Method for robotically cleaning compressor blading of a turbine
US6883527B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01D25/002
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The compressor cleaning system includes a track mounted about the inlet of the compressor. A circumferential position assembly mounts an insertion drive assembly which is driven about the track into selected circumferential positions. The insertion drive assembly carries a manipulator arm assembly mounting at its distal end a cleaning head. By using pairs of control cables, the proximal yaw, pitch and distal yaw sections of the manipulator arm can be moved to weave the cleaning head past the multiple stages of blading to locate the cleaning head adjacent a selected blade. By repeated extension and retraction of the cleaning head relative to the compressor inlet and about the compressor blades, each blade can be cleaned without disassembly of the compressor casing or removal of the rotor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.