US1504737A

US1504737A - Hydraulic turbine

Info

Publication number: US1504737A
Application number: US481785A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edwin H Brown
Original assignee: Allis Chalmers Corp
Current assignee: Allis Chalmers Corp
Priority date: 1921-07-01
Filing date: 1921-07-01
Publication date: 1924-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 1941-08-12

Description

' Patented ug. 12, 1.924.

UNITED 4STATES" PATENT OFFICE.

EDWIN n. BROWN, CE'MILWAUEEE, WISCONSIN, AssIGNoa To ALLIs-CHALMERS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, or MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, -A CoBPRA'rIoN or DELAWARE.

HYDaAULIc Mmmm.

Appucmon mea July 1,` i921. serial No. 431,785..l

To @ZZ whom t may concern.'

Be it lmown that EDWIN H. "BROWN, a citizen of the United States, i residing at Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, has invented a certain new and useful' Improvement in. Hydraulic .llurbines,- of which the following is a specication. This invention relates in general to improvements in the art of converting hydraulic potential energy linto kinetic energy'or useful work, .and relates more speci cally to improvements inthexconstructionand operation of hydraulic energy converting ap aratus such! as hydraulic turbines.

n object of `the invention isto provide hydraulic energy converting apparatus which is simple in construction and. efficient in operation. Another object of the invention is to. lrovide a` hydraulic turbine whichis capab e of efficiently converting the energy of a whirlin mass or stream of liquid into rotary motlon of the." turbine rotor. A. further object of the invention isl 'to provide an exceedingly simple and strongv in connection with] high speed hydraulic apparatus. v' Still another object of the inpower sites where the available head is low andthe water supply is abundant. A further object is to provideha turbinehaving enormous discharge capacity. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention and the manner of `their attainment Will be apparent vfrom the following description. r n

A clear conception cfa number of embodimentsl of the present invention-and of* -the operation of devices constructed in ac-l the same or cordance therewith, may be had by referring to the drawing accompanying andforming a pant v'of this/specification, Yin

which like reference characters designate n similar'- ,parts in fthe lvarious j views. V

Fig. 1 is a plan view of one form of impeller embodying the" present invention.

.Fi 2 isa plan view' of another form of impe er embodying the present "invention:

.vention is to provide aturbine which isy especially adapted to convert into useful work the energy of kwater at hydraulicv Fig. 3 is a plan view of still another form of lmpeller embodying the present invention. i

. Figyfi is a plan view of another form of Aimpeller embodying the present invention.

t Flg. 5 is a side elevation of the form of impe ler shown in plan view in Fig. 1

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the form yof impeller shown in the plan view in F ig.` 2. Fi 7 is a side elevation of the form of impe ler shown in the plan view in Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of theJ form of impeller shown in the plan view f Fig. 4. F ig. 9 is a central vertical sectio through a hydraulic turbine installation e bodying an impeller such asillustrated'i Figs. 1 and 5.

Fig. 10 -is ,a central verticeI section through an inver-ted hydraulic t bine installation embodying an impeller similar to that disclosed in F`ig.k9. l

Fig. 11 is a central vertical section through an inverted hydraulie'installation embo ying an impeller similar to that disclosed in Fig. 10. turbine impeller especially adapted for use The runner or impeller 10 illustrated in detail in Figs. 1 and 5, comprises an upwardly converging conoidal hub 12 vand va seriesfof four dished vanes 1l having inner extremities rigidly attached to the hub 12. As clearly shown in Fig. l, each vane 11 is curved longitudinally, thus forming a pocket, but the adjacent vanes 11 do not overlap when pro; jected upon a plane perpendicular to the mpeller axis. As clearly shown in Fig. 5;

each Vane 11 is ltwisted lthus giving it vary' ing angularity relatively to a plane perpen.

dicular to the impeller axis, the vane angle gradually increasing las the hub 12 is approached. The outer extremities orends 18 of the vanes 1 1 are free, being bounded by fragments of a cylindrical surface having strai vht line generatrices parallel to the impe ler axis.l The hub v12 of the rimless .im eller 10 thus formed, is bored for attac ment to a .,supporting shaft.

The runner or impeller 2O illustrated in I detail in.'v Figs. 2 and 6, comprises an upwardly converging conoidal hub 22 and a series of four dished vanes 21 having inner extremities rigidly attached to the hub 22. As clearly shown 'in Fig. 2, each vane 21 is curved longitudinally, rthus forming a pocket, but the adjacent vanes 21 do not overlap when projected upon a plane perpendicular to the impeller axis. As clearly shown in Fig. 6, each vane 21 is twisted thus giving it varying angularity relatively to a plane perpendicular to the impeller axis, the vane angle gradually increasing as the hub 22 is approached. The outer extremities or ends 23 of the vanes 21 are free, being bounded by fragments of upwardly converging conical surfaces having straight line generatricesj which intersect the impeller axis above the vanes 21. The hub 22 of the rimless impeller thus formed, is bored for attachment to a supporting shaft.

The runner or impeller illustrated in detail in Figs. 3 and 7 comprises an upwardly converging conoidal hub 32 and a series of four dished vanes 31 having inner extremities rigidly attached to the hub 32. As' clearly shown in Fig. 3, each vane 31 is curved longitudinally, thus forming a pocket, but the adjacent vanes 31 do not overlap when projected upon a plane perpendicular to the impeller axis. As clearly shown vin Fig. 7 each vane 31 is twisted thus giving it varying angularity relatively to a plane perpendicular to the impeller axis, the vane angle gradually increasing as the hub 32 is approached. The outer extremities or ends 33 of the vanes 31 are free, being bounded by fragments of a downwardly converging conical surface having straight line generatrices which intersect the impeller axis below the vanes 31. The hub 32 of the rimless impeller 31 thus formed, is bored for attachment to a supporting shaft.

The runner or impeller 4() illustrated in detail in Figs. 4 and 8, comprises an up wardly converging conoidal hub 42 and a series of four dished vanes 41 having inner extremities rigidly attached to the hub 42. As clearly shown in Figs. 4, each vane 41 is curved longitudinally, thus forming a pocket, but the adjacent vanes 41 do not overlap when rojected upon a plane perpendicular to e impeller axis. As clearly shown in Fig. 8, each vane 41 is twisted `thus giving it varying angularity relatively to a lane perpendicular to the impeller axis, t e' vane angle gradually increasing as the hub 42 is approached. The outer extremities or'ends 43 of the vanes 41 are free, being bounded by surfaces 4which are curved'` both vertically and horizontally thereby eliminating sharp corners at the ends of the vanes `41. T e hub 42 of the rimlessimpeller 40 thus formed, is bored 'for attachment to a supporting shaft.

The hydraulic installation disclosed in Fig. 9 comprises means forming an annular horizontal inlet conduit 2 adapted to conduct li uid inwardly toward the central axis of the installation, means forming a. spiral collecting and diffusing discharge conduit 4 located below and arranged concentric with the inlet conduit 2, means forming a vane free transition space 3 located between the inlet and discharge conduits 2, 4 and adapted to change the direction of flow of the liquid admitted through the inlet con duit 2 from inward to substantially axial flow and to subsequently conduct the liquid in a substantially axial direction, means forming an annular diffusing conduit 8 located between the transition space 3 and the discharge conduit 4 and adapted to decelerate the liow of liquid delivered outwardly toward the discharge conduit 4, and an imller 10 located between the transition space 3 and the didusing conduit 8. Within the inlet conduit 2 is located an annular series of guide vanes 5 having vertical adjusting pivots 9, these guide vanes 5 serving the dual function of varying the degree of whirl of the liquid admitted to the transition space 3 and of controlling the quantity of liquid admitted to fthe turbine impeller. The transition space 3 is bounded along its upper and central portions by a'conoidal wall 6, one function of which is to radually change the direction of flow o-f e liquid passing through the transition space 3, from inward to substantially axial. The impeller 10, the 'specific construction of which is shown in Figs. 1 and 5 is rotatably supported by the vertical main shaft 7 having a bearing in the deecting wall 6, and having its upper extremity either directly or indirectly associated with a suitable energy absorber. The impeller 10 and the conduits leading to and from the same are inclosed by a sectional casing the sections` of which are readily remova le in order to permit assembly and dismantling of the unit, and the lower portion of which in the specific embodiment shown, co-operates with a concrete foundation to form the discharge conduit 4.

rIhe inverted hydraulic installation disclosed in Fig. 10 comprises means forming a spiral inlet conduit 52 adapted to conduct liquid inwardly toward the central axis of the installation and to simultaneously produce whirling motion of the entering liquid, means forming a spiral collecting and diffusing discharge conduit 54 located above and arranged concentric with the inlet conduit 52, means forming a vane free transition space 53 located betweenthe inlet and discharge

conduits

52, 54 and adapted to change the direction of flow of the liquid admitted through the inlet conduit 52 from inward to substantially axial' flow and to subsequently conduct the liquid in a substantially axial direction, means forming an annular diffusing passage 58 located between` the transition space 53 and the discharge conduit 54 andadapted to decelerate the flow of llO liquid delivered outwardly toward the discharge Conduit 54, and an inverted impeller `50 located between the transition space 53 j and the diffusingconduit 58. The spiral inlet conduit 52 is preferably provided with a valve for controlling Y the admission of liquid thereto. The lower por- -tion of the transition space 53 is bounded adjacent to the central axis, by aconoidal wall 56 one function of which is to ally change the direction of flow of the liquid passing through the transition space 53, from inward to substantially axial. The inverted impeller 50, the specific construction of is rotatably supported by the vertical main shaft 57 having a bea-ring in lthe casing which forms the

discharge conduits

58, 54, the upper extremity of the shaft 57 being either directly or indirectly associated with a suitable energy absorber. The impeller 50 andy l forming a spiral collecting and diii'using discharge conduit 64 located above and arranged concentric withl the inlet conduit 62, means forming a vane free transition space 63' located between the inlet and discharge

conduits

62, 64 and adapted to changethe direction Vof ow of theliquid admitted throu h the inlet conduit 62 from'inward to sul stantially axialA flow and to .subsequently conduct the liquid in a substantially diusing` passage 68 located between the transition spaee63. and the discharge conduit 64, and adapted to decelerate the ow of liquid delivered outwardly toward the dischargev conduit 64, and an impeller 60 located between the transition space 63 and the diffusing conduit 68 land partially surrounded by a stationary substantially cylindrical wall 70. Withinthe inlet conduit 55. 62 is located an anular series of guide vanes 65 having ,vertical adjusting pivots 69, vthese vanes 65 serving a dual function of varying the degree of whirling of the liquid admitted to the transition space 63and of controlling 60 the quantit of'liquid admitted to the `turv bine impel er.` The transition space 63 is f bounded adjacent tfthe lcentral axis'- of the unit, by an .upwardly converging cooidal wall 66 one function of which is to gradually change the direction of flow of liquid passing which is similar to that of the impeller 10,.

axial direction, means forming an annularl into the through the transi-tion space 63, from inward to substantially axial. The impeller `6() the specific construction of which is similar to that of the impeller 50, is rotatably supported by the vertical main shaft 67 having a bearing in the casing forming the

discharge conduits

68, 64, the upper extremity of the shaft 67 being directly or indirectly associated with a suitable energy absorber. The impeller anld the conduits leading to and from the same are inclosed by a sectional casing the sections of which are readily removable in order to permit assembly and dismantling of the unit, and the lower portion of which in the speciiic embodiment shown, oo-operates with the concrete foundation to form the inlet conduit 62 and the transition space 63.

During normal operation of the installationspecifically illustrated in Fig. 9, the guide vanes 5 are set to produce the desired Speed of operation of the turbine. The liquid is admitted horizontally inwardly through the inlet conduit 2 and the spaces between the guide vanes 5, thus creating streams which whirl about the turbine axis. The whirling liquid admitted to the transition space 3 has its course deflected from inward to substantially vertically downward by the stationary guiding wall 6. In the transition space 3 the individual` spirally advancing streams of liquid delivered past the guide vanes 5 are alsov united to form a single axially progressing and accelerating whirling mass of liquid which advances to- 1GO ,Ward and enters the impeller l0. In the impeller 10 a portion of the whirl energy is converted into useful work causing rotation of the'impeller 10 and of the shaft 7. The longitudinal curvature and transverse 105 ktwisting of the -impeller vanes, effects etncient conversion of the. energy in the impeller .without undesirably restricting the discharge How. The liquid is eventually delivered from the impeller l0 past the lower 110 and the eripheral edges of the vanes 11 diifusing conduit 8 wherein a portion of the remaining velocity or whirl'energy is converted into` `pressure energy. From the diffusing conduit 8 the whirling 115 liquid is delivered into'the' s iral collecting and diffusing discharge conduit 4where1n another portion of the velocity or whirl energy is converted into pressure energy. The

liquid is 'eventually delivered from the col- 120 lecting and diffusing discharge conduit 4 with onlv suflicient velocity `ener to pro-5 duce a-flow into the tail-race. Fri this installation the degree of whirl'and the quantity of the liquid' admitted to the impeller 125 10 may be varied b either manual or .automatic adjustment o the guide vanes 5. The liquid isdelivered to the impeller l0 as a' substantially axially progressing solid whirling mass and is delivered from the impeller X30 into the diffusing conduit 8 in the direction of its maj or velocity component. The free discharge of liquid from the conduit 8 into the collecting conduit 4 is effected by centrifugal force, allof the conduits and. passages leading to and from the turbine being so constructed that smooth hydraulic passages inducing minimum friction losses, are provided.

During normal operation of the inverted installation specifically illustrated in Fig. 10, the liquid is admitted to the spiral inlet conduit 52 through a suitable valve, not shown, whereby the quantit of liquid admitted, may be controlled. n the spiral inlet conduit 52 the liquid is caused to whirl n about the central axis of the unit. The

whirling liquid is then delivered into the transition space 53 wherein its course is deiected from inward to vertically upward by the stationary guiding cone 56. The transition space 58 also serves to augment the velocity of the whirling mass of liquid and causes the liquid to progress substantially axially as a solid stream toward thel inverted impeller 5,0. In the impeller a portion of the whirl energy is converted into useful work and cause-s rotation of the impeller 50 and the shaft 57. The longitudinal curva ture and transverse twisting of the impeller vanes effects efficient conversion of the energy 1n the impeller 50 without undesirably restricting the delivery of liquid from the impeller. lThe liquid is eventually delivered from the impeller 50 past the upper and the peripheral edges of the impeller vanes, into the diffusing conduit 58 wherein a portion of the remaining velocity or whirl energy is converted into pressure energy. From thediifusing conduit 58 the whirling liquid is delivered into the spiral lcollecting and diffusing discharge conduit 54: wherein another portion of the velocity or whirl energy is converted into pressure energy. The liquid is eventually delivered from the collecting and diffusin discharge conduit 54 with only suiicient ve ocity energy to produce a flow into the tail-race. In

lthis installation the quantityof liquid admitted to the impeller 50 may readily be varied with the aid of a valve and the degree of whirl will varykaccording to variations in speed of the impeller and to variations in the quantity of liquid admitted. The liquid is delivered to the impeller 50 as a substantially axially progressing solid whirling mass and the delivery from the conduit 58 into the iinal diifusing conduct 54 is effected by centrifugal force, all of the conduits and passages leading to and from the turbine being so constructed that smooth hydraulic passages are formed.

During normal operation of the inverted installation specically illustrated in Fig. 11, the guide vanes 65 are set to produce the desired speed of operation of the turbine. The liquid is admitted horizontally inwardly through the lower inlet conduit 62 and the spaces between the guide vanes 65, thus creating streams whirling about the turbine axis. The whirling liquid admitted to the transition space 63 has its course deflected from inward to vertically upward by the stationary guiding cone 66. In the transition space 63 the individual spirally advancing streams of liquid delivered past the guide vanes 65 are also united to produce a single axially progressing and accelerating whirling mass of liquid which advances upwardly and enters the impeller 60. In the impeller 60 a portion of the whirl energy of the liquid is converted into useful work and produces rotation of the impeller 60 and of the shaft 67. By Virtue of the longitudinal curvature and transverse twisting of the impeller vanes and of the location of the wall closely adjacent tothe lower part of the periphery of the impeller eiiicient conversion of the energy is effected in the impeller 60 without undesirably restricting the discharge iow. The liquid is eventually delivered from the impeller 6() past the upper vane edges and the upper portions of the outer extremities of the vanes, into the diifusing conduit 68 wherein a portion of the remaining velocity or whirl energy is converted into pressure energy. From the diHusing con-duit 68 the whirling liquid is delivered intothe spiral collecting and diffusing discharge conduit v611 wherein another portion of the velocity or whirl energy is converted into pressure energy. The liquid is eventually delivered from the collecting and diffusing discharge conduit 64 with only sufiicientvelocity to produce a iow Iinto the tail-race. In this installation the degree of whirl and the quantity of liquid admitted to the impeller 60 may be controlled by either manual or automatic adjustment ofthe guide vanes 65. The li uid is delivered to the impeller 60 as a su tantlially axially progressing solid whirling mass and is delivered from the impeller into the diffusing conduit 68 in the general direction of its major-.velocity component. The coninin wall 70 aids in retaining the liquid wit in the impeller for a longer period of time. The discharge of liquid from the discharge conduit 68 into the collecting conduit 64 is effected. by centrifugal force, and all of the conduits and passages leading to and from the turbine are constructed to provide smooth hydraulic passages.

In ordinary installations, the capacity of a turbine of predetermined design, 1s limited by the discharge area and the velocity of flow attainable in the discharge assage's. With the present invention, the discharge area is enormously increased by avoiding peripheral inclosure of the impeller and thus permitting the liquid to discharge freely both axially and radially outwardly from ythe impeller. If the delivery of liquid from a unitl such :is/disclosed in Figs. 9` and 10, is found undesirably free, Ya `partial peripheral inclosure such as illustrated in'Fig.

11, may be found desirable. It may also be desirable in some instances to produce complete diffusion in the decelerating

discharge conduit

8, 58, 68 and to form the

spiral discharge conduit

4, 54, 64 merely as a constant velocity collecting. conduit. It may also be desirable in some lnstances to form the

discharge conduit

8, 58, 68 merely as a conducting conduit, and to produce diusion in the

spiral conduit

4, 54, 64 only. 'Ihese modifications are within the contemplation ofthe present invention which is applicable to installations of a variety of forms constructed to meet various hydraulic conditions.

frhe impera# may also be modified in structure as illustrated in Figs` 1 to 8 inclusive, in order to meet various operating conditions.

The use of these impellers is not coniined tovertical shaft units such as illustrated, thus making the invention applicable to units wherein the shafts are disposed horizontally or otherwise. The hubs of the impellers are preferably formed to gradually guide and to conduct the' liquid passto the impeller` axis,

. Letters Patent ing between the impeller vanes,.toward the dischargeconduit.vv The inverted settings illustrated in Figs. `10 and 11, have among others, the advantage of permitting submergence ofthe impeller and of reducin to a minimum the cost of the foundation structure and the length of the main shaft. The im eller in any of these units is readily accessibe for inspection by merely' removing one of the casing portions and the units are devoid of complicated and delicate parts which might necessitate interruption in operation.

It should be understood that it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact details of construction and (of operationj may occur to persons skilled in the art.

It is claimed `and desired tol secure 1. In combination, conduit means. for producing a stream of'liquid, and a turbine impeller having a central hub and yvanes extendin n l in sai stream, the rojected vane area of said impeller being ess than the adjacent stream rcross-section measured perpendicular and the vanes of said 1mpel1er being transversely twisted andradially spirally curved.

2. In combination conduit means f or producing a stream of iquidl and a turbine impeller axis,

the projected vane area of said radially from said hub and located l 1 peller having vanes located in said stream, the projected vane area of said impeller being less thanthe adjacent stream crosssection measured perpendicular to the imand said impeller vanes having free outer ends and being curved spirally from their inner to their outer extremities in planes. perpendicular to said axis.

3. yIn combination, conduit means for producing a stream of liquid, and a rimless turbine impeller having vanes located in said stream, the projected vane area of said impeller being less than the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the impeller axis, and the vanes of said impeller being transversely twisted and longitudinally spirally curved in planes perpendicular to said axis.

4. In combination, conduit means for producing a stream of liquid, and a turbine impeller havingvanes located in said stream,

impeller bemg less than the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the impeller axis, and the outer extremities of said vanes lying in a conical surface, said vanes being spirally curved in planes said axis. i

5. In combination, conduit means for producing a stream of liquid, and a rimless turbine impeller having vanes located in said stream, the projected vane area of said impeller being less than the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the impeller axis, and the outer extremities ofk said vanes lying in a conical surface, said g vanes -having spirally curved generatrices i perpendicular to peller having a tapered hub and transversely twisted vanes located in said stream, the projected vane area of than the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to theimpeller axis, and the outer extremities of said vanes lying in a conical surface converging oppositely of the taper. of said hub.

7. In combination, conduit-means for producing` a stream of liquid anda turbine impeller havingl a tapered hub and longitudinally curved vanes klocated in -said stream,

, the projected vane area of said impeller being less than the adjacent streamcross-secf tion measured perpendicular to .the-impeller axis, and the outer exteremities of said vanes ying in a'conical surface converging op` positely of the taper of said hub.

' 8.. .-In combinatlon,- conduit means for pro-v ducing a stream of liquid, and-a turbine impellerk having radiating vanes curving spirally about the rotor axis and located in said stream, the projected vane area of said said impelle'r being less impeller being less than the ad'acent stream cross-section measured perpen 'cular to the im eller axis, and said impeller having ahu which gradually increases in diameter from the inlet to the outlet of said impeller.

9. In combination, conduit means for pro-f ducing a stream of liquid, and a turbine impeller having longitudinally spirally curved vanes located in said stream, the projected vane area of said impeller being less than the yadjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the impeller axis, and said 1mpeller having `a hub which gradually increases in diameter from the inlet tothe outlet of said impeller.

10. In combination, conduit means for producing a stream ofliquid, and a rimless turbine' impeller having radially spirally curved vanes located in said stream, said impeller having a hub which gradually increases in diameter from the inlet to the outlet of said impeller.

11. In combination, conduit means for reducing a stream of liquid, and a turbine 1m eller having transversely twisted and ra ially spirally curved vanes located in said stream, said impeller having a hub which gradually increases in diameter from the inlet to the outlet of said impeller.

12. In combination, conduit means for positively producing .a whirling stream of' li uid, and a turbineimpeller having radi-jE al y spirally curved vanes located 1n said' stream, the projected vane area of said impeller being less-than, the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the"I impeller axis.

13. In combination, conduit means for positively producing a whirling stream of liquid, and a rimless turbine impeller having transversely twisted and radially spirally curved vaneslocated in said stream, the projected vane area of Said impeller being ess than the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the impeller axis.

14:. In combination, conduit means zfor producing a stream of liquid and a turbine impeller having vanes located in said stream, the projected vane area of said impeller being less than the adjacent stream crosssectin measured perpendicular to the impeller axis, and said impeller being formed or free discharge of liquid -in both axial and radial directions, said conduit being formed to permit said free discharge from said rotor.

15. In combination, conduit means for -'positively producing a whirling stream of liquid, and a turbine impeller having longitudinally curved vanes located in said stream, the projected 'vane area of said impeller being less than the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the impeller axis, and said impeller being formed for free discharge of liquid in both axial and radial directions, said conduit being formed to permit said free discharge from said rotor.

16. In combination, conduit means for positively producing a whirling stream of liquid, and a rimless turbine impeller having transversely twisted and longitudinally curved vanes located in said stream, the projected vane area of said impeller being less than the adjacent stream cross-section measured perpendicular to the impeller axis, and said impeller being formed for free discharge of liquid in both axial and radial directions, said conduit being formed to permit said free discharge from said roftor. 17. In` combination, a turbine impeller having non-overlapping vanes, conduit means formed to positively produce a whirling stream of llquid and to deliver said stream axially toward said impeller, and means for effecting free discharge of whirling liquid from said impeller in both axial and radial directions,

18. In combination, a turbine impellerVA having non-overlapping longitudinally rved vanes, conduit means -Jfor producing avwhirling stream of liquid advancing axially toward said impeller, and means for efecting free discharge of liquid from said impeller in both axial and radial directions. 19. In combination, a rimless turbine impeller having non-overlappin transversely twisted longitudinally curve vanes, conduit means for positively producing a whirling stream of liquid advancing axially toward said impeller, means for conducting liquid away from said impeller in both axial and radial directions and liow decelerating means communicating with said conducting means.

Q0. In combination, a rimless turbine impeller having non-overlapping transversely twisted longitudinally curved vanes, conduit means for positively producing a whirling stream of liquid advancing axially toward said impeller, means for conducting liquid away from said impeller in both axial and radial directions, means for initially decelerating the iiow and for conducting liquid away from said impeller, and a spiral collecting chamber for receiving and for finally decelerating the flow of liquid from said collecting means.

inventor is aixed hereto.

' EDWIN H, BROWN.