Apparatus and Method for Coating Internal Surfaces of a Turbine Engine Component

Abstract

A coating apparatus for coating interior surfaces of internal passages of a workpiece, such as a turbine engine component is provided. The coating apparatus comprises a vessel defining an internal space, a plate dividing the internal space into a first chamber and a second chamber, a divider supporting the plate, and the plate having at least one cut-out for receiving a portion of the workpiece having the internal passages to be coated.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method for coating internal surfaces of a workpiece comprising the steps of:
 providing a vessel having a first chamber divided into first and second compartments by a divider and a second chamber;   placing at least one workpiece with an internal surface to be coated in said second chamber;   placing a generator for creating a coating gas in said second compartment;   flowing said coating gas into an internal passageway of said at least one workpiece so that a coating is deposited on said internal surface; and   creating a flow of an inert gas over exterior surfaces of said at least one workpiece to reduce coating material deposition on said exterior surfaces, said flow creating step comprising feeding said inert gas into said second chamber and causing said inert gas to flow into said first compartment.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said coating gas flowing step comprises flowing said coating gas from said gas generator to said internal passageway via a flow line. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising supplying an inert gas to said gas generator. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said coating gas generator placing step comprises placing a generator containing a source of aluminum coating material and a halide activator in said second compartment. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said coating gas flowing step comprises flowing a coating gas which deposits an aluminide coating on said internal surfaces. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising providing at least one hole in said first compartment for allowing any coating gas in said first chamber and said inert gas flowing into said first compartment to exit. 
     
     
         20 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said vessel providing step comprises separating said first chamber from said second chamber by providing a plate, providing a shoulder portion on side walls of said vessel, and supporting said plate via said shoulder portions. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 30 , further comprising providing said plate with at least one cut-out for receiving a portion of a workpiece having at least one internal passage to be coated. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 30 , further comprising providing said plate with at least one groove for receiving a root portion of the workpiece. 
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 32 , further comprising providing each said groove with a V-shape.