Development of turboexpanders with low flow rates

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Chem. Pet. Eng. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5681190

Ardashev, V I; Babichev, M S

New turboexpanders have been studied with the objective of increasing the slope of usage. The major problems--inadequate life and realization of high speed bearings, and the complex process technology for making small impellers--are considered. Radial axial centripetal reaction turboexpanders are tested with several original solutions to problems developed. The brake, a centrifugal blower, is specified. Gasostatic bearings (designed for rotors) with nozzle balancing were used. The difficulty of the thrust bearings was removed by improving machining accuracy on axial bearing supports and maximum compensation of blower brake. As the efficiency of the twostage turboexpander was found to be 6% higher than singlestage, parameters were compared, and efficiencies equalized. Finally, the problem of a loss of efficiency in smaller size expanders due to scale factors was examined. Coefficient equations using the coefficient of reduced peripheral speed and the Reynolds number resulted in a design for a cryogenic microturboexpander.

• OSTI ID: 5681190
• Journal Information: Chem. Pet. Eng. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Pet. Eng. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 18:7-8; ISSN CPTEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200* -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
ACCURACY
BEARINGS
BLOWERS
BRAKES
CRYOGENICS
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
FLOW RATE
MACHINE PARTS
MACHINERY
MACHINING
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NOZZLES
REYNOLDS NUMBER
ROTORS
SERVICE LIFE
SUPPORTS
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
TESTING
TURBOMACHINERY