MOBILE REPAIR AND MANUFACTURING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINE MAINTENANCE
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- providing a mobile manufacturing platform comprising a laser processing element;
transporting the mobile manufacturing platform to proximate a location of a gas turbine engine to be serviced;
transferring a service run hot gas path component removed from the gas turbine engine to the mobile manufacturing platform;
inspecting the service run component and determining a necessary repair or alternatively a need for the service run component to be scrapped and replaced with a replacement component;
repairing a superalloy material portion of the service run component, or alternatively fabricating the replacement component comprising superalloy material, with the laser processing element using a flux assisted process; and
installing the repaired component, or alternatively the replacement component, into the gas turbine engine.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Refurbishment of hot gas path components of gas turbine engines can now be performed locally in lieu of the traditional use of a specialized fixed regional repair facility. A mobile manufacturing platform (10) is provided with the capability to inspect and to repair ceramic coated superalloy alloy components, including the ability to perform flux assisted laser processing (68) of powdered materials. The mobile platform may include a powder mixing capability (32) for custom on-site mixing of proprietary powder compositions from a standardized powder inventory (34). A communications element (36) conveys the proprietary powder compositions from a remote home office location (38). Superalloy components can now be repaired (62) or fabricated (80) on-site by qualified technicians rather than certified welders. The mobile platform may be self-powered by a vehicle hybrid power unit or a renewable energy source.
8 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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providing a mobile manufacturing platform comprising a laser processing element; transporting the mobile manufacturing platform to proximate a location of a gas turbine engine to be serviced; transferring a service run hot gas path component removed from the gas turbine engine to the mobile manufacturing platform; inspecting the service run component and determining a necessary repair or alternatively a need for the service run component to be scrapped and replaced with a replacement component; repairing a superalloy material portion of the service run component, or alternatively fabricating the replacement component comprising superalloy material, with the laser processing element using a flux assisted process; and installing the repaired component, or alternatively the replacement component, into the gas turbine engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A mobile manufacturing platform apparatus comprising:
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a transportation element configured for movement among any of a plurality of locations; a laser processing element disposed on the transportation element; and a powder mixing element disposed on the transportation element for mixing powder material compositions for use by the laser processing element. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification