Handling system for turbine shroud

A handling system for a first set of turbine shrouds having a first dimension and at least one second set of turbine shrouds having a second, different dimension than the first set, the turbine shrouds of both sets having a curved slot therein, the handling system comprising for each of the first set and the second set:

• an elongated member including a first end and a second end, the elongated member including a first bend therein, the elongated member and the first bend configured to be positioned in the curved slot of the turbine shroud of a respective set;
• a base retention member extending from the first end of the elongated member to engage and retain a first end portion of the turbine shroud of the respective set on the elongated member;
• a sliding retainer including a body having an opening configured to slidingly receive the elongated member for the turbine shroud of the respective set, the body of the sliding retainer configured to slidingly engage in the curved slot of the turbine shroud of the respective set and selectively retain a second end portion of the turbine shroud of the respective set in a handling position on the elongated member;
• and
• a lock coupled to the sliding retainer and selectively movable between a locked position in which the lock retains the sliding retainer in the handling position and an unlocked position in which the sliding retainer slides freely on the elongated member.

A method of grasping a turbine shroud having a curved slot therein, the method comprising:

• positioning an elongated member in the curved slot of the turbine shroud, the elongated member including a first end, a second end, a first bend between the first end and the second end and a base retention member extending from the first end and engaging and retaining a first end portion of the turbine shroud on the elongated member;
• sliding a sliding retainer along the elongated member and into the curved slot at a second end portion of the turbine shroud to a handling position on the elongated member, the sliding retainer configured to abut the second end portion of the turbine shroud in the handling position;
• and
• locking the sliding retainer in a locked position in which the sliding retainer is fixed relative to the elongated member in the handling position and the sliding retainer grasps and retains the turbine shroud on the elongated member.