HYDRAULIC RATCHET AND CLUTCH CONTROL

The hydraulic ratchet system includes the hydraulic self-sequencing valve

assembly, ratchet, starting clutch system and pressure relief valve. Both
ratchet and clutch are operated by SPEEDTRONIC circuits as shown in
Figure C-5.1.

Hydraulic Self-Sequencing Valve Assembly

This is a four valve assembly which consists of a three-way solenoid valve, a
pilot operated sequence valve, a pilot operated four-way shuttle valve and a
pilot operated four-way reversing valve. The 33HR limit switch is actuated
by the movement of the slide in the reversing valve. Operating sequence is
as follows:
1. Solenoid valve 20CS is energized by the SPEEDTRONIC control to
port oil to the jaw clutch cylinders and to the pilot operator on the
sequence valve. The sequence valve maintains adequate pressure to
keep the clutch engaged as long as 20CS remains energized and the
high pressure oil supply is available.
2. When the pressure requirements of the sequence valve are satisfied
the valve opens as required, to admit oil to the shuttle valve, reversing
valve and ratchet mechanism.
3. Oil flow through the reversing valve goes to the ratchet mechanism to
complete the forward stroke. At the end of the stroke, oil is fed back
from the ratchet mechanism to the pilot operator on the shuttle valve
causing the valve to shift. This valve shift switches the oil supply to
the pilot operator on the reversing valve causing the valve to shift.
This valve shift actuates 33HR and also reverses the oil flow to the
ratchet mechanism pistons.
4. Oil flow through the reversing valve goes to the ratchet mechanism to
accomplish the reset stroke. At the end of the stroke, oil is fed back
from the ratchet mechanism to the pilot operator on the shuttle valve
causing the valve to shift. This valve shift switches the oil supply to
the pilot operator on the reversing valve causing this valve to shift.
This valve shift resets 33HR and again reverses the oil flow to the
ratchet mechanism pistons. The system is now back in the initial
forward stroke position.

C-5-1
Figure C-5.1 Hydraulic Ratchet & Clutch Assembly

C-5-2
 5. As long as 20CS remains energized and the high pressure oil supply is
available the system continues to automatically repeat (3) and (4).The
system is normally shut-down by the SPEEDTRONIC control with
the operation in a forward stroke to mechanically lock the jaw clutch
in engagement.

Ratchet
On units with a diesel or motor starter the ratchet is mounted on the torque
converter. The ratchet assembly consists of a cylinder with a piston rack
combination, one pinion gear and a one-way clutch. As the cylinder piston
is driven in the power stroke, the turbine is indexed in the pinion through the
one-way clutch. When the piston is driven in the retraction stroke, the one-
way clutch allows the pinion to rotate without indexing the turbine. As the
piston moves, ports are uncovered to provide the pilot signals required to
operate the self-sequencing valve assembly.
The purpose of the ratchet is to assist the starting device in breaking the
turbine away during startup and to index the turbine during cooldown to
prevent the rotor from blowing. During startup, the ratchet operates
continuously rotating the turbine at approximately 1 rpm. When the turbine
is on cooldown, the ratchet indexes the turbine 1/8 revolution every three
minutes.

Starting Clutch System

This system consists of a jaw clutch, limit switch and two hydraulic
cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders are actuated to engage the clutch by the
second-stage valve of the hydraulic self-sequencing valve assembly and
spring returned to disengage the clutch. Limit switch 33CS senses the
engagement at the clutch and permits the starting means to start. Solenoid
20CS is sealed in through 33CS and speed signal 14HA. The contour of the
clutch facessis such that a closing force is provided as long as the starting
means is providing torque to the gas turbine. As soon as the gas turbine
provides torque back through the clutch to the starting device the clutch
disengages and limit switch 33CS provides a logic signal to the
SPEEDTRONIC which allows the starting means shutdown procedure to
begin.
During a cooldown, without ac power, the DC lube pump and DC ratchet
motor will operate to supply lube oil and hydraulic pressure for the ratchet
stroke.

C-5-3
Pressure Relief Valve
Pressure relief valve VR6 limits hydraulic ratchet system pressure by porting
oil to drain when pressure exceeds its setting.

C-5-4