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US 9,810,098 B2Granted
System and method for inspecting turbomachines
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsLawrence James Moore, Fredrick Levi Fuller, Jason Michael Boss, Bernard Baran Zabek, Gerald Marco Geraci, Michael Richard Pomykai
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for inspecting a turbomachine is provided. The system includes a traverse actuator system and a pressure isolation system connected to the traverse actuator system. The pressure isolation system is configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around a probe. A gimbal mount is connected to the pressure isolation system. The system is configured to move the probe into and out of the turbomachine.
Claims51
A system for inspecting a turbomachine, the system comprising:
- a traverse actuator system comprising a carriage configured to move a probe in a linear or radial direction into and out of the turbomachine, and a mounting plate attached to a rail, the rail supports both a pressure isolation system and a gimbal mount, the mounting plate is configured to align with a complementary mounting plate of the traverse actuator system, a plurality of keys are interposed between the mounting plate and the complementary mounting plate to ensure alignment between the traverse actuator system and the gimbal mount;
- the pressure isolation system connected to the traverse actuator system, the pressure isolation system configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around the probe;
- the gimbal mount connected to the pressure isolation system;
- and
- wherein the system is configured to move the probe into and out of the turbomachine.
2 more elements
A system for inspecting an operating turbomachine, the system comprising:
- a traverse actuator system, the traverse actuator system comprising a carriage configured to move a probe in a linear or radial direction into and out of the turbomachine, the traverse actuator system having a track with a plurality of linearly arranged teeth, the track configured for operation with the carriage, a motor operably connected with the carriage and the track, the motor configured to engage the plurality of linearly arranged teeth so that operation of the motor forces the carriage to move along the track, an enclosure configured to operate in hazardous environments, the enclosure housing the motor, a yaw drive configured to rotate the probe about a radial axis of the turbomachine, and an articulated cable guide comprised of a plurality of chain links, the articulated cable guide configured to retain a plurality of cables, and to follow movement of the carriage so that the plurality of cables avoid catching on obstructions;
- a pressure isolation system connected to the traverse actuator system, the pressure isolation system configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around the probe, the pressure isolation system having a valve seal located between the gimbal mount and a pressure seal, the valve seal configured to isolate the pressure seal from the gimbal mount when the probe is not in the valve seal;
- a gimbal mount connected to the pressure isolation system, the gimbal mount having
- a plurality of turnbuckles located at equal intervals around the gimbal mount;
- and wherein the gimbal mount is configured to be mounted to a port or a vessel flange of the turbomachine, and adjustment of the turnbuckles translates into a radial or axial adjustment of a sensor head position for the probe;
- and
- wherein the system is configured to move the probe into and out of the operating turbomachine.
4 more elements
A system for inspecting a turbomachine, the system comprising:
- a traverse actuator system;
- a pressure isolation system connected to the traverse actuator system, the pressure isolation system configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around a probe, the pressure isolation system comprising a valve seal located between a gimbal mount and a pressure seal, the valve seal configured to isolate the pressure seal from the gimbal mount when the probe is not in the valve seal, wherein the valve seal is at least one of, a ball valve seal or a guillotine seal;
- the gimbal mount connected to the pressure isolation system;
- and
- wherein the system is configured to move the probe into and out of the turbomachine.
2 more elements
A system for inspecting a turbomachine, the system comprising:
- a traverse actuator system;
- a pressure isolation system connected to the traverse actuator system, the pressure isolation system configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around a probe;
- a gimbal mount connected to the pressure isolation system, a plurality of turnbuckles located at equal intervals around the gimbal mount, wherein the gimbal mount is configured to be mounted to a port or a vessel flange of the turbomachine, and adjustment of the turnbuckles translates into a radial or axial adjustment of a sensor head position for the probe;
- and
- a carriage configured to move the probe in a linear or radial direction into and out of the turbomachine.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.