Session: 28-04 Structural/System Design and Dynamics

Paper Number: 102595

102595 - Design of a New Bench for High Temperature Static and Endurance Testing of Nozzle Guide Vane Bushing 

Variable Guide Vanes such as Inlet Guide Vanes (IGVs) and Nozzle Guide Vanes (NGVs) are a typical design feature included in gas turbines and axial expanders to achieve improved performance in off-design conditions and, consequently, operational flexibility. In the last years the evolution of the energy market has challenged these components, which were already characterized by an intrinsic complexity, to achieve higher availability performances. For this reason, a deeper experimental characterization of the mechanical behavior of these assemblies has become of interest, especially when considering highly loaded nozzles. In particular, the investigation of the kinematic pairs of NGV is becoming very important in some design configuration. This paper describes the design and the commissioning of a novel advanced bench designed to test full-scale NGVs geometries constituted by stems supported by bushing couples. The bench is designed to perform the measurement of the friction coefficient of the kinematic chain and then to accomplish continuous endurance testing of the bushing/stem pair at high temperature. Details are given regarding the design of the bench components which allow testing of bushing different by size and manufacturing technology. The design verifications needed for the proper bench operation are presented. In addition, the testing procedure is also included which will provide in the upcoming months useful data regarding clearance evolution and, more in general, component lifing.   

Presenting Author: Federico Bucciarelli Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie s.r.l.

Presenting Author Biography: Federico Bucciarelli is attending an Industrial Ph.D. program in Industrial Engineering at the University of Pisa while working as Lead Engineer in the Steam Turbine and Axial Expanders engineering department of Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie (Baker Hughes ltd.). He obtained his master degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pisa (2013) and a second level diploma in Industrial Engineering at Sant'Anna School for Advanced Studies he joined the Edison Engineering Development Program as Nuovo Pignone was part of GE Oil & Gas. After completing the rotational program in 2016 he has been working as structural analyst with a focus on New Product Development on the steam turbines and axial expanders team leading both theoretical, design and experimental activities. His studies and research activities focus on the mechanical behavior of turbines exposed to high temperature.

Authors:

Federico Bucciarelli Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie s.r.l.
Enrico Giusti Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie s.r.l.
Michelangelo Bellacci Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie s.r.l.
Damaso Checcacci Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie s.r.l.
Francesco Maestrale AM Testing
Salvatore Manconi AM Testing