Centrifugal compressor

• US 4,523,896 A
• Filed: 05/16/1983
• Issued: 06/18/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1982
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CREUSOT-LOIRE 42 RUE D'ANJOU, 75008 PARIS
• Original Assignee: Creusot-Loire
• Inventors: Lhenry, Bernard, Roustan, Max
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Cornelius J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Application Number:
  US06/494,844
• Time in Patent Office: 764 Days
• Field of Search: 417/244, 417/350, 417/365, 417/366, 417/89, 417/371, 417/414, 417/423 R, 308/10, 415/170 A, 415/172 R, 415/100
• US Class Current: 417/244
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 25/06 the pump being electrically driven F04D25/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 29/058 magnetic; electromagnetic

Abstract

A centrifugal compressor capable of rotating at high speed by means of an electric motor comprises two compression stages cantilevered one at each end of a shaft, an electric motor of which the rotor is carried by a central part of the shaft, magnetic bearings, and a magnetic stop. The motor, the bearings and the stop are placed in a housing placed under a partial vacuum. Two facial gaskets adjustable as a result of longitudinal displacement of a component and of the shaft seal the compressor and ensure sealing of the space within the housing.

Claims

1. A centrifugal compressor capable of rotating at high speed, comprising

(a) a single shaft carrying at least two compressor wheels cantilevered on its two ends for setting in motion fluid to be compressed;

(b) a high-speed electric motor comprising a rotor carried by said shaft and located in a central portion of said shaft;

(c) at least two magnetic bearings for supporting said shaft;

(d) a magnetic stop for adjusting the axial position of said shaft;

(e) a housing surrounding at least said electric motor, said magnetic bearings and said magnetic stop;

(f) at least one first facial sealing means located at one of said compressor wheels and adjustable as a result of axial displacement of said shaft by means of said magnetic stop;

(g) at least one second facial sealing means located at the second compressor wheel and adjustable as a result of a controlled longitudinal displacement of a supporting component; and

(h) circuit means for placing the space within said housing under a predetermined partial vacuum.

2. A centrifugal compressor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circuit means comprises pipe means connecting said space within said housing to a suction pipe of said compressor.

3. A centrifugal compressor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circuit means includes a device for generating a partial vacuum by means of suction.

4. A centrifugal compressor as claimed in claim 3, wherein said device for generating a partial vacuum by means of suction comprises at least one injector and means connecting said injector to a delivery pipe of said compressor.