FORMING COOLING PASSAGES IN COMBUSTION TURBINE SUPERALLOY CASTINGS

Abstract

Cooling passages (99, 105) are formed in components for combustion turbine engines, such as blades (92), vanes (104, 106), ring segments (110) or castings in transitions (85), during investment casting, through use of ceramic shell inserts (130) within the casting mold (152). Ceramic posts (134) formed in the ceramic shell insert (130) have profiles conforming to corresponding profiles of partially completed cooling passages (156). Posts (134) are removed after superalloy component casting, forming the partially completed cooling passages, which are subsequently completed by removing remaining superalloy material along the cooling passage path.

Claims

1. A method for forming a cooling passage in an investment cast, superalloy component for a combustion turbine engine, comprising: providing a wax injection mold defining a mold cavity, whose mold cavity surface conforms to a corresponding surface profile of a component for a combustion turbine engine; providing a ceramic shell insert, having an insert surface profile and at least one ceramic post projecting from the insert surface, which in combination conform to a corresponding surface profile of a partially completed cooling passage in the engine component; inserting the ceramic shell insert into the wax injection mold, the shell insert surface and each ceramic post forming part of the mold cavity surface, each post projecting into the mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with wax, enveloping each post therein; hardening the wax, creating a wax pattern that embeds the ceramic shell insert and each post therein; removing the wax injection mold, the hardened wax pattern, along with the insert surface and each ceramic post conforming to the component surface profile; enveloping the hardened wax pattern and embedded ceramic shell insert in ceramic slurry; firing the ceramic slurry, thereby hardening the slurry into an outer ceramic shell, which is joined to the ceramic shell insert, and eliminating the wax, the joined outer ceramic shell and ceramic shell insert defining a shell internal cavity, which conforms to the engine component profile, including each partially completed cooling passage; filling the shell internal cavity with molten superalloy material, and cooling the superalloy material to form a component casting therein, the casting including each partially completed cooling passage; removing the outer ceramic shell and ceramic shell insert, including each ceramic post, from the casting, exposing each partially completed cooling passage; and completing at least one cooling passage by removing hardened, cast superalloy material from the casting to match a corresponding, completed cooling passage profile in the corresponding component.

2. The method of claim 1, the ceramic shell insert having a plurality of ceramic posts, corresponding to a pattern of partially completed cooling passages in the engine component.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the inserted ceramic posts projecting into the mold cavity, without touching any other mold cavity surface.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising inserting a ceramic core into the mold cavity, and inserting the ceramic shell insert into the mold, with the ceramic insert surface in opposed relationship with the ceramic core, forming a mold cavity void there between, prior to filling the mold cavity void with wax.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising the ceramic insert surface profile defining engineered surface features.

6. The method of claim 2, at least one ceramic post projecting from the ceramic insert surface at an angle less than 90 degrees.

7. The method of claim 6, the at least one ceramic post projecting from the ceramic insert surface at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees.

8. The method of claim 2, at least one ceramic post extending in a non-linear profile from the ceramic insert surface.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising completing at least one cooling passage by removing hardened, cast superalloy material from the component that is within the cooling passage path, so that the cooling passage extends completely through a wall formed within the component casting.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming a thermal barrier coating on the component casting, including the partially completed cooling passage, prior to completing the cooling passage.

11. A method for forming a cooling passage in an investment cast, superalloy blade or vane component for a combustion turbine engine, the component having a component wall delimited by a wall outer surface, and a wall inner surface that defines a component cavity therein, the cooling passage extending through the component wall between its respective outer and inner surfaces, comprising: providing a wax injection mold defining a mold cavity, whose mold cavity surface conforms to a corresponding profile of an outer surface of a hollow blade or vane component for a combustion turbine engine; providing a ceramic shell insert, having an insert surface profile and at least one ceramic post projecting from the insert surface, which in combination conform to a corresponding surface profile of a partially completed cooling passage in the outer surface of the engine component wall; providing a ceramic core whose core outer surface conforms to a corresponding profile of a wall inner surface of the engine component; inserting the ceramic core into the mold cavity, and inserting the ceramic shell insert into the mold, with the shell insert surface in opposed, spaced relationship with the ceramic core outer surface, forming a cavity void there between, which corresponds to a corresponding profile of the component wall respective outer and inner surfaces; filling the mold cavity void with wax, enveloping each ceramic post therein; hardening the wax, forming a wax pattern that embeds the ceramic core, and ceramic shell insert, including each ceramic post therein; removing the wax injection mold, the hardened wax pattern, along with the ceramic core, ceramic shell insert surface and each ceramic post conforming to the component wall respective outer and inner surfaces profiles; enveloping the hardened wax pattern and the respective embedded ceramic core and ceramic shell insert in ceramic slurry; firing the ceramic slurry, thereby hardening the slurry into an outer ceramic shell, which is joined to the ceramic shell insert and the ceramic core, and eliminating the wax, the joined outer ceramic shell and ceramic insert defining a shell internal cavity, which conforms to the engine component wall outer surface profile, including each partially completed cooling passage, the ceramic core outer surface conforming to the engine component wall inner surface profile, and the ceramic shell cavity void conforming to the engine component wall; filling the ceramic shell internal cavity void with molten superalloy material, and cooling the superalloy material to form a component casting therein, the casting including each partially completed cooling passage in the component outer wall surface; removing the ceramic core, ceramic outer shell, and ceramic insert, including each ceramic post, from the casting, exposing each partially complete cooling passage in the outer surface of the component wall; and completing at least one cooling passage through the component wall, by removing hardened, cast superalloy material that blocks remaining path of the cooling passage.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a thermal barrier coating on the component casting, including the partially completed cooling passage, prior to completing the cooling passage.

13. The method of claim 12, the ceramic shell insert having a plurality of ceramic posts, corresponding to a pattern of partially completed cooling passages in the engine component.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the inserted ceramic posts projecting into the mold cavity, without touching any other mold cavity surface.

15. The method of claim 12, at least one ceramic post projecting from the insert surface at an angle less than 90 degrees.

16. The method of claim 15, the at least one ceramic post projecting from the insert surface at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees.

17. The method of claim 12, at least one ceramic post extending in a non-linear profile from the ceramic shell insert surface.

18. The method of claim 11, the ceramic shell insert surface comprising: a plurality of ceramic posts, corresponding to a pattern of partially completed cooling passages in the engine component; and engineered surface features, which are respectively defined in the insert surface profile.

19. The method of claim 11, the at least one ceramic post projecting from the ceramic insert surface at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees.

20. The method of claim 11, at least one ceramic post extending in a non-linear profile from the ceramic shell insert surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The exemplary embodiments of the invention are further described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a partial axial cross sectional view of a gas or combustion turbine engine incorporating one or more superalloy components, having cooling passages formed in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross sectional elevational view of the turbine engine of FIG. 1, showing Rows 1 turbine blade and Rows 1 and 2 vanes, having cooling passages formed in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 is an elevational perspective view of an exemplary ceramic shell insert, having ceramic posts and engineered surface features (ESFs), which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of exemplary ceramic posts and ESFs of the ceramic shell insert of FIG. 3;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view of a wax injection mold for a turbine blade airfoil, incorporating the ceramic shell insert of FIG. 3 and a ceramic core, during wax injection into the mold cavity, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a hardened wax pattern, with embedded ceramic shell insert and ceramic core, for a turbine blade airfoil, after removal from the wax injection mold of FIG. 5, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of the ceramic shell insert and ceramic core after envelopment in an outer ceramic shell and removal of the hardened wax, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a ceramic shell insert and ceramic post, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic shell insert and ceramic post of FIG. 8, in opposed orientation with the ceramic core, after wax injection, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic shell insert and ceramic post of FIG. 8, in opposed orientation with the ceramic core, after envelopment in an outer ceramic shell and removal of the hardened wax, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic shell insert and ceramic post of FIG. 8, in opposed orientation with the ceramic core, after filling the mold with molten superalloy material and subsequent hardening of the material, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the superalloy component casting, after removal of the ceramic shell insert, ceramic core and ceramic outer shell, and a formed, partial depth cooling passage formed therein, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a ceramic shell insert and alternative embodiment converging frustro-conical profile ceramic post, in opposed orientation with a ceramic core, similar to FIG. 8, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a ceramic shell insert and alternative embodiment diverging profile ceramic post, in opposed orientation with a ceramic core, similar to FIG. 8, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a ceramic shell insert and alternative embodiment profile rectangular profile ceramic post, in opposed orientation with a ceramic core, similar to FIG. 8, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a ceramic shell insert and alternative embodiment trapezoidal profile ceramic post, in opposed orientation with a ceramic core, similar to FIG. 8, which is used to form cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0035] FIGS. 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views of ceramic shell inserts and alternative embodiment trapezoidal profile ceramic posts in opposed orientation with ceramic cores, similar to FIG. 8, which are used to form film cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0036] FIGS. 19 and 20 are cross-sectional views of ceramic shell inserts and alternative embodiment split-profile ceramic posts in opposed orientation with ceramic cores, similar to FIG. 8, which are used to form split cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0037] FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views of ceramic shell inserts and alternative embodiment non-linear, asymmetrical profile ceramic posts in opposed orientation with ceramic cores, similar to FIG. 8, which are used to non-linear and/or asymmetrical cooling passages in superalloy components, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention;

[0038] FIGS. 23-25 are elevational cross section views of a prior art method for forming cooling passages in a thermal barrier coated (TBC) superalloy component for a combustion turbine engine, leading to undesired TBC delamination from the component substrate and its bond coat (BC) layer around the passage margins; and

[0039] FIGS. 26 and 27 are elevational cross section views of an exemplary method for forming cooling passages in a thermal barrier coated (TBC) superalloy component for a combustion turbine engine, where a previously formed, partial cooling passage inhibits undesired TBC delamination from the component substrate and its bond coat (BC) layer around the passage margin, by shielding the TBC layer with an overhanging layer of superalloy material, in accordance with exemplary method embodiments of the invention.

[0040] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Exemplary method embodiments of the invention form partially completed cooling passages directly in turbine engine components during investment casting of the superalloy material. The partial cooling passages are formed by use of ceramic shell inserts, having projecting posts, and optionally additional engineered surface features. The ceramic posts have sufficient strength to maintain structural integrity and alignment as they are being embedded in wax during the wax pattern formation of the manufacturing process. After the wax hardens, the composite hardened wax pattern and embedded ceramic shell, along with any other casting mold segments, such as central cores, are in turn enveloped in ceramic slurry. The slurry is fired, hardening it into an outer ceramic shell. Any wax that was not previously eliminated during the outer ceramic shell firing is removed, leaving a mold cavity, for receipt of molten superalloy material. The ceramic posts of the ceramic shell insert project into the mold cavity. Molten superalloy material poured into the mold cavity hardens around the ceramic posts. After the casting cools and hardens, the ceramic mold material, including the outer shell, shell insert and the projecting ceramic posts are removed; leaving partially formed or completed cooling passages in the component substrate.

[0042] In some embodiments, a TBC layer is applied over desired portions of the component substrate, including the partially completed cooling passages. Any TBC material obstructing the partial cooling passages is removed, allowing access to the terminus of the partial cooling passage. Thereafter the cooling passage path is completed by removing component superalloy material along the intended passage path.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, turbine engines, such as the gas or combustion turbine engine 80 include a multi-stage compressor section 82, a combustion section 84, a multi-stage turbine section 86 and an exhaust system 88. Atmospheric pressure intake air is drawn into the compressor section 82 generally in the direction of the flow arrows F along the axial length of the turbine engine 80. The intake air is progressively pressurized in the compressor section 82 by rows rotating compressor blades and directed by mating compressor vanes to the combustion section 84, where it is mixed with fuel and ignited. The ignited fuel/air mixture, now under greater pressure and velocity than the original intake air, is directed through a transition 85 to the sequential blade rows R.sub.1, R.sub.2, etc., in the turbine section 86. The engine's rotor and shaft 90 has a plurality of rows of airfoil cross sectional shaped turbine blades 92 terminating in distal blade tips 94 in the compressor 82 and turbine 86 sections.

[0044] For convenience and brevity, further discussion of cooling passage formation and application of thermal barrier coat (TBC) layers on the combustion turbine engine components will focus on the turbine section 86 embodiments and applications, though similar constructions are applicable for the compressor 82 or combustion 84 sections, as well as for steam turbine engine components. In the engine's 80 turbine section 86, each turbine blade 92 has a concave profile high-pressure side 96 and a convex low-pressure side 98. Cooling passages 99 that are formed in the blade 92 facilitate passage of cooling fluid along the blade surface. The high velocity and pressure combustion gas, flowing in the combustion flow direction F imparts rotational motion on the blades 92, spinning the rotor 90. As is well known, some of the mechanical power imparted on the rotor shaft 90 is available for performing useful work. The combustion gasses are constrained radially distal the rotor 90 by turbine casing 100 and proximal the rotor 90 by air seals 102 comprising abradable surfaces.

[0045] Referring to the Row 1 section shown in FIG. 2, respective upstream vanes 104 and downstream vanes 106 respectively direct upstream combustion gas generally parallel to the incident angle of the leading edge of turbine blade 92 and redirect downstream combustion gas exiting the trailing edge of the blade 92 for a desired entry angle into downstream Row 2 turbine blades (not shown). Cooling passages 105 that are formed in the vanes 104, 106 facilitate passage of cooling fluid along the vane surface. It is noted that the cooling passages 99 and 105 shown in FIG. 2 are merely schematic representations, are enlarged for visual clarity, and are not drawn to scale. A typical turbine blade 92 or vane 104, 106 has many more cooling passages distributed about the respective airfoil bodies of much smaller diameter relative to the respective blade or vane total surface area that is exposed to the engine combustion gas.

[0046] As previously noted, turbine component surfaces that are exposed to combustion gasses are often constructed with a TBC layer for insulation of their underlying substrates. Typical TBC coated surfaces include the turbine blades 92, the vanes 104 and 106, ring segments 110, abradable surfaces 120 and related carrier surfaces of turbine vanes, and combustion section transitions 85. The TBC layer for blade 92, vanes 104 and 106, ring segments 110, and transition 85 exposed surfaces are often applied by thermal sprayed or vapor deposition or solution/suspension plasma spray methods, with a total TBC layer thickness of 300-2000 microns (m).

Fabrication of Partially Completed Cooling Passages with Ceramic Shell Inserts in Investment Cast, Engine Components

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3-7, in some embodiments of this invention, a ceramic insert 130 incorporates the profile of partially completed cooling passages, and optionally other types of engineered surface features (ESFs) 140. ESFs are described in the aforementioned International Application No. PCT/US15/16318. The ceramic shell insert 130 is typically a partially sintered ceramic (similar to typical core material for investment casting processes) that is placed or positioned onto the wax pattern 150. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the ceramic shell insert 130 is placed into the wax injection tool or mold 142 and incorporated in the wax pattern 150 when it is injected and subsequently hardened. The wax pattern 150, (incorporating the ceramic insert 130 and a ceramic core 144) is dipped in and coated with ceramic slurry. The slurry is hardened, to form an investment casting outer shell mold 152. The inner or interface surface 132 of the ceramic shell insert 130 (which is attached to the wax pattern 150 surface) incorporates the casting mold surface details for the eventual metal surfaces and structurally cast-in-place, cooling passage features.

[0048] The cooling passage features are defined in the ceramic shell insert 130 by the projecting ceramic posts 134 that conform to the corresponding, partial cooling passage profiles. This casting method retains detail in the surface profile features, including the cooling passage profiles, which would otherwise be compromised in a wax pattern 150 due to fragility of the wax material composition. The ceramic shell insert 130 surface profile creation process for the superalloy component lends itself to modularity, where additional partially completed cooling passage forming ceramic posts 134, and engineered surface feature anchoring surfaces 140 are incorporated for exposed airfoil areas such as leading edges and trailing edges of turbine blades 92 or vanes 104, 106. In order to be compatible with ceramic outer casting shell 152 shrinkage, in some embodiments the ceramic shell inserts 130 are partially thermally processed prior to application to the wax injection tool 142. In the example of an engine vane 104, 106 or blade 92 of FIG. 2, when the casting shell 152 is thermally treated, the shell insert 130 remains as part of the outer ceramic shell structure 152, which defines the outer cavity wall for the investment cast surfaces e.g., the turbine blade 92, concave profile, high-pressure side 96 and the convex low-pressure side 98 surfaces.

[0049] The ceramic shell insert system 130 exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3-8 provide the ability to cast one or an array of engineered surface features and/or partial cooling hole passages 99, 105 in a blade 92 or vane 104, 106 within the engine 80 of FIG. 2, through ESFs 140 and ceramic posts 134, that are within the ceramic insert interface or inner surface 132. A partial cooling passage is manufactured by creating a ceramic insert 130 with the ceramic rod protrusions or posts 134. The ceramic rods 134 of FIGS. 4 and 8 have a rim portion 136 that is formed to match the corresponding, intended inlet or outlet hole profile of a cooling passage within a combustion turbine component, and a post tip portion 138 whose surface profile and distal end define the corresponding surface profile of the terminus or end of the partially completed cooling passage. The ceramic posts 134 are integrally formed within, or formed separately and bonded to the inner surface 132 of the ceramic shell insert 130. The ceramic posts or rods 134 penetrate, or in other words embed, within the wax pattern 150, creating a partially complete cooling hole 99 or 105. The ceramic shell insert 130 is not integral with an internal ceramic core 144, and in exemplary embodiment herein, the projecting ceramic posts 134 do not contact the internal core, 144, leaving an incomplete cooling passage. However, a partial cooling passage/hole beneficially reduces processing time needed to cut a complete cooling passage within a solid superalloy component after casting. As will be described in detail herein, casting superalloy, combustion turbine components, with partially completed or formed cooling passages 99 and 105, advantageously simplifies cooling passage completion, and reduces likelihood of previously applied thermal barrier coat delamination, during cooling passage completion.

[0050] The main steps for investment casting of a combustion turbine component with partially completed cooling passages, in accordance with embodiments of the invention methods, are shown in FIGS. 5-12. Each step is described generally as follows.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, one or more shell inserts 130 are provided to match desired surface profile of the engine component cooling passage profiles or engineered surface features. The completed ceramic shell insert 130 is oriented within a solid wax pattern 150. In some embodiments, the ceramic shell insert 130 is pushed directly into a previously completed, hardened wax pattern 150 that mimics the rest of the component profile. In other embodiments, due to potential fragility of the ceramic posts 134, the ceramic insert 130 is positioned within an internal cavity 146 of a wax injection mold or die 142, along with any other desired inserts, such as the ceramic core 144, in a spaced relationship from other mold surfaces. The ceramic core corresponds to internal hollow portion surface profile of the engine component, such as a blade or vane cooling plenum. In some embodiments, multiple, modular ceramic shell inserts 130 are used to form the entire desired surface of the component casting. Molten wax 148 is interposed or injected into the mold or die cavity 146, which envelops therein the posts 134 of the ceramic shell insert, and any other types of engineered surface features. Gaps between the ceramic posts 134 and other mold surface features, such as a ceramic core 144, are now filled with molten wax 148, which subsequently hardens into a wax pattern 150.

[0052] The hardened wax pattern 150, which now captures the ceramic shell insert 130, the posts 134 and the ceramic inner core 144, is separated from the mold 142, leaving the composite pattern of FIGS. 6 and 9, which conforms to the outer profile of the desired engine component. The composite component pattern, including hardened wax pattern 150, the shell insert 130 and ceramic core 144 are dipped or otherwise enveloped in ceramic slurry, dried, and fired in known types of investment casting manufacturing processes, to form a ceramic outer shell or casting vessel 152, forming a casting mold for the superalloy component. The ceramic/wax composite vessel 152 and pattern 150 is dewaxed, such as in a known autoclave, leaving a composite ceramic vessel, with the hollow cavity 146, shown in FIGS. 7 and 10.

[0053] The composite ceramic vessel 152 hollow cavity 146 incorporates the surface features of the superalloy component, including the partial cooling passages/holes. In the embodiment of both of FIGS. 7 and 10, the post 134 does not contact the ceramic inner core 144, leaving an open-space gap G that will be filled with superalloy material during the subsequent casting process. The total substrate wall thickness G of the cast component is established by the distance between the inner surface of the ceramic core 144 and the inner surface 132, of the ceramic shell insert 130, within the mold cavity 146. In FIG. 11, the ceramic vessel 152, including the ceramic shell insert 130 and the ceramic core 144, is filled with molten superalloy metal 154, typically in a vacuum casting process. Ultimately the post 134, including the post rim portion 136 and post tip 138, will form the profile of a partially completed cooling passage having a partial cooling passage depth D, which as previously described is approximately 50% to 90% of the substrate wall thickness G. The remaining depth remnant of superalloy material 154 to remove from the component, in order to complete the cooling passage to the outer boundary of the component is G minus D.

[0054] In FIG. 11, casting of the superalloy material 154 in the outer ceramic shell-casting mold 152 is completed, trapping the post 134, including the rim 136 and post tip portion 138 in the now hardened metal. Once the superalloy metal 154 has solidified and cooled, ceramic mold material forming the former shell insert 130 and posts 134, ceramic core 144, and the outer ceramic shell 152 of FIG. 7, is removed from the hardened metal casting 154 mechanically and chemically. Typical, known chemical removal processes for ceramic mold material use heated sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH) baths.

[0055] The now ceramic-free metal casting 154 now has a partially completed cooling passage 156 of partial depth D compared to the total substrate thickness G. The partially completed cooling passage 156 includes an entrance 158 and a terminus or hole bottom 160, shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the terminus 160 is laterally offset from the passage entrance 160. The partially completed cooling passage 156 is shown schematically as a cylindrical passage, oriented at an angle relative to the component surface 161. The partially completed cooling passages in the now ceramic-free superalloy metal casting are completed, before or after optional TBC application, by removing remnant metal from the casting by mechanical cutting, pressurized water or other fluid jet, or ablation processes. In some embodiments, remnant metal removal to complete the cooling passage is initiated inside the partial cooling passage 156, starting at the terminus 160. Alternatively, remnant metal is removal is initiated from outside the substrate (here opposite the partially completed cooling passage entrance 158) until the newly created passage portion is in communication with the terminus of the partially completed cooling passage 156.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 8, 10 and 12, post 134 dimension definitions are summarized as follows. In some embodiments, the posts 134 are oriented at an angle of less than 90 degrees and typically 30 to 60 degrees relative to the ceramic shell insert surface 132. The posts 134 have a diameter or thickness t, which is chosen to match the cross sectional diameter of a corresponding cooling passage. In embodiments herein, the post diameter t is typically 0.7 mm to 1.75 mm and the post 134 length L is typically the cooling passage partial depth D multiplied by the cosine . In some embodiments, the cooling passage partial depth D is 50% to 95% of the total substrate thickness G.

[0057] As previously described, the ceramic shell insert 130 is manufactured with an array of ceramic posts that are profiled to mimic integrally cast, partial cooling passages, or holes. Typically, known, cut cooling holes, not formed by the methods of this invention, are 0.5-0.6 mm diameter, cylindrical in shape, and at 30-degree angle to the surface. As shown in FIG. 12, this type of passage or hole 156 can be integrally created in the casting, rather than fully cut in solid metal after the casting process, by using the ceramic post structure 134 in the ceramic shell insert 130. However, geometry of the ceramic post 134 is not limited to simple shapes and angles. Various exemplary partial cooling passage profiles are shown in FIGS. 13-22, which will be described in greater detail herein. In one or more embodiments, the ceramic shell insert 130 has a plurality of ceramic posts 134, corresponding to a pattern of partially completed or partial-depth cooling passages in the engine component. In some embodiments, a plurality of ceramic shell inserts 130 are used to form partial cooling passages within a component. In one or more embodiments, at least one ceramic post 134 projects from the ceramic insert surface 132 at an angle , which is less than 90 degrees, and in other embodiments at least one ceramic post 134 projects from the ceramic insert surface 132 at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees.

[0058] As previously noted, integrally cast, partial cooling passages, formed by the method embodiments of the present invention, allow cooling fluid flow, heat transfer, and TBC delamination inhibiting design options that cannot be easily replicated by known post-casting cooling passage formation processes, with easier manufacture than passages formed by known refractory metal core (RMC) insert processes. Cooling passage/hole configurations are not limited to simple cylindrical holes, as shown in FIG. 12. Changing the diameter or cross section or passage path of the cooling passage profile through the thickness of the component wall beneficially offers ability to increase or decrease the velocity of the cooling flow, depending on whether the hole diameter/cross section is decreased or increased as it approaches the outer surface of the component.

[0059] FIGS. 13-22 show alternative cooling passage profiles that are formed in investment cast, superalloy components. In all of FIGS. 13-22, the ceramic inner core 144 forms an internal surface of an engine component, such as a turbine blade or vane. FIGS. 13-18 show exemplary embodiments of change of cooling passage shape made by the casting methods of the present invention. By way of background, changes in cooling passage shape have been previously made by EDM and laser ablation, as well as by other known material cutting methods. For example, film-cooling passages on turbine blades and vanes have been previously made by EDM or millisecond laser drilling, and then a trapezoidal/pyramidal shape, flared outer surface profile is created on the surface by use of a finer nanosecond laser. In FIG. 13, the ceramic post 164 has a diverging cylindrical profile toward the ceramic insert 162, which will form a corresponding, divergent cooling passage profile in a turbine engine component outer surface. Conversely, in FIG. 14, the ceramic post 168 has a converging cylindrical profile toward the ceramic insert 166. In FIG. 15, the ceramic post 172 that is formed in ceramic insert 170 has a rectangular profile, whereas in FIG. 16, the ceramic post 176 of the ceramic insert 174 has a trapezoidal profile. In FIG. 17, a projecting, trapezoidal profile post 180 in the ceramic insert 178 has a smooth, angular profile transition to the post tip 181, which corresponds to the terminus, or inner-most reaching portion or pinnacle of the partially completed cooling passage, whereas the post 184 on the ceramic insert 182 of FIG. 18 has a stepped transition from a trapezoidal entrance portion 186 to a necked, cylindrical portion 188 at the post tip or terminus.

[0060] Additional embodiments for forming posts in ceramic inserts are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, where one cooling fluid feed from an exemplary blade or vane component-cooling cavity is split into many cooling ejections on the surface. In FIG. 19, the projecting post 200 of the ceramic insert 190 creates a cooling passage with a single feed plenum at the terminus 208 that splits into three cooling path outlets 202, 204, 206, which will exhaust from the component surface. A cooling passage with more or less than three splits can be constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 20, where the projecting post 212, formed on the ceramic insert 210, forms one passage at the terminus 218 that splits linearly into two passages/holes outlets 214 and 216. Such multi-dimensional, cooling passage formation method is applicable to two-dimensional or three-dimensional profiles within a component (into or out of the drawing figure sheet). Embodiments of the invention also fabricate non-linear cooling passage paths, which are shown in FIGS. 21-22. The ceramic insert 220 of FIG. 21 includes a non-linear post 222, with an entrance 224 and a terminus 226. The cooling passage is completed after casting by removing material from the component, so that the terminus 226 extends outside the component wall boundary defined by the ceramic inner core 144. In FIG. 22, pigtail-like cooling passage is formed by post 230, with an initial end portion 234 formed at the ceramic insert 228, and extending to a terminus 236 towards the ceramic core insert 144. The post 230 extends into a third dimension (into or out of the drawing figure sheet). Non-linear passages with serpentine paths, formed by the methods of the embodiments herein, provide for longer cooling paths within the same component volume, providing greater heat transfer surface area and longer dwell time for cooling flow, compared to a linear passage occupying the same volume in the component, at any given cooling flow velocity below the respective passage choke velocity.

Mitigation of TBC Damage During Cooling Passage Formation

[0061] As previously noted, cooling passages formed in superalloy engine components before application of thermal barrier coating (TBC) layers are masked to inhibit obstruction by the later applied TBC material, which is costly and time consuming. Often in the past cooling passages have been formed in superalloy engine components 239, after TBC layer application by laser ablation, such as shown in progression of FIGS. 23-25. The substrate 240 has an over layer of bond coat (BC), which is typically MCrAlY material, before application of the TBC layer 244. After application of the TBC layer 244, it is typically drilled with a laser 246 ablation device that uses percussions (shown schematically by the bubble 248) to pulse through the TBC 244 (FIG. 23), then the BC bond coat 242 (FIG. 24), then the substrate 240 superalloy base material to create a cooling passage/hole (FIG. 25). Delamination and/or cracking damage is commonly observed in the TBC layer 244, at its interface with the bond coat 242, as a result of the multiple percussions 248 exerting a force on the overhanging TBC in the zone labelled 250, caused by drilling through the base material 240, with the laser ablation device 246.

[0062] Potential damage to thermal barrier coating (TBC) layer(s) 276 during subsequent cooling passage 270 formation is mitigated by creation of a partially completed or formed cooling passage 264 in the superalloy, turbine engine component 260, and prior to application of the TBC layer 276 on the same surface, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. There is less substrate 262 material (and resulting less percussions 248 generated by the laser ablation device 246) needed to drill through the remnant superalloy material below the terminus 268 of the partially completed cooling passage 264, thereby reducing opportunity to cause repetitive percussion damage to the TBC layer at the zone 278. The skewed path of the partially completed cooling passage 264 within the component substrate 262 interposes an overhanging shield layer of superalloy material 269 in the passage wall that is interposed between the laterally offset passage terminus 268 and the partial cooling passage entrance 266 that is proximate the TBC material in the zone 278.

[0063] In practicing the TBC damage mitigation method of embodiments of the invention, the partially completed cooling passage 264 is formed by any previously known cutting/or ablation method within the component surface, but beneficially such partially completed cooling passages 264 are formed in some embodiments by use of the projecting ceramic post, ceramic inserts 130 of the type shown in FIGS. 3-22 herein, during investment casting of the component 260. If a non-investment casting process is used to manufacture the engine component, the partially completed cooling passages 264 are likely formed by removing material from the component, prior to BC 274 and TBC layer(s) 276 application. The investment casting method embodiments and the TBC layer protection method embodiments are independent, but may be practiced jointly when fabricating investment cast, superalloy components for turbine engines, such as blades and vanes, having TBC layers.

[0064] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate embodiments of methods for forming a cooling passage 270 in an investment cast, superalloy blade or vane component for a combustion turbine engine, where the component 260 has a component wall (e.g., the superalloy substrate 262) that is delimited by respective first and second wall surfaces (e.g., the respective upper surface at the junction with the bond coat 274 and the lower surface defining the cooling passage margin 272). In these exemplary FIGS. 26 and 27 the completed cooling passage 270 will extend through the component wall (substrate 262) between its respective first and second surfaces, with the first surface forming an outer surface, for exposure to combustion gas, and the second surface forming an inner surface that is in communication with cooling channels formed in the blade or vane component 260. It is noted that the cooling passage formation methods to protect the TBC layer are applicable to other engine components, such as transitions 85 or combustor baskets within the engine 80 combustion section 84.

[0065] A partially completed cooling passage 264 is formed in a first surface of a wall of a superalloy engine component 260 for a combustion turbine engine. The partially formed or partially completed cooling passage 264 has an entrance 266 formed in the component substrate 262 first surface, which corresponds to a cooling passage inlet or outlet. The partially completed cooling passage 264 has a skewed passage path within the component wall substrate 262, having a terminus 268 that is laterally offset from the passage entrance 266, and distal the component first surface. The laterally offset passage entrance 266 and terminus 268 have an overhanging shield layer 269 of superalloy material in the wall that is interposed between the passage terminus 266 and the component first surface proximate the laterally offset passage entrance 266. While the cooling passage 270 and the partially completed or partially formed passage 264 are shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 as having a straight path, symmetrical cross section, and constant skewed path angle in the component substrate 262. In other embodiments, the cooling passage defines a non-linear path, with or without an asymmetrical, axial or radial cross section. Examples of alternative embodiment cooling passage profiles are shown in FIGS. 13-22.

[0066] A thermal barrier coating 276 is applied over the component substrate 262 first surface and the partially completed or formed passage entrance 266. The thermal barrier coating 276 comprises a known composition, thermally sprayed, or vapor deposited, or solution/suspension plasma sprayed thermal barrier coat that is applied directly to the component substrate 262 surface, or that is applied over an intermediate bond coat layer 274 that was previously applied over the component substrate surface.

[0067] An ablation apparatus, such as a pulsed laser 246 or an electric discharge machine, is used for ablating the thermal barrier coating 276 and the superalloy material in the substrate 262. The laser 246 or other ablation device is aligned with the entrance 266 of the partially completed or formed passage 264, and ablates thermal barrier coating material 276 from the partially completed or formed passage, reaching the passage terminus 268.

[0068] In FIG. 27, the cooling passage 270 is completed by ablating superalloy material out of the skewed path of the partially completed or formed passage 264, along a cooling passage path 270 from the partial passage terminus 268 to the passage exit 272 on the second surface of the component substrate 262, which forms the component 260 wall. As previously noted, the overhanging shield layer 269 of superalloy material in the partially formed/completed passage 269 inhibits damage to thermal barrier coating material 276 in the zone 278 proximate the passage entrance 266. The otherwise avoided or mitigated TBC damage in the zone 278 is caused by ejection of ablated superalloy material out of the passage entrance 266, which is shown schematically by the upwardly directed double arrow. In some embodiments, a first level of ablation energy is applied with the ablation device 246 while ablating thermal barrier coating material from the partially completed or formed passage 264, and a second, higher level of ablation energy is applied with the ablation device 246 while ablating superalloy material in the substrate 262, to complete the cooling passage 270 path. In some embodiments, the first level of ablation energy applied at a lower pulse rate and/or lower energy intensity than the second level of ablation energy. In some embodiments, the total ablation energy transferred to the component 260 during cooling passage 270 formation is insufficient to induce solidification cracking, or reheat cracking in the component during subsequent component heat treatment.

[0069] As described in the aforementioned, International Application No. PCT/US15/16318, filed Feb. 18, 2015, and entitled TURBINE COMPONENT THERMAL BARRIER COATING WITH CRACK ISOLATING ENGINEERED GROOVE FEATURES, in some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, additional and optional engineered groove features (EGFs) 122 are formed in the TBC layer around part of or the entire periphery of turbine component cooling passages, such as cooling passages 99 of turbine blade 92 or cooling passages 105 of the vanes 104 and 106, in order to limit delamination of the TBC over layer surrounding the cooling passage. The TBC layer at the extreme margin of the cooling passage entrance 99 or 105, on the blade 92 or vanes 104, 106 component surface can initiate separation from the metallic substrate that can spread laterally/horizontally within the TBC layer away from the hole. Creation of an EGF 122 at a laterally spaced distance from the cooling hole 99, 105 marginsuch as at a depth that contacts the anchoring layer or the metallic substratelimits further delamination beyond the groove. TBC delamination along one or more of the cooling hole 99/105 peripheral margins is arrested at the intersection of the circumscribing EGF segments 122.

[0070] Although various embodiments that incorporate the invention have been shown and described in detail herein, others can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate the claimed invention. The invention is not limited in its application to the exemplary embodiment details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms mounted, connected, supported, and coupled and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, connected and coupled are not restricted to physical, mechanical, or electrical connections or couplings.