GB1357183A - Fluid compression apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1357183 Centrifugal compressors CARRIER CORP 28 May 1971 [8 June 1970] 17979/71 Heading F1C In a multi-stage compressor comprising a rotor 4, Fig. 5, and a stator assembly removably mounted in a casing 7, the stator assembly comprises axially stacked diaphragms 22, 25, 28, shrouds 23, 26, 29 and diffusers 24, 27, 30. The assembly is connected to the casing 7 by means 34 extending through the diaphragms only, the shrouds and diffusers being resiliently supported within the diaphragms so as to have limited axial movement and thereby accommodate axial thermal expansion and avoid assembly problems due to tolerance build-up in the axial direction. The shrouds and diffusers are biased in one axial direction by O-ring seals 36, 37 and during compressor operation are further biased in the same direction by the nett axial thrust exerted on the shrouds and diffusers. The diaphragms are of iron and the shrouds and diffusers are of aluminium. The three-stage rotor shown is mounted in overhung fashion by bearings 32, 33 and is associated with interstage coolers (11, 12), Figs. 2, 3 and 4 (not shown). The final stage impeller 15 discharges into a channel 42 communicating with outlets (43, 44), Fig. 11 (not shown). Outlet (43) may be sealed or arranged to deliver gases to the point of use, a storage tank or a blow-off device. Outlet (44) delivers to the point of use and/or various pressure responsive control and monitoring devices associated with a control panel (45). Outlet (44) may communicate with the point of use, and with a chamber 48 via channels (46), 47. The chamber 48 may be associated with a nozzle to deliver gases therethrough on to the blades of impeller 13 to provide power-recovery turbine-action during excess pressure at partial load see Specification 1357182.