US Patent:
20040156720, Aug 12, 2004
Inventors:
Norman Lathrop - Ballston Lake NY, US
Douglas Hofer - Clifton Park NY, US
Edward Sharrow - Scotia NY, US
John Keeling - Niskayuna NY, US
Robert Sherwood - Fonda NY, US
Christen Vitrone - Clifton Park NY, US
International Classification:
F01D025/26
Abstract:
A casing () for a steam turbine section has a housing () installed therein for a bearing supporting a rotor for buckets. A housing support structure () includes a pair of horizontally extending struts (T-T) extending from a side () of the casing to the housing and a second pair of struts (T, not shown) extending from the opposite side of the casing to the housing. The struts are in fluid communication with the interior of the housing and the atmosphere and both support the housing within the casing and vent the interior of the housing. Vertical struts (T-T) also extend between the casing and the housing. A foundation plate () is installed beneath the casing, and a pair of gibs () are installed on opposite sides of the casing along the longitudinal centerline thereof to strengthen the casing and prevent tilting of components within the casing when a vacuum within the casing is present.