Assembly tool kit for gas turbine engine bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly

The present disclosure is directed to an assembly tool kit for a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly. The assembly tool kit includes a plurality of pins. Each pin includes a shaft portion, a tapered portion coupled to a first end of the shaft portion, and a contoured portion coupled to a second end of the shaft portion. The contoured portion includes a cylindrical section and a frustoconical section. The tapered and shaft portions of each of the plurality of pins are positioned within a passage defined by one of a plurality of tubes forming a portion of a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly. The contoured portion of each of the plurality of pins is positioned in one of a plurality of cap plate apertures. Each of the plurality of pins radially aligns one of the plurality of cap plate apertures with a corresponding tube of the plurality of tubes.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure generally relates to an assembly tool kit for a gas turbine engine. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an assembly tool kit for a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly of a gas turbine engine.

BACKGROUND

A gas turbine engine generally includes a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section. The compressor section progressively increases the pressure of compressed air entering the gas turbine engine and supplies the compressed air to the combustion section. The compressed air and a fuel (e.g., natural gas) mix within the combustion section and burn in a combustion chamber to generate high pressure and high temperature combustion gases. The combustion gases flow from the combustion section into the turbine section where they expand to produce work. For example, expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine section may rotate a rotor shaft connected to, e.g., a generator to produce electricity. The combustion gases then exit the gas turbine engine via the exhaust section.

The combustion section may include one or more fuel nozzles. In particular embodiments, the one or more fuel nozzles may be bundled tube fuel nozzles, which premix the fuel and the compressed air upstream from the combustion chamber. In this respect, each of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies generally includes a forward plate, an aft plate, and an outer sleeve, which collectively define a fuel plenum body. A plurality of tubes extends through the forward plate, the fuel plenum body, and the aft plate. In operation, a portion of the compressed air flows through a passage defined by each of the tubes. A portion of the fuel from the fuel plenum is injected into each tube (e.g., via a fuel port in each tube) for premixing with the compressed air therein. The fuel and compressed air mixture then flows through the passages in each of tubes to the combustion chamber.

In some embodiments, the tubes extend downstream from the aft plate. A cap plate located downstream from the aft plate defines a plurality of cap plate apertures through which the plurality of tubes extends. Because the downstream ends of the tubes are free to shift slightly in a radial direction, aligning each of the plurality of tubes for positioning within one of the plurality of cap plate apertures is a time-consuming and expensive process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly tool kit for a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly. The assembly tool kit includes a plurality of pins. Each pin includes a shaft portion having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. A tapered portion couples to the first end of the shaft portion, and a contoured portion couples to the second end of the shaft portion. The contoured portion includes a cylindrical section and a frustoconical section coupled to the cylindrical section. The tapered portion and the shaft portion of each of the plurality of pins are positioned within a passage defined by one of a plurality of tubes collectively forming a portion of a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly. The contoured portion of each of the plurality of pins is positioned in one of a plurality of cap plate apertures. Each of the plurality of pins radially aligns one of the plurality of cap plate apertures with a corresponding tube of the plurality of tubes.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly that includes a plurality of tubes. Each of the plurality of tubes defines a passage extending therethrough. The bundled tube fuel nozzle also includes a cap plate defining a plurality of cap plate apertures and a plurality of pins. Each pin includes a shaft portion comprising a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. A tapered portion of the pin couples to the first end of the shaft portion, and a contoured portion of the pin couples to the second end of the shaft portion. The contoured portion includes a cylindrical section and a frustoconical section coupled to the cylindrical section. The tapered portion and the shaft portion of each of the plurality of pins are positioned within the passage of one of the plurality of tubes. The contoured portion of each of the plurality of pins is positioned in one of the plurality of cap plate apertures. Each of the plurality of pins radially aligns one of the plurality of cap plate apertures with a corresponding tube of the plurality of tubes.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a portion of a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly. The method includes inserting one of a plurality of pins into a passage of each of a plurality of tubes of a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly. Each pin includes a shaft portion, a tapered portion coupled to a first end of the shaft portion, and a contoured portion coupled to a second end of the shaft portion. The contoured portion includes a cylindrical section and a frustoconical section. A cap plate defining a plurality of cap plate apertures extending therethrough is positioned onto the plurality of tubes such that each of the plurality of pins extends through one of the plurality of cap plate apertures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Each example is provided by way of explanation of the technology, not limitation of the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present technology covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although an industrial or land-based gas turbine is shown and described herein, the present technology as shown and described herein is not limited to a land-based and/or industrial gas turbine unless otherwise specified in the claims. For example, the technology as described herein may be used in any type of turbine including, but not limited to, aviation gas turbines (e.g., turbofans, etc.), steam turbines, and marine gas turbines.

The assembly tool kit disclosed herein may be used to assemble a bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly of a gas turbine engine. As will be discussed in greater detail below, bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies in gas turbine engines typically include a plurality of tubes that extend through a plurality of cap plate apertures. In this respect, the assembly tool kit aligns each of the plurality of tubes with the corresponding cap plate aperture to facilitate assembly of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly.

Now referring to the drawings, wherein identical numerals indicate the same elements throughout the figures,FIG. 1schematically illustrates an exemplary gas turbine engine10. As depicted therein, the gas turbine engine10includes an inlet section12, a compressor14, one or more combustors16, a turbine18, and an exhaust section20. The compressor14and turbine18may be coupled by a shaft22. The shaft22may be a single shaft or formed from a plurality of shaft segments coupled together.

During operation, the gas turbine engine10produces mechanical rotational energy, which may be used to generate electricity. More specifically, air24enters the gas turbine engine10via the inlet section12. From the inlet section12, the air24flows into the compressor14, where it is progressively compressed to provide compressed air26to each of the combustors16. The compressed air26mixes with a fuel28in each of the combustors16. This compressed air and fuel mixture then burns in each of the combustors16, thereby producing combustion gases30. The combustion gases30flow through the turbine18, which extracts kinetic and/or thermal energy therefrom. This energy extraction rotates the shaft22, thereby creating mechanical rotational energy for powering the compressor14and/or generating electricity. The combustion gases30exit the gas turbine engine10via the exhaust section20.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary embodiment of one of the combustors16. More specifically, the combustor16includes an outer casing32, which at least partially defines a high pressure plenum34therein. The high pressure plenum34is in fluid communication with the compressor14(FIG. 1) and receives the compressed air26therefrom. An end cover assembly35, including an end cover36and a forward casing37, couples to the outer casing32. As such, the end cover36and the forward casing37collectively define a head end portion38of the combustor16. The head end portion38is in fluid communication with the high pressure plenum34and/or the compressor14. One or more liners40positioned within outer casing and/or the forward casing37partially define a combustion chamber42for burning the fuel-air mixture. Furthermore, the one or more liners40also partially define a hot gas path44through the combustor16for routing the combustion gases30to the turbine18. Alternatively, the combustor16may have different configurations in other embodiments.

The combustor16may include one or more bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the combustor16includes three bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52. Nevertheless, the combustor16may include more or fewer bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52as is necessary or desired.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, each of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52is positioned within the head end portion38downstream from the end cover36and upstream from the combustion chamber42. In this respect, each of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52are axially spaced between the end cover36and the combustion chamber42. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, each of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52is in fluid communication with a gas fuel supply48via a fluid conduit50coupled to the end cover36.

FIG. 3is a cross sectional side view of a portion of one of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52shown inFIG. 2. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly52includes a fuel plenum body54. In particular, the fuel plenum body54includes a forward plate56, and aft plate58, an outer band60. The aft plate58is axially spaced apart from the forward plate56along a longitudinal axis46of the combustor16. The outer band60extends axially between the forward plate56and the aft plate58. In this respect, the forward plate56, the aft plate58, and the outer band60collectively form the fuel plenum body54, which defines a fuel plenum62therein. The fluid conduit50may extend through the forward plate56to provide the fuel28to the fuel plenum62.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly52also includes a cap plate assembly68. More specifically, the cap plate assembly68includes a cap plate64axially spaced apart from and positioned downstream from the aft plate58. The cap plate64defines a plurality of cap plate apertures65extending therethrough. The cap plate assembly68further includes a sleeve66that extends axially between the aft plate58and the cap plate64.

The bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly52also includes one or more tube bundles70formed from a plurality of tubes72. As shown inFIG. 3, each of the plurality of tubes72extends through the forward plate56, the fuel plenum62, and the aft plate58. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, each of the plurality of tubes72also extends through one of the plurality of cap plate apertures65defined by the cap plate64. The cap plate64and the sleeve66may be formed in segments to house the tubes72of a single bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly52. Alternately, the cap plate64may be formed as a single full-face plate with apertures65that surround the tubes72of all of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52, and the sleeve66may surround the radially outer perimeter of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52.

FIG. 4illustrates one of the plurality of tubes72shown inFIG. 3in greater detail. Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, each of the tubes72includes an inlet74defined at an upstream end76thereof and an outlet78defined at a downstream end80thereof. In this respect, each of the tubes72defines a passage82extending from the inlet74to the outlet78. As such, each of the tubes72includes an inner surface84and an outer surface86. Furthermore, each of the tubes72includes an upstream axial surface88positioned at the upstream end76thereof. Similarly, each of the tubes72includes a downstream axial surface90positioned at the downstream end80thereof and axially spaced apart from the upstream axial surface88. Each of the tubes72defines at least one fuel port92extending from the inner surface84to the outer surface86that fluidly couples corresponding passage82and the fuel plenum62.

FIGS. 5-8illustrate embodiments of an assembly tool kit100, which may be used to assemble the one or more bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52. Referring particularly toFIG. 5, the assembly tool kit100includes a plurality of pins102. As will be discussed in greater detail below, each of the pins102is positioned in the passage82of one of the tubes72to radially align that tube72with the corresponding cap plate aperture65. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the assembly tool kit100includes six pins102. Nevertheless, the assembly tool kit100may include any number of pins102so long as the assembly tool kit100includes at least two pins102. Preferably, however, the assembly tool kit100includes as many pins102as the combustor16includes tubes72. That is, each of the pins102in the assembly tool kit100may correspond to one of the plurality of tubes72in one of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52. For example, if the combustor16has fuel nozzle assemblies52that include two hundred tubes72in total, the assembly tool kit100may include two hundred pins102.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, some embodiments of the assembly tool kit100may include a holder104. In particular, the holder104includes cavities (not shown) that receive the pins102. For example, the pins102may snap-fit into the cavities in the holder104. In this respect, the holder104may be used to load some or all of the pins102into the tube bundle70simultaneously as will be discussed in greater detail below. That is, the cavities of holder104may be arranged in a similar manner as the passages82of the tubes72. Furthermore, the holder104may be used to store the plurality of pins102when not in use. The holder104is preferably formed from a plastic (e.g., polypropylene) or a hard rubber. Alternately, another similar material capable of rigidly securing the pins102throughout the installation of the pins102and yet possessing sufficient flexibility to be removed from the pins102when the pins102are installed may be used.

FIG. 6illustrates one of the pins102shown inFIG. 5in greater detail. As depicted therein, the pin102defines an axial centerline106. In this respect, the pin102defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. In general, the axial direction A extends parallel to the axial centerline106, the radial direction R extends orthogonally outward from the axial centerline106, and the circumferential direction C extends concentrically around the axial centerline106.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, each of the pins102includes a shaft portion108. In particular, the shaft portion108includes a first end110and a second end112axially spaced apart from the first end110. The shaft portion108also includes a shaft portion outer surface114. Furthermore, the shaft portion106defines a shaft portion axial length116and a shaft portion diameter118. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the shaft portion diameter118is constant although the shaft portion diameter118may vary along the shaft portion axial length116in other embodiments. The shaft portion diameter118is sized to permit slide-fit reception of the pin102into the passage82of one of the tubes72. Preferably, the shaft portion106has a circular cross-sectional shape; however, the shaft portion106may have any suitable cross-sectional shape in other embodiments.

Each of the pins102includes a tapered portion120coupled to the first end110of the shaft portion108as shown inFIG. 6. More specifically, the tapered portion120extends from the first end110of the shaft portion108axially outwardly to a blunted tip122. The diameter of the tapered portion120narrows as the tapered portion120extends from the first end110of the shaft portion108to the blunted tip122, thereby giving the tapered portion120a frustoconical shape. This frustoconical shape facilitates easy insertion of the pins102into the passages82of the tubes72as will be discussed in greater detail below. Nevertheless, the tapered portion120may have any suitable shape in other embodiments. Furthermore, the tapered portion120includes a tapered portion outer surface124and a tapered portion axial length126.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-8, each of the pins102includes a contoured portion128coupled to the second end112of the shaft portion108. The contoured portion128includes a contoured portion outer surface130and defines a contoured portion axial length132.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the contoured portion128includes a chamfered section134, a cylindrical section136, and a frustoconical section138. The chamfered section134couples to and extends axially outwardly from the second end112of the shaft portion108. The cylindrical section136couples to and extends axially outwardly from the chamfered section134. The frustoconical section138couples to and extends axially outwardly from the cylindrical section136.

FIG. 7illustrates another embodiment of the contoured portion128. Like the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the embodiment of the contoured portion128shown inFIG. 7includes the chamfered section134coupled to the shaft portion108, the cylindrical section136coupled to the chamfered section134, and the frustoconical section138coupled to the cylindrical section136. The embodiment of the contoured portion128shown inFIG. 7also includes a flared section140and a tapered tip142. In particular, the flared section140couples to and extends axially outwardly from the frustoconical section138. The tapered tip142couples to and extends axially outwardly from the flared section140to a blunted end144thereof

As best illustrated inFIG. 7, the diameter of the contoured portion128varies along the contoured portion axial length132. More specifically, the diameter of the contoured portion128expands as the chamfered section134extends axially outwardly from the second end112of the shaft portion108. As the cylindrical section136extends axially outwardly from the chamfered section134, the diameter of the contoured portion128remains constant. The diameter of the contoured portion128then narrows as the frustoconical section138extends axially outwardly from the cylindrical section136. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the frustoconical section138narrows at a constant rate. That is, the sides of the cross-section of the frustoconical section138are linear in the axial direction A. The diameter of the contoured portion128then expands as the flared section140extends axially outwardly from the frustoconical section138. In this respect, the narrowing diameter of the frustoconical section138and the expanding diameter of the flared section140collectively define a groove146, which may be used to grip the pin102. The diameter of the contoured portion128then narrows as the tapered tip142extends axially outwardly from the flared section140to the blunted end144. Although described in the context of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the descriptions of the diameter of the contoured portion128with respect to the chamfered section134, the cylindrical section136, and the frustoconical section138are applicable to the embodiment of the contoured portion128shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8illustrates a further embodiment of the contoured portion128. As in the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the embodiment of the contoured portion128shown inFIG. 8includes the cylindrical section136, the frustoconical section138, the flared section140, and the tapered tip142. As shown, this embodiment of the contoured portion128does not include the chamfered section128. Instead, the cylindrical section136couples to and extends axially outwardly from the second end112of the shaft portion108. In this respect, the contoured portion128includes an axial surface150extending radially between the shaft portion outer surface114and the contoured portion outer surface130. As such, when the pin102is installed within the passage82in one of the tubes72, the axial surface150contacts the downstream axial surface90of the tube72as shown inFIG. 12. Furthermore, the frustoconical section138narrows at a varying rate in the embodiment shown inFIG. 8. That is, the sides of the cross-section of the frustoconical section138are curvilinear in the axial direction A. Otherwise, the cylindrical section136, the flared section140, and the tapered tip142are substantially similar the cylindrical section136, the flared section140, and the tapered tip142shown inFIG. 7.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the contoured portion128includes a widest contoured portion diameter148. More specifically, the widest contoured portion diameter148refers to the widest diameter of the contoured portion128. The cylindrical section136includes the widest contoured portion diameter148in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. The widest contoured portion diameter144is wider than the shaft portion diameter118and the diameter of the passage82in the corresponding tube72.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the shaft portion108comprises the majority of the axial length of the pin102. That is, the shaft portion axial length116is longer than the tapered portion axial length126and the contoured portion axial length132combined. In some embodiments, the shaft portion axial length116is at least five times longer than the tapered portion axial length126and the contoured portion axial length132combined. In alternate embodiments, however, the shaft portion axial length116may be shorter than each of the tapered portion axial length126and the contoured portion axial length132. Nevertheless, the shaft portion axial length116, the tapered portion axial length126, and the contoured portion axial length132may be any suitable lengths.

In some embodiments, such as those shown inFIGS. 10 and 13, the plurality of pins102may include pins102having different axial lengths for use in the same combustor16. For example, a portion of the plurality of the pins102having a longer axial length may be inserted into the tubes72located around a perimeter of the combustor16to reduce the likelihood of bending of the tubes72along the perimeter during assembly. Conversely, a portion of the plurality of pins102having a shorter axial length may be used in radially inward portions of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52, which are less likely to receive incidental contact during assembly. In this respect, the pins102inserted into the two radially outer tubes102inFIGS. 10 and 13have a longer axial length than the pins102inserted into the two radially inner tubes102.

In one embodiment, each of the pins102is integrally formed. In this respect, the shaft portion108, the tapered portion120, and the contoured portion128are all formed as a single component, such as by casting or molding. In another embodiment, the pins102may be machined. Alternately, each of the pins102may be formed from two or more separate components that are affixed or joined to one another and/or via other suitable manufacturing methods. Each of the pins102are preferably formed from a metallic material resistant to bending, but may be made from other suitable materials (e.g., plastic, etc.) instead.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method200for using the assembly tool kit100to assemble the one or more bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein.

In optional step202, the plurality of pins102are placed in the holder104. In particular, each of the pins104is placed in one of a plurality of cavities (not shown) defined by the holder104. After positioning in the cavities, the pins102are oriented in an inverted position as shown inFIG. 10in which the tapered portion120extends outward from the holder104as shown inFIG. 5. In this respect, the contoured portion128of each pin102is positioned within the one of the cavities in the holder104.

In step204, one of the pins72is inserted into the passage82of each of the tubes72. Each of the pins102is received in the passage82of the corresponding tube72in slide-fit reception. In this respect, the inner surfaces84of the tubes72are in sliding contact with the shaft portion outer surface114. The groove146defined by the contoured portion128of each of the pins102permits easy gripping and handling thereof during step204in instances where the holder104is not used. In embodiments including the holder104, some portion or all of the pins102may be inserted into the corresponding tube72simultaneously by reversing the orientation of the holder104and the pins102from the orientation shown inFIG. 5to the pin orientation shown inFIG. 10.

The tapered portion120of each pin102facilitates easy insertion of the pin102into the corresponding tube72. More specifically, the blunted tip122of the tapered portion120of each of the pins102is narrower than the diameter of the passage82of the corresponding tube72. In this respect, the size differential between the blunted tip122and the corresponding passage82makes it easy to insert each pin102into the corresponding passage82. Since the diameter of each tapered portion120expands from the blunted tip122thereof to the first end110of the shaft portion108, each tapered portion120self-centers the corresponding pin102within the passage82of the corresponding tube72. That is, the frustoconical shape of each tapered portion120guides the corresponding pin102into the center of the passage82of the corresponding tube72.FIG. 10illustrates the plurality of pins102positioned in the plurality of tubes72after self-centering. That is, upon completion of step (204), the shaft portion108and the tapered portion120of each of the pins102are positioned within the passage82of the corresponding tube72.

FIG. 11illustrates the positioning of the contoured portion128of one of the pins102relative to the corresponding tube72during step204. As mentioned above, the widest contoured portion diameter148is greater than the shaft portion diameter118. In this respect, a portion of the chamfered section134, the cylindrical section136, and the frustoconical section138of the pin102are radially aligned with the tube72. In fact, the contoured portion128extends radially outward from the inner surface84of the tube102. That is, the contoured portion128is wider than the diameter of the passage82of the tube102. As such, the contoured portion128does not slide into the passage82of the tube72. The downstream axial surface90of the tube102is in contact with the chamfered section134upon completion of step204.

FIG. 12illustrates the positioning of the alternate embodiment of the contoured portion128of one of the pins102shown inFIG. 8relative to the corresponding tube72during step204. As in the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, a portion of the frustoconical section138of the pin102is radially aligned with the tube72. Furthermore, the contoured portion128extends radially outward from the inner surface84of the tube102. That is, the contoured portion128is wider than the diameter of the passage82of the tube102. As such, the contoured portion128does not slide into the passage82of the tube72. For clarity,FIG. 12shows that the downstream axial surface90of the tube72is axially spaced apart from the axial surface146of the pin102. In practice, the downstream axial surface90is in contact with the axial surface146upon completion of step204.

In step206, the cap plate64is positioned onto the plurality of tubes72such that each of the plurality of pins102extends through one of the plurality of cap plate apertures65. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the contoured portion128of each of the pins102is inserted into one of cap plate apertures65. In this respect, the shaft portion108and the tapered portion120of each of the pins102are inserted into the passage82of the corresponding tube72, while the contoured portion128of each of the pins102is inserted and guides the tube72into the corresponding cap plate aperture65.

The plurality of pins102radially aligns each of the plurality of cap plate apertures65with a corresponding tube72of the plurality of tubes72. As illustrated inFIG. 13, an axially outer end of the frustoconical section138of the contoured portion128of each of the pins102is narrower than the diameter of the corresponding cap plate aperture65. In this respect, this size differential makes it easy to insert each pin102into the corresponding cap plate aperture65. As mentioned above, the diameter of frustoconical section138expands from the axially outer end thereof to the cylindrical section136. In this respect, each frustoconical section138self-centers the corresponding pin102within the corresponding cap plate aperture65. That is, the frustoconical section138guides the corresponding pin102into the center of the corresponding cap plate aperture65.FIG. 13illustrates the plurality of pins102positioned in the plurality of cap plate apertures65after self-centering. That is, upon completion of step206, the contoured portion128of each of the pins102extends through the corresponding cap plate aperture65.

In embodiments that include the flared portion140and the tapered tip142, such as those shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the blunted end144of the contoured portion128of each of the pins102is narrower than the diameter of the corresponding cap plate aperture65to facilitate insertion of each pin102into the corresponding cap plate aperture65. As mentioned above, the diameter of tapered tip142expands from the blunted end144thereof to the flared section140to self-center the pin in the cap plate aperture65.

Once the tubes72are appropriately guided into respective apertures65in the cap plate64, the cap assembly68is secured. At this point, the pins102are removed from the tubes72, either individually (e.g., by gripping the groove146by hand or with a tool such as pliers) or by reattaching the holder104to the projecting contoured portions128of some or all of the pins72and extracting multiple pins72at once.

The assembly tool kit100facilitates quick assembly of the one or more bundled tube fuel nozzle assemblies52. As discussed in greater detail above, the tapered portion120of each of the pins102facilitates easy insertion of the pins102into the passages82of the corresponding tube72. Similarly, the contoured portion128of each of the pins102facilitates easy insertion of the pins102into the cap plate apertures65. In this respect, the assembly tool kit100reduces the amount of time necessary to radially align each of the cap plate apertures65with the corresponding tube72compared to conventional assembly tools and/or methods. In this respect, assembly tool kit100reduces the cost of assembling the bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly52over conventional assembly tools and/or methods.

Furthermore, the assembly tool kit100may protect the downstream axial surface90of each of the tubes72from incidental and/or accidental contact with the cap plate64. As mentioned above, a portion of the frustoconical section134of each pin102is radially aligned with the corresponding tube72. This portion of the pins102may cover the downstream axial surfaces90of the tubes72. In this respect, the pins102prevent incidental and/or accidental contact between the downstream axial surfaces90and the cap plate64during, e.g., handling or transportation of the bundled tube fuel nozzle assembly52.