Method for installing integral shroud turbine blading

摘要

Apparatus and method for installing an array of rotatable turbine blades each having an integral shroud segment. A removable blade anchor for installing the turbine blades comprises a root portion positionable in registry with a turbine rotor blade groove, a support member extending from the root portion for supporting a first of the blades to be installed and an anchor support extending from the support member and positionable against the rotor to secure the support member against circumferential forces. The installation method comprises the steps of positioning the removable blade anchor in a rotor groove and then wedging a plurality of blades in place about the rotor so that the integral shroud segment of each blade abuts an adjacent integral shroud segment and all shroud segments are forced against the blade anchor. Next, a first portion of the blades are rewedged in order to force the first portion of blades away from the blade anchor. The blade anchor is then removed without disturbing the tight abutment between the plurality of blades and additional blades are installed to complete the blade row.