Title of Invention	A COMPACT SINGLE PIECE/ JOINTLESS REGULATING RING FOR FRANCIS TYPE HYDROTURBINE WITH EXTERNAL REGULATION OF GUIDE APPARATUS
Abstract	In the present invention the regulating ring of a hydro Turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus is made as a single piece and very compact in size. The single piece regulating ring in then ingeniously lowered into the turbine pit by providing two diametrically opposite slots between the sole plates of generator bearing support. These slots are subsequently covered by tow plates. With innovative changes in the support arrangement for regulating ring, the mounting arrangement of servomotor and provision of lower slots in the concrete support below generator, the joints of regulating ring are eliminated thereby making it rugged and economical.

Title of Invention

A COMPACT SINGLE PIECE/ JOINTLESS REGULATING RING FOR FRANCIS TYPE HYDROTURBINE WITH EXTERNAL REGULATION OF GUIDE APPARATUS

Abstract

In the present invention the regulating ring of a hydro Turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus is made as a single piece and very compact in size. The single piece regulating ring in then ingeniously lowered into the turbine pit by providing two diametrically opposite slots between the sole plates of generator bearing support. These slots are subsequently covered by tow plates. With innovative changes in the support arrangement for regulating ring, the mounting arrangement of servomotor and provision of lower slots in the concrete support below generator, the joints of regulating ring are eliminated thereby making it rugged and economical.

Full Text	SINGLE PIECE REGULATING RING FOR HYDRO-TURBINE WITH EXTERNAL REGULATION GUIDE APPARATUS. FIELD OF INVENTION This present invention relates to a single piece regulating ring adaptable to Hydro Turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus. More particularly the present invention relates to a reduced size single piece regulating ring development on application of an ingenious method to lower the regulating ring into turbine pit as a single piece eliminating splitting into halves for the purpose of erection. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a hydroelectric power station having Francis type turbine, regulating ring is a major item of guide apparatus and has the following function. It connects the governor controlled servomotor (hydraulic cylinder) to the Guide Vanes located around the runner. The guide vane servomotor is connected to regulating ring to guide vanes. Regulation of Turbine is done by turning all the guide vanes in synchronism through the regulating ring. 3 Depending upon the size of turbine two types of regulations are used for the turning mechanism. In Internal Regulation type the regulating ring is located on the inner side of guide vane pitch circle diameter. This is used in big turbines where there is ample space for access to shaft seal of turbine. In External Regulation type, the regulating ring is located on the outer side of guide vane pitch circle diameter. This type of regulating is used in smaller turbines where there is not enough space available for approach to shaft seal of turbine. In such turbines, the outer diameter of regulating ring becomes so big, that it cannot be lowered through the bore in the concrete portion, supporting generator bottom bearing. Hence for the purpose of lowering, the regulating ring through this concrete core, the regulating ring is split into halves. The haves of regulating ring are lowered vertically into the turbine pit. The halves are turned to their natural horizontal position inside the turbine pit and assembled. Thus only for the sake of erection, namely lowering of regulating ring into turbine pit, the relating ring is split into halves. 4 In order to provide a joint, which is as strong and rigid as the single integral regulating ring; a number of fitted bolts of quite a big size are to be provided. To accommodate those bolts the height of regulating ring has to be increased. Increased height increases twisting moment which in turn demands more inertia. Thus splitting the regulating ring increases weight (material cost), machining cost and the total manufacturing cycle. PRIOR ART In this design regulating ring is made in halves with a bolted joint. The halves are lowered through the restricted concrete bore below generator bearing and bolted inside the turbine pit. Regulating ring of this design is bulky, heavy, costly, less rigid, and has a longer fabrication and machining cycle. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a compact (reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which eliminates the disadvantages of prior art. 5 Another object of the present invention is to propose a compact (reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which eliminates the bolted joints of regulating ring halves and there by improving rigidity. A still another object of the present invention is to propose a compact (reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which reduces the height of regulating ring, thus in turn reducing twisting moment. A further object of the present invention is to propose a compact (reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which provides easier approach space to turbine shaft seal other parts due to reduction of height of regulating ring. A still further object of the present invention is to propose a compact (reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which eliminates 4 joint flanges/ reduces the material cost, fabrication cost and reduce process cycle by about 40%. 6 A yet further object of the present invention is to propose a compact (reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to hydro-turbine with external regulating of guide apparatus which discards the material and machining cost of joining bolts and dowels and machining cost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention the regulating ring of a hydro Turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus is made as a single piece and very compact in size. The single piece regulating ring in then ingeniously lowered into the turbine pit by providing two diametrically opposite slots between the sole plates of generator bearing support. These slots are subsequently covered by tow plates. With innovative changes in the support arrangement for regulating ring, the mounting arrangement of servomotor and provision of lower slots in the concrete support below generator, the joints of regulating ring are eliminated thereby making it rugged and economical. 7 BRIEF DESCRIPTIONOF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING Fig-1 Conventional design of guide apparatus with bolted joint Regulating Ring (prior art). Fig-2 The new compact design of regulating ring without joints. Fig-3 Mounting arrangement of Guide Vane Servomotors, as per prio art. Fig-3 A mounting arrangement of guide vane servomotor as per new invention. Fig-4 Scheme of lowering the halves of regulating ring of previous design (prior art). Fig-5 View showing the new compact regulating ring being lowered through slot. (Stage-1 of erection). Fig-6 View showing the new compact regulating ring being tilted within turbine pit (Stage-2 of erection). Fig-7 View showing the new compact regulating ring being lowered on stay ring (Stage-3 of erection). 9 In the new development of servomotor bigger mounting bolts as shown in fig 3 are only located on the two sides of the servomotor with no bolts o the bottom or top. Thus since tightening space below servomotor is not required, the servomotors mounting elevation is lowered there by reducing the height of regulating ring. Reduction in height of regulating ring reduces the twisting moment and hence the inertia requirement for the same and hence less slot width required for lowering of regulating ring into the turbine pit. In the conventional design shown in fig-1 the rotary oscillating motion of regulating ring is guided on a cylinder mounted on the outer diameter of stay ring. This outer guide ring/guide cylinder is eliminated by taking the guide on the top cover outer diameter as shown in fig-2. In the conventional design the uplift of regulating ring during ifs motion is arrested by a retaining ring separately bolted on stay ring. In the innovated design, the bolting of retaining ring is clubbed with that of top cover to stay ring bolting, thus giving lot of space for regulating ring to be moved radially inwards. Thus by eliminating the extra guide cylinder of regulating ring and clubbing bolting of retaining ring with top cover the outer dia of regulating ring is drastically reduced. 10 For lowering of the modified compact and slim regulating ring into the turbine pit an ingenious method has been devised. The concrete slab supporting the generator bottom guide bearing was studied for unused space. The generator bottom guide bearing has four arms resting bolted to the four sole plates. The space between generator sole plates can be used for lowering the regulating ring. Two diametrically opposite slots whose width is slightly larger than the height of regulating ring haven been provided (see 5,6 77). The depth of slot from the concrete bore is such that the distance between the ends of diametrically opposite slots is bigger than the outer diameter of regulating ring. The regulating ring is then lowered vertically through the slots with the height of regulating ring passing through the slot width. After the regulating ring clears the slot, it is then turned to its natural horizontal position. The slots in concrete slots below generator bearing are then closed by plates for generator pit air sealing purpose. 11 KEY FEATURS Reference: Feature Figure Character 1 Regulating ring of prior art. 1 2 Joint change in prior art. 1 3 Stay ring in prior art. 1 4 Retaining ring bolting as per 1 prior art. 5 Servomotor location W.R.T. stay 1 ring in prior art. 6 Guide in prior art. 1 7 G.V.axis in prior art. 1 Maximum outer DIA bigger that 8 generator bore hence split into 1 two for erection in prior art. 9 New compact light weight 2 regulating ring. 10 Servomotor location lowered. 2 11 Stay ring as per new invention. 2 12 Retaining ring bolting clubbed 2 with top cover. 13 Guide shifted from stay ring to 2 top cover O-D. 12 Reference: Feature Figure Character 14 G.V.axis as per new invention 2 15 Max outer DIA smaller than 2 generator bore, hence single piece 16 Servo cylinder in prior art 3 17 Mounting bolts in prior art 3 Space required for lightening of 18 bottom bolts below cylinder in prior 3 art 19 Bottom of pit liner in prior art 3 Servomotor location high due to 20 tightening space for bottom 3 mounting bolts in prior art 21 Mounting bolts on two sides as per 3A invention 22 Servomotor cylinder as per 3A 23 Bottom of pit liner as per invention 3A Servomotor location lowered due to 24 tightening of mounting bottom 3A sides 25 Regulating ring in halves 4 26 Generator barrel in prior art 4 27 Turbine pit in prior art 4 13 Reference: Feature Figure Character Regulating ring 28 halves assembled in 4 prior art 29 Generator sole plates 6, 7 30 Lowering slots 6,7 31 Concrete slab below 7 generator 14 WE CLAIM 1. A regulating ring adaptable to hydro-Turbine with external regulation guide apparatus comprises:- - a 'O' shaped ring with predetermined diameter; - a plurality of such 'O' shaped ring slidable between the two diametrically opposite slot vertically disposed; - such 'O' shaped rings after clearing the slot, it is then turned to its horizontal position for mounting the assembly and - such 'O' shaped rings are fastened from diametrically opposite sides; 2. The regulating ring as claimed in claim 1 wherein the 'O' shaped rings are made of steel material. 3. The regulating ring as claimed in claim 1 wherein a guide vane servomotor is attached. 15 4. The regulating ring as claimed in claim 1 which is characteised in saving machining cost and reducing for the cycle time assembly by about 50%. 5. A developed regulating ring adaptable to hydro-turbine with external guide apparatus as substantially described and illustrated herein with reference to accompanying drawings. In the present invention the regulating ring of a hydro Turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus is made as a single piece and very compact in size. The single piece regulating ring in then ingeniously lowered into the turbine pit by providing two diametrically opposite slots between the sole plates of generator bearing support. These slots are subsequently covered by tow plates. With innovative changes in the support arrangement for regulating ring, the mounting arrangement of servomotor and provision of lower slots in the concrete support below generator, the joints of regulating ring are eliminated thereby making it rugged and economical.

Full Text

SINGLE PIECE REGULATING RING FOR HYDRO-TURBINE
WITH EXTERNAL REGULATION GUIDE APPARATUS.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This present invention relates to a single piece regulating ring
adaptable to Hydro Turbine with external regulation of guide
apparatus. More particularly the present invention relates to a
reduced size single piece regulating ring development on application
of an ingenious method to lower the regulating ring into turbine pit
as a single piece eliminating splitting into halves for the purpose of
erection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a hydroelectric power station having Francis type turbine,
regulating ring is a major item of guide apparatus and has the
following function. It connects the governor controlled servomotor
(hydraulic cylinder) to the Guide Vanes located around the runner.
The guide vane servomotor is connected to regulating ring to guide
vanes. Regulation of Turbine is done by turning all the guide vanes
in synchronism through the regulating ring.

3
Depending upon the size of turbine two types of regulations are used
for the turning mechanism.
In Internal Regulation type the regulating ring is located on the inner
side of guide vane pitch circle diameter. This is used in big turbines
where there is ample space for access to shaft seal of turbine.
In External Regulation type, the regulating ring is located on the
outer side of guide vane pitch circle diameter. This type of regulating
is used in smaller turbines where there is not enough space available
for approach to shaft seal of turbine.
In such turbines, the outer diameter of regulating ring becomes so
big, that it cannot be lowered through the bore in the concrete
portion, supporting generator bottom bearing. Hence for the
purpose of lowering, the regulating ring through this concrete core,
the regulating ring is split into halves. The haves of regulating ring
are lowered vertically into the turbine pit. The halves are turned to
their natural horizontal position inside the turbine pit and assembled.
Thus only for the sake of erection, namely lowering of regulating ring
into turbine pit, the relating ring is split into halves.

4
In order to provide a joint, which is as strong and rigid as the single
integral regulating ring; a number of fitted bolts of quite a big size
are to be provided. To accommodate those bolts the height of
regulating ring has to be increased. Increased height increases
twisting moment which in turn demands more inertia. Thus splitting
the regulating ring increases weight (material cost), machining cost
and the total manufacturing cycle.
PRIOR ART
In this design regulating ring is made in halves with a bolted joint.
The halves are lowered through the restricted concrete bore below
generator bearing and bolted inside the turbine pit.
Regulating ring of this design is bulky, heavy, costly, less rigid, and
has a longer fabrication and machining cycle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a
compact (reduced size) single piece regulating ring development
adaptable to hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide
apparatus which eliminates the disadvantages of prior art.

5
Another object of the present invention is to propose a compact
(reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to
hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which
eliminates the bolted joints of regulating ring halves and there by
improving rigidity.
A still another object of the present invention is to propose a compact
(reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to
hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which
reduces the height of regulating ring, thus in turn reducing twisting
moment.
A further object of the present invention is to propose a compact
(reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to
hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which
provides easier approach space to turbine shaft seal other parts due
to reduction of height of regulating ring.
A still further object of the present invention is to propose a compact
(reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to
hydro-turbine with external regulation of guide apparatus which
eliminates 4 joint flanges/ reduces the material cost, fabrication cost
and reduce process cycle by about 40%.

6
A yet further object of the present invention is to propose a compact
(reduced size) single piece regulating ring development adaptable to
hydro-turbine with external regulating of guide apparatus which
discards the material and machining cost of joining bolts and dowels
and machining cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention the regulating ring of a hydro Turbine with
external regulation of guide apparatus is made as a single piece and
very compact in size. The single piece regulating ring in then
ingeniously lowered into the turbine pit by providing two diametrically
opposite slots between the sole plates of generator bearing support.
These slots are subsequently covered by tow plates. With innovative
changes in the support arrangement for regulating ring, the
mounting arrangement of servomotor and provision of lower slots in
the concrete support below generator, the joints of regulating ring
are eliminated thereby making it rugged and economical.

7
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONOF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Fig-1 Conventional design of guide apparatus with bolted joint
Regulating Ring (prior art).
Fig-2 The new compact design of regulating ring without joints.
Fig-3 Mounting arrangement of Guide Vane Servomotors, as per prio
art.
Fig-3 A mounting arrangement of guide vane servomotor as per new
invention.
Fig-4 Scheme of lowering the halves of regulating ring of previous
design (prior art).
Fig-5 View showing the new compact regulating ring being lowered
through slot. (Stage-1 of erection).
Fig-6 View showing the new compact regulating ring being tilted
within turbine pit (Stage-2 of erection).
Fig-7 View showing the new compact regulating ring being lowered
on stay ring (Stage-3 of erection).

9
In the new development of servomotor bigger mounting bolts as
shown in fig 3 are only located on the two sides of the servomotor
with no bolts o the bottom or top. Thus since tightening space below
servomotor is not required, the servomotors mounting elevation is
lowered there by reducing the height of regulating ring. Reduction in
height of regulating ring reduces the twisting moment and hence the
inertia requirement for the same and hence less slot width required
for lowering of regulating ring into the turbine pit.
In the conventional design shown in fig-1 the rotary oscillating
motion of regulating ring is guided on a cylinder mounted on the
outer diameter of stay ring. This outer guide ring/guide cylinder is
eliminated by taking the guide on the top cover outer diameter as
shown in fig-2. In the conventional design the uplift of regulating
ring during ifs motion is arrested by a retaining ring separately
bolted on stay ring.
In the innovated design, the bolting of retaining ring is clubbed with
that of top cover to stay ring bolting, thus giving lot of space for
regulating ring to be moved radially inwards. Thus by eliminating the
extra guide cylinder of regulating ring and clubbing bolting of
retaining ring with top cover the outer dia of regulating ring is
drastically reduced.

10
For lowering of the modified compact and slim regulating ring into
the turbine pit an ingenious method has been devised. The concrete
slab supporting the generator bottom guide bearing was studied for
unused space. The generator bottom guide bearing has four arms
resting bolted to the four sole plates. The space between generator
sole plates can be used for lowering the regulating ring.
Two diametrically opposite slots whose width is slightly larger than
the height of regulating ring haven been provided (see 5,6 77). The
depth of slot from the concrete bore is such that the distance
between the ends of diametrically opposite slots is bigger than the
outer diameter of regulating ring.
The regulating ring is then lowered vertically through the slots with
the height of regulating ring passing through the slot width. After
the regulating ring clears the slot, it is then turned to its natural
horizontal position. The slots in concrete slots below generator
bearing are then closed by plates for generator pit air sealing
purpose.

11
KEY FEATURS
Reference: Feature Figure
Character
1 Regulating ring of prior art. 1
2 Joint change in prior art. 1
3 Stay ring in prior art. 1
4 Retaining ring bolting as per 1
prior art.
5 Servomotor location W.R.T. stay 1
ring in prior art.
6 Guide in prior art. 1
7 G.V.axis in prior art. 1
Maximum outer DIA bigger that
8 generator bore hence split into 1
two for erection in prior art.
9 New compact light weight 2
regulating ring.
10 Servomotor location lowered. 2
11 Stay ring as per new invention. 2
12 Retaining ring bolting clubbed 2
with top cover.
13 Guide shifted from stay ring to 2
top cover O-D.

12
Reference: Feature Figure
Character
14 G.V.axis as per new invention 2
15 Max outer DIA smaller than 2
generator bore, hence single piece
16 Servo cylinder in prior art 3
17 Mounting bolts in prior art 3
Space required for lightening of
18 bottom bolts below cylinder in prior 3
art
19 Bottom of pit liner in prior art 3
Servomotor location high due to
20 tightening space for bottom 3
mounting bolts in prior art
21 Mounting bolts on two sides as per 3A
invention
22 Servomotor cylinder as per 3A
23 Bottom of pit liner as per invention 3A
Servomotor location lowered due to
24 tightening of mounting bottom 3A
sides
25 Regulating ring in halves 4
26 Generator barrel in prior art 4
27 Turbine pit in prior art 4

13
Reference: Feature Figure
Character
Regulating ring
28 halves assembled in 4
prior art
29 Generator sole plates 6, 7
30 Lowering slots 6,7
31 Concrete slab below 7
generator

14
WE CLAIM
1. A regulating ring adaptable to hydro-Turbine with external
regulation guide apparatus comprises:-
- a 'O' shaped ring with predetermined diameter;
- a plurality of such 'O' shaped ring slidable between the
two diametrically opposite slot vertically disposed;
- such 'O' shaped rings after clearing the slot, it is then
turned to its horizontal position for mounting the
assembly and
- such 'O' shaped rings are fastened from diametrically
opposite sides;

2. The regulating ring as claimed in claim 1 wherein the 'O'
shaped rings are made of steel material.
3. The regulating ring as claimed in claim 1 wherein a guide vane
servomotor is attached.

15
4. The regulating ring as claimed in claim 1 which is characteised
in saving machining cost and reducing for the cycle time
assembly by about 50%.
5. A developed regulating ring adaptable to hydro-turbine with
external guide apparatus as substantially described and
illustrated herein with reference to accompanying drawings.

In the present invention the regulating ring of a hydro Turbine with
external regulation of guide apparatus is made as a single piece and
very compact in size. The single piece regulating ring in then
ingeniously lowered into the turbine pit by providing two diametrically
opposite slots between the sole plates of generator bearing support.
These slots are subsequently covered by tow plates. With innovative
changes in the support arrangement for regulating ring, the
mounting arrangement of servomotor and provision of lower slots in
the concrete support below generator, the joints of regulating ring
are eliminated thereby making it rugged and economical.

Documents:

00464-kol-2007-claims.pdf

00464-kol-2007-correspondence others.pdf

00464-kol-2007-description complete.pdf

00464-kol-2007-drawings.pdf

00464-kol-2007-form 1.pdf

00464-kol-2007-form 2.pdf

00464-kol-2007-form 3.pdf

00464-kol-2007-gpa.pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-ABSTRACT.pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-DRAWINGS.pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-FORM-1.pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-FORM-2.pdf

464-KOL-2007-(26-12-2011)-OTHERS.pdf

464-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

464-KOL-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

464-KOL-2007-FORM 18.pdf

464-KOL-2007-FORM 3.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GPA.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

464-KOL-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

464-KOL-2007-OTHERS.pdf

464-KOL-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

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Patent Number

252295

Indian Patent Application Number

464/KOL/2007

PG Journal Number

19/2012

Publication Date

11-May-2012

Grant Date

07-May-2012

Date of Filing

23-Mar-2007

Name of Patentee

BHARAT HEAVY ELECTRICALS LIMITED

Applicant Address

REGIONAL OPERATIONS DIVISION (ROD), PLOT NO : 9/1, DJBLOCK 3RD FLOOR, KARUNAMOYEE, SALT LAKE CITY, KOLKATA-700091, HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE AT BHEL HOUSE, SIRI FORT, NEW DELHI- 110049

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	DINESH KUMAR	HYDRO TURBINE ENGINEERING DIVISION BHEL, BHOPAL
2	AMRESH KUMAR	HYDRO TURBINE ENGINEERING DIVISION BHEL, BHOPAL
3	KARRI PRASAD	HYDRO TURBINE ENGINEERING DIVISION BHEL, BHOPAL

PCT International Classification Number

F16D33/10

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA