Method and system for assembling and disassembling turbomachines

摘要

A method and system adapted for removing one or more shells from an assembly of multiple annular shells, for example, turbine shells of a gas turbine engine. The method includes removing an upper shell positioned in an upper position relative to a lower shell of the assembly of multiple annular shells, and then positioning and securing a counterweight in the upper position and securing the counterweight to the lower shell as a replacement for the upper shell in the upper position. The counterweight and the lower shell are then rotated in unison until the lower shell is in the upper position and the counterweight is in a lower position previously occupied by the lower shell. Thereafter, the lower shell can be removed from the assembly.

主权项

1. A system for installing and removing a shell from an assembly of multiple annular shells comprising at least an upper shell and a complementary lower shell assembled with the upper shell so that the upper shell is in an upper position relative to the lower shell and the lower shell is in a lower position relative to the upper shell, the system comprising:
a counterweight adapted to replace the upper shell in the upper position and be secured to the lower shell; means for rotating the counterweight and the lower shell in unison until the lower shell is in the upper position and the counterweight is in the lower position; and means for maintaining axial alignment of the counterweight and the lower shell as the counterweight and the lower shell are rotated by the rotating means, wherein the assembly of multiple annular shells further comprises at least an outer upper shell and a complementary outer lower shell assembled with the outer upper shell so that the outer upper shell is in an outer upper position relative to the outer lower shell, and the means for maintaining axial alignment comprises a thrust collar locator having a thrust collar adapted to be secured to the outer lower shell, engage the counterweight to permit the counterweight to rotate relative to the thrust collar locator, and maintain the axial alignment of the counterweight and the lower inner shell during rotation thereof.