Grouped reaction nozzle tip shrouds with integrated seals

Abstract

A reaction turbine stator vane segment comprising an integral grouping of plural vanes, an arcuate tip shroud connected between radially inner tips of the vanes, and an arcuate mounting portion extending across radially outer tips of the vanes, the arcuate tip shroud formed with plural seal components extending radially inwardly from the tip shroud.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A method of forming a one-piece reaction turbine stator vane segment comprising: 
 (a) providing a stainless steel alloy block; and    (b) machining said block to include an integral grouping of plural vanes, an arcuate tip shroud connected between radially inner tips of the vanes, and an arcuate mounting portion extending across radially outer tips of the vanes.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  including adding plural seal components extending radially inwardly from said tip shroud.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said plural seal components include a combination of strip seals and brush seals.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said plural seal components include a combination of labyrinth seal teeth and brush seals.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said plural seal components include a pair of strip seals, one on either side of a brush seal.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said plural seal components include a pair of labyrinth seal teeth, one on either side of a brush seal.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said plural seal components are mounted in an arcuate insert and said method further comprises installing said arcuate insert within a groove in said tip shroud.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said plural seal components include a brush seal flanked by a pair of labyrinth seal teeth.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said plural seal components include a brush seal insert received in a groove in said tip shroud, with additional seal components on opposite sides of said brush seal insert.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein said additional seal components comprise strip seals.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24  wherein said additional seal components comprise labyrinth seal teeth.