Support arrangement for optimizing a low pressure steam turbine inner cylinder structural performance

Patent 5133641 Issued on July 28, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date:

February 1, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3752427

3754833

3799482

Mounting arrangement for turbomachines, especially steam turbines
Patent #: 4732533
Issued on: 03/22/1988
Inventor: Remberg , et al.

Turbine having semi-isolated inlet
Patent #: 4863341
Issued on: 09/05/1989
Inventor: Groenendaal

4900223

Steam turbine with improved inner cylinder Patent #: 4915581
Issued on: 04/10/1990
Inventor: Groenendaal, Jr., et al.

Inventors

Assignee

Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Application

No. 649509 filed on 02/01/1991

US Classes:

415/213.1, Casing with mounting means248/672Modified machine housing or frame

Examiners

Primary: Kwon, John T.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Bach; K.

Foreign Patent References

763028 DE 07/13/2012

International Class

F01D 025/26

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for increasing the bending flexibility of the horizontal joint flange of a low pressure steam turbine. The radial width of the horizontal joint flange in the support area where the turbine inner cylinder rests on the outer cylinder has been significantly reduced. In order to accommodate a reduction in the radial width of the flange in this area, the present invention provides a novel arrangement of the functional features of the cylinder support area. In a preferred embodiment the horizontal joint flange is capable of being narrowed in the radial direction due to the strategic rearrangement of the functional components in the support area. The present invention also provides retrofit steps for modifying existing turbines in order to provide the features and benefits of the improved apparatus. The present invention reduces ovality of the turbine inner cylinder rings, resulting in improved thermal performance and mechanical reliability as well as a reduction in flange induced, non-axisymmetric bolt loads in the horizontal joint flange bolts.