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Aspects of the invention relate to a system for reducing relative movement between the outer shroud of a compressor diaphragm and the compressor shell of a turbine engine, thereby minimizing the wear and prolonging the life of such parts. Embodiments of the invention include a system for applying a

Aspects of the invention relate to a system for reducing relative movement between the outer shroud of a compressor diaphragm and the compressor shell of a turbine engine, thereby minimizing the wear and prolonging the life of such parts. Embodiments of the invention include a system for applying a preload on the outer shroud of a compressor diaphragm. The preload can be applied in the axial and/or radial directions. The preload can be applied at or proximate the joint between two shell segments, which is typically the location of the largest relative movement. In one embodiment, the preload can be achieved by providing one or more load applying members that operatively engage the outer shroud. A load applying member according to aspects of the invention includes a first portion, a second portion, and a biasing member operatively positioned therebetween. The biasing member can be a plurality of spring washers.

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What is claimed is: 1. A system for reducing wear on a compressor diaphragm comprising: a generally semi-cylindrical compressor shell segment having an inner peripheral surface, two circumferential ends, an axial upstream end and an axial downstream end, wherein the shell segment includes a slot ex

What is claimed is: 1. A system for reducing wear on a compressor diaphragm comprising: a generally semi-cylindrical compressor shell segment having an inner peripheral surface, two circumferential ends, an axial upstream end and an axial downstream end, wherein the shell segment includes a slot extending along the inner peripheral surface from one circumferential end to the other circumferential end; a diaphragm including an outer shroud with a plurality of airfoils extending radially inward therefrom, wherein the outer shroud is received within the slot in the compressor shell segment, whereby the diaphragm is mounted to the compressor shell segment; and a load applying member having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being biased away from each other by a plurality of springs operatively positioned therebetween, wherein the load applying member is operatively positioned between the compressor shell segment and the diaphragm such that the load applying member exerts a force on the outer shroud, wherein one of the first portion and the second portion contacts the outer shroud, whereby relative movement between the outer shroud and the compressor shell segment is minimized. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the springs are spring washers. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein a first spring washer of the plurality of spring washers is arranged in a first direction and a second spring washer of the plurality of spring washers is arranged in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the load applying member is positioned to exert a radially inward force on the outer shroud. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the load applying member is positioned to exert an axial downstream force on the outer shroud. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the load applying member is positioned to exert an axial upstream force on the outer shroud. 7. A system for reducing wear on a compressor diaphragm comprising: a generally semi-cylindrical compressor shell segment having an inner peripheral surface, two circumferential ends, an axial upstream end and an axial downstream end, wherein the shell segment includes a slot extending along the inner peripheral surface from one circumferential end to the other circumferential end, wherein the shell segment further includes a passage therein, the passage having a back wall and opening into the slot in a region substantially proximate one of the circumferential ends; a diaphragm including an outer shroud with a plurality of airfoils extending radially inward therefrom, wherein the outer shroud is received within the slot in the compressor shell segment, whereby the diaphragm is mounted to the compressor shell segment; and a load applying member having a first contact surface at one end and a second contact surface at an opposite end, the load applying member including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion defines the first contact surface and the second portion defines the second contact surface, the second portion having a base and a protrusion extending therefrom, the first portion having a passage therein, wherein at least a portion of the protrusion is received in the passage in the first portion, the loading applying member further including a plurality of springs operatively positioned between the first and second portions such that the first and second portions are biased away from each other, wherein the load applying member is at least partially received in the passage in the compressor shell segment such that the load applying member exerts a force on the outer shroud, wherein one of the first portion and the second portion contacts the outer shroud, wherein one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface engages the back wall of the passage and the other of the first contact surface and the second contact surface engages the outer shroud, whereby relative movement between the outer shroud and the compressor shell is minimized. 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the springs are spring washers. 9. The system of claim 8 wherein a first one of the spring washers is arranged in a first direction and a second one of the spring washers is arranged in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. 10. The system of claim 8 wherein the plurality of spring washers includes a first group of spring washers and a second group of spring washers, wherein the quantity of spring washers in the first group is not equal to the quantity of spring washers in the second group. 11. The system of claim 7 wherein the passage extends substantially radially in the compressor shell segment, wherein the load applying member exerts a radially inward force on the outer shroud. 12. The system of claim 7 wherein the outer shroud has a forward face and an aft face, wherein the passage opens into the slot toward the axial upstream end of the shell segment, whereby the load applying member exerts an axial force on the aft face of the outer shroud in the axial upstream direction. 13. The system of claim 7 wherein the outer shroud has a forward face and an aft face, wherein the passage opens into the slot toward the axial downstream end of the shell segment, wherein the load applying member exerts a force on the forward face of the outer shroud in the axial downstream direction. 14. The system of claim 7 wherein the protrusion of the second portion has an associated axis, wherein the second contact surface is angled from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the axis. 15. The system of claim 7 wherein the load applying member exerts a substantially uniform load on the outer shroud. 16. The system of claim 7 wherein the back wall of the passage in the compressor shell segment is formed by the compressor shell segment. 17. The system of claim 7 wherein the back wall of the passage in the compressor shell segment is formed by a first fastener operatively positioned in the passage in the compressor shell segment. 18. The system of claim 17 further including a second fastener operatively positioned in the passage in the compressor shell segment, whereby the second fastener prevents the first fastener from backing out in the passage in the compressor shell segment. 19. The system of claim 7 wherein the first and second portions are connected by a retaining member. 20. The system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the first and second contact surfaces of the load applying member are coated with a wear resistant material.