초록 ▼

A casting technique is disclosed which improves efficiency and reduces fabrication and assembly cost for a centrifugal compressor. The volute is cast integrally with the impeller housing to allow closer radial tolerances to be used to improve efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, compressors for

A casting technique is disclosed which improves efficiency and reduces fabrication and assembly cost for a centrifugal compressor. The volute is cast integrally with the impeller housing to allow closer radial tolerances to be used to improve efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, compressors for multi-stage compression are assembled with intercoolers and the integral volute is cast together with the impeller housing and the lower gearbox housing and the associated intercooler. Efficiency increases of 2% or more are achievable. In multistage applications, efficiency gains in the early stages are compounded in each subsequent stage.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A compression system comprising at least one centrifugal compressor, said centrifugal compressor further comprising:an impeller further comprising a plurality of blades having an outer edge and extending from adjacent a center thereof, said impeller supported on an impeller shaft; a compressor ho

1. A compression system comprising at least one centrifugal compressor, said centrifugal compressor further comprising:an impeller further comprising a plurality of blades having an outer edge and extending from adjacent a center thereof, said impeller supported on an impeller shaft; a compressor housing comprising an inlet in general axial alignment with said center, said inlet having an inside surface generally conforming to said outer edge of said blades to define a clearance there-between, said clearance, in the direction of fluid flow, extending originally axially in general alignment with said shaft and then curving for a substantially radial orientation with respect to said impeller shaft; said axial portion of said clearance comprising a distance smaller than 0.024 inches, said clearance achieved solely by producing and machining said housing; a gearbox housing component; and said compressor housing comprises a volute type scroll integrally cast with said gearbox housing component.