Siemens Energy, Inc.

Oran Bertsch

Hubertus Edward Paprotna

David B Allen

Dieter Brillert

A blade gap control system configured to move a blade ring of a turbine engine relative to a blade assembly to reduce the gaps between the tips of the blades and the blade rings to increase the efficiency of the turbine engine is provided. The blade rings can be at an acute angle with respect to the rotational axis of the blade assembly. The axial movement of the blade ring can be done by a pressure differential supplied across the blade ring, the thermal expansion and/or contraction of a linkage or by a piston.

Blade clearance system for a turbine engine

Aspects of the invention are directed to a system for improving engine performance by reducing vane tip clearances in the compressor section of a turbine engine. According to aspects of the invention, an abrasive material can be attached to a rotor disc. Thus, if a vane tip contacts the rotor disc during engine operation, the vane tip is worn away by the abrasive material. The system can reduce the risk of substantial component damage resulting from a vane tip rubbing event. The abrasive material can be provided in the form of an insert that can be removably attached to the rotor disc. Thus, the insert can be readily removed and replaced when necessary.

Rotor disc assembly with abrasive insert

A seal plate assembly is provided in a rotor disc for a turbine engine. The seal plate assembly includes a radially extending flange on the disc and an annular groove defined between a radial surface on the flange and a face of the disc. An annular outer surface extends axially in facing relationship to an annular inner surface of the groove. A plate structure is supported between the inner and outer surfaces, and a lock structure is provided for holding the plate structure in place. The lock structure includes an axial leg that is adapted to be located between an inner edge of the plate structure and the inner surface of the groove, and the lock structure further includes a radial leg that is adapted to be located between the radial surface on the flange and an outwardly facing surface of the plate structure.

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Titusville, FL, United States of America

Oran Bertsch