Fluid flow inspection apparatus and method for gas turbine buckets

• Main Authors: ZABALA ROBERT JOHN, KNUDSEN BRUCE ALAN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 14.01.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BLASTING; COMBINED OPERATIONS; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; HEATING; LIGHTING; MACHINE TOOLS; MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAMTURBINES; OTHER WORKING OF METAL; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; STEAM ENGINES; TRANSPORTING; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS; WEAPONS

An inspection apparatus for water flow testing of cooling passageways in gas turbine buckets provides observable visual determination of whether any blockages were formed during the manufacturing or refurbishing processes. The inspection apparatus includes a manifold block and manifold control valve mounted on a platform and adapted to engage the root end of a turbine bucket and supply fluid therethrough. The turbine bucket is affixed to the platform with a holder. The fluid exiting at the tip of the turbine bucket is visible and any blockages in the passageways will be easily discerned by the absence or paucity of fluid flow at the tip. Fluid is supplied to the manifold block by a pressure regulated fluid supply line with a control valve and a flow meter. An air supply line is also connected to the manifold block to supply air through the passageways to remove residual fluid from the bucket.