Abstract: A turboexpander associated with a rotary compressor by means of a rotor shaft connecting the two. A bearing housing includes magnetic radial and thrust bearings which control the placement and dynamics of the shaft within the housing. A control passageway extends from the inlet of the compressor to the gas cavity behind the compressor rotor. This passage is controlled by a valve and in turn by the magnetic bearing controller to augment the operation of the active magnetic thrust bearings.

Abstract: An automatic control of clamping forces in primary nozzle systems of radial turbines. Pressure to an closed annular volume positioned between a turbine housing and an axially adjustable mounting ring is varied to regulate the clamping forces against inlet vanes which form primary nozzles. A controller compares process control data with a signal indicative of operational deviation from nominal operation as indicated by the process control signal to detect onset of excessive blow-by, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to move the mounting rings closer together. The controller also compares expected and actual system data to detect onset of excessive clamping, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to increase clamping forces.

Abstract: Rotary fluid handling apparatus employing a wheel to provide multi-stage compression or expansion. A wheel having a first set of vanes includes a shroud about those vanes with a second set of vanes outwardly of the shroud. One set of vanes provides for low specific speed flow while the other set of vanes provides for high specific speed flow. A transfer passage interconnects the outlet of the first stage with the inlet of the second stage. The difference in temperature between the inlet flow to the system and the outlet flow from the system may be exchanged to increase efficiency. The multi-stage wheel and associated passages may be configured for either compression or turboexpansion.

Abstract: An automatic control of clamping forces in primary nozzle systems of radial turbines. Pressure to an closed annular volume positioned between a turbine housing and an axially adjustable mounting ring is varied to regulate the clamping forces against inlet vanes which form primary nozzles. A controller compares process control data with nozzle position data to detect onset of excessive blow-by, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to move the mounting rings closer together. The controller also compares expected and actual system data to detect onset of excessive clamping, in which case pressure is increased in the closed annular volume to increase clamping forces.

Abstract: A refrigeration system employing a motor driven compressor with an associated turboexpander coupled to the motor of the compressor. The compressor draws incoming air through a heat exchanger and a dehydrator. The compressor discharges compressed air through a high temperature heat exchanger and the other side of the heat exchanger on the inlet side of the compressor. The compressed air is then expanded through the turboexpander and used for cooling. The high temperature heat exchanger is employed for hot water generation.

Abstract: A closed-loop system that dissipates energy from an expander and does not contaminate the expander. The noncontaminating energy dissipator has a closed-loop conduit that is connected to a compressor, a pressure reduction valve and a heat exchanger. A brake gas circulates in the closed-loop conduit from the compressor to the pressure reduction device, then to the heat exchanger and finally back to the compressor, where the process repeats. The use of an inert brake gas prevents interactions between the brake gas and a hazardous process fluid from forming an explosive mixture. The closed-loop conduit has an outlet so that the brake gas can be used for purposes other than circulating through the closed-loop. A make-up conduit and another control valve can be added to the noncontaminating energy dissipator so that brake gas that is lost through seals or other parts of the system can be readily replaced.

Abstract: Rotary fluid handling apparatus employing a wheel to provide multi-stage compression or expansion. A wheel having a first set of vanes includes a shroud about those vanes with a second set of vanes outwardly of the shroud. One set of vanes provides for low specific speed flow while the other set of vanes provides for high specific speed flow. A transfer passage interconnects the outlet of the first stage with the inlet of the second stage. The difference in temperature between the inlet flow to the system and the outlet flow from the system may be exchanged to increase efficiency. The multistage wheel and associated passages may be configured for either compression or turboexpansion.