Abstract:
The present invention concerns of an apparatus as a part of an assembly tool or an assembly tool with additional frame for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component of an engine. The apparatus includes an eccentric hook having means to adjust, discretely or operatively communicating with a crane or an independently operated assembly tool. The position of the component operates in radial or quasi-radial position with respect to the engine housing, whereas the eccentric hook comprising an outer structure/casing, an inner ring, a cut out with an eccentric disposition, whereas the eccentric hook is self-locking or semi-self-locking with respect to a counterpart attached to the engine housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to EP Application No. 14183670.0 filed Sep. 5, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an apparatus as an integral and essential part for an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component of an engine or operational arrangement. 
         [0003]    The component of an operational arrangement concerns for example a can-combustor of a gas turbine engine. Moreover, an operational arrangement concerns also every other part or device that may be subject to an assembly or disassembly procedure. 
         [0004]    As one example of many for a better understanding of the invention refers to a gas turbine engine having a pattern of several can-combustors disposed around rotational contour. 
         [0005]    Can-combustors are self-contained cylindrical combustion chambers. Each “can” has its own fuel injector, igniter, liner, and casing. The primary air from the compressor is guided into each individual can, where it is decelerated, mixed with fuel, and then ignited. The secondary air also comes from the compressor, where it is fed outside of the liner (inside of which is where the combustion is taking place). The secondary air is then fed, usually through slits in the liner, into the combustion zone to cool the liner via thin film cooling. 
         [0006]    In most applications, multiple can-combustors are arranged around the central axis of the engine, and their shared exhaust is fed to the turbine(s). Can-combustors were most widely used in early gas turbine engines, owing to their ease of design and testing (one can test a single can, rather than have to test the whole system). Can-combustors are easy to maintain, as only a single can needs to be removed, rather than the whole combustion section. 
         [0007]    The mentioned gas turbine engine comprising a compressor, downstream of the compressor several can-combustors, whereas the hot gases of the can-combustors are admitted to a turbine, whereas the can-combustors operating on the basis of can-combustor architecture. 
         [0008]    Additionally, another gas turbine engine comprising a compressor, downstream of the compressor first can-combustor arrangement, whereas the hot gases of the first can-combustor arrangement are admitted to a first turbine or to a second can-combustor arrangement, whereas the hot gases of the second can-combustor arrangement are admitted to a second turbine or to a subsequent steam cycle, whereas at least one can-combustor arrangement operating on the basis of a can-combustor architecture. 
         [0009]    Furthermore, at least one can-combustor comprising one or more disposed premixing burners or semi-premixing burners. A first turbine is connected to receive working gas from the first can-combustor arrangement, a second can-combustor arrangement is connected to receive exhausted working gas from the first turbine and to deliver working gas to the second turbine, wherein the second can-combustor arrangement comprises an annular duct forming a combustion space extending in a flow direction from outlet of the first turbine to an inlet of the second turbine, and means for introducing fuel into the second can-combustor arrangement for self-ignition combustion. 
         [0010]    Additionally, the operational use of the apparatus of the present invention also refers preferably to a further type of combustor, namely is the cannular combustor. Like the can-combustor, can annular combustors have discrete combustion zones contained in separate liners with their own fuel-injectors. Unlike the can-combustor, all the combustion zones share a common ring (annulus) casing. Each combustion zone no longer has to serve as a pressure vessel. The combustion zones can also “communicate” with each other via liner holes or connecting tubes that allow some air to flow circumferentially. The exit flow from the cannular combustor generally has a more uniform temperature profile, which is better for the turbine section. It also eliminates the need for each chamber to have its own igniter. Once the fire is lit in one or two can-combustors, it can easily spread to and ignite the others. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0011]    In a combustor mounting/demounting arrangement with the conventional technique according to state of the art, when replacing the combustor for use in the gas turbine engine, the piping and alike that are disposed around the combustor are demounted, and then a scaffold is assembled. A workman gets on the scaffold and operates an overhead crane to thereby sling and replace the combustor. For this reason it is necessary to remove or restore a number of piping that have been assembled around the combustor over a wide range, and it is also necessary to perform the work of assembling and disassembling the scaffold 
         [0012]    As a result, in the above-mentioned conventional operation, a large number of man-hours are needed, and a long work term is spent, for replacing the combustor and the work incidental thereto. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, in the above-mentioned conventional operation the work of the scaffold is performed at an overhead position, and workmen do not always have the appropriate posture, which is dangerous. Further, in the above-mentioned conventional operation, the work such as crane operation and slinging work requires a high level of skill, but is low in working efficiency. The result is that during the performance of the work, the combustor or the main body of the gas turbine is sometimes impaired or damaged. 
         [0014]    With reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,680, in a gas turbine that is equipped, on a casing thereof, with a plurality of combustors in the circumferential direction thereof, there is provided a rail which is supported on a rail receiving stand that is movable on the ground and which is disposed in the form of a circular annulus or circular arc in correspondence with the disposition of the combustors. A slide mechanism is mounted on the rail so as to movable along the rail and is mounted so that the slide mechanism can enter into and retreat from the interior of the casing. 
         [0015]    A grip mechanism is mounted on an end portion of the slide mechanism and grips constituent parts of the combustor, such as a tail pipe, a nozzle and an inner cylinder. Also, in another aspect of the present embodiment, there are provided a rail that is shaped like a circular arc and is revolvably supported on the revolvable carriage, and a grip mechanism that grips constituent parts of the combustor. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    The basic idea of the present invention concerning of an apparatus as an integral and essential part of an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component-mostly designed as an operational component-of an engine, in order to enable the adjustability in radial position in a very precise and safe matter. 
         [0017]    In addition the mentioned apparatus has the function of an eccentric hook, which can be used as fixation or connection to a counterpart of the engine housing, for example gas turbine engine housing, in order to stabilize the position of the lifting device and to reduce the degrees of freedom. 
         [0018]    Generally, this apparatus can be used for every specifically designed assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of engine components in different fields, where a safe and precise assembly/lifting is wanted or required. 
         [0019]    The apparatus comprising the function of an eccentric hook and consists of a moveable/turnable inner ring and a stationary outer structure/casing. The inner ring and the outer structure/casing are both slotted whereas the slot of the inner ring is eccentric. Depending on the angle of the inner ring the hook gets closed and secured. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, it is foreseen that the outer structure/casing has an additional defined groove or cut out which it enables later to adjust the radial position with respect to the fixation or connection to the counterpart. This is technically feasible due to the combination of the eccentric slot on the inner ring and the additional groove on the outer structure/casing. 
         [0021]    One of the essential advantage of the invention is also to be seen that the other way around is also feasible in the sense that the outer structure of the apparatus, e.g. the outer structure/casing, is movable/turnable while the inner ring behaves stationary. 
         [0022]    The angle of the inner ring with respect to the fixation or connection to a counterpart can be adjusted by an electrical driven worm gear which has a high precision features and, additionally, is self-locking. If an electrical worm gear is not required an alternative could be to use a worm gear with the option to manually change the required angle. 
         [0023]    The operational capabilities of the inner ring can be extended through different angles with respect to the static position of the outer structure/casing. Therefore, different combinations of angles are feasible depending on the location of the eccentric or centric slot. 
         [0024]    Referring to various applications of the apparatus in different field, the provided assembly tool can be adjusted with the above mentioned eccentric hook in the right angle with respect to the radial position of the component, also with respect to a can-combustor of a gas turbine engine. 
         [0025]    Therefore, the assembly tool for mounting and dismantling of a component consists of an assembly tool, linear drivers, wheels, the above mentioned eccentric hook for fixation of the component to the engine housing, optional spacers which build the interface to the component by use of existing lifting points on the single machine part, two different (also optional) adapters are available to enable access for all components and lifting points for the main crane. 
         [0026]    During the assembly procedure of the upper situated components (wherever feasible also for the lower situated operational arrangements) the assembly tool is always connected to the crane. The assembly tool can be separated in two structures: 
         [0027]    The inner structure which is directly connected to the component by using existing lifting points with respect to the mentioned pieces, and the outer structure which contains the assembly tool and the two rails. Inner and outer structures are connected and enable to axial shift extracting the component by use of linear drivers. 
         [0028]    A second assembly tool for mounting and dismantling of a component consists of an assembly tool with additional frame and is directed to lower situated components. Due to the fact that a crane is not always useable for the lower situated components, the frame can be combined with a fork lifter or other lifting device enables to extract the lower situated components. The angle of the assembly tool can be changed with the frame. In case that a fork lifter cannot guarantee the necessary movement it is possible to use supplementary auxiliary means, which are directly or indirectly operatively connected with the assembly tool with additional frame. 
         [0029]    The adjustment of the angle will be managed by the crane or directly by the frame, while the eccentric hook is connected to the engine housing (in the case of the can-combustors to the gas turbine housing). In order to determine the correct angle of the component an angle gage will be used. 
         [0030]    Accordingly, the mentioned adapters are available to enable access for all components of an engine, also for can-combustors of a gas turbine. A special feature of this concept is the eccentric hook which is driven by a worm gear. The eccentric hook secures the assembly tool during extraction of the component, while it is connected to the engine housing and enables to give a force in axial direction of the component. 
         [0031]    Additionally, it makes thus possible to adjust the position of the component in radial direction. A clearance in between the stud and the eccentric hook should be considered so that the crane operator can see whether the stand-alone assembly tool or the assembly tool with additional frame is free from the engine housing or not. 
         [0032]    In any case, regardless of which tool is used, the assembly tool will be mounted to the component by use of several bolts. From now on the component is connected to the assembly tool and ready for extraction. The same procedure also applies to an assembly tool with additional frame. 
         [0033]    Therefore, the remaining bolts on the component connecting flange, that are still supporting the component, will be removed. If necessary it can adjust the height with eccentric hook to compensate the elasticity of the assembly tool. 
         [0034]    Then, it will be started to shift the component outside the respective engine housing and ready for lifting. The next step is to tighten the downstream ropes, and subsequently adjusting the correct position by using the crane, when such a tool can be used with respect to the position of components. 
         [0035]    The eccentric hook shall be in clearance position and the assembly tool with the respective component shall be loose. The final step consists to disconnect the eccentric hook from the engine housing so that the assembly tool together with the component can be lifted and brought to the lay down area. 
         [0036]    Adjustment of component in radial position and in angle in relation to axis of mounting position with the use of the eccentric hook shall be possible during complete shifting path in order to align it with approaching position. 
         [0037]    Accordingly, the tool for mounting and dismantling of component shall take into account confined space between neighbor components as well as demand minimized supporting the features with respect to the respective engine housing and in addition not colliding with nearby auxiliary systems. 
         [0038]    Generally, the tool for mounting and dismantling shall have modular design, additional features for upper and lower situated components, which fits with all the arrangement locations and allows simultaneous maintenance operations. 
         [0039]    The mentioned counterpart with respect to the eccentric hook will be bolted to the extra foreseen machined surface on the engine housing and is made up of two side walls connected with a horizontal bar. A system of linear drivers together with several wheels has been chosen as preferred solution to push/pull the component inside the assembly tool. 
         [0040]    The process of the disassembly procedure is as follows: As a first step the majority of portal/nuts will be removed. Then the spacers will be assembled on the component upstream lifting points. Afterwards the assembly tool will be lifted to the component by use of the crane so that the eccentric hook is placed correctly to the engine housing. After securing of the eccentric hook, for example with electrically leaded means, the correct angle between engine housing and assembly tool will be adjusted by use the crane, with the procedure that downstream situated ropes get loose as consequence. 
         [0041]    A similar sequence takes place for the lower situated components, when the assembly tool with additional frame reaches the application. 
         [0042]    Accordingly, the radial adjustability due the eccentric hook and the axially sliding feature of the lifting tool which a highly precise and fast disassembly/assembly procedure while using the connection to the engine housing and the main crane resp. the frame, and subsequently it results a consistent reduction of maintenance time and cost. 
         [0043]    The present invention can be used during planned or unplanned inspections, referring to servicing one or several components, especially with respect to any components, and the mentioned dis-/assembly tools are used in all arrangements, regardless of their initial position. 
         [0044]    For example, if the component is designed as a can-combustor, it is provided with a premix burners for the combustion of the gas turbine engine, these should preferably be formed by the combustion process and objects according to the documents EP 0 321 809 A1 and/or EP 0 704 657 A2, wherein these documents forming integral parts of the present description. 
         [0045]    In particular, said premix burners can be operated with liquid and/or gaseous fuels of all kinds. Thus, it is readily possible to provide different fuels within the individual cans. This means also that a premix burner can also be operated simultaneously with different fuels. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, the can-combustor is operated with a premix burner, for example according to EP 0 321 809 A1. This embodiment relating to a burner consisting of hollow part-cone bodies making up a complete body, having tangential air inlet slots and feed channels for gaseous and liquid fuels, wherein in that the centre axes of the hollow part-cone bodies have a cone angle increasing in the direction of flow and run in the longitudinal direction at a mutual offset. 
         [0047]    A fuel nozzle, which fuel injection is located in the middle of the connecting line of the mutually offset centre axes of the part-cone bodies, is placed at the burner head in the conical interior formed by the part-cone bodies. 
         [0048]    Furthermore, EP 0 704 657 A2, relating to a burner arrangement for a heat generator, substantially consisting of a swirl generator, substantially according to EP 0 321 809 A1, for a combustion air flow and means for injection of fuel, as well of a mixing path provided downstream of said swirl generator, wherein said mixing path comprises transaction ducts extending within a first part of the path in the flow direction for transferring a flow formed in said swirl generator into the cross-section of flow of said mixing path, that joins downstream of said transition ducts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0049]    The invention shall subsequently be explained in more detail based on exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing: 
           [0050]      FIG. 1  shows a general overview of an apparatus for an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component of an engine; 
           [0051]      FIG. 2   a  shows a ring position of the apparatus for an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component according to  FIG. 1  at 0°; 
           [0052]      FIG. 2   b  shows a ring position of the apparatus for an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component according to  FIG. 1  at 45°; 
           [0053]      FIG. 2   c  shows a ring position of the apparatus for an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component according to  FIG. 1  at 120°; 
           [0054]      FIG. 2   d  shows a ring position of the apparatus for an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component according to  FIG. 1  at 180°; 
           [0055]      FIG. 3  shows the eccentricity of the slot on the inner ring of the apparatus for an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of component, in form of an eccentric hook according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 4   a  shows an open position of the eccentric hook; 
           [0057]      FIG. 4   b  shows a closed position of the eccentric hook; 
           [0058]      FIG. 5   a  shows a counterpart with respect to the eccentric hook; 
           [0059]      FIG. 5   b  shows eccentric hook connected to the counterpart; 
           [0060]      FIG. 6  shows a holistically view showing an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of an operational arrangement specifically designed as an operational component for use in an engine; 
           [0061]      FIG. 7  shows a holistically view showing an assembly tool with an additional frame combined with a fork lifter or other lifting device for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of an operational arrangement specifically designed as an operational component for use in an engine. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0062]    The starting point of an exemplary embodiment is an engine in closed condition which has a pattern of several components disposed around of center point or area of an engine. 
         [0063]    A typical embodiment consists of an engine in closed condition having a pattern of several operational components disposed around of rotation contour for example with respect to the rotor of the engine. 
         [0064]    The main target is to disassemble one or more components, one in side, out from working location and after service move it back to desired place. 
         [0065]    The following notes referring to a “can-combustor” serve only for better understanding the operational area of the apparatus. 
         [0066]    The basic idea of the present embodiment concerning of an apparatus as an integral and essential part of an assembly tool for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a component, mostly designed as an operational component) of an engine, in order to enable the adjustability in radial position in a very precise and safe matter (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0067]    In addition, the mentioned apparatus  100  has the function of an eccentric hook which can be used for fixation or connection to a counterpart (see  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b ) of the engine housing (for example gas turbine engine housing), in order to stabilize the position of the lifting device and to reduce the degrees of freedom. 
         [0068]    The counterpart  13  as illustrated in  FIG. 5   a  will be bolted to the extra foreseen machined surface on the engine housing  12  and is made up of two side walls connected with a horizontal bar. A system of linear drivers together with several wheels has been chosen as preferred solution to push/pull the component inside the assembly tool  1 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 5   b  shows a particular counterpart  13  which operates in connection with the eccentric hook  100  to achieve a solid detachable connection between the assembly tool  1  and the engine housing  12 , serving both for the assembly and dismantling of the component  15 . 
         [0070]    Generally, this apparatus resp. the eccentric hook  100  can be used for every specifically designed assembly tool (see  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ) for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of engine components in different fields, where a safe and precise assembly/lifting is wanted or required. 
         [0071]    The apparatus comprising the function of an eccentric hook and consists of a moveable/turnable inner ring  102  and a stationary outer structure/casing  101 . The inner ring  102  and the outer structure/casing  101  are both slotted, whereas the slot of the inner ring  102  is eccentric (see  FIG. 3 ). Depending on the angle of the inner ring the hook gets closed and secured. 
         [0072]    Furthermore, it is foreseen that the outer structure/casing  101  has an additional defined groove or cut out with an eccentric disposition  103  which it enables later to adjust the radial position with respect to the fixation or connection to the counterpart (see  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b ). This is technically feasible due to the combination of the eccentric slot (see  FIG. 3 ) on the inner ring  102  and the additional groove on the outer structure/casing  101 . 
         [0073]    One of the essential advantage of the embodiment concerns also to be seen that the other way around is also feasible in the sense that the outer structure of the apparatus, e.g. the outer structure/casing  101  is movable/turnable while the inner ring  102  behaves stationary or contrariwise, namely, that the outer ring  102  is movable/turnable while the outer structure/casing  101  behaves stationary, whereby the introduction of the second mentioned embodiment corresponds to an action of a person skilled in the art. 
         [0074]    The angle of the inner ring with respect to the fixation or connection to a counterpart can be adjusted by an electrical driven worm gear which has a high precision features and, additionally, is self-locking. If an electrical worm gear is not required an alternative could be to use a worm gear with the option to manually change the required angle. 
         [0075]    The operational capabilities of the inner ring  102  can be extended through different angles with respect to the static position of the outer structure/casing  101  (see  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d ). Therefore, different combinations of angles are feasible depending on the location of the eccentric or centric slot (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ). 
         [0076]    Referring to various applications of the apparatus in different field, the provided assembly tool (see  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ) can be adjusted with the above mentioned eccentric hook  100  in the right angle with respect to the radial position of the component, for example with respect to a can-combustor of a gas turbine engine. 
         [0077]    Therefore, the assembly tool for mounting and dismantling of a component consists of an assembly tool, linear drivers, wheels, the above mentioned eccentric hook for fixation of the component to the engine housing, optional spacers which build the interface to the component by use of existing lifting points on the single machine part, two different (also optional) adapters are available to enable access for all components and lifting points for the main crane. 
         [0078]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6  the auxiliary tool for mounting and dismantling of a component of an engine comprising basically an assembly tool  1  with two rails which is characterized by several features and enables to dis-/assemble the component compared to all position. 
         [0079]    The features are designed to adjust the position of the component during assembly procedure and to guarantee a precise extraction of the component while using an eccentric hook connection  100  to the engine housing and the crane (not shown). 
         [0080]    Therefore, the auxiliary tool for mounting and dismantling of a component consists of an assembly tool  1 , linear drivers  2 , wheels  3 , an electrical driven eccentric hook  100  for fixing it to the engine housing, optional spacers  5  which build the interface to the component by use of existing lifting points on the component, two different (also optional) adapters  6  to enable access for all components and lifting points  7  for the main crane are available. 
         [0081]    During the assembly procedure of the upper components (wherever feasible also for the lower situated components) the assembly tool  1  is always connected to the crane (not shown). The assembly tool  1  can be separated in two structures. The inner structure which is directly connected to the components by using existing lifting points  7  with respect to the component, and the outer structure which contains the assembly tool  1  and the two rails. Inner and outer structures are connected and enable to axial shift extracting the component by use of linear drivers  2 . 
         [0082]    The adjustment of the angle will be managed by the crane while the eccentric hook  100  is connected to the engine housing. In order to determine the correct angle of the component an angle gage will be used which is not shown on the mentioned Figure. 
         [0083]    The mentioned adapters  6  are available to enable access for all components. A special feature of this concept is the eccentric hook  100  which is driven by a worm gear. The eccentric rolling hook  100  secures the assembly tool  1  during extraction of the component while it is connected to the engine housing and it enables to give a force in axial direction of the component. 
         [0084]    Additionally, it makes thus possible to adjust the position of the component in radial direction. A clearance in between the stud and the eccentric hook  100  should be considered so that the crane operator can see whether the assembly tool is free from the engine housing or not. 
         [0085]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7  dis-/assembly of the lower half components are also possible with the same assembly tool, however an auxiliary frame  16  as an additional embodiment to the assembly tool is required. Due to the fact that a crane is in the most cases not always useable for the lower half components the frame  16  combined with a fork lifter or other lifting device is enables to extract the components. The angle of the assembly tool can be changed with the frame  16 . In case that a fork lifter cannot guarantee the necessary movement it is possible to use supplementary auxiliary means  17 . 
         [0086]    Referring to the disassembly procedure the following steps are consistent: As a first step the majority of portal/nuts will be removed. Then the spacers will be assembled on the component, upstream lifting points  7 . Afterwards the assembly tool  1  will be lifted to the component by use of the crane so that the eccentric hook  100  is placed correctly to the engine housing  12 . After securing of the eccentric hook  100 , for example with electrically leaded means, the correct angle between engine housing  12  and assembly tool  1  will be adjusted by use the crane, with the procedure that downstream situated ropes get loose as consequence. 
         [0087]    If the assembly tool  1  is in the right angle the height in radial direction can be adjusted with eccentric hook  100 . After the assembly tool  1  will be mounted to the component by use of several bolts. From now on the component is connected to the assembly tool  1  and ready for extraction. 
         [0088]    Therefore, the remaining bolts on the component engine housing  12  that are still supporting the component, will be removed. If necessary it can adjust the height with eccentric hook  100  to compensate the elasticity of the assembly tool  1 . Then it will be started to shift the component outside the engine housing  12  and ready for lifting. The next step is to tighten the downstream ropes, and subsequently adjusting the correct position by using the crane. 
         [0089]    The eccentric hook  100  shall be in clearance position and the assembly tool  1  with component shall be loose. The final step consists to disconnect the eccentric hook  100  from the engine housing  12  so that the assembly tool together with the component can be lifted and brought to the lay down area. 
         [0090]    A similar sequence takes place for the lower situated components, when the additional frame  16  (see  FIG. 7 ) reaches the application.