Patent Application
20230311043
Proper air filtration is critical to the overall performance and reliability of gas turbines. Failure of gas turbine inlet filters, due to design, human error, maintenance, or damage, results in dust particulate passing through the filter system and being ingested by the gas turbines. For sites with heavy dust loading in the ambient environment, such a failure results in heavy dust deposits on turbine blades. This has been a long technical challenge in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian gulf region, in particular, and worldwide, in general.
Many filter system failures have occurred due to dust ingestion related to filter elements moving out of the required position. Major sand deposits on gas turbine internals due to filter system failure ensue without the ability for early detection and/or reduction of the impact of a filter system failure. Many existing filter elements are attached with the filter wall using three pod yokes bolted to the filter wall separately. Each of the yokes is mounted to the filter wall with a single rod and washer mating mechanism. This configuration allows the filter element to move out of its proper position for a multitude of reasons, including improper installation, pulsation, tilting due to increased filter element weight, or an operator stepping on the filter elements. Currently, there are no reliable systems to eliminate improper installation of the filters, prevent looseness due to pulsation and, more importantly, prevent tilting due to increased filter weight or operator stepping on the filters.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a mechanism for securing filter elements in gas turbine and compressor air inlet systems which will provide reliability and strength to maintain the filter in position for the duration of the filter element usage, thereby preventing dust ingestion related to filter elements moving out of the required position.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a filter element clamp assembly. The filter element clamp assembly comprises a filter wall that is part of an existing air inlet system, a filter plate, at least one inlet filter attached with the filter plate, and a plurality of filter element clamps attached with the filter wall, wherein each filter element clamp is configured for fastening the filter plate to the filter wall, thereby securing the at least one inlet filter in the air inlet system.
In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for securing an inlet filter in an air inlet system. The method includes using at least one clamp attached with a filter wall of the air inlet system, clamping a filter plate having at least one inlet filter attached therewith to the filter wall.
Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
Specific embodiments of the disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.
In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a filter element clamp assembly for securely attaching inlet filters to a filter wall in an air inlet system, such as gas turbine and compressor air inlet systems. Failure of gas turbine inlet filters, due to design, human error, maintenance, or damage, results in dust particulate bypassing the filter system and being ingested by the gas turbines. For sites with heavy dust loading in the ambient environment, such a failure results in heavy dust deposits on turbine blades. This has long been a technical challenge in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian gulf region, in particular, and worldwide, in general.
Previous filters are typically attached with a filter wall using three pod yokes each attached with the filter wall separately. Yoke supports are located inside the inlet filter, and each yoke support (or yoke leg) is mounted to the filter wall with a single rod and washer mating mechanism. A bolt is inserted through holes in the yoke supports where the yoke supports meet, the bolt is inserted into a washer, and a nut screws on to the bolt, holding the parts together in a bolt assembly. A disadvantage of this design is that breakage may occur if someone stands on a yoke support during a filter change-out. Furthermore, this filter assembly allows the inlet filter to move out of its proper position for a multitude of reasons, including improper installation, pulsation, tilting due to increased filter element weight, or an operator stepping on the filter elements. There are no current reliable systems to eliminate improper installation of the filters, prevent looseness due to pulsation and, more importantly, prevent tilting due to increased filter weight or operator stepping on the filters. The filter element clamps and filter plate described below provide the extra assurance and strength to maintain the inlet filter in position for the duration of the filter element usage.
In one or more embodiments, the set of filter element clamps (204) is positioned proximate an aperture (206) in the filter plate (202). Therefore, when an inlet filter (114) is attached with the aperture (206), the set of filter element clamps (204) are also proximate the inlet filter (114). The set of filter element clamps (204) prevents inlet filters (114) installed in gas turbine and compressor air inlet systems from moving from their proper position on the filter wall (112). As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any number of filter element clamps is possible provided that the clamps perform the intended function of maintaining the position of the inlet filter.
Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.
