ATA 81-Turbocharging

COMPRESSOR TURBINE
Purpose:
Extract energy (66%) from the hot gases to drive the compressor rotor unit.
Construction:
The compressor turbine is a two-plane balanced disk assembly, the disk is made of nickel
alloy steel with firtree serrations that provide a firm attachment as well as allowing for
thermal expansion differences between the blades and the disk. Rivets are used to axially
retain the 58 blades on the disk. A master spline ensures reinstallation of the compressor
turbine in its initial position on the compressor stub shaft during maintenance.

Operation:
Expanding gases, accelerated through the vane ring hit the turbine blades. The energy
available in the gases is converted into rotational movement to drive the compressor and
the engine accessories. Nearly two thirds of all the energy available from the products of
combustion is needed to drive the compressor. The one third remaining is used to drive
the power turbine.
The turbine is individually balanced on two planes with weights and rivets. This feature
allows for turbine replacement in the field.
The turbine disc is limited in cycles (refer to chapter Performance).
Maintenance:
During Hot Section Inspection: Inspect turbine disk for cracks, overheating, and
scratches.
COMPRESSOR TURBINE BLADES
Purpose: Extract energy from the hot gases
Construction: The compressor turbine blades are made from a nickel alloy, using a
Directionally Solidified casting process known as D.S. blades or Single Crystal on PT6T-3Ds.
DS Blades features include triple taper design construction, firtree retention, growth check
pad (PT6T3Bs) and diffused corrosion resistant protective coating
Single Crystal blades have firtree retention, new airfoil design, no growth check pads. The
blades are serialized for life tracking purpose.
The sulphidation attack can described in four levels :
Stage 1 Mild sulphidation : Evident slight roughness of surface and breakdown of the
coating layer. Condition acceptable in the field.
Stage 2 Medium sulphidation : Heavy roughness of the surface, Base material is attacked,
Blade integrity still not affected. Condition acceptable in the field.
Stage 3 Severe sulphidation : Heavy roughness of the surface, Built-up of blister, Base
material is attacked, Blade integrity is affected. Condition NOT acceptable in the field.
Stage 4 Deep penetration with metal separation. Blade fracture imminent. Unbalance of
rotor assembly. Operation is unsafe.
If sulphidation of the C.T blades is experienced a boroscope inspection should be
scheduled to monitor the sulphidation stage. A regular Turbine wash should be established
to reduce sulphidation progress.
Special sulphidation resistance coatings are available as customer option.
Maintenance:
Unscheduled
Wash turbine blades based on past sulphidation experience.
Borescope inspection through fuel nozzle bosses.
During Hot Section Inspection:
Inspect turbine blades for sulphidation, cracks, erosion, tip rub, burning, coating loss,
impact damage and blade shift.

POWER TURBINE VANE RING

Purpose:
Direct gases to the power turbine and change static pressure into velocity.
Construction:
Nickel alloy casting with a riveted sheet metal center baffle.
The exit area (throat) of the vane ring is classified.
Supported by the power turbine housing.
A lug to slot arrangements centers and prevents movements of the vane ring.
Operation:
Gases leaving the compressor turbine are accelerated through the power turbine vane ring
and cause the power turbine to rotate.
The vane ring is held in place by lugs fitted in the power turbine housing. The riveted inner
baffle directs air close to the power and compressor turbine disks for cooling. During
engine assembly, selection of the correct vane ring class (area) will allow for optimization
(matching) of the N1 and ITT parameters and engine performance.
Maintenance:
During Hot Section Inspection:
Inspect vane ring for evidence of burning, cracking and coating loss.
Insure proper fit (lugs to slots) with mating parts.
Lap sealing face to obtain 100% contact.
POWER TURBINE
Purpose:
Extract energy (33%) from the gases to drive the aircraft main rotor through the reduction
gearbox.
Construction:
The power turbine is a single-plane balanced disk assembly, the disk is made of nickel alloy
steel and is splined to the power turbine shaft. A master spline insures that the turbine can
only fit in one position on the turbine shaft. The 41 blades are retained in the firtree
serrations with rivets. There is no mechanical links between the power and compressor
turbines thus the power turbine is "Free" to turn independent of the compressor turbine
operation.
Removal of the power turbine is permissible at field level if an operator wants to inspect
the area beneath the turbine (ie : No. 3 bearing cover pre SB 5222).
Balancing of the power turbine must be done with the power turbine shaft and the No. 3
and 4 bearings altogether and for that reason the power turbine is not field replaceable.
Maintenance:
Unscheduled During Hot Section Inspection :
 Inspect the turbine disk for cracks, overheating, scratches.
Inspect the turbine blades for : cracks, burning, coating loss, corrosion, impact damage
and blade shift.