46 that is disposed along an inside wall
of the outer band 22. The support members 44 may be disposed
between adjacent fuel nozzle sleeves 28. The radial support feature
40 generally provides structural support to the end cap assembly 18
to prevent and/or reduce undesirable deformation of the end cap
assembly 18 during operation of the combustor.
[0038] Referring back to FIG. 2, the cap assembly 10 includes a
back plate 48 and a plurality of fuel nozzle collars 50 that extend
through the back plate 48. The fuel nozzle collars 50 are
substantially coaxially aligned with the fuel nozzle sleeves 28 of
the end cap assembly 18. In particular designs, one or more
retention plates 52 may be bolted, welded or otherwise mechanically
connected to the back plate 48 to hold the fuel nozzle collars 50
in position. In other designs, the back plate 48 may hold the fuel
nozzle collars 50 in position.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, one or more openings 54 may extend
through each or some of the retention plates 52 and/or through the
back plate 48. The openings 54 may be provided prior to assembly of
the cap assembly 10. In other embodiments, the openings 54 may be
machined, cut or formed in each or some of the retention plates 52
and/or the back plate 48 post assembly of the cap assembly 10 so as
to facilitate disassembly of the cap assembly 10.
[0040] FIG. 4 provides an enlarged partial view of the back side of
the cap assembly 10 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5
provides an assembled perspective view of the backside of the cap
assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, at least some of the
openings 54 may include threads 55. The threads 55 may be cut into
the one or both of the retention plates 52 and/or the back plate
48. In other embodiments, the threads 55 may be provided by an
insert (not shown) that is seated within the opening 54. In other
embodiments, the threads 55 may be provided by a fastener such as a
nut that has been affixed to the retention plates 52 and/or the
back plate 48. In certain configurations, as shown in FIGS. 2 and
5, a plurality of mechanical fasteners or plugs 56 such as rivets
or bolts may be used to seal the openings 54 during operation of
the combustor.
[0041] FIG. 6 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 5 with the openings 54 extending
through the retaining plates 52 and the back plate 48. As shown in
FIG. 6, the openings 54 are generally aligned with at least a
portion of the radial support feature 40. For example, in
particular embodiments, each of the openings 54 are aligned with a
corresponding support member 44.
[0042] FIG. 6 also illustrates a portion of a system 100 for
loosening and/or separating the end cap assembly 18 from the inner
barrel assembly 14 and/or the cap assembly 10, according to one
embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in FIG. 6, the
system 100 generally includes one or more push rods or pins 102
that extend through the openings 54 and engage with the radial
support feature 40 of the end cap assembly 18. In one embodiment,
one end of each push rod 102 is aligned with a corresponding
support member 44 of the radial support feature 40. As shown, the
push rods 102 are of a sufficient length so as to engage with the
radial support feature 40 while extending through the inner barrel
assembly 14 and outward through the back plate 48 and/or the
retention plates 52 a sufficient distance so as to provide
clearance with respect to the fuel nozzle collars 50.
[0043] In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, a
substantially linear force F may be applied to each push rod 102 so
as to loosen and/or remove the end cap assembly 18 from the inner
barrel assembly 14, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In particular
embodiments, the force F may be applied via a manual tool such as a
mallet (not shown) or the like. Because the force F is directed
into the support member 44 of the radial support feature 40, damage
to the cap plate 24 is avoided. In one embodiment, the force F may
be applied to a single push rod 102 which is interchanged between
the various openings to loosen and/or remove the end cap assembly
18 from the inner barrel assembly 14. For example, a single push
rod 102 may be inserted into one of the openings 54 and the force
applied by a hammer or other tool. The push rod 102 may then be
interchanged between the various openings 54 until the end cap
assembly 18 is loose or removed from the cap assembly 10.
[0044] FIG. 8 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, at least some of the push
rods 102 may include threads 103. The threads 103 may be
complementary to the threads 55 disposed at and/or in the openings
54. In this manner, the push rods 102 may be threaded into the
openings 54 until the one end of each of the push rods 102 engages
with a corresponding portion of the radial support feature 40 such
as one or more of the support members 44. In this embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 9, the force F may be provided by applying torque T
to turn the push rods 102 towards the end cap assembly 10, thus
loosening and/or removing the end cap assembly from the cap
assembly.
[0045] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of the push rods 102
connected to an alignment plate 104 according to one embodiment of
the present subject matter. The alignment plate 104 may assure
proper alignment of each push rod 102 with a corresponding opening
54 and may improve overall repair time. Although the alignment
plate 104 is illustrated as a singular circular component, it
should be known that the alignment plate 104 may have any shape and
may comprise of multiple plates coupled together. For example, the
alignment plate 104 may be triangular, square, rectangular, or oval
shaped. In particular embodiments, the alignment plate 104 may be
configured for coupling to a press.
[0046] FIG. 11 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly 10 including the push rods 102 and the alignment plate
104. As shown, a substantially linear force F may be applied to the
alignment plate 104 so as to loosen and/or remove the end cap
assembly 18 from the inner barrel assembly 14. The alignment plate
104 also may provide a substantially even distribution of the force
F and may improve the time required to separate the end cap
assembly 18 from the cap assembly 10.
[0047] FIG. 12 provides a perspective cutaway view of the cap
assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Once the push rods 102 have been inserted into the openings 54, the
cap assembly 10 may be placed in an orientation such that the push
rods 102 and/or the alignment plate 104 are in contact with a
surface 106 such as a work bench, floor, repair fixture or the
like. In this manner, the force F may be applied to the push rods
102 by providing an opposing or opposite force OF to at least one
of the outer barrel 12 and the inner barrel assembly 14 so as to
loosen and/or remove the end cap assembly 18 from the inner barrel
assembly 14.
[0048] FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of the cap assembly 10
including the push rods 102 and the alignment plate 104 mounted in
an exemplary press 106, according to one embodiment of the present
subject matter. As shown in FIG. 13, the system 100 may include a
press 106. The press 106 may be manually operated or automated. The
press 106 may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric or any other type
of press that is capable of providing the substantially liner force
F to the push rods 102 and/or the alignment plate 104.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 13, the system 100 may include one or more
vertical supports 108. The vertical supports 108 may be placed
under the cap assembly 10 during removal of the end cap assembly 18
to provide clearance for the end cap assembly 10 to translate out
of the inner barrel 18 assembly. For example, the vertical supports
108 may be positioned in an annular array under the outer barrel
12.
[0050] The system 100 shown and described herein with respect to
FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 provides a method for loosening
and/or removing the end cap assembly 18 from the cap assembly 10 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. For example, FIG. 14
illustrates a method 200 for loosening and/or removing the end cap
assembly 18 from the cap assembly 10 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0051] At step 202, the method 200 includes inserting at least one
of the push rods 102 through a corresponding one of the openings 54
in the back plate portion 48 of the cap assembly 10. Step 202 may
further comprise boring the opening into the back plate 48 and/or
the retention plate 52 prior to inserting the push rod 102 through
the opening 54. Step 202 also may include removing a mechanical
fastener 56 from the opening 54 prior to inserting the push rod
102. Step 202 also may include coupling the push rod 102 to the
alignment plate 104 prior to or after inserting the push rod 102
through the opening 54. Step 202 also may include threading the
push rod 102 into the opening 54.
[0052] At step 204, the method 200 includes engaging one end of the
push rod 102 with the radial support feature 40 of the end cap
assembly 18. For example, step 204 may include aligning and/or
engaging the one end of the push rod 102 with one of the support
members 44 such that the push rod 102 does not engage and/or
otherwise interact with the cap plate 24.
[0053] At step 206, the method 200 includes applying force F to the
push rod 102. The force F is generally sufficient to loosen and/or
completely remove the end cap assembly 18 from the cap assembly 10.
In particular embodiments, the force F may be applied via the press
106 and/or via a manual tool such as a mallet or the like. The
force F is transferred to through the push rod 102 to the radial
support feature 40, thereby preventing deformation and/or damage to
the cap plate 24 during disassembly. The force F also may be
applied by providing an opposing or opposite force OF to at least
one of the inner barrel assembly 14 or the outer barrel 12. In
particular embodiments, the method 200 also includes removing the
plurality of mechanical fasteners 38 that extend radially between
the inner barrel 14 of the cap assembly 10 and the end cap assembly
18 prior to applying the force F to the push rod 102.
[0054] FIG. 15 illustrates a method 300 for loosening and/or
removing the end cap assembly 18 from the cap assembly 10 according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As
shown at step 302, the method 300 includes inserting a plurality of
the push rods 102 through a plurality of corresponding openings 54
defined in the back plate 48 of the cap assembly 10. In addition or
in the alternative, the openings 54 may be defined within the
retention plates 52. Step 302 may further comprise boring the
openings into the back plate 48 prior to inserting the push rods
102. In addition, step 302 may include removing a plurality of
mechanical fasteners 56 from each or some of the openings 54 prior
to inserting the push rods 102. Step 302 also may include coupling
the push rods 102 to the alignment plate 104 prior to or after
inserting the push rods 102 through the openings 54.
[0055] At step 304, the method 300 includes engaging one end of
each push rod 102 with the radial support feature 40 of the end cap
assembly 18. For example, step 304 may include aligning and/or
engaging the one end of each of the push rods 102 with one of the
support members 44 such that the push rods 102 do not engage and/or
otherwise interact with the cap plate 24.
[0056] At step 306, the method 300 includes mounting and/or
positioning the cap assembly 10 within the press 106. Step 306 also
may include positioning the outer barrel 12 of the cap assembly 10
atop the vertical supports 108.
[0057] At step 308, the method 300 includes applying the force F to
the push rods 102 via the press. The force F may be provided by
applying an opposing force via the press 106 to at least one of the
outer barrel 12 or the inner barrel assembly 14 of the cap assembly
10. Step 308 may further include removing the plurality of
mechanical fasteners 38 that extend radially between an inner
barrel assembly 14 and the end cap assembly 18 prior to applying
the force F to the push rods 102. The force F may be applied to the
push rods via the alignment plate 104.
[0058] FIG. 16 illustrates a method 400 for loosening and/or
removing the end cap assembly 18 from the inner barrel assembly 14
and/or the cap assembly 10 according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown at step 402, the
method 400 includes removing the plurality of mechanical fasteners
38 that extend between the inner barrel assembly 14 and the end cap
assembly 18. The mechanical fasteners 38 may be removed by cutting,
prying or any other suitable method. Step 402 may further comprise
boring the openings 54 into the retention plates 52 and/or the back
plate 48. Step 402 also may include removing the plurality of
mechanical fasteners 56 from each or some of the openings 54. The
mechanical fasteners 56 may be removed by cutting, prying or any
other suitable method.
[0059] At step 404, the method 400 includes inserting a plurality
of the push rods 102 through a corresponding plurality of the
openings 54 defined within one or more of the retention plates 52
and/or the back plate 48 of the cap assembly 10. Step 404 also may
include threading the push rods 102 into the openings 54. Step 404
also may include coupling the push rods 102 to the alignment plate
104 prior to or after inserting the push rods 102 through the
openings 54.
[0060] At step 406, the method 400 includes engaging one end of
each push rod 102 with the radial support feature 40 of the end cap
assembly 10. For example, step 406 may include aligning and/or
engaging the one end of each of the push rods 102 with one of the
support members 44 such that the push rods 102 do not engage and/or
otherwise interact with the cap plate 24.
[0061] At step 408, the method 400 includes positioning the outer
barrel 12 of the cap assembly 10 atop one or more of the vertical
supports 108 to provide clearance for the end cap assembly 18 to
translate out of the inner barrel assembly 14.
[0062] At step 410, the method 400 includes applying a force F to
the push rods. The force F is generally sufficient to loosen and/or
completely remove the end cap assembly 18 from the cap assembly 10.
In particular embodiments, the force F may be applied via a manual
tool such as a mallet or the like. In particular embodiments, the
force F is applied to the push rods by applying torque to the push
rods. The force F is transferred to through the push rod 102 to the
radial support feature 40, thereby preventing deformation and/or
damage to the cap plate 24 during disassembly.
[0063] In addition, method 400 may further include positioning the
cap assembly 10 within the press 106 and applying the force F via
the press 106. Again, the force F is transferred to through the
push rod 102 to the radial support feature 40, thereby preventing
deformation and/or damage to the cap plate 24 during
disassembly.
[0064] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal language of the claims.
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