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: 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.