Abstract: A throttle valve for a centrifugal compressor includes a body having a central passage and one or more diverter flow paths. The central passage is formed by an inner surface of the body, each diverter flow path has an inlet and an outlet, and the one or more diverter flow paths are configured to induce a swirl within a fluid flow through the central passage while a portion of the fluid flow passes through the one or more diverter flow paths. The throttle valve also includes at least one blade disposed within the central passage. The at least one blade is configured to direct the portion of the fluid flow to the inlets of the one or more diverter flow paths while the at least one blade is in a partially open position.

Abstract: A throttle valve for a centrifugal compressor includes a body having a central passage and one or more diverter flow paths. The central passage is formed by an inner surface of the body, each diverter flow path has an inlet and an outlet, and the one or more diverter flow paths are configured to induce a swirl within a fluid flow through the central passage while a portion of the fluid flow passes through the one or more diverter flow paths. The throttle valve also includes at least one blade disposed within the central passage. The at least one blade is configured to direct the portion of the fluid flow to the inlets of the one or more diverter flow paths while the at least one blade is in a partially open position.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a gas compression system that includes a gas compressor having a drive shaft, an impeller drive shaft magnetically coupled to the drive shaft, and a shroud disposed between the drive shaft and the impeller drive shaft. In other embodiments provided is method that includes magnetically coupling a first drive shaft to a second drive shaft, receiving a rotational torque at the first drive shaft, transmitting the rotational torque from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft via the magnetic coupling, and rotating a gas compressor impeller coupled to the second drive shaft.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a gas compression system that includes a gas compressor having a drive shaft, an impeller drive shaft magnetically coupled to the drive shaft, and a shroud disposed between the drive shaft and the impeller drive shaft. In other embodiments provided is method that includes magnetically coupling a first drive shaft to a second drive shaft, receiving a rotational torque at the first drive shaft, transmitting the rotational torque from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft via the magnetic coupling, and rotating a gas compressor impeller coupled to the second drive shaft.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to prevent the rotation of a shaft in one direction using a device comprising a collar disposed around the shaft, a locking arm with an unlocked position and a locked position, and an actuator capable of moving the locking-arm between the unlocked and locked position. When the locking arm is in the unlocked position, the collar and shaft are allowed to rotate in a first direction. However, when the locking arm is in the locked position, the collar and shaft are prevented from rotating in a second direction. This device can also be used to prevent the reverse rotation of a rotating compressor.

Abstract: Portions of the drive system for a piece of rotating equipment are pre-assembled into a subassembly. The subassembly can be held together by a carrier that is fabricated to accept the components in a proper alignment so that the carrier can be installed as a unit. In the preferred embodiment the carrier becomes a gearbox housing component that is installed saving the need for individual component alignment. Using the modular approach. The modular approach allows an assembly having a single part number to apply to a given compressor unit and further allows standardization of air ends of compressors with specific impellers and inlets added to meet requirements of a specific application.