Steam turbine inlet sleeve inspection apparatus and method
US6487922B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19963
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An inspection apparatus (40) for remote inspection of the trepan radius area (34) of the inlet sleeve (24) of a steam turbine (10). The apparatus (40) provides a sealed volume (50) between a pair of inflatable bladders (46,48) for the introduction of a liquid couplant for the immersion of ultrasonic transducers (42,44). A laser line generator (62) generates a beam of light visible through camera (60) which impinges upon the inlet bell seal (30) when the apparatus (40) is in a proper inspection position within the inlet sleeve (24). Guide vanes (56) provide centering and generate an insertion force during air assisted insertion of apparatus (40). Transducers (42,44) are indexed axially and circumfretially by the independent rotation of axial drive gear (72) and longitudinal drive gear (70) engaged with a pattern of gear teeth (69) formed as a combination of circumferential spur gear teeth and axial rack gear teeth cut into a single surface of a spline shaft (68).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.