Abstract: Apparatus and methods for expanding a process fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a casing having an inlet and an outlet, and a component carrier disposed in the casing. The component carrier and the casing defining a cavity therebetween, and the component carrier at least partially defines a process flowpath fluidly communicating with the inlet and the outlet of the casing. The apparatus also includes a rotor disposed at least partially in the component carrier, with the rotor at least partially defining a first expansion stage intersecting the process flowpath. The apparatus also includes a bleed port extending from the process flowpath at a first point of the process flowpath to the cavity, to provide a thermal buffer fluid to the cavity.

Abstract: A rotating machine has a barrel casing and at least one component carrier disposed therein. The component carrier is aligned and supported within the barrel casing using a plurality of carrier alignment fixtures which have alignment shafts that extend through the barrel casing to the component carrier. Each alignment shaft has an eccentric key pin extending from a distal end thereof and an alignment key rotatably-mounted to each eccentric key pin. The alignment keys mate with corresponding keyway slots defined on the component carrier such that when the carrier alignment fixtures are rotated axially, the corresponding alignment keys bias against the keyway slot and shift the position of the component carrier.

Abstract: An expander-generator is disclosed. The expander-generator is disposed within a hermetically-sealed housing and includes a high-pressure expander stage and a low-pressure expander stage. A working fluid, such as ammonia, is introduced into the high and low pressure expander stages and expanded therein so as to provide rotational torque to a shaft. A generator, such as a motor, pump, or compressor, may be coupled to a free end of the shaft such that rotation of the shaft will provide useful work for the generator.

Abstract: A rotating machine has a barrel casing and at least one component carrier disposed therein. The component carrier is aligned and supported within the barrel casing using a plurality of carrier alignment fixtures which have alignment shafts that extend through the barrel casing to the component carrier. Each alignment shaft has an eccentric key pin extending from a distal end thereof and an alignment key rotatably-mounted to each eccentric key pin. The alignment keys mate with corresponding keyway slots defined on the component carrier such that when the carrier alignment fixtures are rotated axially, the corresponding alignment keys bias against the keyway slot and shift the position of the component carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for expanding a process fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a casing having an inlet and an outlet, and a component carrier disposed in the casing. The component carrier and the casing defining a cavity therebetween, and the component carrier at least partially defines a process flowpath fluidly communicating with the inlet and the outlet of the casing. The apparatus also includes a rotor disposed at least partially in the component carrier, with the rotor at least partially defining a first expansion stage intersecting the process flowpath. The apparatus also includes a bleed port extending from the process flowpath at a first point of the process flowpath to the cavity, to provide a thermal buffer fluid to the cavity.

Abstract: An expander-generator is disclosed. The expander-generator is disposed within a hermetically-sealed housing and includes a high-pressure expander stage and a low-pressure expander stage. A working fluid, such as ammonia, is introduced into the high and low pressure expander stages and expanded therein so as to provide rotational torque to a shaft. A generator, such as a motor, pump, or compressor, may be coupled to a free end of the shaft such that rotation of the shaft will provide useful work for the generator.