Patents Assigned to Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
  • Publication number: 20140244133
    Abstract: A device and a method for determining a residual life expectancy of a rotor of a gas turbine. The method includes receiving at a computer operating conditions of the gas turbine, receiving a gas turbine rotor inspection result, updating, based on the operating conditions of the gas turbine and the gas turbine rotor inspection result, a database for a fleet corresponding to the gas turbine, and calculating the residual life expectancy of the rotor of the gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: NUOVO PIGNONE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto De Prosperis, Paolo Di Sisto, Maciej Borkowski
  • Publication number: 20140234083
    Abstract: Actuator devices useable to change orientation of one or more vanes, including an actuator rod and an actuator device body configured to allow the actuator rod to move along the axis inside the actuator device body, and having an inlet flange configured to allow a third fluid to enter a space between the actuator device body and the actuator rod, and an outlet flange configured to allow the third fluid to exit the actuator device body. Besides providing a fluid seal between the first fluid and the second fluid, the third fluid may also heat the actuator rod thereby preventing ice formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Sarri, Giuseppe Iurisci, Marco Pelella
  • Publication number: 20140229121
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining a degree of fouling formation in a compressor, e.g., in an ethylene production unit or other application. Data associated with the operation of the compressor is collected. Based on the collected data, polytropic efficiency of the compressor is calculated. The estimated polytropic efficiency is normalized to render the estimate more indicative of the degree of fouling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NUOVO PIGNONE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Greco, Hua Xia, Alberto Pieri, Vincenzo Sangiorgio, Patrick Lucas, Lorenzo De Bortoli
  • Patent number: 8770837
    Abstract: Methods and thermowell systems that can be uses in high dynamic pressure environments. A thermocouple system includes a thermowell configured to enter a structure through which a medium flows; an elongated probe provided partially inside the thermowell and configured to measure a temperature; at least one o-ring disposed around the elongated probe at a first end, the o-ring being configured to dampen a vibration for the elongated probe by contacting the thermowell; and an elastomer disposed around the elongated probe section at a second end, the elastomer being configured to dampen the vibration for the elongated probe by contacting the thermowell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: William C. Egan, Robert Schultz
  • Patent number: 8761957
    Abstract: A method of decreasing a transition time through a speed range that is unsafe for an integrity of a first expander, by automatically biasing a speed of a second expander that receives a fluid flow output from the first expander is provided, when the current speed of the first expander is within a bias application range. The method includes setting the speed of the second expander to be larger than a current speed of the first expander when the current speed of the first expander increases and is smaller than a first speed value, or decreases and is smaller than a second speed value, and setting the speed of the second expander to be smaller than the current speed of the first expander, when the current speed of the first expander increases and is larger than the first speed value or decreases and is larger than the second speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventor: David Rossi
  • Patent number: 8761958
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transition time through a speed range that is unsafe for an integrity of a second expander that receives a fluid flow from a first expander, by automatically biasing a speed of the second expander is provided. The method includes setting the speed of the second expander to be smaller than a current speed of the first expander. The method also includes setting the speed of the second expander to be larger than the current speed of the first expander, when the current speed of the first expander is within the bias application range, and the current speed of the second expander increases and is larger than the first speed value, or decreases and is larger than the second speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventor: David Rossi
  • Publication number: 20140157750
    Abstract: A turbo-compressor train and a method for assembling a turbo-compressor train. The train includes a gas turbine engine configured to transform thermal energy into mechanical energy; a centrifugal compressor having a shaft connected to a shaft of the gas turbine engine; and a single lube pump configured to provide synthetic oil to the gas turbine engine and the centrifugal compressor. The gas turbine engine, the centrifugal compressor and the single lube pump each has only rolling bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A
    Inventors: Giacomo Landi, Massimo Camatti, Guido Peano, Lorenzo Naldi
  • Patent number: 8740561
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide for an impeller for use in a compressor. A method for manufacturing the impeller includes: attaching an intermediate layer to a base metal by placing a first metal powder into a gap between a first insert and the base metal; processing with hot isostatic pressing the base metal, the first metal powder and the first insert such that the intermediate layer is bonded to the base metal; attaching an external layer to the intermediate layer by placing a second powder into a gap between a second insert and the intermediate layer; processing the base metal, the intermediate layer, the second metal powder and the second insert via hot isostatic pressing such that the external layer is bonded to the intermediate layer; and removing the second insert to form the impeller, wherein the external layer is corrosion resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Filippo Cappuccini, Massimo Giannozzi, Gabriele Masi, Federico Iozzelli
  • Patent number: 8739522
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for capturing heat energy in a power generation system. The system includes: a first compressor configured to exhaust a first compressed, heated air flow; a heat exchanger connected to the first compressor and configured to receive the first compressed, heated air flow and configured to transfer heat energy from the first compressed, heated air flow to an oil; at least one pump connected to the heat exchanger and configured to pump the heated oil in a closed-loop system from the heat exchanger to an insulated storage tank; a second compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to exhaust a second compressed, heated air flow; and an energy storage unit connected to the second compressor and configured to store heat energy from the second compressed, heated air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sanjay Anikhindi, Bhaskara Kosamana
  • Patent number: 8734019
    Abstract: Method, retention mechanism and bearing device for retaining at least one pad inside the bearing device. The bearing device includes a ring having at least a retaining head, at least one pad disposed inside the ring and having a bottom recess portion configured to receive the at least a retaining head, the at least one pad being configured to pivot on the at least a retaining head, and a retention mechanism configured to retain the at least one pad within a predetermined volume inside the ring. The retention mechanism is configured to apply a retaining force on the at least one pad, in addition to a force between the retaining head and the at least one pad, where the retaining force acts substantially along a radial direction of the ring, away from a center of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Palomba, Marco De Iaco, Andrea Masala, Anichini Alessio, Grifoni Francesco
  • Patent number: 8726672
    Abstract: An operation method for a gas turbine is provided which includes compressing a working fluid by a compressor, feeding this compressed working fluid into at least one combustion chamber where it is overheated, expanding this overheated working fluid in at least one expansion turbine to produce energy, carrying out a first tapping of the compressed work fluid from the compressor to feed it into a first cavity of the turbine for cooling, carrying out a second tapping of the working fluid downstream from the first tapping to feed it into a second cavity of the turbine upstream from the first cavity, for cooling, and fluidly connecting the first tapping to the second tapping to selectively feed the first tapping by a part of the second tapping during partial load operation conditions to keep the temperature of the first cavity within the acceptable limits for the resistance of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Ciofini, Stefano Rossin, Roberto DeProsperis
  • Publication number: 20140133959
    Abstract: A multistage centrifugal turbomachine comprising a rotor assembly comprising a shaft carrying a first and a second impeller, and a stator comprising a passage for a fluid flowing from an outlet side of the first impeller to an inlet side of the second impeller, the passage comprising a diffuser downstream the outlet side of the first impeller), a return channel upstream the inlet side of the second impeller, a bend connecting the diffuser and the return channel, and a plurality of stator blades being provided in the return channel, wherein a portion of the return channel is delimited by the first impeller, the plurality of stator blades extending at least partially in the portion of the return channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A
    Inventors: Giuseppe Iurisci, Angelo Grimaldi
  • Patent number: 8713946
    Abstract: Gas turbine and method for controlling an operating point of the gas turbine that includes a compressor, a combustor and at least a turbine. The method includes calculating an exhaust temperature reference curve of the turbine as a function of a turbine pressure ratio; determining whether condition IGVmin+?IGV1?IGVset point?IGVmax+?IGV2, and condition ttx?ttxh+?ttx3, are true; and changing, if both conditions are true, a split fuel quantity from a first value to a second value or otherwise maintaining the first value, the first value characterizing a lean-lean steady state mode and the second value characterizing a premixed secondary mode of a premixed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Botarelli
  • Patent number: 8713945
    Abstract: A gas turbine includes a liner, a casing surrounding the liner, a hula seal flexibly connected to an aft end of the liner and a liner aft support mechanism. The liner is configured to receive compressed gas and fuel at an upstream end, the mixture of the compressed gas and the fuel being burned in a combustion core area of the liner to yield hot exhaust gasses. The liner aft end support mechanism is located downstream from an area where a highest temperature on an outer surface of the liner is attained, and upstream to a portion where the hula seal is connected to the liner, and is configured to movably support the liner inside the casing. The liner aft end support mechanism includes at least three individual support elements configured to allow a part of the individual support elements to move in the flow direction relative to at least one of the liner or the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventor: Balasundar Kuppusamy
  • Publication number: 20140093357
    Abstract: Method and gas turbine system having a reduced footprint. The gas turbine system includes a gas turbine configured to produce energy and having a gas turbine shaft; an auxiliary equipment attached to the gas turbine; an overhung shaft of the auxiliary equipment being configured to be attached to the gas turbine shaft; a flexible joint configured to be provided between the shaft of the auxiliary equipment and the gas turbine shaft; and a bearing system having at least two bearing units provided at a first end of the shaft of the auxiliary equipment next to the flexible joint. A second end of the shaft of the auxiliary equipment is free of bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: NUOVO PIGNONE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Polacco, Sandro Montelatici
  • Patent number: 8676391
    Abstract: System and method for controlling a stuck nozzle system installed between first and second turbines connected in series to a compressor. The method includes determining whether the nozzle system is stuck; instructing the first turbine to increase a minimum speed reference when the nozzle system is stuck; verifying whether the nozzle system continues to be stuck; instructing the compressor to increase an inlet bleed heat (IBH) flow from a current value to a maximum value when the nozzle system is stuck; verifying whether the nozzle system continues to be stuck; and instructing the compressor to increase an inlet guide vanes (IGV) angle from a current value to a maximum value when the nozzle system is stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carmine Allegorico, Carlo Trombi
  • Publication number: 20140060050
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transforming solar energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy by using an ORC fluid in an ORC cycle configuration. The ORC cycle configuration includes a heat source that vaporizes the ORC fluid and an expander that expands the vaporized ORC fluid to produce the energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: NUOVO PIGNONE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Bhaskara Kosamana, Joydeep Chowdhury, Arunachalam Chettiyar, Saravanaram T., Rakesh Govindasamy
  • Patent number: 8657501
    Abstract: Method, pad and bearing device for oil redistribution. The bearing device includes a ring having at least one retaining head, at least one pad disposed inside the ring and having a bottom recess portion configured to receive the at least one retaining head, an oil distribution mechanism configured to inject oil at a leading edge of the at least one pad to flow towards a trailing edge of the at least one pad, and an oil redistribution mechanism on the at least one pad configured to redistribute the oil from the trailing edge of the at least one pad to the leading edge of the at least one pad. The leading edge is a first edge and the trailing edge is a second edge of the at least one pad encountered when traveling along a circumference of the ring in a direction of rotation of a rotor supported by the at least one pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Palomba, Silvio Giachetti, Alessandro Bacci
  • Patent number: 8632320
    Abstract: An integrated high-pressure compression unit for a process fluid that includes at least a first compression device able to compress the process fluid from a essentially gaseous initial thermodynamic state to an intermediate thermodynamic state, a second compression device connected mechanically to the first compression device and able to compress the process fluid from the intermediate thermodynamic state to a final thermodynamic state, a motor device able to drive the first compression device and the second compression device, and a pressure casing or housing in which at least the said first and second compression devices are mechanically coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Palomba, Andrea Masi, Marco De Iaco, Massimo Camatti, Lorenzo Bergamini
  • Patent number: 8585804
    Abstract: A natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery system and method for separating NGLs from a feed gas is provided. The method includes receiving the feed gas; increasing a pressure of the feed gas by running the feed gas through a compressor connected to a gas turbine; diverting part of the feed gas from an output of the compressor and feeding the diverted part to a dryer; drying the diverted part to remove water and produce a dry gas; expanding the dry gas in a turbo-expander; separating the expanded gas into the NGL and fuel gas; and providing the fuel gas to the gas turbine as fuel without contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Simone Amidei, Francesca Monti, Andrea Giusti, Mesgina Tsegai Risat