Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps – Working fluid passage or distributing means associated with... – Vane or deflector
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-24
2004-02-03
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3745)
Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps
Working fluid passage or distributing means associated with...
Vane or deflector
C415S210100, C029S889100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06685431
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for repairing a vane used in a gas turbine engine.
Re-airfoiling replaces the airfoil section of a turbine vane with a new cast airfoil, while re-using the original platforms. This type of repair has been used on first stage turbine vanes in commercial jet engines. In this type of repair, the airfoil is joined to the platforms by butt welded joints within the airfoil.
In yet another repair method, a full vane repair is performed on first stage vanes. In this type of repair, the airfoil and the outer platform are entirely replaced by using a single butt weld in the airfoil.
In both of these repair methods, vane nozzle area is maintained by a re-strike of the airfoil after all joining has been completed. There remains a need for a more effective repair vane repair technique.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for repairing a vane which leaves no welds in the airfoil portion of the repaired vane.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for repairing a vane which allows control of the vane nozzle area by machining of the joint surfaces instead of by an additional re-strike operation.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method for repairing a vane which provides baffle to vane fit as good as on a new vane.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a method for repairing a vane which requires less platform machining and which maintains the original outer platform ground surfaces, seal slots and bolt holes.
The foregoing objects are attained by the repair method of the present invention.
In accordance with the present invention, a method for repairing a vane used in a gas turbine engine is provided. The method broadly comprises the steps of providing a vane to be repaired, which vane has a first platform, a first buttress, a second platform, a second buttress, and an airfoil extending between the first and second platforms, removing the first platform, the first buttress, and the airfoil in their entirety and removing part of the second platform and the second buttress leaving a machined vane portion, providing a replacement detail having at least a replacement first platform, a replacement first buttress, and a replacement airfoil, positioning the replacement detail relative to the machined vane portion, and forming a joint between the machined vane portion and the replacement detail.
Other details of the method for repairing a vane of the present invention, as well as other objects and advantages attendant thereto, are set forth in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals depict like elements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6195864 (2001-03-01), Chesnes
patent: 6416278 (2002-07-01), Caddell et al.
patent: 2 071 777 (1981-09-01), None
Bachman & LaPointe P.C.
Look Edward K.
McCoy Kimya N
United Technologies Corporation
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