Patent ID: 12188367

It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As an initial matter, in order to clearly describe the current disclosure, it will become necessary to select certain terminology when referring to and describing relevant machine components within the illustrative application of a turbomachine. When doing this, if possible, common industry terminology will be used and employed in a manner consistent with its accepted meaning. Unless otherwise stated, such terminology should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of the present application and the scope of the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that often a particular component may be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What may be described herein as being a single part may include and be referenced in another context as consisting of multiple components. Alternatively, what may be described herein as including multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single part.

In addition, several descriptive terms may be used regularly herein, and it should prove helpful to define these terms at the onset of this section. It is often required to describe parts that are at different radial positions with regard to a center axis. The term “axial” refers to movement or position parallel to an axis, e.g., an axis of a turbomachine. The term “radial” refers to movement or position perpendicular to an axis, e.g., an axis of a turbomachine. In cases such as this, if a first component resides closer to the axis than a second component, it will be stated herein that the first component is “radially inward” or “inboard” of the second component. If, on the other hand, the first component resides further from the axis than the second component, it may be stated herein that the first component is “radially outward” or “outboard” of the second component. Finally, the term “circumferential” refers to movement or position around an axis, e.g., a circumferential interior surface of a casing extending about an axis of a turbomachine. As indicated above, it will be appreciated that such terms may be applied in relation to the axis of the turbomachine.

In addition, several descriptive terms may be used regularly herein, as described below. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described feature or element may or may be present and that the description includes instances where the feature is present and instances where it is not present.

Where an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “disengaged from,” “connected to” or “coupled to” or “mounted to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The verb forms of “couple” and “mount” may be used interchangeably herein.

As indicated above, the disclosure provides a handling system for a turbine shroud having a slot therein, the slot can be curved. The handling system may include an elongated member including a first end and a second end, and a first bend therein. The elongated member is configured to be positioned in the slot of the turbine shroud. A base retention member extends from the first end of the elongated member to engage and retain a first end portion of the turbine shroud on the elongated member, and a sliding retainer is configured to slidingly receive the elongated member. The sliding retainer has a shape and size configured to slidingly engage in the slot and selectively retain a second end portion of the turbine shroud in a handling position on the elongated member. A lock is coupled to the sliding retainer and selectively movable between a locked position in which the lock retains the sliding retainer in the handling position and an unlocked position in which the sliding retainer slides freely on the elongated member. The handling system is customizable for any variety of different sized turbine shrouds, and addresses handling requirements in both the factory and the field. The system can be attached ergonomically and safely despite limited access to the turbine shroud caused by, for example, tight-fitting transportation containers. The system also reduces cycle time in the field by allowing turbine shrouds to be installed in the factory, thus reducing field handling and potential damage to capital parts.

Turning toFIG.3, a schematic depiction of a turbine system100is shown according to embodiments of the invention. Turbine system100, as shown inFIG.3may be a conventional gas turbine system. However, it is understood that turbine system100may be configured as any conventional turbine system (e.g., steam turbine system) configured to generate power. As such, a brief description of the turbine system100is provided for clarity. As shown inFIG.3, turbine system100may include a compressor102, combustor104fluidly coupled to compressor102and a turbine106fluidly coupled to combustor104for receiving a combustion product from combustor104. Turbine106may also be coupled to compressor102via shaft108. Shaft108may also be coupled to a generator110for creating electricity during operation of turbine system100.

During operation of turbine system100, as shown inFIG.3, compressor102may take in air and compress the inlet air before moving the compressed inlet air to combustor104. Once in combustor104, the compressed air may be mixed with a combustion product (e.g., fuel) and ignited. Once ignited, the compressed air-combustion product mixture is converted to a hot pressurized exhaust gas (hot gas) that flows through turbine106. The hot gas flows through turbine106, and specifically, passes over a plurality of rotating blades112(e.g., stages of blades) coupled to shaft108, which rotates blades112and shaft108of turbine system100. Additionally, the hot gas passes over a plurality of stator nozzles114(e.g., stages of stator nozzles) coupled to a casing116of turbine106, where each stage of stator nozzles114corresponds to and may be positioned between each of the plurality of blades112. Stator nozzles114may aid in directing the hot gas through turbine106to continuously pass over, and subsequently rotate each stage of the plurality of blades112of turbine106and shaft108. As shaft108of turbine system100rotates, compressor102and turbine106are driven and generator110may create power (e.g., electric current).

Turning toFIG.4, a cross-sectional view of a portion of turbine106ofFIG.3is shown according to embodiments of the invention. As shown inFIG.4, turbine106may also include a plurality of turbine shrouds or turbine shroud blocks118(hereafter “turbine shrouds118”) coupled to casing116and disposed circumferentially around an inner surface120of casing116. That is, as shown inFIG.4, the plurality of turbine shrouds118may be coupled to inner surface120of casing116and may be positioned adjacent a tip122of blade112. Additionally, the plurality of turbine shrouds118may be positioned between the various stages of stator nozzles114and are also coupled to casing116of turbine106. The plurality of turbine shrouds118may be circumferentially coupled to and positioned within casing116to provide an outer boundary for hot gas as it flows through turbine106. That is, the plurality of turbine shrouds118may be positioned within casing116to substantially prevent hot gas from flowing into a region124, where the hot gas may not flow through turbine106and come in contact with the various stages of blades112and/or stator nozzles114. When the hot gas of turbine106flows into region124, the hot gas may not drive the various stages of blades112of turbine106, which ultimately decreases the efficiency and/or the power output generated within turbine system100(FIG.3). Each stage of turbine system100may include a plurality or set of turbine shrouds118that are sized and shaped for the location of a respective stage. Any number of turbine shrouds118may be used in a given set, e.g., depending on circumferential extent of each turbine shroud118and the size of the given stage. Hence, turbine system100may have a first set of turbine shrouds118having a first dimension, i.e., for a given stage, and at least one second set of turbine shrouds118having a second, different dimension than the first set, i.e., for one or more other stages. Handling system150, as will be described, may provide different sized parts thereof to handle the differently sized turbine shrouds118for a given turbine system100, and even a fleet of different turbine systems100.

As shown inFIG.4, inner surface120of casing116may include a connection component126configured to couple the plurality of turbine shrouds118of a given set of shrouds to casing116of turbine106. More specifically, casing116may include a male connection component126configured to engage a female opening127define in curved body119of each of the plurality of turbine shrouds118for coupling the plurality of turbine shrouds118to casing116. As shown inFIG.4, connection component126may be positioned substantially in line with blades112and may be positioned between the various stages of stator nozzles114of turbine106. Connection component126may be a continuous component positioned circumferentially around casing116, such that each of the plurality of turbine shrouds118may be slidingly engaged or coupled to connection component126and subsequently positioned circumferentially around casing116.

As shown inFIG.1, turbine shroud118may have a curved body119in which slot128is formed, e.g., using wire EDM or additive manufacturing. In certain embodiments, slot128can be curved. That is, female opening127may take the form of curved slot128that is curved along its length to generally parallel a curvature of curved body119of turbine shroud118. Slot128(hereafter “curved slot128”) is also referred to as a hook. For purposes of description, as shown inFIGS.1and4, male connection component126and curved slot128are shown as T-shaped. Although shown as a male T-shape connection component126for mating with a female T-shape curved slot128, the plurality of turbine shrouds118may include various alternative shapes for coupling the plurality of turbine shrouds118to casing116. For example, the plurality of turbine shrouds118may include a female cross-shaped opening127(not shown, i.e., a cross-shaped curved slot128) and connection component126of casing116may include a male cross-shaped connection configured to substantially receive the female connection portion of turbine shrouds118for coupling the plurality of turbine shrouds118to casing116of turbine106. Any variety of differently shaped mating connection components126and curved slots128shaped to receive and/or retain turbine shroud(s)118therein may be used.

Turbine shrouds118generally have a first end portion172and a second, opposing end portion174. Turbine shrouds118can vary in a number of ways depending on the given turbine system100in which used, and the stage of turbine106in which used. For example, an overall size (radial, axial and/or circumferential extent) and weight of each turbine shroud118can vary to accommodate the given stage and/or given turbine106. Also, a curvature of body119and curvature of curved slot128may vary to accommodate the given stage and/or given turbine system. In addition, as previously described, a shape and/or size of curved slot128may vary. As will be described further,FIGS.6,13A-D,14A-D and15A-D show different dimensioned turbine shrouds118.

FIG.5shows a front view of a handling system150for turbine shroud118having curved slot128(FIG.1) apart from turbine shroud118, according to embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.6shows a handling system150operationally coupled in a handling position on an illustrative turbine shroud118, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

Handling system150includes an elongated member152including a first end154and a second end156.FIGS.7A-Bshow perspective views of a couple examples of elongated member152A,152B having different configurations. Elongated member152also includes a first bend158therein, i.e., between first end154and second end156. As shown inFIG.6, elongated member152is configured to be positioned in curved slot128of turbine shroud118. To this end, first bend158may have an angle α. Bend158segments elongated member152into a first, upper portion162and a second, lower portion160. As will be described, length L1 of lower portion160and angle α may be configured to allow elongated member152to pass through curved slot128in different sized and shaped turbine shrouds118. Length L1 of lower portion160and angle α may also be configured to allow elongated member152of handling system150to securely grasp turbine shroud118in a handling position thereof.

Handling system150also includes a base retention member170extending from first end154of elongated member152to engage and retain first end portion172of turbine shroud118on elongated member152. As noted, turbine shroud118also has second end portion174at an opposing end of turbine shroud118. Base retention member170extends from elongated member152by an angle β. Base retention member170may include any element capable of engaging first end portion172of turbine shroud118. More particularly, base retention member170allows lifting of turbine shroud118with elongated member152, i.e., it prevents turbine shroud118from further movement off of or away from elongated member152. In certain embodiments, base retention member170may be a separate element coupled to elongated member152, e.g., through welding, fasteners, etc. However, in certain embodiments, base retention member170includes a second bend176in elongated member152, creating base retention member170from a third portion178of elongated member152. Hence, base retention member170may be integral with the rest of elongated member152and is bent at a non-linear angle β relative to elongated member152so as to extend from the rest of elongated member152. In this embodiment, second bend176has angle β, i.e., between base retention member170and (lower portion160of) elongated member152. Hence, base retention member170extends from elongated member152by an angle β. As will be described, base retention member170has a length L2 that is sized to allow base retention member170to be able to move through curved slot128unhindered but engage end portion172of turbine shroud118and to handle the shroud.

Handling system150may also optionally include a spacing member180coupled to elongated member152adjacent base retention member170. Spacing member180can be selectively shaped and sized to ensure proper positioning of base retention member170and the rest of elongated member152relative to turbine shroud118in the handling position (FIG.6). While spacing member180is coupled to lower portion160of elongated member152, other locations are possible, e.g., on base retention member170. Spacing member180may be coupled using any form of connection, e.g., removable fasteners such as threaded fasteners (bolts, screws) or rivets, or permanent fasteners such as welds, or a combination thereof. Spacing member180can be replaced during the lifetime of handling system150to continue to ensure proper positioning of base retention member170and elongated member152relative to turbine shroud118despite wear on handling system150. For example, wear on elongated member152, base retention member170and/or spacing member180, may occur during use. Spacing member180may be made of the same material as elongated member152and/or base retention member170, or may alternatively, include a softer, wear resistant material, such as a plastic.

Handling system150includes a sliding retainer190including a body192having an opening194configured to slidingly receive elongated member152.FIGS.8A-Bshow perspective views of sliding retainers190, andFIG.9shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of sliding retainer190in a handling position, according to embodiments of the disclosure. As will be described, body192of sliding retainer190is configured to slidingly engage in curved slot128and selectively retain a second end portion174of turbine shroud118in a handling position on elongated member152. Further, sliding retainer190and body192thereof are configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to locate sliding retainer190relative to curved slot128, locate elongated member152relative to curved slot128and/or ensure secure grasping of turbine shroud118in the handling position. The handling position is shown in, for example,FIGS.6and9. Opening194may have a cross-section having a shape and size to allow elongated member152, and more particular, upper portion162thereof to slide freely therein. That is, sliding retainer190can slide along elongated member152. Opening194need not have the exact same cross-sectional shape as elongated member152.

With further regard toFIGS.8A-BandFIG.9, sliding retainer190also includes a first, upper end196, a second, lower end198, a first side200and a second side202. Sliding retainer190may also include a third side201and a fourth side203. First and second sides200,202do not necessarily extend the same distance from each upper end196. For example, inFIGS.8A-Band9, first side200of sliding retainer190may extend (vertically as shown) farther from upper end196of sliding retainer190than second side202of sliding retainer190extends from upper end196. In other embodiments, the sides200,202may extend the same distance from upper end196. As will be described further, and as shown inFIGS.6and9, first side200of sliding retainer190engages a same inner surface204of curved slot128of turbine shroud118as first bend158of elongated member152.

In certain embodiments, sliding retainer190may have a cross-sectional shape configured to mate with curved slot128at second end portion174of turbine shroud118. However, a mating configuration is not necessary in all cases so long as sliding retainer190properly locates itself relative to curved slot128, locates elongated member152relative to curved slot128and/or ensures secure grasping of turbine shroud118. (See, e.g.,FIG.13Cfor an embodiment in which sliding retainer190does not have a cross-section to match curved slot128at second end portion174of turbine shroud118).

With reference toFIGS.8A-B, sliding retainer190may also optionally include a variety of positioning structures to locate sliding retainer190relative to curved slot128, locate elongated member152relative to curved slot128and/or ensure secure grasping of turbine shroud118. In certain embodiments, for example, second side202of sliding retainer190may also optionally include a ramped surface206extending other than 90° from elongated member152(shown inFIG.9). Ramped surface206may assist in directing sliding retainer190into curved slot128. Ramped surface206may also position first side200of sliding retainer190against inner surface204of curved slot128, which may also position elongated member152in a desired location in curved slot128, i.e., in a desired location for securely grasping turbine shroud118. In certain embodiments, an angle γ of ramped surface206relative to elongated member152may be, for example, in a range of 15° to 45°. In another embodiment, an angle γ of ramped surface206relative to elongated member152may be, for example, about 30°. In another example, with reference toFIG.8B, sliding retainer190may optionally include an extension208from second side202configured to position sliding retainer190within curved slot128, e.g., by engaging an inner surface of curved slot opposing inner surface204. More particularly, extension208may position first side200of sliding retainer190against inner surface204of curved slot128, which may also position elongated member152in a desired location in curved slot128, i.e., in a desired location for securely grasping turbine shroud118in the handling position. Extension208may also optionally include additional protrusion(s)244to abut second end portion174of turbine shroud118. While certain examples of sliding retainer190shapes and positioning structures have been described herein (e.g., inFIGS.8A-B), it is emphasized that sliding retainer190may have a number of other structures and/or shapes depending on the shape of curved slot128, e.g., its cross-sectional shape, which can vary widely depending on the form of connection component126(FIG.4).

Handling system150also includes a lock220coupled to sliding retainer190. Lock220is shown inFIGS.6and9, andFIGS.10A-Cshow enlarged cross-sectional views of lock220on sliding retainer190. Lock220is coupled to sliding retainer190and is selectively movable between a first locked position, as shown inFIG.10A, in which the lock retains sliding retainer190in the handling position (FIGS.6and9) and an unlocked position, as shown inFIG.10B, in which sliding retainer190can slide freely on elongated member152(see vertical arrow inFIG.10B-C).FIG.10Cshows lock220in an optional second locked position with sliding retainer190in a retracted (and stored) position—where sliding retainer190is retracted out of curved slot128of turbine shroud118and locked in a stored position.

Lock220may include any mechanism capable of selectively locking sliding retainer190from moving along elongated member152in a safe manner. Lock220can be coupled to sliding retainer190in any manner, e.g., welding, threaded fasteners, etc. In certain embodiments, lock220may include an element, such as a threaded element (e.g., screw or bolt), ratchet system, a cotter pin, or another member, capable of selective positioning sliding retainer190relative to elongated member152. In certain embodiments, lock220includes a member configured to extend through a first opening222in elongated member152and a second opening224in body192of sliding retainer190. In certain embodiments, as shown inFIGS.5,6, and10A-C, lock220may include a pin230selectively movable between the first locked position ofFIG.10Ain which pin230extends through first opening222in elongated member152and retains sliding retainer190in the handling position (FIG.6), and the unlocked position ofFIG.10B, in which pin230is retracted from (moved out of) first opening222in elongated member152and allows sliding retainer190to slide freely on elongated member152.

In other embodiments, lock220and, more particularly, pin230, may include a spring-loaded pin system232coupled to sliding retainer190. In this case, a plunger234of spring-loaded pin system232may be moved, as shown inFIG.10B, to retract a pin236thereof from first opening222in elongated member152against the bias of a spring238thereof, allowing sliding retainer190to slide freely on elongated member152. Alternatively, plunger234of spring-loaded pin system232may be released, as shown inFIG.10A, to allow pin236of spring-loaded pin system232to be forced by the bias of spring238into first opening222in elongated member152, preventing sliding retainer190from slidingly moving along elongated member152and holding sliding retainer190in the handling position against second end portion174of turbine shroud118. Spring-loaded pin system232may be any now known or later developed spring-loaded pin such as those available from McMaster-Carr Company of Elmhurst, IL. Regardless of the form of lock220, as will be further described, openings222and224are positioned such that sliding retainer190is in the handling position (FIG.6) to retain turbine shroud118from moving relative to elongated member152.

While opening224in sliding retainer190is shown in one side of a forked member210in most drawings (FIG.8A) of sliding retainer190, as shown inFIG.8B, sliding retainer190may use just a single member for providing opening224.

In certain embodiments, when not in the handling position shown inFIGS.6,9and10A, sliding retainer190is free to slide on upper portion162of elongated member152. In this case, sliding retainer190may be manually held by a user at a desired location on elongated member152. In other embodiments, elongated member152may include a third opening246for locking sliding retainer190in a second locked, retracted and stored position (hereafter “stored position”).FIG.10Cshows pin230,236in a locked position in third opening246with sliding retainer190in the stored position. In the stored position, sliding retainer190is moved up along upper portion162of elongated member152away from curved slot128of turbine shroud118, and locked in position. In this optional embodiment, elongated member152may include third opening246therethrough that is spaced sufficiently from first opening222that when pin230,236extends from lock220into third opening246, sliding retainer190is positioned to be completely removed from turbine shroud118and curved slot128thereof. InFIG.10C, pin230,236is positioned in opening246in elongated member152spaced from first opening222with sliding retainer190in the stored position. Again, where third opening246is not provided, sliding retainer190may slide freely on elongated member152with pin230,236either held in a retracted position or riding along the surface of elongated member152.

In certain embodiment, body192of sliding retainer190alone may have a sufficiently tight mating arrangement with curved slot128of turbine shroud118in the handling position, as shown in for example inFIG.6, to securely retain (grasp) second end portion174of turbine shroud118and maintain it in the handling position on elongated member152. Here, lock220also assists in maintaining sliding retainer190in the handling position. In other embodiments, as shown inFIGS.8A-Band9, body192of sliding retainer190may have a first portion240having a shape and size configured to slidingly engage in curved slot128, and a second portion242larger than first portion240and configured to abut second end portion174of turbine shroud118to selectively retain second end portion174of turbine shroud118in the handling position on elongated member152. Here, lock220maintains sliding retainer190in the handling position. First portion240can have any cross-sectional shape configured to fit into curved slot128within second end portion174of turbine shroud118, e.g., rectangular, T-shaped, cross-shaped, etc. In this regard, first portion240does not need to have the same cross-sectional shape as curved slot128, but it may be advantageous for proper alignment. Second portion242may have any shape capable of stopping further entry of sliding retainer190into curved slot128adjacent second end portion174. In the non-limiting example shown, second portion242includes protrusions244that abut second end portion174. As shown inFIG.8A, protrusions244may extend from sides201,203of body192(parallel to sides200,202of body192), or as shown inFIG.9, protrusions244may extend from sides200,202of body192, or as shown inFIG.8C, protrusions244may protrude from all four sides200,201,202,203of body192. Any arrangement of second portion242preventing sliding retainer190from passing past the desired handling position, shown inFIGS.6and9, and further into curved slot128is possible.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, handling system150may also include a handle250coupled to second end156of elongated member152. Handle250can take any form capable of grasping by a user and/or lifting equipment such as a crane hook, forklift, robotic arm, etc. In the non-limiting example shown, handle250may include a pair of opposing bar handles252,254for grasping by hand, and a lifting element256, e.g., ring or other structure, for coupling to desired lifting equipment, e.g., an overhead crane. In some cases, turbine shroud118has a sufficiently low weight that a human user can safely handle turbine shroud118with handling system150attached thereto, e.g., less than 22 kilograms (50 pounds). In this case, the user can use bar handles252,254to handle turbine shroud118. As used herein, “handle” indicates any movement, e.g., lift, turn, rotate, linearly move, etc. In other cases, turbine shroud118may have a weight where lifting equipment is advisable or necessary, e.g., greater than 22 kilograms (50 pounds). In this case, lifting equipment can be coupled to lifting element256to handle turbine shroud118in any manner, e.g., hook into ring, robotic grasping arm, among many other formats.

Handle250can be coupled to elongated member152in any manner to allow safe and secure movement, e.g., threaded fasteners, welds, integral formation with elongated member152, etc. Where desired, handle250can be made removable, so different handles250can be used with a given elongated member152. Further, different handles250may be used for different turbine shrouds118. For example, handling systems150may be provided with handles250without lifting bars252,254where the handling systems150are configured for use with heavier turbine shrouds118that always require lifting equipment. In this case, handling systems150may be provided with handles250that dictate whether human or lifting equipment is required—preventing, for example, accidental handling of turbine shrouds118that are too heavy for human users. In addition, handling systems150may be provided with handles250that require use of a specific type of lifting equipment, such as an overhead crane, preventing accidental use of the incorrect lifting equipment, such as a forklift.

Referring toFIGS.6,11and12, operation of handling system150to grasp a turbine shroud118having curved slot128, will now be described.

FIG.11shows initially positioning handling system150over a turbine shroud118to be lifted using handling system150. As understood in the field, turbine shrouds118are oftentimes located in hard to access locations, e.g., within a casing116(FIG.4) of a turbine106(FIG.3) of a turbine system100, or as shown inFIG.11, within a pocket260of a tight-fitting transportation container262. Advantageously, handling system150does not require access to all of turbine shroud118, but merely an end portion (such as second end portion174) to be used. In this manner, handling system150can be readily coupled in an ergonomic and safe manner to a turbine shroud118even when the shroud is in difficult to access locations

FIG.12shows positioning elongated member152in curved slot128of turbine shroud118. As noted, elongated member152includes first end154, second end156, and first bend158between first end154and second end156. Further, base retention member170extends from first (lower) end154of elongated member152for engaging and retaining first end portion172of turbine shroud118on elongated member152. As noted, base retention member170has a length L2 (extending from lower portion160of elongated member152) that is sized to allow base retention member170to move through curved slot128unhindered. That is, base retention member170has length L2 sized to ensure it can move through curved slot128—length L2 is less than a width W1 of curved slot128. A shape of base retention member170can also be configured to ensure unhindered movement through curved slot128. During positioning, as shown inFIG.12, first bend158also allows elongated member152to move through curved slot128. During the positioning, as shown inFIGS.11and12, sliding retainer190is slid up elongated member152out of the way of turbine shroud118. Sliding retainer190may be manually held out of the way, or it may be locked in the stored position as shown inFIG.10C.

FIG.6shows handling system150after further movement (positioning) to the handling position. During a transition to the handling position, elongated member152is moved (clockwise and to the right as illustrated inFIGS.6and12) to move first bend158relative to inner surface204of curved slot128of turbine shroud118. More particularly, first bend158in elongated member152is configured to engage inner surface204of curved slot128and position base retention member170to engage and retain first end portion172of turbine shroud118on elongated member152. As first bend158contacts inner surface204, base retention member170also moves into engagement under first end portion172of turbine shroud118. When base retention member170is engaged with first end portion172of turbine shroud118, any vertical movement of handling system150will cause turbine shroud118to be lifted.

A number of aspects of elongated member152are configured to ensure proper movement through curved slot128and positioning in the handling position in a manner that base retention member170is engaged with and retains first end portion172of turbine shroud118. For example, a length L1 (FIGS.7A-B) of lower portion160of elongated member152and angle β in first bend158in elongated member152are set to ensure that when elongated member152is moved into the handling position, base retention member170engages first end portion172as shown inFIG.6. In addition, a length L2 of base retention member170and/or a size and/or shape of spacing member180are set to ensure that when elongated member152is moved into the handling position, base retention member170engages first end portion172as shown inFIG.6. Spacing member180may also act as a wear surface to prevent damage to elongated member152or base retention member170. As will be further described, a length L3 of elongated member152between first bend158and first opening222dictates a locked position for sliding retainer190and can be sized to ensure elongated member152is securely fastened to turbine shroud118, during use.

Where necessary, during the positioning and moving to the handling position, turbine shroud118and/or handling system150may be tilted to allow base retention member170to pass through curved slot128and past first end portion172of turbine shroud118. In the examples shown inFIGS.11and12, turbine shroud118is tilted from having first end portion172lay flat on a bottom264of transportation container262—see arrow A. In any event, during the positioning, base retention member170passes through curved slot128and past first end portion172thereof.

FIG.6also shows sliding the sliding retainer190along elongated member152and into curved slot128at second end portion174of turbine shroud118to the handling position thereof on elongated member152. As described previously, and as shown inFIGS.6and9, sliding retainer190may be configured to secure second end portion174to elongated member152, e.g., via a tight fit and/or by abutting second end portion174of turbine shroud118in the handling position. More particularly, sliding retainer190is configured to enter curved slot128and position elongate member152in a spaced manner within curved slot128such that base retention member170is fixed engaging with first end portion172. Further, first side200of sliding retainer190engages a same inner surface204of curved slot204of turbine shroud118of the respective set as the first bend158of the elongated member.

FIGS.6,9and10Ashow locking sliding retainer190in a locked position in which the sliding retainer190is fixed relative to elongated member152in the handling position and sliding retainer190grasps and retains turbine shroud118on elongated member152. In the locked position, pin230,236extends through first opening222in elongated member152to secure sliding retainer190in curved slot128and secure second end portion174of turbine shroud118to elongated member152. As shown inFIGS.7A-B, a length L3 of elongated member152between first bend158and first opening222dictates a locked position for sliding retainer190and can be sized to ensure elongated member152is securely fastened to turbine shroud118, during use.

Once in the handling position, handling system150may be used to ergonomically and securely lift and handle turbine shroud118in any manner, e.g., by hand and/or using lifting equipment. Handling system150allows movement of turbine shroud118to be moved to practically any required location, such as but not limited to: installed on a turbine106(FIG.3), positioned in pocket260of a transportation container262(FIGS.11,12), moved relative to a machining tool for (re)work on turbine shroud118, or positioned in a large variety of alternative locations.

After use, lock220may be released to its unlocked position, and sliding retainer190may be slid out of curved slot128and out the handling position, e.g., as inFIG.10C, along elongated member152. Once sliding retainer190is moved, handling system150is no longer fully grasping turbine shroud118, and elongated member152may be moved to allow base retention member170to be disengaged. That is, elongated member152may be moved in a reverse manner to that described inFIGS.11and12, out of curved slot128.

It will be recognized, based on the description provided so far, handling system150can be customized to ensure secure grasping of a large variety of different sized and/or shaped turbine shrouds118. A non-comprehensive list of structures of handling system150that can be customized may include: first opening222position in elongated member152; length L3 of elongated member152between first bend158and first opening222; length L1 of lower portion160of elongated member152between first bend158and base retention member170; length L2 of base retention member170; angle α of first bend158in elongated member152; angle β of base retention member170relative to elongated member152; angle γ of ramp surface206(FIGS.8A-B); size and/or shape of first portion240of body192of sliding retainer190; and/or size, shape and/or location of protrusions244on first portion240of body192of sliding retainer190.

Handling system150may include a plurality of customized versions thereof for different sized and/or shaped turbine shrouds118. In addition to the previously describedFIGS.5and6embodiments,FIGS.13A-D,14A-D and15A-D show sets of handling systems150A-C having different configurations, each customized for particular turbine shrouds118A-C of a given set of shrouds. Each set of turbine shrouds118A-C have at least one different dimension between the sets. InFIGS.13A-D,14A-D and15A-D, drawings denoted as ‘A’ show a perspective view of handling systems150A-C, respectively; drawings denoted ‘B’ show cross-sectional views of the handling systems150A-C in a partially installed position, respectively; drawings denoted ‘C’ show cross-sectional views of handling systems150A-C in an installed, operative state, respectively; and drawings, denoted ‘D’ show partially transparent perspective views of handling systems150A-C in the installed, operative state, respectively.

Handling systems150A-C may be configured for a first set of turbine shrouds having a first dimension and at least one second set of turbine shrouds118A-C having a second, different dimension than the first set. (Turbine shrouds118A-C in each set include a plurality of identical turbine shrouds118A,118B, or118C.) The dimensions that are different between turbine shrouds118A-C can be any dimension that would require a corresponding change in a respective handling system150A-C, such as but not limited to turbine shroud length and/or curvature, and/or curved slot128A-C curvature, size and/or shape. Regardless of the set to which a given turbine shroud118A-C belongs, each turbine shroud118has a curved slot128therein. Handling systems150A-C as described herein may be provided for each of the first set and the at least one second set of turbine shrouds118A-C. Any number of sets of turbine shrouds118are possible.

A plurality of elongated members152A-C may be provided. Elongated members152A-C include respective first ends154A-C and second ends156A-C, and first bends158A-C therein. Each elongated member152A-C may have a different length (e.g., length L1A-C and/or L3A-C) and/or a different angle αA-C in a respective first bend158A-C compared to the others of the plurality of elongated members152A-C. The different lengths and angle accommodate a selected turbine shroud118A-C of a plurality of different turbine shrouds. Lengths L2A-C of base retention member170A-C may also have customized lengths, and angles βA-C may also be customized relative to elongated member152. Elongated members150A-C and first bends158A-C are configured to be positioned in curved slots128A-C of respective turbine shrouds118A-C of a respective set of turbine shrouds. More particularly, first bend158A-C in elongated member152A-C is configured to engage inner surface204A-C of curved slot128A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set and position base retention member170A-C to engage and retain first end portion172A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set of shrouds on the elongated member. Base retention member170A-C extends from first end154A-C of elongated member152A-C to engage and retain first end portion172A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set on the elongated member.

Referring toFIGS.8A-Band13A-15D, sliding retainer190may include a plurality of sliding retainers190A-C, each sliding retainer190A-C has at least one of a different shape and a different size compared to the others of the plurality of sliding retainers to accommodate curved slot128A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of a selected turbine shroud of the plurality of different turbine shrouds. As described relative toFIGS.8A-B, sliding retainers190A-C each include body192having opening194configured to slidingly receive a respective elongated member152A-C for turbine shroud118of the respective set. As described herein, body192of sliding retainer190A-C is configured to slidingly engage in curved slot128A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set and selectively retain second end portion172A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set in a handling position on the respective elongated member152A-C. In one example, body192of sliding retainer190A-C may have first portion240having a shape and size configured to slidingly engage in curved slot128A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set, and a second portion242(cross-sectionally) larger than first portion240and configured to abut second end portion174A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set to selectively retain second end portion174A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set in the handling position on elongated member152A-C. Note, sliding retainer190B is shown having a mating cross-section with curved slot128B, but sliding retainer190A is shown not have a cross-section that mates perfectly with curved slot128A. Similarly, sliding retainer190C inFIGS.15A-Dincludes extension208(see alsoFIG.8B), where the other sliding retainers190A-B do not.

With reference toFIGS.8A-B,9,10A-C,13A-D,14A-D and15A-D, lock220A-C is coupled to sliding retainer190A-C and selectively movable between a locked position in which lock220A-C retains sliding retainer190A-C in the handling position and an unlocked position in which sliding retainer190A-C slides freely on elongated member152A-C. Sliding retainer190A-C includes first end196, second end198, first side200and second side202. First side200of sliding retainer190A-C may extend farther from first end196of sliding retainer190A-C than second side202of the sliding retainer. First side200of sliding retainer190A-C engages a same inner surface204A-C of curved slot128A-C of turbine shroud118A-C of the respective set as first bend158A-C of elongated member152A-C. Lock220A-C includes pin230,236selectively movable between the locked position in which pin230,236extends through first opening222A-C in elongated member152A-C and retains sliding retainer190A-C in the handling position, and the unlocked position in which pin230,236is retracted from first opening222A-C in elongated member152A-C and allows the sliding retainer190A-C to slide freely on the respective elongated member152A-C. In certain embodiments, shown inFIGS.10C,13B,14B and15B, in the unlocked position, pin230,236is positioned in second opening246A-C in elongated member152spaced from first opening222A-C. In certain embodiments, the pin may include a spring-loaded pin236coupled to sliding retainer190A-C.

As described previously, handles250A-C may also vary depending on the set of turbine shrouds118A-C, e.g., turbine shroud118B may be sufficiently small that a lifting element256(FIG.5) is not necessary.

Handling system150and parts thereof, unless otherwise stated herein, may be made of any metal or metal alloy having sufficient strength for the stated purposes thereof. Handling system150and parts thereof may be made using any now known or later developed manufacturing techniques, e.g., machine-based manufacture such as cutting, welding, bending, etc., and/or additive manufacturing.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide various technical and commercial advantages, examples of which are discussed herein. The handling system enables safe grasping and lifting of a turbine shroud. The handling system is customizable for any variety of different sized turbine shrouds, and addresses handling requirements in both the factory and the field. The system can be attached ergonomically and safely despite limited access to the turbine shroud caused by, for example, tight-fitting transportation containers. The system also reduces cycle time in the field by allowing turbine shrouds to be installed in the factory, thus reducing field handling and potential damage to capital parts.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged; such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. “Approximately,” as applied to a particular value of a range, applies to both end values and, unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument measuring the value, may indicate +/−10% of the stated value(s).

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure such that various modifications as are suited to a particular use may be further contemplated.