U.S. patent application number 14/287717 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for horizontal joint for a rotary machine and method of assembling same.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Kenneth Damon Black, Christopher Paul Cox, Gregory Allan Crum, Mitchell Allan Merrill.
Application Number | 20150345332 14/287717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54481585 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150345332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cox; Christopher Paul ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
HORIZONTAL JOINT FOR A ROTARY MACHINE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING
SAME
Abstract
A horizontal joint of a rotary machine barrel includes first and
second section mating surfaces that extend axially adjacent to the
joint, and a plurality of gaps and a plurality of tangs disposed
axially along the first and second section mating surfaces,
respectively. Each tang has an axially extending tang aperture
defined therethrough. Each gap is sized and axially spaced to
receive a corresponding tang. Additionally, the joint includes a
plurality of mating surface segments defined along the first
section mating surface. Each segment extends axially between a
corresponding pair of gaps and has an axially extending segment
aperture defined therethrough. The tang apertures and segment
apertures align to form a generally continuous axial pin aperture
when the second section mating surface is positioned against the
first section mating surface.
Inventors: |
Cox; Christopher Paul;
(Greenville, SC) ; Black; Kenneth Damon;
(Travelers Rest, SC) ; Merrill; Mitchell Allan;
(Taylors, SC) ; Crum; Gregory Allan; (Mauldin,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
54481585 |
Appl. No.: |
14/287717 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/213.1 ;
29/889.2; 403/376 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01D 9/041 20130101;
F04D 19/02 20130101; F04D 17/122 20130101; F05D 2230/64 20130101;
Y10T 29/49321 20150115; F01D 25/243 20130101; F04D 29/644 20130101;
Y10T 403/7075 20150115; F04D 29/522 20130101; F04D 29/624
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01D 25/24 20060101
F01D025/24; F04D 29/52 20060101 F04D029/52 |
Claims
1. A horizontal joint for coupling a first section and a second
section of a barrel of a rotary machine, said horizontal joint
comprising: a first section mating surface that extends axially
along the first section adjacent to said horizontal joint; a second
section mating surface that extends axially along the second
section adjacent to said horizontal joint; a plurality of tangs
disposed axially along said second section mating surface, each
said tang has an axially extending tang aperture defined
therethrough; a plurality of gaps disposed axially along said first
section mating surface, each said gap is sized and axially spaced
to receive a corresponding one of said tangs; and a plurality of
mating surface segments defined along said first section mating
surface, each mating surface segment of said plurality of mating
surface segments extends axially between a corresponding adjacent
pair of said plurality of gaps, each said mating surface segment
has an axially extending segment aperture defined therethrough,
wherein said tang apertures and said segment apertures are
configured to align to form a generally continuous axial pin
aperture when said second section mating surface is positioned
against said first section mating surface.
2. The horizontal joint of claim 1, wherein said second section
mating surface is positioned against said first section mating
surface, further comprising an axial pin inserted into said axial
pin aperture.
3. The horizontal joint of claim 1, wherein each said tang has a
tang thickness and each said gap has a width sized to receive said
tang thickness of a corresponding one of said tangs in a clearance
fit.
4. The horizontal joint of claim 3, wherein said tang thickness is
equal for each said tang.
5. The horizontal joint of claim 1, wherein each of said tangs is
separated from an adjacent one of said tangs by a separation
distance, each said mating surface segment has a segment thickness
that is sized to be received within the separation distance between
a corresponding pair of said tangs in a clearance fit.
6. The horizontal joint of claim 1, wherein each said segment
aperture has a first diameter and each said tang aperture has a
second diameter, each of said first diameter and said second
diameter decreases from a maximum value adjacent to a pin insertion
end of said horizontal joint to a minimum value adjacent to a pin
tip end of said joint.
7. An exhaust frame for a rotary machine, said exhaust frame
comprising: a first section of an inner barrel, said first section
comprising a first section mating surface that extends axially
along said first section adjacent to a horizontal joint of said
inner barrel; a second section of said inner barrel, said second
section comprising a second section mating surface that extends
axially along said second section adjacent to said horizontal
joint, said second section mating surface is positioned against
said first section mating surface; a plurality of tangs disposed
axially along said second section mating surface, each said tang
has an axially extending tang aperture defined therethrough; a
plurality of gaps disposed axially along said first section mating
surface, each said tang is received within a corresponding one of
said gaps; a plurality of mating surface segments defined along
said first section mating surface, each mating surface segment of
said plurality of mating surface segments extends axially between a
corresponding adjacent pair of said plurality of gaps, each said
mating surface segment has an axially extending segment aperture
defined therethrough, wherein said tang apertures and said segment
apertures align to form a generally continuous axial pin aperture;
and an axial pin positioned in said axial pin aperture.
8. The exhaust frame of claim 7, wherein each said tang has a tang
thickness and each said gap has a width sized to receive said tang
thickness of a corresponding one of said tangs in a clearance
fit.
9. The exhaust frame of claim 8, wherein said tang thickness is
equal for each said tang.
10. The exhaust frame of claim 7, wherein each of said tangs is
separated from an adjacent one of said tangs by a separation
distance, each said mating surface segment has a segment thickness
that is sized to be received within the separation distance between
a corresponding pair of said tangs in a clearance fit.
11. The exhaust frame of claim 7, wherein each said segment
aperture has a first diameter and each said tang aperture has a
second diameter, each of said first diameter and said second
diameter decreases from a maximum value adjacent to a pin insertion
end of said horizontal joint to a minimum value adjacent to a pin
tip end of said joint to accommodate a correspondingly tapered
shape of said axial pin.
12. The exhaust frame of claim 7, further comprising an outer
barrel that circumscribes said inner barrel in a generally
concentric relationship.
13. The exhaust frame of claim 12, wherein an annular space is
defined between said inner barrel and said outer barrel, said
annular space is configured to accommodate exhausted combustion
gases that flow downstream from a turbine section of the rotary
machine.
14. A method of assembling an exhaust frame for a rotary machine,
the exhaust frame including an inner barrel comprising a first
section and a second section, said method comprising: positioning a
first section mating surface of the first section against a second
section mating surface of the second section, wherein the first
section mating surface extends axially along the first section
adjacent to a horizontal joint of the inner barrel and the second
section mating surface extends axially along the second section
adjacent to the horizontal joint; receiving each tang of a
plurality of tangs within a corresponding gap of a plurality of
gaps, wherein the plurality of tangs is disposed axially along the
second section mating surface and the plurality of gaps is disposed
axially along the first section mating surface; aligning a
plurality of tang apertures and a plurality of segment apertures to
form a generally continuous axial pin aperture, wherein each tang
aperture extends axially through a corresponding tang and each
segment aperture extends axially through a corresponding mating
surface segment, and wherein each mating surface segment extends
axially between a corresponding adjacent pair of the plurality of
gaps; and positioning an axial pin in the axial pin aperture.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said receiving each tang within
the corresponding gap further comprises receiving a tang thickness
of each tang within a width of the corresponding gap in a clearance
fit.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said receiving the tang
thickness of each tang within the width of the corresponding gap
further comprises receiving each tang having an equal tang
thickness.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving a segment
thickness of each mating surface segment within a separation
distance between a corresponding pair of the tangs in a clearance
fit.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein each segment aperture has a
first diameter and each tang aperture has a second diameter, and
each of the first diameter and the second diameter decreases from a
maximum value adjacent to a pin insertion end of the horizontal
joint to a minimum value adjacent to a pin tip end of the
horizontal joint, and wherein said positioning the axial pin
comprises inserting the axial pin having a correspondingly tapered
shape into the axial pin aperture.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein said positioning the axial pin
comprises inserting the axial pin into the axial pin aperture from
a first axial end of the exhaust frame.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning an outer
barrel such that the outer barrel circumscribes the inner barrel in
a generally concentric relationship.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to a
horizontal joint for a rotary machine, and more particularly to a
rotary machine horizontal joint coupled together by an axial
pin.
[0002] At least some known rotary machines, such as some known gas
turbines, include a generally tubular inner barrel that
circumscribes a rotor assembly, and a generally tubular outer
barrel that circumscribes the inner barrel. A gas flow path may be
defined in a generally annular space between the inner and outer
barrels. Moreover, in at least some such rotary machines, an upper
section and a lower section of the inner barrel and/or an upper
section and a lower section of the outer barrel are coupled
together along a pair of horizontal joints that extend axially
along opposing sides of the inner barrel. The upper and lower
sections each include a flange that extends along each horizontal
joint. A plurality of bolt holes are defined at cooperating
locations in each upper and lower flange, and bolts may be
installed in these joint flange bolt holes to couple the sections
together.
[0003] In at least some known horizontal joints, the horizontal
joint flanges and joint flange bolts are located on an interior,
radially inner side of the inner barrel to facilitate shielding the
flanges and bolts from the gas flow path. However, for maintenance
activities that require the bolts to be inspected or removed,
personnel typically must enter the interior of the inner barrel to
access the bolts. The interior of the inner barrel typically
presents a difficult workspace in which to maneuver, increasing a
time required for maintenance and a cost. In addition, a minimum
diameter of the inner barrel that is necessary to facilitate
personnel entry into the interior may be larger than a diameter
that is necessary to satisfy operational requirements for the
rotary machine. Therefore, a need to facilitate personnel entry
into the interior of the inner barrel may increase a size and
manufacturing cost of the rotary machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In one aspect, a horizontal joint for coupling a first
section and a second section of a barrel of a rotary machine is
provided. The horizontal joint includes a first section mating
surface that extends axially along the first section adjacent to
the horizontal joint, and a second section mating surface that
extends axially along the second section adjacent to the horizontal
joint. The horizontal joint also includes a plurality of tangs
disposed axially along the second section mating surface. Each tang
of the plurality of tangs has an axially extending tang aperture
defined therethrough. The horizontal joint further includes a
plurality of gaps disposed axially along the first section mating
surface. Each gap of the plurality of gaps is sized and axially
spaced to receive a corresponding one of the tangs. Additionally,
the horizontal joint includes a plurality of mating surface
segments defined along the first section mating surface. Each
mating surface segment of the plurality of mating surface segments
extends axially between a corresponding adjacent pair of the
plurality of gaps, and each mating surface segment has an axially
extending segment aperture defined therethrough. The tang apertures
and the segment apertures are configured to align to form a
generally continuous axial pin aperture when the second section
mating surface is positioned against the first section mating
surface.
[0005] In another aspect, an exhaust frame for a rotary machine is
provided. The exhaust frame includes a first section of an inner
barrel. The first section includes a first section mating surface
that extends axially along the first section adjacent to a
horizontal joint of the inner barrel. The exhaust frame also
includes a second section of the inner barrel. The second section
includes a second section mating surface that extends axially along
the second section adjacent to the horizontal joint. The second
section mating surface is positioned against the first section
mating surface. The exhaust frame further includes a plurality of
tangs disposed axially along the second section mating surface.
Each tang of the plurality of tangs has an axially extending tang
aperture defined therethrough. Additionally, the exhaust frame
includes a plurality of gaps disposed axially along the first
section mating surface. Each tang is received within a
corresponding one of the gaps. Also, the exhaust frame includes a
plurality of mating surface segments defined along the first
section mating surface. Each mating surface segment of the
plurality of mating surface segments extends axially between a
corresponding adjacent pair of the plurality of gaps, and each
mating surface segment has an axially extending segment aperture
defined therethrough. The tang apertures and the segment apertures
align to form a generally continuous axial pin aperture, and an
axial pin is positioned in the axial pin aperture.
[0006] In yet another aspect, a method of assembling an exhaust
frame for a rotary machine is provided. The exhaust frame includes
an inner barrel that has a first section and a second section. The
method includes positioning a first section mating surface of the
first section against a second section mating surface of the second
section. The first section mating surface extends axially along the
first section adjacent to a horizontal joint of the inner barrel,
and the second section mating surface extends axially along the
second section adjacent to the horizontal joint. The method also
includes receiving each tang of a plurality of tangs within a
corresponding gap of a plurality of gaps. The plurality of tangs is
disposed axially along the second section mating surface. The
plurality of gaps is disposed axially along the first section
mating surface. The method further includes aligning a plurality of
tang apertures and a plurality of segment apertures to form a
generally continuous axial pin aperture. Each tang aperture extends
axially through a corresponding tang, and each segment aperture
extends axially through a corresponding mating surface segment.
Each mating surface segment extends axially between a corresponding
adjacent pair of the plurality of gaps. Additionally, the method
includes positioning an axial pin in the axial pin aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary gas turbine;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of an exemplary
first section and an exemplary second section of an exhaust frame
that may be used with the exemplary gas turbine shown in FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section of an exemplary
horizontal joint for coupling the first section and the second
section shown in FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the first section
and second section shown in FIG. 2 coupled together to form an
exemplary exhaust frame that may be used with the exemplary gas
turbine shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of the horizontal joint
shown in FIG. 3 coupled together; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of assembling
an exhaust frame for a rotary machine, such as the exemplary gas
turbine shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The exemplary methods and systems described herein overcome
at least some of the disadvantages associated with known horizontal
joints for barrels of rotary machines. The embodiments described
herein include a horizontal joint secured by an axial pin. The
axial pin may be installed and removed in a barrel horizontal joint
without a need for personnel to enter the interior of the barrel,
and thus facilitates assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the
rotary machine.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary gas turbine 10 in
which embodiments of the inner barrel of the current disclosure may
be used. While FIG. 1 describes an exemplary gas turbine engine, it
should be noted that the barrel horizontal joints described herein
are not limited to any one particular type of rotary machine. One
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the current
methods and systems described herein may be used with any rotary
machine, including a steam turbine, in any suitable configuration
that enables such methods and systems to operate as further
described herein.
[0015] In the exemplary embodiment, gas turbine 10 includes an
intake section 12, a compressor section 14 coupled downstream from
intake section 12, a combustor section 16 coupled downstream from
compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 coupled downstream from
combustor section 16, and an exhaust section 20 coupled downstream
from turbine section 18. A casing 36 at least partially encloses
one or more of intake section 12, compressor section 14, combustor
section 16, turbine section 18, and exhaust section 20. Casing 36
may include a plurality of casings that at least partially enclose
different sections of gas turbine 10.
[0016] Turbine section 18 is coupled to compressor section 14 via a
rotor shaft 22. It should be noted that, as used herein, the term
"couple" is not limited to a direct mechanical, electrical, and/or
communication connection between components, but may also include
an indirect mechanical, electrical, and/or communication connection
between multiple components. In the exemplary embodiment, rotor
shaft 22 is at least partially supported by a forward bearing
assembly 30 (sometimes referred to as an "N1 bearing assembly") and
an aft bearing assembly 32 (sometimes referred to as an "N2 bearing
assembly").
[0017] During operation of gas turbine 10, intake section 12
channels air towards compressor section 14. Compressor section 14
compresses the air to a higher pressure and temperature and
discharges the compressed air towards combustor section 16. In
combustor section 16, the compressed air is mixed with fuel and
ignited to generate combustion gases that are channeled towards
turbine section 18. More specifically, combustor section 16
includes at least one combustor 24, in which a fuel, for example,
natural gas and/or fuel oil, is injected into the air flow, and the
fuel-air mixture is ignited to generate high temperature combustion
gases that are channeled towards turbine section 18.
[0018] Turbine section 18 converts the thermal energy from the
combustion gas stream to mechanical rotational energy, as the
combustion gases impart rotational energy to at least one rotor
blade 38 coupled to rotor shaft 22 within turbine section 18. Rotor
shaft 22 may be coupled to a load (not shown) such as, but not
limited to, an electrical generator and/or a mechanical drive
application. The exhausted combustion gases flow downstream from
turbine section 18 into exhaust section 20. In the exemplary
embodiment, aft bearing assembly 32 is at least partially disposed
within exhaust section 20, and exhaust section 20 is at least
partially supported and/or formed by an exhaust frame 100. In an
embodiment, exhaust frame 100 at least partially forms a section of
casing 36.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a first section 108 and a second section 110
positioned to be coupled together to form an exemplary embodiment
of exhaust frame 100 (shown in FIG. 4). First section 108 includes
an inner barrel first section 112 and an outer barrel first section
180, and second section 110 includes an inner barrel second section
140 and an outer barrel second section 182. Inner barrel first
section 112 is coupled to outer barrel first section 180, and inner
barrel second section 140 is coupled to outer barrel second section
182, by a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts 106.
Moreover, inner barrel first section 112 and inner barrel second
section 140 are configured to be coupled together by an axially
extending pin 116 at each of a pair of oppositely disposed, axially
extending inner barrel horizontal joints 114. Outer barrel first
section 180 and outer barrel second section 182 are configured to
be coupled together at each of a pair of oppositely disposed,
axially extending outer barrel horizontal joints 184.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of one
of the inner barrel horizontal joints 114 positioned for coupling
first section 112 and second section 140, taken along line 3-3
shown in FIG. 2. Inner barrel second section 140 includes a mating
surface 150 that extends axially along inner barrel second section
140 adjacent to joint 114. A plurality of tangs 142 is disposed
axially along second section 140 adjacent to joint 114. In the
illustrated embodiment, each tang 142 extends generally vertically
from mating surface 150 of second section 140. Each tang 142 has a
tang thickness 144 and is separated from an adjacent tang 142 by a
separation distance 146. In the exemplary embodiment, each tang 142
has an equal tang thickness 144 and the separation distance 146
between each tang 142 is equal. In alternative embodiments, at
least one tang 142 has a tang thickness 144 that differs from the
tang thickness 144 of another tang 142, and/or at least one tang
142 has a separation distance 146 from an adjacent tang 142 that
differs from the separation distance 146 between another pair of
adjacent tangs 142.
[0021] Each tang 142 has an axially extending tang aperture 148
defined therethrough. Each tang aperture 148 is centered around a
second centerline 152 and has a second diameter 154. In the
exemplary embodiment, although second diameter 154 is constant
within a given tang aperture 148, second diameter 154 decreases
from a maximum value in the tang 142 adjacent to a pin insertion
end 156 of joint 114, to a minimum value in the tang 142 adjacent
to a pin tip end 158 of joint 114. This decrease in second diameter
154 along the plurality of tangs 142 accommodates a correspondingly
tapered shape of axial pin 116 (shown in FIG. 5), which facilitates
ease of insertion of axial pin 116 into joint 114 from pin
insertion end 156. In alternative embodiments, second diameter 154
may vary within a given tang aperture 148, and/or may vary among
apertures 148 within different tangs 142 in another suitable
fashion. In other alternative embodiments, second diameter 154 is
equal for each tang aperture 148 to accommodate a correspondingly
non-tapered shape of axial pin 116.
[0022] Inner barrel first section 112 includes a mating surface 120
that extends axially along inner barrel first section 112 adjacent
to joint 114. A plurality of gaps 118 is disposed axially along
inner barrel first section 112 adjacent to joint 114. In the
illustrated embodiment, each gap 118 extends generally vertically
into first section 112 from first section mating surface 120.
Additionally, a plurality of mating surface segments 124 is defined
along first section mating surface 120 by the plurality of gaps
118. More specifically, each mating surface segment 124 extends
axially between a corresponding adjacent pair of the plurality of
gaps 118. Each gap 118 is sized and axially spaced to receive a
corresponding tang 142 when inner barrel first section mating
surface 120 is positioned against inner barrel second section
mating surface 150. More specifically, each gap 118 has a width 122
sized to receive tang thickness 144 of a corresponding tang 142 in
a clearance fit. Similarly, each mating surface segment 124 has a
segment thickness 126 that is sized to be received within
separation distance 146 between a corresponding pair of tangs 142
in a clearance fit.
[0023] Each mating surface segment 124 has an axially extending
segment aperture 128 defined therethrough. Each segment aperture
128 is centered around a first centerline 162 and has a first
diameter 164. Similarly to second diameter 154, in certain
embodiments, although first diameter 164 is constant within a given
segment aperture 128, first diameter 164 decreases from a maximum
value in the mating surface segment 124 adjacent to a pin insertion
end 156 of joint 114, to a minimum value in the mating surface
segment 124 adjacent to a pin tip end 158 of joint 114. This
decrease in first diameter 164 along the plurality of mating
surface segments 124 accommodates a correspondingly tapered shape
of axial pin 116 (shown in FIG. 5), which facilitates ease of
insertion of axial pin 116 into joint 114 from pin insertion end
156. In alternative embodiments, first diameter 164 may vary within
a given segment aperture 128, and/or may vary among apertures 128
within different mating surface segments 124 in another suitable
fashion. In other alternative embodiments, first diameter 164 is
equal for each segment aperture 128 to accommodate a
correspondingly non-tapered shape of axial pin 116.
[0024] In the exemplary embodiment, tangs 142 and gaps 118
cooperate such that first centerline 162 and second centerline 152
align when inner barrel first section mating surface 120 is
positioned against inner barrel second section mating surface 150.
Moreover, second diameter 154 and first diameter 164 are sized
within plurality of tangs 142 and plurality of mating surface
segments 124, respectively, such that tang apertures 148 and
segment apertures 128 are configured to align to form a generally
continuous axial pin aperture 192 (shown in FIG. 5) when inner
barrel first section mating surface 120 is positioned against inner
barrel second section mating surface 150.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of first section 108
and second section 110 coupled together to form exhaust frame 100.
More specifically, inner barrel first section 112 and inner barrel
second section 140 are coupled together to form a generally
tubular, axially extending inner barrel 102. Moreover, inner barrel
first section 112 and inner barrel second section 140 are secured
by respective axial pins 116 inserted from a first axial end 194 of
exhaust frame 100 into each inner barrel horizontal joint 114. In
addition, outer barrel first section 180 and outer barrel second
section 182 are coupled together in any suitable fashion at each
outer barrel horizontal joint 184 to form a generally tubular,
axially extending outer barrel 104. Inner barrel 102 and outer
barrel 104 are coupled together by struts 106 such that outer
barrel 104 circumscribes inner barrel 102 in a generally concentric
relationship.
[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, an annular space 186 defined
between inner barrel 102 and outer barrel 104 is configured to
accommodate exhausted combustion gases that flow downstream from
turbine section 18 (shown in FIG. 1). Moreover, a pair of
oppositely disposed bearing supports 188 disposed on inner barrel
second section 140 form at least a portion of aft bearing assembly
32 (shown in FIG. 1) in a radially interior space 190 defined
within inner barrel 102. Thus, a portion of rotor shaft 22 (shown
in FIG. 1) may be disposed within interior space 190.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of one
of the coupled inner barrel horizontal joints 114, taken along line
5-5 shown in FIG. 4. Inner barrel first section mating surface 120
is positioned against inner barrel second section mating surface
150 such that each tang 142 is received within a corresponding one
of gaps 118. It should be understood that in some embodiments, at
least one layer of material, such as for example a sealant
material, may be disposed between first section mating surface 120
and second section mating surface 150 when first section mating
surface 120 is positioned against second section mating surface
150. Tang apertures 148 and segment apertures 128 (shown in FIG. 3)
align to form generally continuous axial pin aperture 192. Axial
pin 116 is positioned in axial pin aperture 192 to secure inner
barrel first section 112 and inner barrel second section 140.
Because pin insertion end 156 of joint 114 is accessible from first
axial end 194 (shown in FIG. 4) of exhaust frame 100, axial pin 116
may be installed and removed without a need for personnel to enter
interior space 190 of inner barrel 102.
[0028] It should be understood that, while horizontal joint 114 has
been described in terms of inner barrel 102 of exhaust frame 100,
embodiments of horizontal joint 114 additionally or alternatively
may be used at other suitable barrel locations on gas turbine 10
(shown in FIG. 1), such as for example on outer barrel 104 at outer
barrel horizontal joint 184, or on inlet section 12 (shown in FIG.
1). It also should be understood that, while first section 108,
inner barrel first section 112, and outer barrel first section 180
are the "upper" sections and second section 110, inner barrel
second section 140, and outer barrel second section 182 are the
"lower" sections in the illustrated embodiment, this is for
convenience of description only. In alternative embodiments (not
shown), first section 108, inner barrel first section 112, and
outer barrel first section 180 are the lower sections and second
section 110, inner barrel second section 140, and outer barrel
second section 182 are the upper sections, such that plurality of
tangs 142 extends from the upper inner barrel section and plurality
of gaps 118 is defined in the lower inner barrel section.
[0029] An exemplary method 600 of assembling an exhaust frame, such
as exhaust frame 100, for a rotary machine, such as gas turbine 10,
is illustrated in FIG. 6. With reference also to FIGS. 1-5, the
exhaust frame includes an inner barrel, such as inner barrel 102,
that has a first section and a second section, such as first
section 112 and second section 140. The method includes positioning
602 a first section mating surface, such as mating surface 120, of
the first section against a second section mating surface, such as
second section mating surface 150, of the second section. The first
section mating surface extends axially along the first section
adjacent to a horizontal joint of the inner barrel, such as
horizontal joint 114, and the second section mating surface extends
axially along the second section adjacent to the horizontal joint.
Method 600 also includes receiving 604 each tang of a plurality of
tangs, such as tangs 142, within a corresponding gap of a plurality
of gaps, such as gaps 118. The plurality of tangs is disposed
axially along the second section mating surface, and each tang
extends generally vertically from the second section. The plurality
of gaps is disposed axially along the first section mating surface,
and each gap extends generally vertically into the first
section.
[0030] Method 600 further includes aligning 606 a plurality of tang
apertures, such as tang apertures 148, and a plurality of segment
apertures, such as segment apertures 128, to form a generally
continuous axial pin aperture, such as axial pin aperture 192. Each
tang aperture extends axially through a corresponding tang, and
each segment aperture extends axially through a corresponding
mating surface segment. Each mating surface segment extends axially
between a corresponding adjacent pair of the plurality of gaps.
Additionally, method 600 includes positioning 608 an axial pin,
such as axial pin 116, in the axial pin aperture.
[0031] In certain embodiments, receiving 604 each tang within the
corresponding gap further comprises receiving 610 a tang thickness,
such as tang thickness 144, of each tang within a width, such as
width 122, of the corresponding gap in a clearance fit. In
addition, receiving 610 the tang thickness may further comprise
receiving 612 each tang having an equal tang thickness. Method 600
also may include receiving 614 a segment thickness, such as segment
thickness 126, of each mating surface segment within a separation
distance, such as separation distance 146, between a corresponding
pair of the tangs in a clearance fit.
[0032] Moreover, in some embodiments, each segment aperture has a
first diameter, such as first diameter 164, each tang aperture has
a second diameter, such as second diameter 154, and each of the
first diameter and the second diameter decreases from a maximum
value adjacent to a pin insertion end, such as pin insertion end
156, of the horizontal joint to a minimum value adjacent to a pin
tip end, such as pin tip end 158, of the horizontal joint.
Positioning 608 the axial pin may comprise inserting 616 the axial
pin having a correspondingly tapered shape into the axial pin
aperture. Positioning 608 the axial pin also may comprise inserting
618 the axial pin into the axial pin aperture from a first axial
end, such as first axial end 194, of the exhaust frame.
Additionally, method 600 may include positioning 620 an outer
barrel such that the outer barrel circumscribes the inner barrel in
a generally concentric relationship.
[0033] Exemplary embodiments of a horizontal joint for use with a
rotary machine, and of a method of assembling such a horizontal
joint, are described above in detail. The embodiments provide an
advantage in enabling assembly and disassembly of the horizontal
joint from an axial end of the coupled sections. Thus, the
embodiments enable assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of, for
example, an exhaust frame inner barrel without a requirement for
personnel to enter the interior of the inner barrel. This
facilitates a reduction in a time required for maintenance and a
corresponding reduction in an outage time of the rotary
machine.
[0034] The methods and systems described herein are not limited to
the specific embodiments described herein. For example, components
of each system and/or steps of each method may be used and/or
practiced independently and separately from other components and/or
steps described herein. In addition, each component and/or step may
also be used and/or practiced with other assemblies and
methods.
[0035] While the disclosure has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the disclosure can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims. Although specific features of various
embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not
in others, this is for convenience only. Moreover, references to
"one embodiment" in the above description are not intended to be
interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments
that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the
principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be
referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any
other drawing.
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