Patent Publication Number: US-8534986-B2

Title: Bundle insertion/extraction system and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/236,938, which was filed Aug. 26, 2009. This priority application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the present disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In certain compressor systems, a casing is provided separate from the internal compression assembly, which is often referred to as a “bundle.” The bundle typically includes the impellers, seals, balance pistons, and/or the like, while the casing may provide various fluid flow channels. The casing may be opened to receive the bundle in any number of ways, for example, radially and axially split casings may be employed. After the bundle is secured inside the casing, a top or side of the casing can be fastened to the rest of the casing, thereby closing the casing around the compression assembly. 
     In some configurations, one or both of the axial ends of the compressor casing may be opened to allow insertion and/or extraction of the bundle. The bundle may be inserted into or extracted from the casing through the open end. Often, supporting the bundle in the casing while the bundle is moved into or out of the casing is a challenge, since no external vertical support over the center of gravity is typically possible when the bundle is partially disposed in the casing. Accordingly, given the weight of the bundles of large industrial compressors, maintaining a precise alignment of bundle while it is fed axially into or removed from the casing presents a challenge. Thus, the bottom or top of the bundle often may contact the inside of the casing while the bundle slides into or out of the casing. This can cause galling or other types of damage to either or both of the inside of the casing and the bundle. 
     What is needed then is a system and method for supporting the bundle while it is inserted into or removed from the casing such that neither the bundle nor the casing is damaged. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an insertion/extraction system for a compressor casing and a compressor bundle. The system includes a cradle extending from a first axial end of the compressor casing and configured to provide support for the compressor bundle during insertion. The system also includes an extension assembly coupled to a first axial end of the compressor bundle and extending therefrom into the compressor casing during insertion of the compressor bundle into the compressor casing, during extraction of the compressor bundle from the compressor casing, or both. The system further includes a support member that engages the extension assembly and the compressor casing so as to support the first axial end of the compressor bundle via the extension assembly, the support member configured to allow relative movement between the support member and the extension assembly during insertion of the compressor bundle into the compressor casing, extraction of the compressor bundle from the compressor casing, or both. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may also provide a method for moving a compressor bundle relative to a compressor casing. The method includes aligning the compressor bundle with a service end of the compressor casing such that a non-service end of the compressor bundle faces the service end of the compressor casing. The method also includes supporting a service end of the compressor bundle with a cradle, and supporting the non-service end of the compressor bundle by engaging an extension assembly extending from the non-service end of the compressor bundle with a support member that engages the compressor casing. The exemplary method further includes sliding the compressor bundle in the cradle relative to the compressor casing and the support member. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide an exemplary modular compression system. The exemplary compression system includes a casing having first and second axial ends, and a centrifugal compressor bundle including a service end, a non-service end, and a plurality of compression stages disposed therebetween, the bundle configured to slide into the casing through the first axial end of the casing such that the non-service end is positioned proximal the second axial end of the casing. The exemplary compression system also includes a cradle coupled to the casing proximal the first axial end and extending away from the second axial end, the cradle configured to support at least the service end of the bundle during insertion, and a service end roller assembly coupled to the bundle proximal the service end, the service end roller assembly configured to roll in the cradle while supporting the bundle during insertion. The exemplary compression system further includes a rigid tubular body extending axially from the non-service end of the bundle, and a support member configured to engage the casing and the tubular body during insertion such that the tubular body is moveable relative the support member, the support member being configured to support the non-service end of the bundle to substantially prevent the bundle from sliding on an inside of the casing during insertion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. 
         FIG. 1  is a partially cutaway perspective view of an exemplary compression system illustrating the bundle being inserted into the casing with an exemplary bundle insertion/extraction system, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary support member and an exemplary extension assembly of the bundle insertion/extraction system, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the support member and extension assembly, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the support member and the extension assembly, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a partially-exploded view the extension assembly, according one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an exemplary carrier assembly of the support member, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a partially-exploded view of an exemplary base assembly of the support member, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary cradle of the bundle insertion/extraction system engaged with the casing, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary case extension of the bundle insertion/extraction system engaging the casing, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a partially-exploded perspective view of the extension assembly, the support member, and the non-service end of the bundle, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a partially broken away elevation view of the bundle inserted into the casing with the bundle insertion/extraction system, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a partially-exploded perspective view of an exemplary service end roller assembly of the bundle insertion/extraction system engaged with the service end of the bundle, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of the bundle fully-inserted into the casing, and the support member engaged with the case extension, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a partially cutaway perspective view of a compression system including a bundle, a casing, and another exemplary embodiment of a bundle insertion/extraction system, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary extension assembly of the bundle insertion/extraction system of  FIG. 14 , according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is an end view of the extension assembly of  FIG. 15 , according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view of the extension assembly of  FIG. 16 , taken along line  17 - 17 . 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of the support member of  FIG. 14 , according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the cradle of  FIG. 14 , according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a partially cutaway perspective view of the bundle partially inserted into the casing with the exemplary bundle insertion/extraction system of  FIG. 14 , according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 20 , depicting the bundle inserted farther into the casing using the bundle insertion/extraction system of  FIG. 14 , according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  is a view similar to that of  FIGS. 20 and 21 , depicting the bundle completely inserted into the casing using the bundle insertion/extraction system of  FIG. 14 , according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart of an exemplary method for moving a compressor bundle relative to a compressor casing, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of sliding the bundle in the cradle relative to the casing, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a compression system  10 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The compression system  10  generally includes a bundle  14  and a casing  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bundle  14  is a modular bundle including one or more compression stages and the casing  16  is a compressor casing. The casing  16  may include first and second open axial ends  16   a ,  16   b , which may also be referred to herein as service end  16   a  and non-service end  16   b , respectively. The bundle  14  likewise includes first and second axial ends  14   a ,  14   b , which may also be referred to as service end  14   a  and non-service end  14   b , respectively. The bundle  14  is adapted to be inserted into the casing  16  such that the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  proceeds through the service end  16   a  of the casing  16  until the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  resides proximal the non-service end  16   b  of the casing  16  (i.e., service end  14   a  proximal service end  16   a  and non-service end  14   b  proximal non-service end  16   b ). Additionally, the bundle  14  is adapted to slide out of the casing  16  in the opposite direction. 
     A bundle insertion/extraction system may be provided to facilitate the insertion of the bundle  14  into the casing  16  and/or to facilitate the extraction of the bundle  14  from the casing  16 . The insertion/extraction system may include a support member  12  that engages the casing  16  and an extension assembly  22  that engages the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  and the support member  12 , thereby supporting the non-service end  14   b  during insertion or extraction. The insertion/extraction system may also include a cradle  18  coupled to the service end  16   a  of the casing  16  and extending axially therefrom, away from the second axial end  16   b . The cradle  18  supports the service end  14   a  of the bundle  14  during insertion or extraction and, together with the support member  12 , maintains the alignment of the bundle  14  with the casing  16  to avoid damage to either component during relative movement. 
       FIGS. 2-4  illustrate three views of the support member  12  and the extension assembly  22 , according to one or more embodiments. Referring particularly to  FIG. 2 , the support member  12  generally includes a carrier assembly  26 , a base assembly  28 , and a cylinder  30 , which may be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or the like. The carrier assembly  26  engages the extension assembly  22 , and is adapted to support the extension assembly  22 . The base assembly  28  is engaged with the carrier assembly  26  and is adapted to engage an inside of the casing  16  ( FIG. 1 ) to provide selective support of the bundle  14  during insertion and/or extraction thereof. The cylinder  30  is disposed at least partially between the carrier assembly  26  and the base assembly  28  and is adapted to engage both. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , tension springs  35   a,b  may also be coupled to and extend between the carrier assembly  26  and the base assembly  28  to ensure full actuation of the cylinder  30 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a more-detailed and partially-exploded view of the extension assembly  22  of  FIGS. 2-4 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The extension assembly  22  includes a flange  22   a  and a rigid tubular body  22   b  extending longitudinally and horizontally therefrom and coupled thereto. In various embodiments, however, the flange  22   a  may be omitted and/or the tubular body  22   b  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as square or rectangular. 
     The extension assembly  22  may also include a U-shaped bracket  22   c  coupled to the tubular body  22   b , such that the open side of the “U” receives the tubular body  22   b . The U-shaped bracket  22   c  may extend longitudinally along the tubular body  22   b , for example, parallel thereto. A stop pin  22   d  or another type of fastener, shoulder, or the like may be coupled to the bracket  22   c , proximal a distal end thereof, as shown. Further, a plate  22   e  may be coupled to the bottom side of the bracket  22   c , extending horizontally therewith. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a more-detailed and exploded view of the carrier assembly  26  of  FIGS. 2-4 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The carrier assembly  26  may include a pair of vertically-extending brackets  26   a  and  26   b  and a horizontally-extending plate  26   c  extending between and coupled thereto. The carrier assembly  26  may also include lower roller elements  26   d ,  26   e , which may be coupled to the brackets  26   a ,  26   b , respectively and may be spaced from the plate  26   c  to provide a clearance therebetween. In various other embodiments, however, the lower rollers  26   d,e , may be substituted with wear plates, a low-friction planar structure, or the like, or may be simply omitted. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier assembly  26  also includes a pair of upper roller elements  26   f , which may be coupled to the bracket  26   a  and vertically spaced from the lower roller element  26   d . Likewise, a pair of upper roller elements  26   g  may be coupled to the bracket  26   b  and vertically spaced from the lower roller element  26   e . As with the lower roller elements  26   d,e , it will be appreciated that the upper roller elements  26   f,g  may be substituted with other suitable structures or may simply be omitted. Further, the extension assembly  22  may also include an annular spacer  24 , for facilitating installation and/or removal of the extension assembly  22  through the non-service end  16   b  of the casing  16  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring now additionally to  FIGS. 2-4 , the interaction of the extension assembly  22  and the carrier assembly  26  of the support member  12 , according to an exemplary embodiment, can be appreciated. The plate  22   e  of the extension assembly  22  extends between the lower roller element  29   d  and the pair of upper roller elements  26   f  on one side of the U-shaped bracket  22   c  and between the lower roller element  26   e  and the pair  26   g  of upper roller elements on the other side of the bracket  22   c . Stop bolts (not shown) may extend through the brackets  26   a,b  to secure the brackets  26   a,b  to one or both of the bracket  22   c  and the plate  22   e , thereby temporarily preventing relative movement between the extension and carrier assemblies  22  and  26 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a more-detailed and partially-exploded view of the base assembly  28  of  FIGS. 2-4 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The exemplary base assembly  28  may include an H-shaped bracket  28   a  having two sides  29   a,b , and a cross member  29   c  extending therebetween. As shown, the cross member  29   c  may extend perpendicularly to the sides  29   a,b , but in other embodiments, the cross member  29   c  may be angled with respect thereto to form a truss or the like. The base assembly  28  may also include an arcuate member  28   b  coupled to the bottom of the H-shaped bracket  28   a , and a liner  28   c  coupled to the bottom side of the arcuate member  28   b . The base assembly  28  may also include a threaded rod  28   d , which extends vertically through the cross member  29   c . In an exemplary embodiment, the rod  28   d  may be permitted to extend through the arcuate member  28   b  and the liner  28   c ; however, in other exemplary embodiments, the rod  28   d  may stop and bear against the arcuate member  28   b.    
     In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate member  28   b  may be complementarily shaped or radiused so as mate with the inside of the casing  16  ( FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the liner  28   c  is disposed between the arcuate member  28  and the inside of the casing  16  may be formed of one or more materials that are significantly softer than the casing  16 , for example, plastic, nylon, rubber, elastomers, soft metals, combinations thereof, or the like. Accordingly, the liner  28   c  may ensure than the casing  16  is not damaged by movement of the arcuate member  28   b . In various exemplary embodiments, however, the liner  28   c  may be omitted or substituted with other structures such as rollers to further facilitate movement in the casing  16 . In embodiments including the liner  28   c , the arcuate member  28   b  may still be described as engaging the inside of the casing  16 . It will be appreciated that, in doing so, the arcuate member  28   b  also engages the liner  28   c  that is interposed between the arcuate member  28   b  and the inside of the casing  16 . Moreover, the H-shaped bracket  28   a  may include vertically-extending channels  33   a  and  33   b  on either side  29   a,b  thereof, which receive the brackets  26   a,b  ( FIG. 6 ), respectively, so that the carrier assembly  26  can slide vertically with respect to the base assembly  28 . Although not shown, in various embodiments, one or more rollers, wear plates, or other structures or devices can be disposed in the channels  33   a,b  to facilitating the vertical movement of the carrier assembly  26  with respect to the base assembly  28 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an end of the cradle  18  coupled to the service end  16   a  of the casing  16 . This coupling may be effected prior to inserting the bundle  14  ( FIG. 1 ) into the casing  16 , to allow the cradle  18  to support the bundle  14 . The cradle  18  may be coupled to the casing  16  using any suitable mechanism, device, and/or process such that the cradle  18  is capable of supporting the weight of the bundle  14  and is removable once insertion or extraction is complete. In other embodiments, the cradle  18  may not be coupled to the service end  16   a  of the casing  16  at all, but may be held in place by external support structures. Furthermore, although the cradle  18  is illustrated as coupled directly to axial face of the service end  16   a  of the casing  16 , it will be appreciated that the cradle may be coupled to other areas on the casing  16 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the casing extension  20  is coupled to a non-service end  16   b  of the casing  16 . Similarly, as described above with respect to the cradle  18 , the casing extension  20  may be coupled to other areas of the casing  16 , may be coupled to the casing  16  using any suitable mechanism, device, and/or process, or may not be coupled to the casing  16  at all, but rather held in place by external support structures (not shown). 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the extension assembly  22  coupled to the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  by fastening or otherwise securing the spacer  24  to the non-service end  14   b . It will be appreciated, however, that the spacer  24  may be omitted in some exemplary embodiments, such that the flange  22   a  of the extension assembly  22  is directly coupled to the bundle  14 . In other exemplary embodiments, the flange  22   a  may be omitted and the extension assembly  22  may be coupled to the bundle  14  in any suitable manner. The extension assembly  10  may also include one or more stop pins  23 , which may provide an end range for relative movement of the carrier assembly  26  and the extension assembly  22 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the bundle  14  and the support member  12 , which may be lifted with a lifter  32  and inserted into the casing  16  until stopped by the lifter  32 . The lifter  32  may be hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or any other type of device suitable. As also shown in  FIG. 11 , but best illustrated  FIG. 12 , a service end roller assembly  34  may be coupled to the service end  14   a  of the bundle  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, during insertion of the bundle  14 , the service end roller assembly  34  rolls along the cradle  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 11 , in an exemplary embodiment, the carrier and base assemblies  26 ,  28  are able slide away from the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14 , while the extension assembly  22  remains stationary, until the carrier assembly  26  contacts the stop pin or fastener  22   d . This sliding movement of the carrier and base assemblies  26  and  28  and the cylinder  30  is relative to the bundle  14  and the casing  16 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 4-6 , once the carrier assembly  26  engages the stop pin  22   d , the support member  12  has reached one end of a stroke length, although it will be appreciated that the movement of the carrier assembly  22  may be stopped prior to engaging the stop pin  22   d  or may be stopped by other structures (not shown). The cylinder  30  may then expand, with full extension ensured by traction springs  35   a,b , for example, such that the threaded rod  28   d  is adjusted to bottom the base assembly  28  against the inside of the casing  16 . By expanding of the cylinder  30 , engaging the carrier assembly  26  with the extension assembly  22  that is coupled to the bundle  14 , and engaging the base assembly  28  with the casing  16 , the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  is raised. This may allow for centering the bundle  14  on the casing  16 . 
     At this point, the plate  22   e  ( FIG. 5 ) may contact and be partially supported by one or more of the lower roller elements  29   a,b  ( FIG. 6 ). The non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  is thus supported by the extension assembly  22  and the support member  12 . Accordingly, the bundle  14  does not contact, or at least does not apply damaging load against, the inside wall of the casing  16  when it is raised. 
     The bundle  14  is then pushed farther into the casing  16  with, for example, a hydraulic pusher (not shown), which can be any suitable hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical device. During this pushing, the extension assembly  22 , supported by the support member  12 , moves on the carrier assembly  28 , relative thereto and, more importantly, relative to the casing  16 . For example, the extension assembly  22  rolls on the lower roller elements  29   a,b  during pushing. 
     The pushing of the bundle  14  and thus the extension assembly  22  is continued for a movement increment until the relative movement of the extension assembly  22  and the carrier assembly  26  is arrested, for example, by stop pins  23  ( FIG. 10 ) or by the carrier assembly  26  abutting the flange  22   a . The maximum amount of relative movement between the carrier assembly  26  and the extension assembly  22  may be referred to as the maximum stroke length. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum stroke length may be the length of the plate  22   e . In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum stroke length may be defined by the distance between the stop pin  22   d  and the flange  22   a  ( FIG. 5 ), for example, from one end of the stroke where the stop pin  22   d  engages the carrier assembly  26  to another end of the stroke where the carrier assembly  26  engages the flange  22   a . However, other components of the extension assembly  22  may define the stroke length. Further, in various intended operations, the relative movement may be stopped at any time by the operator according to factors such as movement duration, distance, or other factors, and need not be arrested by abutment of any structures. 
     After the bundle  14  and the extension assembly  22  have moved a desired increment or stroke length, the cylinder  30  is contracted, for example, by releasing pressure from therein, and the carrier assembly  26  is permitted to slide downward relative to the base assembly  28 , thereby gently “dropping” the bundle  14 . The non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  may rest on the inside of the casing  14 , or may be supported in cantilever fashion by a V-block or other suitable device disposed on the cradle  18 , or by the cradle  18  itself and/or the service end roller assembly  34 . With pressure released from the carrier and base assemblies  26 ,  28 , the carrier and base assemblies  26 ,  28  may be moved away from the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14 , while the extension assembly  22  remains stationary, thereby moving the carrier assembly  26  to the opposite end of the stroke. During this relative movement, in an exemplary embodiment, the upper roller elements  26   f,g  roll along the plate  22   e.    
     The process of pushing the bundle  14  and then releasing the pressure on the cylinder  30  and moving the carrier and base assemblies  26 ,  28  relative to the extension assembly  22  may be repeated to “walk” the bundle  14  into the casing  16  by stroke length increments. Accordingly, the bundle  14  may be incrementally inserted into the casing  16  until base assembly  28  engages the case extension  20 , allowing for a final stroke to complete the insertion of the bundle  14 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     As a result of this operation of the insertion/extraction assembly  12 , bundle-to-casing contact, and thus galling, during the insertion of the bundle  14  into the casing  16  is substantially eliminated. Further, rolling on the interior of the casing  16  is avoided, and only relatively soft material (such as the plastic and/or nylon of the liner  28   c ) contacts the casing  16  during the insertion. 
     To extract the bundle  14  from the casing  16 , in an exemplary embodiment, the cradle  18  is engaged with the service end  16   a  of the casing  16 , and the case extension  20  is engaged with the non-service end  16   b  of the casing. The service end roller assembly  34  is coupled to the service end  14   a  of the bundle  14 . The insertion/extraction system  12  is coupled to the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  by coupling the flange  22   a  of the extension assembly  22  to the non-service end  14   b . The support member  12  is supported by the case extension  20 . 
     The carrier assembly  26 , the base assembly  28  and the cylinder  30 , all of which are engaged with each other in some form, may slide toward the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  until the carrier assembly  26  and/or the base assembly  28  contacts the flange  22   a  of the extension assembly  22 , for example. This sliding movement of the carrier and base subassemblies  26  and  28  and the cylinder  30  is relative to the bundle  14 , the casing  16 , and the extension assembly  22  of the support member  12 . Using the cylinder  30 , the non-service end  14   b  of the bundle  14  is then raised to keep the bundle  14  centered with respect to the casing  16 . At this point, the plate  22   e  contacts and/or is partially supported by one or more of the lower roller elements  29   a,b . The non-service end  14   b  is supported by the support member  12 , and the service end  14   a  of the bundle  14  is supported by the service end roller assembly  34  and the cradle  18 . The bundle  14  does not contact, or at least does not apply a damaging load against, the inside of the casing  16  when raised by the support member  12 . The bundle  14  is then pulled out of the casing  16  by a stroke length with, for example, a puller (not shown), which may be pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, or any other suitable device. 
     During this pulling, the extension assembly  22  is supported by the cylinder  30  and the carrier and base subassemblies  26  and  28 , with the extension assembly  22  rolling on the lower roller elements  26   d,e . The pulling of the bundle  14  and thus the extension assembly  22  is continued for one stroke increment, as described above during insertion, but in the reverse direction. After the bundle  14  and the extension assembly  22  have moved in an increment less than or equal to the maximum stroke length, the cylinder  30  is contracted and the carrier assembly  26  is thus permitted to slide downward (La, “dropped”) relative to the base assembly  28 , thereby permitting relative movement between the extension assembly  22  and the carrier and base assemblies  26  and  28 . During this relative movement, in an exemplary embodiment, the lower roller elements  26   e,f  roll along the plate  22   e . The expanding of the cylinder  30 , pulling the bundle  14  by a stroke length, contracting the cylinder  30 , and moving the carrier and base assemblies  26 ,  28  may be repeated to “walk” the bundle  14  out of the casing  16 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another compression system  36 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The compression system  36  generally includes a bundle  38  having a first axial or “service” end  38   a  and a second axial or “non-service” end  38   b . The compression system  36  further includes a casing  44  having first axial or “service” end  44   a  and a second axial or “non-service” end  44   b . In an exemplary embodiment, the bundle  38  is a modular bundle and the casing  44  is a compressor casing, and the modular bundle and the compressor casing form part of a compressor such as, for example, a centrifugal or radial compressor. The bundle  38  is adapted to be inserted into the casing  44  through the service end  44   a  thereof such that the service ends  38   a ,  44   a  and the non-service ends  38   b ,  44   b  align. The bundle  38  is further adapted to be extracted from the casing  44  through the service end  44   a  of the casing  44 . 
     A bundle insertion/extraction system may be provided to facilitate the insertion of the bundle  38  into and/or extraction of the bundle  38  out of the casing  44 . The bundle insertion/extraction system may include an extension assembly  41 , a cradle  46  that supports at least the service end  38   a  of the bundle  38  during insertion and/or extraction, and a support member  48  that supports the non-service end  38   b  of the bundle  38  during insertion and/or extraction. The cradle  46  may be coupled to the casing  44 , for example, fastened to the service end  44   a . In various exemplary embodiments, the cradle  46  may be coupled to the casing  44  using any suitable mechanism, device, and/or process or may not be coupled to the casing  44 , instead being held in place by external supporting structures (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the extension assembly  41  is coupled to the bundle  38  and the support member  48  is coupled to the casing  44  proximal the non-service end  44   b , for example, outside of the casing  44 . 
       FIGS. 15-17  illustrate three views of the extension assembly  41 , according to one or more exemplary embodiments. The extension assembly  41  includes a rigid tubular body  40  and a flange  42 . The flange  42  may be releasably coupled, for example, fastened, to the non-service end  38   b  of the bundle  38 . The tubular body  40  may be coupled to the flange  42  and may extend longitudinally therefrom as shown. In other embodiments, however, the flange  42  may be omitted. Further, the tubular body  40  may include a plurality of tubular segments (two are shown:  40   a ,  40   b ). The tubular segments  40 ,  40   b  may be releasably coupled together, for example, using fasteners  40   c , as shown. Further, the extension assembly  41  may have a length that is slightly shorter, as long, or longer than the axial length of the casing  44  ( FIG. 14 ), such that the extension assembly  41  extends through the non-service end  44   b  of the casing  44  during insertion and/or extraction of the bundle  38 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an exploded view of the support member  48 , according to an exemplary embodiment. According to one example among many contemplated herein, the support member  48  may be a first adjustable V-block assembly  48 . In other embodiments, however, the support member  48  may be or include any other suitable structures and may include any number of rollers. The first V-block assembly  48  includes a base block  48   a , a channel  48   b  formed in the base block  48   a , and V-blocks  48   c  and  48   d , the lower portions of which extend into the channel  48   b . The first V-block assembly  48  may be adjusted by moving the V-blocks  48   c,d  horizontally within the channel  48   b . This permits adjustment of the vertical and horizontal position of any object supported by the V-blocks  48   c,d , such as the bundle  38 . Although not shown, the V-blocks  48   c,d  may be movably constrained in the slot  48   b  using any suitable devices or processes such as a dovetail connection, bolts, rivets, welding, brazing, mechanical resistance fits, combinations thereof, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates the cradle  46 , according to one or more embodiments. The cradle  46  includes a cradle body  46   a  which may have wedge-shaped sides  43   a,b  to reduce any lateral movement of the bundle  38  ( FIG. 14 ) during insertion. The cradle  46  may also include a second support block  46   b , which, in an exemplary embodiment, may be a second adjustable V-block assembly  46   b.    
     The second adjustable V-block assembly  46   b  may be coupled to an end  45  of the cradle body  46   a , proximal the service end  44   a  of the casing  44  ( FIG. 14 ). The second adjustable V-block assembly  46   b  includes a base  47 , slots  49   a,b  formed in the base  47 , and V-blocks  51   a,b , the lower portions of which extend into the slots  49   a,b , respectively. The second V-block assembly  46   b  is may be adjusted by moving the V-blocks  51   a,b  horizontally within the slots  49   a,b , respectively. This may allow adjustment of the vertical and horizontal position of any the bundle  38  ( FIG. 14 ) when it is supported by the second V-block assembly  46   b . In an exemplary embodiment, instead of being coupled to the cradle body  46   a , the second adjustable V-block assembly  46   b  may be integral with the cradle body  46   a.    
       FIGS. 20-22  illustrate an incremental progression of inserting the bundle  38  into the casing  44  using the insertion/extraction system, according to an exemplary embodiment. To insert the bundle  38  into the casing  44 , a service end roller assembly  50  is coupled to the service end  38   a  of the bundle  38 , and the cradle  46  is engaged with the service end  44   a  of the casing  44  so that the second V-block assembly  46   b  of the cradle  46  is adjacent the service end  44   a . The bundle  38  is supported by the service end roller assembly  50  and the cradle body  46   a  proximal the service end  38   a , and by the second V-block assembly  46   b  ( FIG. 19 ) proximal the non-service end  38   b . The extension assembly  41  extends into the casing  44 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     Proceeding from the orientation shown in  FIG. 20  to that shown in  FIG. 21 , the bundle  38  is pushed into the casing  44 , for example, using a hydraulic pusher (not shown). During the pushing, the second adjustable V-block assembly  46   b  ( FIG. 19 ) provides clearance between the bundle  38  and the inside of the casing  44 . At some point during the pushing, the tubular body  40  of the extension assembly  41  is supported by the support member  48 , as shown in  FIG. 26 , and the service end  38   a  of the bundle  38  is supported by the service end roller assembly  50 . 
     Proceeding to  FIG. 22 , as the bundle  38  is pushed and thus inserted farther into the casing  44 , the tubular body  40  of the extension assembly  41  is supported by the support member  48  located proximal the second axial end  44   b  of the casing  44  and one of the tubular segments  40   b  is decoupled from the tubular segment  40   a  to limit the extent of the structure extending through the casing  44  and potentially interfering with other equipment or structures in the surrounding area. As a result of this operation of the compression system  36 , bundle-to-casing contact during the insertion of the bundle  38  into the casing  44  is eliminated, and no rolling occurs on the casing  44 . 
     To extract the bundle  38  from the casing  44 , in an exemplary embodiment, the support member  48  is coupled to the non-service end  44   b  of the casing  44 , the extension assembly  39  is coupled to the non-service end  38   b  of the bundle  38 , and the service end roller assembly  50  is coupled to the service end  38   a  of the bundle  38 . The bundle  38  is then pulled out of the casing  44 , using a hydraulic puller (now shown) or the like, while being supported by the engagement between the service end roller assembly  50  and the cradle  46 , and the engagement between the support member  48  and the extension assembly  39 . At some point during the pulling of the bundle  38 , the bundle  38  is supported by the engagement between the service end roller assembly  50  and the cradle  46 , and the engagement between the support member  48  and the segment  42 . As a result, the bundle-to-casing contact during the extraction of the bundle  38  from the casing  44  is eliminated and no rolling occurs on the casing  44 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an exemplary method  100  for moving a compressor bundle relative to a compressor casing, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method  100  may proceed by operation of one or more exemplary embodiments of the compression system  10 , or compression systems similar thereto, and thus may be more-fully understood with reference to  FIGS. 1-22 . In an exemplary embodiment, the method  100  may include aligning the compressor bundle with a service end of the casing such that a non-service end of the compressor bundle faces the service end of the casing, as at  102 . This may allow the compressor bundle to be vertically and horizontally positioned such that the bundle can be inserted into the casing through the service end of the casing. The method  100  may also include supporting a service end of the compressor bundle with a cradle, as at  104 . The cradle may be attached to the service end of the compressor casing, and may extend therefrom away from a non-service end of the compressor casing. The method  100  may further include supporting the non-service end of the compressor bundle by engaging an extension assembly extending from the non-service end of the bundle with a support member that engages the casing, as at  106 . With the bundle supported on both sides, the method  100  may then proceed to sliding the bundle in the cradle relative to the compressor casing and the support member, as at  108 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of sliding the bundle in the cradle relative to the casing, as at  108 . Sliding the bundle at  108  may include expanding the support member, as at  110 . The expanding may be effected by the support member including a cylinder coupled to a base assembly and to a carrier assembly, with the carrier assembly slidably engaging the extension assembly. The expansion of the cylinder may cause the expanding of the support member at  110 . The sliding at  108  may then proceed to engaging an inside of the casing with the base assembly when the support member expands, as at  112 . This allows the support member to support the non-service end of the bundle. The bundle may then be pushed into or pulled out of the casing, as at  114 . The sliding  108  may then proceed to contracting the support member, specifically, the cylinder, so as to disengage the base assembly from the inside of the casing, as at  116 . The sliding at  108  may then proceed to moving the support member relative the casing and the extension assembly, as at  118 . This sliding process  108  may then be repeated as necessary, as shown, to incrementally move or “walk” the bundle into or out of the casing. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the extension assembly includes a rigid tubular body that extends through the casing from the service end to at least a non-service end of the casing. In such an embodiment, supporting the non-service end of the compressor bundle, as at  106 , may include supporting the non-service end of the compressor bundle with a V-block assembly of the support member. For example, the V-block assembly being coupled to the compressor casing proximal the non-service end thereof. Further, during insertion, a segment of the tubular body may be removed, when the segment at least partially extends through the non-service end of the casing. 
     It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, instead of, or in addition to inserting a bundle into a compressor casing, and extracting the bundle out of the casing, one or more of the above-described exemplary embodiments are used to insert other types of devices or assemblies into other types of casings, and to extract the devices or assemblies out of the casings. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments. 
     Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “left,” “right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above. 
     The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.