Abstract: A controllable Pitot device uses a Pitot nozzle supported by a Pitot nozzle holder for pumping fluid flowing in a first direction or in a second direction flowing opposite the first direction. The Pitot nozzle has one ingestion inlet pivotable to ingest fluid from either direction. Ingested fluid impinges on an obstacle interior to the Pitot nozzle which is disposed opposite the ingestion inlet to create a zone of fluid at stagnation pressure. Stagnation pressure pumps fluid via the interior of the Pitot nozzle through one of two openings for discharging pumped fluid out of a discharge outlet supported by the nozzle holder, to the exterior of the Pitot device. The nozzle holder can be a support structure or an embedded support operative with a rotating fluid machine.

Abstract: A controllable Pitot device uses a Pitot nozzle supported by a Pitot nozzle holder for pumping fluid flowing in a first direction or in a second direction flowing opposite the first direction. The Pitot nozzle has one ingestion inlet pivotable to ingest fluid from either direction. Ingested fluid impinges on an obstacle interior to the Pitot nozzle which is disposed opposite the ingestion inlet to create a zone of fluid at stagnation pressure. Stagnation pressure pumps fluid via the interior of the Pitot nozzle through one of two openings for discharging pumped fluid out of a discharge outlet supported by the nozzle holder, to the exterior of the Pitot device. The nozzle holder can be a support structure or an embedded support operative with a rotating fluid machine.

Abstract: A method and an ejection device are provided for discharging contaminants out of a seal chamber of a rotating-fluid machine driving a main flow of contaminated fluid. The ejection device incorporates an obstacle for arresting a portion of the flow in the seal chamber to stagnation pressure, whereby a zone of fluid at stagnation pressure is created. A discharge passage is disposed in the seal chamber adjacent to a region of concentration of contaminants and in the zone of stagnation pressure created by the obstacle, whereby contaminants are pumped out via the discharge passage into the main driven flow. The discharge passage is disposed upstream of the obstacle and provides fluid communication between the seal chamber and a process side of the machine. The method and the ejection device are operative with a machine driving fluid in clockwise direction, in counterclockwise direction, and in both clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: A compliant fluid-film riding taper bearing is configured to include a rotor and a stator for supporting a rotating shaft. The rotor is configured as a rotating monotonously tapering body of revolution having an axis of symmetry and an external tapering surface. The stator has a longitudinal axis and an internal surface disposed in coaxial and conformal alignment with the external tapering surface. The stator is preloaded against the external tapering surface, and is pliantly supported to respond to a distribution of biasing forces and to permit matching elastic and resilient adaptation thereof conformal to deformation of the tapering rotor.

Abstract: A method and an ejection device are provided for discharging contaminants out of a seal chamber of a rotating-fluid machine driving a main flow of contaminated fluid. The ejection device incorporates an obstacle for arresting a portion of the flow in the seal chamber to stagnation pressure, whereby a zone of fluid at stagnation pressure is created. A discharge passage is disposed in the seal chamber adjacent to a region of concentration of contaminants and in the zone of stagnation pressure created by the obstacle, whereby contaminants are pumped out via the discharge passage into the main driven flow. The discharge passage is disposed upstream of the obstacle and provides fluid communication between the seal chamber and a process side of the machine. The method and the ejection device are operative with a machine driving fluid in clockwise direction, in counterclockwise direction, and in both clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: A compliant fluid-film riding taper bearing is configured to include a rotor and a stator for supporting a rotating shaft. The rotor is configured as a rotating monotonously tapering body of revolution having an axis of symmetry and an external tapering surface. The stator has a longitudinal axis and an internal surface disposed in coaxial and conformal alignment with the external tapering surface. The stator is preloaded against the external tapering surface, and is pliantly supported to respond to a distribution of biasing forces and to permit matching elastic and resilient adaptation thereof conformal to deformation of the tapering rotor.