초록 ▼

The diffuser of the present invention comprises a plurality of passages which intersect at radially inner ends thereof to define a quasi-vaneless annular inlet for receiving accelerated gases from an impeller of a centrifugal compressor. Each of the passages includes a throat portion having a quadri

The diffuser of the present invention comprises a plurality of passages which intersect at radially inner ends thereof to define a quasi-vaneless annular inlet for receiving accelerated gases from an impeller of a centrifugal compressor. Each of the passages includes a throat portion having a quadrilateral cross section, including two subtantially parallel linear sidewalls and two substantially arcuate opposing sidewalls, effective for reducing the length of and thereby pressure losses from the annular inlet. The linearity and regularity of the diffuser passages enables the diffuser to be manufactured to close tolerances by electric discharge milling an annular plate utilizing a single tool. This assures uniformity and consistency between diffusers.

대표청구항 ▼

In a diffuser of a centrifugal compressor including an impeller, said diffuser including a plurality of tangentially disposed passages each having a throat portion of cross-sectional area A, the improvement comprising: said throat portion having a quadrilateral cross section defined by two substanti

In a diffuser of a centrifugal compressor including an impeller, said diffuser including a plurality of tangentially disposed passages each having a throat portion of cross-sectional area A, the improvement comprising: said throat portion having a quadrilateral cross section defined by two substantially parallel opposing linear sidewalls and two substantially arcuate opposing sidewalls, said two linear sidewalls being spaced from each other to define a minor dimension extending therebetween, said two arcuate sidewalls being sapced from each other to define a major dimension therebetween, said major dimension being greater in length than said minor dimension, and said linear sidewalls being disposed substantially normal with respect to a radial axis of said diffuser.