Patent ID: 6116013
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: F01D,F23R

Abstract:
A coupling apparatus for connecting a combustor to a transition in a gas turbine, the apparatus comprising:(a) a transition cylinder defining an axial centerline thereof, said cylinder attached to a discharge end of the combustor, said cylinder comprising a downstream end, a cylinder flange formed on the downstream end and projecting radially outwardly and comprising a plurality of cylinder bores formed therein, the cylinder bores being axially oriented and circumferentially spaced about the cylinder flange;(b) a transition comprising an upstream end, a transition flange which mates with the cylinder flange, the transition flange formed on the upstream end and comprising a plurality of transition bores formed therein, the transition bores being axially oriented and circumferentially spaced about the transition flange;(c) a plurality of locking mechanisms for maintaining said transition cylinder in tight engagement with said transition when the cylinder flange mates with the transition flange, said locking mechanisms extending through an alignment of the cylinder bores and the transition bores; and(d) wherein the cylinder flange further comprises a spigot lip and the transition flange further comprises a recess to receive the spigot lip so as to effect a tight spigot fit when the cylinder flange mates with the transition flange in order to reduce transient thermal expansion stresses during operation.