Adapter for torque transmission between two rotatable components

Abstract

An adapter for transmitting torque between a first rotatable component and a second rotatable component is provided, the adapter including a first torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter and the first rotatable component and a second torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter and the second rotatable component, the second torque transmission mechanism being different from the first torque transmission mechanism.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following relates to embodiments of adapters for transmitting torque between rotatable components, and more particularly to embodiments of adapters, assemblies including the adapters, and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional torque transmission between rotatable components of turbomachines is achieved by either a direct precision friction connection between the rotatable components or by a radial tooth joint. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect relates to an adapter for transmitting torque between a first rotatable component and a second rotatable component, the adapter comprising a first torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter and the first rotatable component and a second torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter and the second rotatable component, the second torque transmission mechanism being different from the first torque transmission mechanism.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the first torque-transmitting mechanism is a precision friction connection. In other embodiments, the first torque-transmitting mechanism is a keyed connection, an axial spline, one or more pins, a taper, or a polygonal connection. The first torque-transmitting mechanism is located at a first end of the adapter adjacent to the first rotatable component in the assembled configuration.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the second torque-transmitting mechanism is a radial tooth joint, known in the art as a Hirth joint, and is located at a second end opposite the first end proximate the second rotatable component.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter includes a first annular body portion having a diameter and including an axially extending outer surface and a radially extending end face facing the first rotatable component, with the first torque transmission mechanism located on the end face; and a second annular body portion having a diameter different from the diameter of the first annular body portion and including an axially extending outer surface and a radially extending end face facing the second rotatable component, with the second torque transmission mechanism located on the end face.

[0007] Another aspect relates to an assembly including a first rotatable component, a second rotatable component operably coupled to the first rotatable component, and an adapter disposed between the first and second rotatable components to transmit torque therebetween, the adapter having a first torque transmission mechanism located at a first end of the adapter proximate the first rotatable component and a second torque transmission mechanism located at a second end of the adapter proximate the second rotatable component, the first torque transmission mechanism being different from the second torque transmission mechanism, and a tie bolt insertable through the first rotatable component to secure the adapter in position between the first and second rotatable components.

[0008] In some configurations of the assembly, a shim is disposed between the first end of the adapter and the first rotatable component, the shim configured to cooperate with the first torque transfer mechanism to transfer torque from the adapter to the first rotatable component. In further configurations of the assembly, an additional rotatable component is operably coupled to the second rotatable component at a distal end of the second rotatable component relative to the first rotatable component. In further configurations of the assembly, an additional adapter is disposed between the distal end of the second rotatable component and the additional rotatable component.

[0009] Another aspect relates to disposing an adapter between a first rotatable component and a second rotatable component to transmit torque between the first and second rotatable components, the adapter including a first torque transmission mechanism located at a first end of the adapter proximate the first rotatable component and a second torque transmission mechanism located at a second end of the adapter proximate the second rotatable component, the first torque transmission mechanism being different from the second torque transmission mechanism.

[0010] The foregoing and other features of structure and operation will be more readily understood and appreciated from the following detailed disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, in which like numerals refer to like elements: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the prior art of a direct precision friction connection between the shaft and the impeller. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates the use of shims used in conjunction with the precision friction connection of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a known art direct radial tooth joint between the shaft and the impeller. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly having rotatable components according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a first rotatable component of a rotor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a second rotatable component of a rotor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a second rotatable component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an adapter for a rotor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8A is an end view of an adapter illustrating an embodiment of a first torque transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is an end view of the adapter depicted in FIG. 7B showing a first embodiment of a first torque-transmitting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is an end view of an adapter showing a second torque transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is an end view of the adapter depicted in FIG. 7B showing a second torque-transmitting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor assembly including an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly including an adapter and a shim according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor assembly including an adapter and a shim according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 104 including an adapter 30 having additional rotatable components according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 105 having an additional rotatable component 10' according to an embodiment of the present invention, including an adapter 30 and a shim 50 on one side of the rotor assembly 105. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly including two adapters, one on each side of the rotor assembly 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 107 including two adapters 30, 30', one on each side of the assembly 107, and a shim 50 on one side of the assembly 107, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 108 including an adapter 330 according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor assembly including an adapter according to an alternative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments of the apparatus and method is given by way of example and not by way of limitation, with reference to the figures. While specific embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited to the number, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components constituting the present disclosure, which are disclosed merely as examples of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] As a prelude to the detailed description, it should be noted that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] Machines that impart energy to or extract energy from a moving fluid, such as turbomachines, utilize a rotatable component that drives or is driven by another rotatable component. Examples of turbomachines include compressors, expanders, turbines, pumps, and various subcategories of these machines. The rotatable components are mechanically connected to transmit torque between them. Embodiments of the present invention relate to improving the mechanical connection between two rotatable components.

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a known direct mechanical connection between two rotatable components. In the illustrated embodiment, the two rotatable components are an impeller 1 and a shaft 2 of a centrifugal compressor 5. The impeller 1 is attached to the shaft 2 and draws gas into the compressor to compress it. The high speed rotation of the shaft 2 causes the impeller 1 to rotate at high speed, adding velocity to the gas passing through the impeller 1 and into the compressor 5. The mechanical connection between the impeller 1 and the shaft 2 ensures proper torque transfer from the shaft 2 to the impeller 1. A first known torque transfer mechanism for transferring torque from the shaft 2 to the impeller 1 is a precision friction connection. A precision friction connection is a direct engagement between the shaft 2 and the impeller 1 using a surface profile of the shaft 2 that cooperates and / or meshes with a surface profile of the impeller 1. An example of a precision friction fit / connection is a microspline. A second known torque transmission mechanism for transmitting torque from the shaft 2 to the impeller 1 is a conventional mechanical connection such as an axial spline, key, pin, etc. that mechanically engages with each other to transmit torque directly between the shaft 2 and the impeller 1.

[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a known direct precision friction connection between a shaft 2 and an impeller 1. The impeller 1 directly engages the shaft 2 and utilizes microsplines at the friction surface location to establish a precision friction connection 6. FIG. 2 depicts the use of a shim 7 in combination with the precision friction connection of FIG. 1. The precision friction connection allows the use of a shim 7 on the impeller 1 to achieve a desired impeller clearance (e.g., the clearance between the impeller surface and an aerodynamically shaped component, such as a shroud). The use of a shim 7 in this ideal location eliminates the need to remove the housing (e.g., compressor housing) for clearance adjustment. Furthermore, even if the rotating impeller 1 makes severe contact with the shroud, damage to the compressor is limited. The friction connection does not generate axial forces, and typically, only the impeller 1 and shroud sustain significant damage if such contact occurs.

[0018] However, microsplines often require shaft diameters that are too large for optimally sized shaft seals, resulting in more expensive and less efficient gas seals and, in some cases, a larger gearbox. For example, microspline connections often preclude the use of cartridge-type dry gas seals because the seal retaining nut must be smaller than the hydraulic diameter of the dry gas seal. When smaller shaft diameters are desired, a known second torque transfer mechanism, a radial tooth joint, is used to transfer torque from the shaft to the impeller. Radial tooth joints, or Hirth joints, are utilized because of their smaller diameter compared to microsplines of equivalent load capacity. Figure 3 shows a known radial tooth joint 8 directly between a shaft 2 and an impeller 1. The impeller 1 includes radial tooth serrations that mesh with corresponding radial tooth serrations on the shaft 2 to establish a direct radial tooth joint 8 between the shaft 2 and the impeller 1.

[0019] While radial tooth joints are well-suited for ensuring proper torque transmission between two rotatable components, their use presents assembly challenges, for example, when a double-ended rotor is required. While impeller clearance on one side of the rotor can be adjusted using bearing shims, clearance on the other side of the rotor can only be adjusted by inserting shims into the compressor housing. In some cases, shims are inserted into both compressor housings, with the bearings axially fixed. The physical size of the housings increases assembly time and increases safety risks for assembly workers. In other words, using a radial tooth joint directly between the shaft and impeller does not allow for the use of shims in ideal locations (e.g., directly between the shaft surface and the impeller surface) that would allow convenient adjustment of the rotor's axial length.

[0020] Radial tooth joints, located directly between two rotatable components of a turbomachine, such as a shaft and an impeller, have additional drawbacks. When the rotating impeller makes forceful contact with the shroud, the serrated teeth of the radial tooth joint create significant axial forces. This can result in severe gear damage and even fracture of the housing and / or shroud bolts, releasing high-energy debris. This potential damage increases the risk of injury to operators in the vicinity of a running compressor in the event of such an event.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention provide a solution to the shortcomings of a precision friction connection and a radial tooth joint directly between two rotatable components. Instead of a direct engagement between the rotatable components, an adapter is placed between them. Torque is transferred between the rotatable components in some cases from the shaft to the adapter and from the adapter to the impeller, and in other cases from the impeller to the adapter and from the adapter to the shaft. The adapter utilizes the advantages of a radial tooth serration connection (e.g., smaller diameter) on one side (between the adapter and the shaft) and the advantages of a precision friction connection (e.g., the ability to insert shims for axial adjustment without having to insert or remove shims from the impeller housing) on ​​the other side (between the adapter and the impeller). Additional advantages of the adapter include reduced labor time during assembly and improved safety due to reduced handling of very large and heavy components. Depending on the torque transfer method between the impeller and the adapter, a less destructive failure mode is likely if the rotating impeller makes forceful contact with the shroud. The adapter functions as a torque-limiting coupling, significantly limiting compressor damage and increasing safety for operators near the compressor in the event of such a failure. Moreover, the adapter can be attached with only conventional tie bolts, with no additional screws or bolts required. Compared to other couplings, the reduced hardware provides better high-speed balance and simplified installation / design. In some cases, the adapter can be retrofitted to existing turbomachinery in the field and / or utilize components with radial tooth manufacturing defects.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 100 having an adapter 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rotor assembly 100 is part of a turbomachine used for compressing gases or liquids. As illustrated, the rotor assembly 100 includes a first rotatable component 10, a tie bolt 18, a second rotatable component 20, and an adapter 30. The first rotatable component 10 is operably coupled to the second rotatable component 20 via the adapter 30 and the tie bolt 18 such that rotation of one rotatable component 10, 20 causes rotation of the other rotatable component 10, 20. In a compressor assembly, the adapter 30 is disposed between the first rotatable component 10 (i.e., impeller) and the second rotatable component 20 (i.e., shaft), and torque is transferred from the second rotatable component 20 to the adapter 30 and from the adapter 30 to the first rotatable component 10. In the case of an expander assembly, the adapter 30 is disposed between the first rotatable component 10 (i.e., impeller) and the second rotatable component 20 (i.e., shaft) such that torque is transferred from the first rotatable component 10 to the adapter 30 and from the adapter 30 to the second rotatable component 10. Embodiments of the rotor assembly 100 may also include two or more rotatable components, such as impellers operably coupled to opposite ends of a rotating shaft.

[0023] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of a first rotatable component 10 of a rotor assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first rotatable component 10 includes a recess 13 that receives the adapter 30. The recess 13 is defined by a radial surface 15 and an axial surface 16. The radial surface 15 extends radially outward from the central axis 9 of the rotor assembly 100, and the axial surface 16 extends axially along the central axis 9 of the rotor assembly 100. The first rotatable component 10 includes a central axial opening 11 that extends through the first rotatable component 11 along the central axis 9 of the rotor assembly 100. The opening 11 is sized and dimensioned to receive a tie bolt 18 for securing the first rotatable component 10, the adapter 30, and the second rotatable component 20 together to form the rotor assembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first rotatable component 10 is an impeller, which includes blades or vanes and may be an open or closed impeller.

[0024] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of the second rotatable component 20 of the rotor assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second rotatable component 20 includes a first end 21 and a second end 22 distal from the first end 21. A recess 23 is disposed in the first end 21 and configured to receive a portion of a tie bolt 18 extending through the first rotatable component 10 and the adapter 30 to secure the first rotatable component 10, the adapter 30, and the second rotatable component 20 together to form the rotor assembly 100. The second rotatable component 20 includes an end surface 26 facing the adapter 30. The end surface 26 includes teeth 25 that form part of a radial tooth joint. The teeth 25 extend axially from the end surface 26 and are configured to mate with teeth on the adapter 30 to transmit torque between the second rotatable component 20 and the adapter 30. 6A illustrates an end face 27 at second end 22 that does not have a rotatable component (e.g., an impeller) attached thereto and that lacks a recess for receiving a portion of a tie bolt. However, in other embodiments described in more detail below, additional rotatable components may be attached to second rotatable component 20 at second end 22, and end face 27 may have a recess for receiving a tie bolt and may be configured to transmit torque therebetween by any of the methods described above. In an exemplary embodiment, second rotatable component 20 is a shaft that may be a pinion shaft, such as those used in integrally geared compressors, having one or more pinions formed thereon for meshing with other pinions of the compressor.

[0025] FIG. 6B depicts a cross-sectional view of second rotatable component 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B depicts first end 21 of second rotatable component 20. Recess 23 is disposed in first end 21 and is configured to receive a portion of tie bolt 18 that extends through first rotatable component 10 and adapter 30 and secures first rotatable component 10, adapter 30, and second rotatable component 20 together to form rotor assembly 100. End surface 26 faces adapter 30 and includes teeth 25 that form part of a radial tooth joint and mate with radial teeth of adapter 30 to transmit torque between second rotatable component 20 and adapter 30.

[0026] Continuing with reference to the drawings, FIG. 7A depicts a schematic diagram of an adapter 30 of a rotor assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 30 transmits torque between the first rotatable component 10 and the second rotatable component 20. The adapter 30 includes a first torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter 30 and the first rotatable component 10. The first torque transmission mechanism is located at a first end 31 of the adapter 30 proximate the first rotatable component 10 in an assembled configuration. For example, the first torque transmission mechanism of the adapter 30 is configured to engage a surface of the first rotatable component 10, such as an axial surface 15 of the first rotatable component 10 and / or a radial surface 16 of the first rotatable component 10. In embodiments in which a shim is used, as will be described in more detail below, the first torque transmission mechanism is configured to engage a shim disposed between the adapter 30 and the first rotatable component 10. The first torque transmission mechanism may be a precision friction connection between the end of the adapter 30 and the radial surface 16 and / or the axial surface 15 of the first rotatable component 10. The first torque transmission mechanism may be a mechanical connection such as a keyed connection, an axial spline, one or more pins, a taper, or a polygonal connection.

[0027] The adapter 30 also includes a second torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter 30 and the second rotatable component 20. The second torque transmission mechanism is located at a second end 32 of the adapter 30 proximate the second rotatable component 20 in the assembled configuration. For example, the second torque transmission mechanism of the adapter 30 is configured to engage a surface of the second rotatable component 20, such as an end face 26 of the second rotatable component 20. The second torque transmission mechanism is different from the first torque transmission mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, the second torque transmission mechanism is a radial tooth joint between the second end 32 of the adapter 30 and the end face 26 of the second rotatable component 20.

[0028] FIG. 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 30 includes a first torque transmission mechanism located at a first end 31 of the adapter 30 adjacent the first rotatable component 10 in the assembled configuration, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B is a precision friction connection. The adapter 30 also includes a second torque transmission mechanism located at a second end 32 of the adapter 30 adjacent the second rotatable component 20 in the assembled configuration. The second torque transmission mechanism is a radial tooth joint between the second end 32 of the adapter 30 and the end face 26 of the second rotatable component 20.

[0029] 7A and 7B, adapter 30 includes a first annular body portion 40 having a diameter and including an axially extending outer surface 41 and a radially extending end face 34 facing first rotatable component 10. End face 34 includes surface features, such as microsplines, that enable a first torque-transmitting mechanism.

[0030] FIG. 8A illustrates an end view of the adapter 30 depicted in FIG. 7A and shows a first embodiment of a first torque-transmitting mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention. The first torque-transmitting mechanism may be a microspline or similar precision friction fit, with a known material and a precise surface finish to provide a known and repeatable coefficient of friction, which, combined with a precise preload, provides a known torque-transmitting capacity. FIG. 8B illustrates an end view of the adapter 30 depicted in FIG. 7B and shows a first embodiment of a first torque-transmitting mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention. The first torque-transmitting mechanism may be a microspline or similar precision friction fit, with a known material and a precise surface finish to provide a known and repeatable coefficient of friction, which, combined with a precise preload, provides a known torque-transmitting capacity.

[0031] The adapter 30 also includes a second annular body portion 45 structurally integral with the first annular body portion 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the second annular body portion 45 has a diameter smaller than that of the first annular body portion 40 and includes an axially extending outer surface 46 and a radially extending end surface 47 facing the shaft 20. In other embodiments, the diameter of the second annular body portion 45 may be larger than that of the first annular body portion 40, or the diameters of the body portions 40, 45 may be the same. The end surface 47 includes a portion of a radial tooth joint including teeth 35 that mate with teeth 25 located on the end surface 26 of the second rotatable component 20 to enable a second torque-transmitting mechanism. FIG. 9A depicts an end view of the adapter 30 depicted in FIG. 7A, illustrating a second torque-transmitting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. The teeth 35 are tapered teeth that protrude from the end face 37 of the adapter 30 and are precision machined to mate with corresponding tapered teeth 25 on the end face 26 of the second rotatable component 20. Because the teeth 25, 35 are interlocked, when the second rotatable component 20 rotates, the adapter 30 rotates as well, and torque is transferred between the second rotatable component 20 and the adapter 30. FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the adapter 30 depicted in FIG. 7B, showing a second torque transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. The teeth 35 are tapered teeth that protrude from the end face 37 of the adapter 30 and are precision machined to mate with corresponding tapered teeth 25 on the end face 26 of the second rotatable component 20. Because the teeth 25, 35 are interlocked, when the second rotatable component 20 rotates, the adapter 30 rotates as well, and torque is transferred between the second rotatable component 20 and the adapter 30.

[0032] Optionally, the adapter 30 includes an annular groove 43 in the outer surface 41 of the first annular body portion 40. The annular groove is configured to receive a seal, such as an O-ring, for sealing against the surface of the impeller 10 to seal against corrosive process gases.

[0033] Adapters can be used in rotor assemblies of various types of turbomachines, pumps, and the like. FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a centrifugal compressor rotor assembly having an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a compressor assembly 101 including an adapter 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The compressor assembly 101 includes an impeller 210 operably coupled to a rotating shaft 220 via the adapter 30. The adapter is disposed between the impeller 210 and the shaft 220 and facilitates torque transmission from the shaft 220 to the impeller 210. The adapter 30 mechanically engages the impeller 210 with a mechanical or precision fit connection 206 and with the shaft 220 with a radial tooth joint 208. Tie bolts 218 are inserted through at least a portion of the impeller 210, the adapter 30, and the shaft 220 to secure the components together to form the rotor assembly of the compressor assembly 101. During operation of compressor assembly 101, shaft 220 is driven by a drive and / or gear system to rotate adapter 30, which in turn rotates impeller 210. In the case of an expander having a rotor assembly similar to compressor assembly 101, impeller 210 rotates adapter 30, which in turn rotates shaft 220.

[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 102 including an adapter 30 and a shim 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shim 50 is used to adjust the axial position of the first rotatable component 10 (e.g., an impeller), for example, due to clearance within a compressor housing. The shim 50 is disposed between the adapter 30 and the first rotatable component 10 to adjust the axial position of the first rotatable component 10. The shim 50 cooperates with a friction-fit connection between the first rotatable component 10 and the adapter. For example, the shim 50 may have a friction surface area equal to the friction surface area of ​​the adapter 30 facing the first rotatable component 10.

[0035] The adapter can be used in rotor assemblies of various types of turbomachines, pumps, and the like, and Fig. 12 depicts an embodiment of a centrifugal compressor rotor assembly having an adapter and a shim according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a compressor assembly 103 including an adapter 30 and a shim 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The compressor assembly 103 shares the same structural configuration as the compressor assembly 102 of Fig. 11, except that the shim 250 is disposed between the adapter 30 and the impeller 210.

[0036] 13 depicts a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 104 having an additional rotatable component according to an embodiment of the present invention, including an adapter 30. The rotor assembly 104 shares the same structural configuration as the rotor assembly 100 of FIG. 4, except that an additional rotatable component 10′ is operably coupled to a second rotatable component 20. The rotor assembly 104 includes the adapter 30 between the first rotatable component 10 and the second rotatable component 20, and the opposite side of the rotor assembly 104 includes the additional rotatable component 10′ operably coupled to the second rotatable component 20 in a conventional manner.

[0037] 14 shows a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 105 having an additional rotatable component 10′ according to an embodiment of the present invention, including an adapter 30 and a shim 50 on one side of the rotor assembly 105. The rotor assembly 105 shares the same structural configuration as the rotor assembly 104 of FIG. 13, except that the shim 50 is disposed between the adapter 30 and the first rotatable component 10 to adjust the axial position of the first rotatable component 10. The opposite side of the rotor assembly 104 includes the additional rotatable component 10′ operably coupled to the second rotatable component 20 in a conventional manner.

[0038] 15 depicts a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly including two adapters, one disposed on each side of the rotor assembly 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rotor assembly 106 shares the same structural configuration as the rotor assembly 104 of FIG. 13, except that an additional adapter 30′ is disposed between an additional rotatable component 10′ operably coupled to the second rotatable component 20. The rotor assembly 106 includes two adapters 30, 30′ on each side of the rotor assembly 106.

[0039] FIG. 16 depicts a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 107 including two adapters 30, 30′, one on each side of the assembly 107, and a shim 50 on one side of the assembly 107, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rotor assembly 107 shares the same structural configuration as the rotor assembly 106 of FIG. 15, except that the shim 50 is positioned between the adapter 30 and the first rotatable component 10 to adjust the axial position of the first rotatable component 10. The opposite side of the rotor assembly 104 includes an additional rotatable component 10′ operably coupled to the second rotatable component 20, and an additional adapter 30′ without the shim 50. Additionally, embodiments of the rotor assembly 107 may include shims 50 on both sides of the assembly.

[0040] FIG. 17 depicts a schematic diagram of a rotor assembly 108 including an adapter 330 according to an alternative embodiment. The adapter 330 transmits torque between a first rotatable component 310 and a second rotatable component 320. The adapter 330 includes a first torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter 330 and the first rotatable component 310. The first torque transmission mechanism is proximate to the first rotatable component 310 in the assembled configuration. For example, the first torque transmission mechanism of the adapter 330 is configured to engage a surface of the first rotatable component 310, such as an axial surface 315 of the first rotatable component 310 and / or a radial surface 316 of the first rotatable component 310. The first torque transmission mechanism may be a precision friction connection between an end of the adapter 330 and the radial surface 316 and / or the axial surface 315 of the first rotatable component 310. The first torque transmitting mechanism may be a mechanical connection such as a keyed connection, an axial spline, one or more pins, a taper, or a polygonal connection.

[0041] The adapter 330 also includes a second torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter 330 and the second rotatable component 320. The second torque transmission mechanism is proximate to the second rotatable component 320 in the assembled configuration. For example, the second torque transmission mechanism of the adapter 330 is configured to engage a surface of the second rotatable component 320, such as an end face of the second rotatable component 320. The second torque transmission mechanism is different from the first torque transmission mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, the second torque transmission mechanism is a radial tooth joint between the second end of the adapter 330 and the end face of the second rotatable component 320. The adapter 330 has an inverse structure to the adapter 30 in that the adapter 330 includes a recess 335, as illustrated in FIG. 17 . The first rotatable component 310 has a corresponding protrusion 317 configured to fit within the recess 335 of the adapter 330. The adapter 330 includes a first annular body portion 340 having a diameter and including an axially extending outer surface and a radially extending end face facing the first rotatable component 310. The end face includes a surface feature, such as a microspline, to facilitate the first torque-transmitting mechanism. The adapter 330 also includes a second annular body portion 345 structurally integral with the first annular body portion 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the second annular body portion 345 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first annular body portion 340 and includes an axially extending outer surface and a radially extending end face facing the second rotatable component 320. In other embodiments, the diameter of the second annular body portion 345 may be larger than the diameter of the first annular body portion 340, or the diameters of the bodies 340, 345 may be the same. The end face includes part of a radial tooth joint, including teeth that mate with teeth located on the end face of the second rotatable component 320 to enable a second torque transmission mechanism.

[0042] The adapter 330 can be used in rotor assemblies of various types of turbomachines, pumps, and the like. Specifically, FIG. 18 depicts a cross-sectional view of a compressor assembly 109 including an adapter 330 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The compressor assembly 109 includes an impeller 310 operably coupled to a rotating shaft 320 via the adapter 330. The adapter 330 is disposed between the impeller 310 and the shaft 320 and facilitates torque transfer from the shaft 320 to the impeller 310. The adapter 330 is mechanically engaged with the impeller 310 at a mechanical or precision fit connection 306 and with the shaft 320 at a radial tooth joint 308. A tie bolt 318 is inserted through at least a portion of the impeller 310, the adapter 330, and the shaft 320 to secure the components together to form the rotor assembly of the compressor assembly 109. During operation of compressor assembly 109, shaft 320 is driven by a drive and / or gear system to rotate adapter 330, which in turn rotates impeller 310. In an expander having a rotor assembly similar to compressor assembly 109, impeller 310 rotates adapter 330, which in turn rotates shaft 320.

[0043] 1 to 18, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes positioning an adapter 30,330 between a first rotatable component 10,210,310 and a second rotatable component 20,220,320 to transmit torque between the first rotatable component 10,210,310 and the second rotatable component 20,220,320, the adapter 30,330 including a first torque transmission mechanism located at a first end of the adapter 30,330 proximate the first rotatable component 10,210,310 and a second torque transmission mechanism located at a second end of the adapter 30,330 proximate the first rotatable component 20,220,320, the first torque transmission mechanism being different from the second torque transmission mechanism.

[0044] While the present disclosure has been described with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure described above are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as required by the following claims. The claims indicate the scope of protection of the present invention and should not be limited to the specific examples described herein.

Claims

1. An adapter for transmitting torque between a first rotatable component and a second rotatable component, A first torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter and the first rotatable component, A second torque transmission mechanism configured to transmit torque between the adapter and the second rotatable component, wherein the second torque transmission mechanism is different from the first torque transmission mechanism and An adapter equipped with the following features.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism is a precision friction connection.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism is a keyed connection, an axial spline, one or more pins, a taper, or a polygonal connection.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the second torque transmission mechanism is a radial tooth joint.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first rotatable component is an impeller and the second rotatable component is a shaft.

6. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism is located at a first end of the adapter adjacent to the first rotatable component in the assembled configuration, and the second torque transmission mechanism is located at a second end adjacent to the second rotatable component and opposite to the first end.

7. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism cooperates with a shim disposed between the adapter and the first rotatable component.

8. The adapter according to claim 1, further comprising an axial central opening extending through the adapter, wherein the central opening is configured to receive a tie bolt for fixing the adapter in a predetermined position.

9. A first annular body having a diameter and including an outer surface extending in the axial direction and an end face facing the first rotatable component and extending in the radial direction, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism is located at the end face of the first annular body, A second annular body having a diameter different from the diameter of the first annular body, and including an outer surface extending in the axial direction and an end face facing the second rotatable component and extending in the radial direction, wherein the second torque transmission mechanism is located at the end face of the second annular body and The adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. The adapter according to claim 9, further comprising a groove provided on the outer surface of the first annular body, wherein the groove is configured to receive a seal for sealing against the surface of the first rotatable component.

11. The first rotatable component, A second rotatable component operably coupled to the first rotatable component, An adapter disposed between the first rotatable component and the second rotatable component, which transmits torque between the first rotatable component and the second rotatable component, wherein the adapter has a first torque transmission mechanism located at the first end of the adapter adjacent to the first rotatable component, and a second torque transmission mechanism located at the second end of the adapter adjacent to the second rotatable component, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism is different from the second torque transmission mechanism and the adapter An assembly comprising:

12. The assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a shim positioned between the first end of the adapter and the first rotatable component, wherein the shim is configured to cooperate with the first torque transmission mechanism to transmit torque from the adapter to the first rotatable component.

13. The assembly according to claim 11, further comprising an additional rotatable component operably coupled to the second rotatable component at its distal end as seen from the first rotatable component.

14. The assembly according to claim 13, further comprising an additional adapter positioned between the distal end of the second rotatable component and the additional rotatable component.

15. The assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a tie bolt that can be inserted through the first rotatable component to secure the adapter at a predetermined position between the first rotatable component and the second rotatable component.

16. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism is a friction connection.

17. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the second torque transmission mechanism is a radial tooth joint.

18. This includes arranging an adapter between the first rotatable component and the second rotatable component to transmit torque between the first rotatable component and the second rotatable component, The adapter includes a first torque transmission mechanism located at a first end of the adapter adjacent to the first rotatable component, and a second torque transmission mechanism located at a second end of the adapter adjacent to the second rotatable component, wherein the first torque transmission mechanism is different from the second torque transmission mechanism.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising inserting a shim between the adapter and the first rotatable component to adjust the axial length.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising inserting a tie bolt through the first rotatable component, the adapter, and the second rotatable component to secure the connection between the first rotatable component, the adapter, and the rotatable component.

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