Support frame and method for assembly of a combustion module of a gas turbine

A combustion module for a gas turbine, comprising:

• a. an annular fuel distribution manifold having a forward end axially separated from an aft end and a radially extending mounting flange that circumferentially surrounds the forward end;
• b. a fuel injection assembly that extends downstream from the fuel distribution manifold, the fuel injection assembly having a forward end axially separated from an aft end, an combustion liner that extends between the forward end and the aft end, a flow sleeve that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the combustion liner, a fuel injector that extends radially through the flow sleeve and the combustion liner, a fluid conduit that extends between the fuel injector and the fuel distribution manifold and an aft frame disposed at the aft end of the fuel injection assembly;
• c. a support frame having a base plate, a support plate, a vertical support member that extends between the base plate and the support plate and a support block that extends vertically from the base plate towards the support plate, the support plate having an opening that extends vertically through the support plate;
• and
• d. wherein the fuel distribution manifold extends through the opening of the support plate, the mounting flange being in contact with the support plate and the aft frame being connected to the support block.

A method for assembling a combustion module within a support frame, the method comprising:

• a. positioning an combustion liner of the combustion module over a central support column of the support frame and fastening an aft end of the combustion liner to a support block of the support frame;
• b. installing an annular flow sleeve around a portion of the combustion liner;
• c. inserting a plurality of fasteners through a plurality of anchor passages disposed proximate to a forward end of the combustion liner;
• d. inserting an annular fuel distribution manifold through an opening in a support plate of the support frame such that an aft end of the fuel distribution manifold circumferentially surrounds a forward portion of the flow sleeve assembly;
• e. connecting a mounting flange of the fuel distribution manifold to the support plate;
• and
• f. connecting a module support plate to the combustion liner and to the fuel distribution manifold using the plurality of fasteners to connect the combustion liner to the module support plate and a plurality of fasteners to connect the fuel distribution manifold to the module coupling plate.