GB881373A - Improvements relating to single-stage radial flow compressors - Google Patents

Abstract

881,373. Centrifugal compressors. SULZER FRERES S.A. Nov. 18. 1958 [Dec. 13, 1957], No. 37118/58. Class 110 (1). A single-stage radial-flow compressor operating with suction at one end only and having an overhung impeller comprises a self-contained structural unit 8, Fig. 1, including the impeller 2, impeller shaft 3, and a common bearing housing 12 containing the shaft bearings 7 and a shaft seal 14, the unit being inserted into a cylindrical chamber 4 of the compressor housing 1 from the suction end 22. The suction end has an inlet sleeve 24 of approximately the same diameter as the inlet diameter of the impeller. The sleeve is positioned in an aperture in the housing of sufficient diameter to permit extraction of the bearing housing 12. The housing 12 also contains lubricant chambers 13. The seal 14 seals the bearings from the diffuser 31. The unit 8 is secured at its drive end 9 by a screw connection 10, to the compressor housing 1, while the other end 11 is free to move axially to accommodate differential thermal expansions. Removal of the unit 8 is effected by removing an inlet passage 26 and the inlet sleeve 24, and releasing the screw connection 10, whereupon the unit 8 can be withdrawn from the chamber 4 through the suction end 22. The impeller shaft 3 is connected by an axially insertable toothed coupling 27 to the driving shaft 28 of a power unit (not shown). When the unit 8 is removed an inlet 17 and outlet 18 for the lubricant and coolant remain connected to the chamber 4 so that no assembly work is necessary after the unit 8 has been re-inserted. Ribs 19 split the chamber 4 into two pockets 20, 21 for lubricant supply and discharge.