Abstract: A cryogenic oil-free direct drive turbogenerator for gas liquefaction plant applications is described. The pressure energy from cryogenic gas is expanded through a turbine and the power generated is converted into electricity through a directly driven generator and a power electronics arrangement. The machinery can withstand very cold temperature operation (e.g., <?425° F.) by isolating the cold turbine side from the warmer side of the machine turbine end and has a hermetically sealed design wherein the process gas is fully contained from leaking at operating pressures. A unique gas injection scheme uses seal gas segregation, thrust bearing cooling and pressure balance for thrust control which is accomplished through a pressure regulator arrangement. Also described is an algorithm for speed control and overspeed protection through the power electronics system. The rotating components of the turbogenerator are supported on foil gas bearings for oil-free operation eliminating extraneous lubrication.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a turbine with a wastegate, and a compressor including a compressor housing, a compressor wheel, and a wastegate actuator. The turbine wheel includes blades defining an inlet. The compressor housing has an inlet wall leading to the inlet, and a shroud wall surrounding the blades. The actuator includes a base that is integral with the inlet wall, and an electric motor that is attached to the base. The shroud wall forms a first port that is in direct fluid communication with the actuator chamber, and the inlet wall forms a second port that is in direct fluid communication with the actuator chamber. Air from the first port to passes through the actuator housing and out the second port. This airflow convectively cools the working components of the actuator, while the connection of the motor to the inlet wall conductively cools the motor.

Abstract: A radial fan, in particular for a gas burner, for premixing air and gas, comprising a housing with a radial fan wheel disposed therein, and a regulation valve for regulating a gas volume, which comprises a valve seat, wherein the valve seat of the regulation valve is formed by a portion of the housing.

Abstract: A pressurizing centrifugal pump has a blade, which protrudes backwardly inclined in a radial direction from a blade plate and a boss portion and is provided with a blade forward inclination angle and a blade outer forward inclination angle. Thereby, the blade takes in fluid from a pressure chamber into a blade chamber, and discharges the fluid while preventing the fluid in the blade chamber from leaking and moving to a side. The pressurizing centrifugal pump has a drum-shaped case 4 provided with an inlet 2 and an outlet 3, wherein a pressure portion 16 is provided opposite to a blade 19 of an impeller 5, the pressure portion 16 including a pressure surface 36 that forms a pressure chamber 33 and a pressure partition wall 35. From a plain view, a blade surface 5a of the blade 19 is provided protruding from the blade plate 26 having a gentle blade forward inclination angle ?.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control device for controlling fluid flow into a turbine, said turbine comprising: a stator comprising a plurality of vanes extending radially inwards from a casing and arranged to define therebetween a plurality of nozzles extending radially inwards from casing; a rotor located in a fluid flow direction downstream of said stator and comprising a plurality of blades extending radially from said turbine shaft, wherein said fluid is arranged to be admitted to said turbine upstream of said stator and to flow around said plurality of vanes through said plurality of nozzles for impingement upon said plurality of blades of said rotor; and flow control means arranged to control a nozzle area open for fluid flow by altering the radial length of at least one of said plurality of nozzles, said flow control means comprising: an actuating means comprising a plurality of arcuate plates located within a peripheral cavity in a housing of said turbine such that a longer curved edge of ea

Abstract: A method and system for determining a limit exceedance of an operating parameter in a steam turbine system. Measurement data associated with the operating parameter is received, and a limit exceedance is determined when the rate of change in the received data over a predefined period of time exceeds a predefined limit. A control action is taken when a limit exceedance has been determined.

Abstract: A mix-in structure for a gas or the like in a pressurization centrifugal pump, capable of mix-discharging liquid and gas or the like to prevent cavitation and of suppressing gas residence in the pump chamber at the time of operation stoppage or the like.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for testing the operation of a rotary flow device, such as a turbine or compressor of a turbocharger with a variable-geometry mechanism, such as adjustable vanes, is provided. The system includes a flow generator configured to provide a flow of gas through the device, a power source configured to adjust a position of the variable vanes or other variable-geometry mechanism of the device, and a controller configured to selectively control the adjustment of the position of the vanes. The controller and power source can be configured to actuate the variable vanes to at least one predetermined position so that an operational condition of the device can be determined according to the flow of air through the device. For example, the system can detect the operation of a valve or other adjustment device that controls the position of the vanes. Further, the system can monitor the flow of gas through the device to detect the configuration and operability of the vanes.

Abstract: In a compressor system, in which plural numbers of compressors are connected in parallel with, wherein flow rate of all the compressor main bodies driven under load operating condition is decreased down by closing each of the inlet guide vanes thereof, when a load of the compressor goes down, and then the compressor rushing into surge at the earliest is brought into unload operating condition. Thereafter, the flow rates of the compressors other than that brought into the un-load operating conditions are increased up, thereby conducting the operation of the compressor depending upon the load.

Abstract: Water is first caused to flow through a first passage and rotate a first impeller. Rotation of the first impeller is linked to rotation of a second impeller, which is in fluid communication with a second, discrete passage. Vanes on the second impeller are constrained to move faster than vanes on the first impeller. Water is subsequently caused to flow through the second passage and to be more aggressively advanced by the second impeller.

Abstract: A steam cooling system (30) and associated methods are provided which have a first high pressure (HP) steam turbine (12) having a straight through configuration, a second intermediate pressure (IP) steam turbine (16) having a straight through configuration positioned adjacent the first HP steam turbine (12), and a balance piston (40) positioned adjacent the inlet (17) of the second IP steam turbine (16) and between the second IP steam turbine (16) and the first HP steam turbine (12). A steam cooling conduit (32) is preferably positioned to have an inlet adjacent the first HP steam turbine (12) and an outlet adjacent the balance piston (40) for providing a steam cooling path therebetween.

Abstract: A transfer function between the inlet air-flow consumed by a Gas Turbine engine, and the engine parameters of speed, pressure ratio, and Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) angle is described. An active compressor Operating Limit Line (OLL) management strategy that leverages this improved flow measurement transfer function is also described. The improved flow measurement capability afforded by the transfer function permits a deterioration in flow rate caused by compressor fouling to be detected. Using the deterioration in flow rate as a proxy for compressor fouling, a degraded surge boundary associated with fouling can be predicted, using a transfer function between degradation of air-flow along operating line and degradation of surge line. In combination, the inventive improvements in flow measurement and operating line management afford added compressor surge protection across the operating range, while permitting the attainment of elevated pressure ratios associated with high thermodynamic efficiency and output.

Abstract: Water is first caused to flow through a first passage and rotate a first impeller. Rotation of the first impeller is linked to rotation of a second impeller, which is in fluid communication with a second, discrete passage. Vanes on the second impeller are constrained to move faster than vanes on the first impeller. Water is subsequently caused to flow through the second passage and to be more aggressively advanced by the second impeller.

Abstract: A fluid passage extends through the compressor casing from a point near the tip of the impeller to a transducer located externally of the compressor casing. Responsive to fluctuations of pressure sensed by the transducer indicative of rotating stall, the compressor is controlled by varying the diffuser or shutting down the compressor, as is appropriate.

Abstract: The operation of quickly taking a turbocompressor off-line from a parallel configuration, of a gas pipeline compressor station, may encounter increased mechanical action (in particular, vibration) upon recycle piping and the additional risk of compressor surge. For these reasons, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for decreasing vibratory loads and for increasing surge prevention effectiveness, while initiating an off-line operation, by (1) altering the surge control line's location, at a preset rate, from its initial location to a predetermined new location; and (2) decreasing the turbocompressor's deceleration rate when the operating point intercepts the surge control line before the control line reaches its new location. Upon completion of the off-line activity, the control line returns to its initial location; and the reduction of compressor speed will cease on reaching a preset value.

Abstract: An automatic control of clamping forces in primary nozzle systems of radial turbines. Pressure to an closed annular volume positioned between a turbine housing and an axially adjustable mounting ring is varied to regulate the clamping forces against inlet vanes which form primary nozzles. A controller compares process control data with a signal indicative of operational deviation from nominal operation as indicated by the process control signal to detect onset of excessive blow-by, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to move the mounting rings closer together. The controller also compares expected and actual system data to detect onset of excessive clamping, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to increase clamping forces.

Abstract: A converter assembly for providing a liquid in a measuring line includes a stationary housing and a component being rigidly connected to the housing. A journal is slidingly supported in the stationary housing and defines a gap disposed between the component and the journal forming a throttle. The journal has an axis of rotation, an end, at least one transverse bore formed in the journal, and a journal bore formed in the journal from the end along the axis. The housing has a groove formed therein surrounding the journal and communicating with the journal bore through the at least one transverse bore. A liquid flow path communicates with a reservoir at a primary pressure and a pressureless sump and includes the throttle, the groove, the transverse bore and the journal bore. A measuring line branching off from the path between the transverse bore and the throttle carries the liquid at a measurement pressure corresponding to a rotational speed of the journal rotating about the axis.

Abstract: An automatic control of clamping forces in primary nozzle systems of radial turbines. Pressure to an closed annular volume positioned between a turbine housing and an axially adjustable mounting ring is varied to regulate the clamping forces against inlet vanes which form primary nozzles. A controller compares process control data with nozzle position data to detect onset of excessive blow-by, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to move the mounting rings closer together. The controller also compares expected and actual system data to detect onset of excessive clamping, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to increase clamping forces.

Abstract: Linear electric actuators powered by DC brushless servomotors are individually controlled to position steam turbine valves by way of levers, pins and links to thus eliminate hydraulics and the attendant disadvantages of fluid filtering, conditioning and leakage as well as obtaining more flexible individual valve control, vis-a-vis, camshaft operated hydraulic actuators. Additionally, low friction actuators and springs are employed to automatically close the turbine valves in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: An overspeed trip system for a steam turbine. A pressure switch is installed at the discharge of an oil pump that is driven by the rotor shaft and that rotates at the same speed as the rotor. The discharge pressure of the oil pump is proportional to the rotational speed of its impeller. When the pressure switch senses that the oil pump discharge pressure exceeds a predetermined value, thereby indicating that the rotor has reached an overspeed condition, it activates a solenoid operated valve that causes oil to be dumped from the line supplying control oil pressure to a throttle valve actuator. The throttle valve is spring loaded to close so that when the oil is dumped, the throttle valve closes, thereby effecting a turbine trip.

Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for a pump or a compressor having rotary blades. The guide vanes pivot in a controlled manner so that a portion of the vanes can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inlet passageway of the pump or the compressor by pivoting the guide vanes about a pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacity control method for controlling the capacity of a multistage compressor in response to a flow rate signal by varying the openings of vanes at individual stages. The relationships of the openings of the vanes of the individual stages are made to vary in response to the flow rate signal from the multistage compressor. Thus, when the flow rate of the multistage compressor is far from the anti-surge capacity within the operable range thereof, it is possible to select vane opening relationships which provide the highest efficiency for the multistage compressor. When the flow rate of the multistage compressor drops to either a value near the anti-surge capacity or the inoperable range, on the other hand, it is possible to select vane opening relationships which provide an enlargement of the operating range of the multistage compressor, before the flow rate enters that inoperable range.

Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for a pump or a compressor having rotary blades. The guide vanes are pivotably disposed so that a portion of the vanes can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inlet passageway of the pump or the compressor by pivoting the guide vanes about a pivot axes. A control is provided for controlling the degree of pivot.

Abstract: A multistage hydraulic machine in which respective pressure stages are connected in series through return passages and the highest and lowest pressure stages of the hydraulic machine are provided with movable guide vanes the degrees of openings of which are variable is controlled for load regulation or water flow rate regulation under a normal operation condition of the hydraulic machine by controlling degrees of openings of the movable guide vanes of the highest and lowest pressure stages in accordance with several control modes.

Abstract: A turbo-supercharger for an engine includes a turbine casing having a turbine scroll divided into a first and second inlet passages. The inlet passages are opened to the engine exhaust passage through first and second inlet ports formed in a mating surface where the turbine casing is attached to the exhaust passage. A shut-off valve is provided in the exhaust passage and has a valve member which is adapted to be seated on the mating surface to close the second inlet port to thereby allow the exhaust gas to flow only through the first inlet passage. The shut-off valve is opened under high speed, heavy load operation so that the exhaust gas is passed through both the first and second inlet passages. A bypass passage is provided in the turbine casing to open at one end to the first inlet passage. A waste gate valve is provided to open the bypass passage when the supercharging pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for stopping a multi-stage hydraulic machine with an inlet valve, guide vanes including highest and lowest stage guide vanes, and a return passage connected between flow passages of respective stages, wherein the machine is in turbine operation, including the steps of initiating the closing of the highest stage movable guide vanes firstly and the lowest stage movable guide vanes secondly and judging whether a closing relation between the highest and lowest stage vanes is normal or not in accordance with predetermined criteria after initiation of closing the lowest stage movable guide vanes. The method includes the steps of controlling the closing of the lowest stage movable guide vanes based on the judgement result, and the step of closing the inlet valve.

Abstract: A multistage hydraulic machine in which respective pressure stages are connected in series through return passages and the highest and lowest pressure stages are provided with movable guide vanes the degrees of openings of which are variable is controlled in load adjustment or in response to the change of a static head under a steady operation condition by controlling the degrees of openings of the movable guide vanes of the highest and lowest pressure stages in accordance with several modes.

Abstract: A method of and system for controlling a hydraulic turbine including a variable throttle valve located in fluid channel upstream or downstream of the hydraulic turbine adapted to be closed simultaneously as guide vanes of the hydraulic turbine are closed at a velocity higher than a predetermined velocity. The variable throttle valve is closed to a certain degree of opening in response to the sudden closing action of the guide vanes, but slowly opened to an original full open position after the guide vanes has closed to a predetermined degree of opening.

Abstract: A multistage hydraulic machine such as a pump/turbine having at least three pressure stages in which the highest and lowest pressure stages are provided with movable guide vanes the degree of opening of which are variable, and the other intermediate pressure stages are provided with stationary guide vanes the degree of opening of which are not variable. The movable and stationary guide vanes are simultaneously or independently controlled in accordance with a change of an operational condition at the time of steady operation in a manner such that the degree of opening of the movable guide vanes of the lowest pressure stage becomes relatively larger or smaller than that of the stationary guide vanes in a high flow-rate range or in a low flow-rate range, respectively, while maintaining the degree of opening of the movable guide vanes of the lowest pressure stage to be equal to or smaller than that of the highest pressure stage.

Abstract: The invention comprises incorporating in the wall of a typical unloader valve for a compressor, a normally-closed, pressure-responsive valve for admitting product compressed air therethrough, into the valve chamber, for re-circulation of the admitted air through the compressor. In the first embodiment illustrated, a pilot air pressure, which modulates the unloader valve throttling piston, is also addressed to a passageway which opens onto the normally-closed valve. When the pilot air pressure is substantially elevated, the normally-closed valve opens.

Abstract: The water powered motor includes a casing housing a rotor shaft. First and second water bearings of conical shape support opposite end portions of the shaft for high speed rotation. The central portion of the shaft has turbine wheels subject to high velocity water flow through the casing. The same high water pressure for driving the turbine also provides water to the water bearings to "float" the rotor shaft so that very high speeds can be attained with minimum friction. The preferred application for the motor is that of a high speed drill for drilling printed circuit boards. However, it may be miniaturized for use as a dentist's drill.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a water turbine is disclosed wherein an auxiliary servomotor having a capacity substantially equal to that of a servomotor for actuating pressure regulator is provided for actuating flow control guide vanes, the auxiliary servomotor for the guide vanes and the servomotor for the pressure regulator being connected through pipe lines. The guide vanes for the water turbine are controlled according to a position of an auxiliary servomotor for the governor and the servomotor for the pressure regulator is controlled according to a difference between the opening position of the guide vanes and the set position of a load limiter for the water turbine.

Abstract: An irrigation control system includes a rotary water motor operatively associated with valves to provide that the water motor is either in the full on or full off condition, dependent upon alignment of the irrigation line. The irrigation control system also includes a rotary water motor operatively associated with a valve, and a shut-down system is included for closing such valve upon loss of water pressure in a safety line.

Abstract: The opening of variable bleed doors is scheduled as a function of both booster and compressor speed so as to better maintain the desired booster stall margin and increase efficiency during certain periods of engine operation. The schedule based on core speed is modified in response to changes in fan speed to increase or decrease the amount of bleed, thereby increasing stall margin or improving the steady-state performance, respectively.

Abstract: A variable liquid discharge flow rate pump with a discharge float valve the opening of which is controlled according to the discharge pressure and flow rate by a hydraulic power ram actuator with a resiliently biased piston slidable in a cylinder communicating with or forming a container space for transit of liquid from a first cavity in which prevails the discharge pressure to a second cavity in which prevails the inlet pressure, the hydraulic circuit comprising at least one passageway providing a head loss variable according to the discharge flow rate and pressure.