Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and methods for balancing turbine rotors

US6481969B2 · kind B2 · utility

27Cited by
5References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 1999
Grant dateNov 19, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S416/50
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Dovetail-shaped grooves are formed in the axial faces and circumferential rims of wheels and spacers forming a rotor body. Complementary-shaped balance weights are inserted through entry apertures in the grooves and circumferentially aligned into adjusted balanced positions. Fasteners are threaded through the weights to engage in slots at circumferentially spaced positions along ribs projecting from the bases of the grooves. By threading the fastener into the slot and staking the fastener to the balance weight, the metal of the rotary component is not upset or deformed, with the result that the potential for development of cracks in the rotary component is substantially reduced.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.