Abstract: A power recovery expander for use with a motive fluid of hot gas with entrained particulates is disclosed. Means for removal of entrained particulates and for cooling portions of the turbomachine are provided. Additionally, cooling fluid is directed to a separate cooling chamber, said cooling fluid being used to draw additional particulate matters from the motive fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of blades mounted to a rotary shaft in a turbomachine by selectively illuminating a particular blade in a turbomachine. A control system for determining when to initiate a strobe light in response to a shaft position for illuminating a particular blade is described. Additionally, indexing means for automatically sequencing through the blades is further disclosed. A camera for remote monitoring of the blades using an automatic control system is further provided.

Abstract: Differential thermal growth between joined flanged members is accommodated by making proximate pairs of axially extending sawcuts through the flange and into the casings to form elongated tabs which define sawcut springs. By joining the flanged members at the location of some of the sawcut springs, the springs deflect to permit differential thermal growth. Additionally, the flanged members can be maintained in a centered position, even under conditions of thermal growth, by centering the member by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced jackscrews which engage the remainder of the sawcut springs.

Abstract: The load on the starting steam turbine or motor which drives the power recovery string of an FCC process is reduced on the order of 15% by increasing the specific volume of the air compressed by a fixed volume compressor in the string. The specific volume of the ambient air is increased by returning a portion of the compressed and thereby heated air to the inlet of the compressor in amounts sufficient to raise the temperature of the inlet air about 75.degree. F., or more.

Abstract: Film cooling of the blades of an expander is achieved by supplying steam generated at the outlet of the expander to a plurality of discharge points. In one embodiment, a plurality of passages are formed in the hub of the expander and underlie each of the vanes. Tubes are located at the inlet end of each vane and form a fluid path with the associated underlying passage and discharge steam over the entire height of the inlet end of the vane. Additional passages provide fluid communication between the underlying passages and the base of the associated vane so that film cooling is supplied to the entire inducer section of the expander.

Abstract: A plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets are formed in the face of a stationary carbon ring. A rotating seal ring coacts with the pockets in the carbon ring to define a gas lift bearing to thereby reduce the pressure differential and leakage across the carbon ring. Alternatively the spaced pockets can be located in the rotating seal ring.

Abstract: The load on the starting steam turbine or motor which drives the power recovery string of an FCC process is reduced on the order of 15% by increasing the specific volume of the air compressed by a fixed volume compressor in the string. The specific volume of the ambient air is increased by returning a portion of the compressed and thereby heated air to the inlet of the compressor in amounts sufficient to raise the temperature of the inlet air about 75.degree. F., or more.

Abstract: In a fluid catalytic cracking process in the case of a catalyst load dump the catalyst-laden gas is prevented from passing through the power recover expander. This is achieved by establishing a tangential, low pressure bypass flow path in the supply line to the expander which causes the catalyst to be bypassed. An optical sensor senses the catalyst load dump and causes the actuation of the valve necessary to establish the low pressure bypass flow path.

Abstract: An expander driven by waste heat fluid is operatively connected to a synchronous or induction generator. A brake/clutch controller selectively connects the power recovery string to an eddy current brake/flywheel in order to maintain line frequency and control speed during normal conditions and to minimize acceleration of the string during a load dump.

Abstract: A wheel of a turbomachine is secured to a shaft of the machine by initially securing the wheel between one end of the shaft and a piston-like member. A space is formed between opposed sides of the member and wheel by moving the member relative to the wheel. A spacing member is placed in the space for placing a compressive force on the wheel for positively securing the wheel to the shaft.

Abstract: A wheel of a turbomachine is secured to a shaft of the machine by initially securing the wheel between one end of the shaft and a piston-like member. A space is formed between opposed sides of the member and wheel by moving the member relative to the wheel. A spacing member is placed in the space for placing a compressive force on the wheel for positively securing the wheel to the shaft.

Abstract: An actuator for adjustable vanes of a turbomachine includes a movable housing defining a chamber. A band is mounted within the chamber and affixed to the housing for movement therewith. A first roller is in engagement with the adjustable vanes and in contact with a first portion of the band. A second roller is in contact with a second portion of the band. A force generating device is connected to the housing for moving the housing and the band affixed thereto relative to said first and second rollers for rotating each of the rollers about its own axis, with rotation of the first roller resulting in corresponding movement of the adjustable vanes.

Abstract: A power recovery system utilizing a relatively high temperature waste heat fluid to drive an expander. The expander is operatively connected to an electrical generator. A dynamic brake is connected to the expander to regulate the speed thereof when the expander is operating at other than steady state conditions.

Abstract: A seal system for a turbomachine employing first fluid as a working medium and utilizing the same fluid in its liquid phase as a sealing medium. The pressure of the liquid sealing medium is maintained above the pressure of the working medium. The fluid is delivered to a first sealing region whereat the fluid flows in opposite directions along the shaft of the turbomachine, respectively towards the ambient and towards the working region in the machine. A seal is interposed between the first sealing region and the ambient to prevent the seal fluid from intermixing with air.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for preventing process fluid contained within a rotary machine from escaping along the rotary shaft includes a stator affixed to the stationary housing of the rotary machine. The assembly further includes a non-rotating seal arranged to float in a radial direction and held against rotation by a locking pin. The locking pin is adapted to be in rolling engagement with a roller bearing for providing an antifriction motion therebetween.

Abstract: Compression machinery including a low pressure stage, a high pressure stage and a single aftercooler, further includes a bypass path through which fluid discharged from the low pressure stage is directed about the high pressure stage. The bypass path includes the aftercooler. Upon activation of the high pressure stage, a portion of the fluid flowing through the bypass path is diverted to the suction side of the high pressure stage. As a result of continued operation of the high pressure stage, the flow of fluid through the bypass path is decreased and the flow of fluid through the high pressure stage is increased.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for a rotary machine includes a breakdown bushing having a close running fit with the outer periphery of the shaft of the rotary machine for throttling sealing fluid moving from a high pressure fluid injection region to a first region of lower pressure. The breakdown bushing includes an axially extending step-like portion of constant diameter spaced from the outer periphery of the shaft and disposed immediately adjacent to the fluid injection region to restrict the flow of fluid moving from the injection region. The restricted fluid develops a radially acting hydrostatic force on the surface of the step-like portion to move said seal member radially outward with respect to the shaft. An annular seal ring is integrally connected to said breakdown bushing to prevent the working fluid from escaping into a second low pressure region.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly employing oil breakdown bushings including bushing supports having a radial spring constant which permits the bushing to move radially with the shaft as the shaft is deflected and an axial spring constant whereby the bushing is able to resist axial movement when under pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assembling a flexible damped bearing within a rotary machine for properly locating the various bearing components in reference to the machine shaft, whereby the bearing will respond to the shaft in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A seal for use in a fluid-to-fluid shaft seal assembly as conventionally employed in a rotary machine. The seal includes a first and second ring encompassing the shaft and having a bushing seal interposed therebetween. A biasing member is arranged to act against one of the rings and the bushing seal to exert a predetermined force upon the bushing seal whereby the bushing seal is allowed to move radially in compliance with the shaft between the two rings. Radial ports are also provided within the bushing seal to bring fluid into contact with the shaft beneath the bushing, each port having a contoured entrance region to facilitate movement of fluid therethrough and thus insure that a positive seal is formed between the bushing and the shaft.