Process and Apparatus for Cooling a Metal Part During a Welding Operation

Abstract

A process and apparatus are provided for cooling an airfoil of a blade during a welding repair operation on the airfoil. At least one polymeric pouch is positioned adjacent a surface of the airfoil, and a coolant fluid is passed through the polymeric pouch during the repair operation on the airfoil.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for cooling an airfoil of a blade during a welding repair operation on the airfoil comprising:
 positioning a polymeric pouch adjacent a surface of the airfoil; and   passing a coolant fluid through said polymeric pouch during the repair operation on the airfoil.   
     
     
         2 . The process as set out in  claim 1 , wherein positioning the polymeric pouch comprises positioning first and second polymeric pouches on opposing first and second side surfaces of the airfoil. 
     
     
         3 . The process as set out in  claim 1 , wherein positioning the polymeric pouch comprises:
 providing a support structure comprising a base and at least one shelf for supporting said polymeric pouch;   positioning said base of said support structure on a platform of the blade; and   positioning said polymeric pouch on said shelf and adjacent the surface of the airfoil.   
     
     
         4 . The process as set out in  claim 1 , wherein passing the coolant fluid comprises:
 providing a chiller unit;   providing conduit structure extending from said chiller unit to said polymeric pouch for defining a path for the coolant fluid to travel from said chiller unit to said polymeric pouch and, after passing through said pouch, back to said chiller unit; and   circulating coolant fluid through said chiller unit, said conduit structure and said polymeric pouch.   
     
     
         5 . The process as set out in  claim 1 , further comprising providing a shield near a tip of the airfoil to protect said polymeric pouch during the welding repair operation. 
     
     
         6 . A process for performing a welding operation on a metal part comprising:
 positioning a polymeric pouch adjacent a surface of the metal part; passing a coolant fluid through said polymeric pouch; and   effecting a welding operation on the metal part.   
     
     
         7 . The process as set out in  claim 6 , wherein the metal part comprises an airfoil of a blade and wherein positioning the polymeric pouch comprises positioning first and second polymeric pouches on opposing first and second side surfaces of the airfoil. 
     
     
         8 . The process as set out in  claim 6 , wherein the metal part comprises an airfoil of a blade and wherein positioning the polymeric pouch comprises:
 providing a support structure comprising a base and at least one shelf for supporting said polymeric pouch;   positioning said base of said support structure on a platform of the blade; and   positioning said polymeric pouch on said shelf and adjacent the surface of the airfoil.   
     
     
         9 . The process as set out in  claim 8 , further comprising providing a shield near a tip of the airfoil to protect said polymeric pouch during the welding repair operation. 
     
     
         10 . The process as set out in  claim 6 , wherein passing the coolant fluid comprises:
 providing a chiller unit;   providing conduit structure extending from said chiller unit to said polymeric pouch for defining a path for the coolant fluid to travel from said chiller unit to said polymeric pouch and, after passing through said pouch, back to said chiller unit; and   circulating coolant fluid through said chiller unit, said conduit structure and said polymeric pouch.