Patent attributes
A method of controlling a clearance gap in a rotatable machine and a cooling fluid distribution system are provided. The cooling fluid distribution system includes a component to be cooled having a body extending along a longitudinal centerline of the component and including a radially outer surface at least partially circumscribing the longitudinal centerline. A cooling fluid distribution duct assembly includes a cooling fluid distribution duct extending along and spaced from the radially outer surface for a predetermined length. An outlet hole extends through the cooling fluid distribution duct along a length of the cooling fluid distribution duct. A cooling runner channel is coupled in flow communication with the cooling fluid outlet hole and extends a distance away from the cooling fluid distribution duct toward the radially outer surface. A distal end of the cooling runner channel includes a plurality of cooling holes directed toward the radially outer surface.
