Hybrid integrally geared centrifugal compressor pump

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for a hybrid centrifugal compressor pump with an integrated geared drive system that allows multiple pump and compressor stages to share the same drive system. This helps reduce the number of parts in the overall fluid processing system. As a result, embodiments of the hybrid compressor pump can achieve a longer lifespan, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to compressors and pumps for fluid processing systems.

[0002] [Related Technology] The liquefaction of many fluids requires that the gas phase be first compressed, then liquefied in a chiller, and finally the outlet liquid is pumped for its storage or processing. Gas compressors and liquid pumps are typically two different rotating machines manufactured by two different companies. The use of these components can lead to complications and inefficiencies because the components have different designs, individual drive systems, operate to different tolerances, and require different knowledge bases for maintenance. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a hybrid compressor-pump. The hybrid compressor-pump includes a housing and a central gear within the housing and configured to be driven by a power source. The hybrid compressor-pump further includes one or more pumps mounted to the housing and configured to be driven by the central gear; and one or more compressors mounted to the housing and configured to be driven by the central gear, wherein each of the one or more pumps and the one or more compressors includes one or more connection points such that the one or more pumps and the one or more compressors can be arranged in various operating sequences to process a fluid being processed.

[0004] Another embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a drive system for a fluid treatment system, the system including: a central gear configured to be driven by a power source; and one or more stages configured to treat a fluid being treated, each stage including one or more connecting lines. The system further includes one or more shafts configured to be driven by the central gear, each of the one or more shafts configured to drive a first one of the one or more stages at one end and a second one of the one or more stages at a second end; the one or more connecting lines allowing the one or more stages to be configured in various operating sequences for treating the fluid being treated.

[0005] Further embodiments according to the present disclosure include methods of manufacturing a hybrid-compressor pump. The method may include providing a central gear configured to be driven by a power source; coupling one or more shafts to an outer edge of the central gear, the one or more shafts being driven by the central gear and configured to drive one of one or more stages of a fluid treatment system at a first end and another of the one or more stages at a second end; and the one or more stages may be coupled in various operational sequences for treating a fluid being treated.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an index of the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the embodiments that follow may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features believed characteristic of the present invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

[0008] To illustrate the manner in which the above-mentioned and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the present disclosure, briefly described above, will be made by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Illustrates the thermodynamic path of fluids in the liquefaction gas process. [Figure 2]1 shows a schematic diagram of a possible fluid treatment process. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a possible hybrid compressor-pump embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a possible hybrid compressor-pump embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a possible hybrid compressor-pump embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a possible hybrid compressor-pump embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a possible hybrid compressor-pump embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a possible method embodiment according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the parameters of the specifically exemplified systems, methods, apparatus, products, processes, and / or kits, which may, of course, vary. Accordingly, while particular embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to particular configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., the description is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Moreover, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

[0011] Embodiments according to the present disclosure include integrally geared centrifugal compressor-pumps. Such embodiments can solve problems in the prior art that result from multiple manufacturers or machines being used for separate compressor and pump stages in a single fluid treatment system or process. The following embodiments can include a single machine with both compressor and pump stages driven by a single motor. This provides a more compact solution with fewer components and a single drive system. Extended life, improved reliability, and increased efficiency are just a few of the benefits.

[0012] In certain fluid processing systems, the liquefaction of many fluids requires that the vapor phase be first compressed and then liquefied in a chiller, after which the outlet liquid can be pumped for storage or processing. This can be shown in graph form in Figure 1. As can be seen, the vapor can be compressed below the saturation line. The vapor / gas is then cooled and condensed to a liquid, which is then pumped above the saturation line.

[0013] A schematic diagram of a possible fluid processing system embodying the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. A fluid mixture of gas CO and water HO can enter a first separator 20. Some of the water is separated, and the remainder of the process fluid proceeds to a first compressor 22 and then to a first cooler 25. The process fluid then enters a second separator 30, where some of the water is separated. The process fluid then enters a first mixer 32 and is mixed with the output of a first heat exchanger 55. The process fluid then enters a second compressor 34 and a second cooler 36. The process fluid then enters a third separator 40, where some of the water is separated. The process fluid then enters a second mixer 42 and is mixed with the output of the first heat exchanger 55. The process fluid then passes through a third compressor 44 and a third cooler 46 before entering a fourth separator 50, where some of the water is separated. The process fluid then enters the first heat exchanger 55. The process fluid then enters the splitter 60. One outlet 62 of the splitter 60 enters the second heat exchanger 70, where it is cooled. The second outlet 64 passes through an expansion valve 66 and returns to the heat exchanger 55 before being mixed with the process fluid in the second mixer 42. The process fluid from the second heat exchanger 70 enters the second expansion valve 72, where it is expanded and enters the separator 80. The liquid CO2 from the separator 80 is pumped by the pump 85. The separated fluid from the separator 80 at outlet 86 passes through the second heat exchanger 70 and then returns through the first heat exchanger 55 to be mixed with the process fluid in the first mixer 32. Each point R is a point where a specific pressure and temperature are required. In the system 100, the process fluid generally undergoes a continuous increase in pressure and temperature, as shown in FIG. 1. The second heat exchanger 70 cools the pressurized CO2 into a liquid, which can then be pumped by a pump 85.

[0014] 2 may include separate components for each compressor 20, 34, 44 and each pump 85. However, advantages may be achieved by combining these components into a single device.

[0015] One embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a hybrid compressor-pump 300. Gas as a process fluid can enter at inlet 310 (similar to the first stage in FIG. 2). The process fluid can pass through multiple compressors 320, 330, then through a heat exchanger 340 (a cooling box in this embodiment), two pump stages 350, 360, and exit as a liquid at outlet 370. Drive system 380 can be any type of drive, such as an electric motor, a steam turbine, a gas turbine, or a gas engine. Hybrid compressor-pump 300 can include a single drive unit for driving pumps 350, 360 and compressors 320, 330. A single drive unit reduces the likelihood of a failure at any given moment. Additionally, each pump 350, 360 and compressor 320, 330 can be isolated in any given embodiment. For example, in certain embodiments, only compressors 320, 330 and one pump 350 may be utilized, leaving pump 360 unused. Alternatively, in other embodiments, hybrid compressor-pump 300 may replace one pump 360 with an additional compressor stage.

[0016] Hybrid compressor-pump 300 of Figure 3 may also be represented by hybrid compressor-pump 400 of Figure 4. An inlet (not shown) may lead to compressor 420. Line 425 connects compressor 420 to compressor 430. Another line (not shown) may connect an outlet of compressor 430 to an inlet of pump 450. Line 455 may connect pump 450 to pump 460, which may lead to an outlet or other component.

[0017] Another embodiment of a hybrid compressor-pump 500 is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The hybrid compressor-pump 500 preferably includes four stages 515, 525, 535, and 545 driven by a common drive system coupled on a shaft end 560. In this embodiment, stages 515, 525, and 535 are compressors, and stage 545 is a pump. As noted above, other embodiments may include other numbers of compressors / pumps. The first compressor stage 515 may include a process suction inlet 510, an inlet guide vane 505, and a process discharge 518. The first compressor stage 515 may be connected to a second compressor stage 525. The second compressor stage 525 includes a process suction inlet 520 and a process discharge 528. The third compressor stage 535 may similarly include a process suction inlet 530 and a process discharge 538. Pump stage 545 may include a process suction inlet 540 and a process outlet 548. The various process outlets 518, 528, 538, 548 and / or process suction inlets 510, 520, 530, 540 may allow stages 515, 525, 535, 545 to be coupled in various operating sequences.

[0018] Gearbox 565 may include gearing that simultaneously drives each of stages 515, 525, 535, 545. Lubricant pump 570 may supply oil or other lubricant to the gearing of gearbox 565.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of a hybrid compressor-pump 600 according to the present disclosure. A housing 610 houses a central gear 620 that can be driven by an input shaft 630. The input shaft 630 can be coupled to a drive system, such as a gas-powered motor or an electric motor. The hybrid compressor-pump 600, in this embodiment, includes four stages: three compressor stages 665, 670, 675, and a pump stage 680. Each stage 665, 670, 675, 680 includes a suction inlet 667, 671, 676, 681 that can be connected to the outlet of another stage or receive process fluid from another component. Each compressor stage 665, 670, 675 includes an impeller 690 that is used to generate increased pressure on the fluid. The impeller 690 is mounted on a pinion 695 and extends into the housing 610. Various attachment points 602 may be used to attach the housing 610 to other components or to a floor or other surface. Bolts, nuts, welding, and / or other attachment means and methods may be used. Each stage 665, 670, 675, 680 may include various connection lines 622 that allow for the injection and / or removal of one or more fluids. The order of operation of the stages 665, 670, 675, 680 may be varied and selected by the user depending on a given embodiment. For example, in one situation, the hybrid compressor-pump 600 may be configured so that the process fluid passes through three compressor stages 665, 670, 675 and then through the pump stage 680 as the final stage. The pump stage 680 may also include an impeller 683 or other pumping means.

[0020] 7 illustrates a possible method embodiment 700 according to the present disclosure. Step 710 is providing a central gear configured to be driven by a drive system. Step 720 is coupling one or more shafts to an outer edge of the central gear, the one or more shafts being configured to be driven by the central gear and to drive one of one or more stages of a fluid processing system at a first end and another of the one or more stages at a second end; the one or more stages can be coupled in various operational sequences to process a process fluid.

[0021] As discussed above, hybrid compressor-pump embodiments according to the present disclosure can include various pumps and compressors driven by a single central gear. A preferred embodiment includes four stages on two parallel shafts. The stages on a single shaft can be driven by a single shaft, although separate shafts or other gearing can be coupled to the central gear for power. However, in some situations, it is possible to couple more than six stages to the central gear.

[0022] Housings, gears, impellers, and other components in the fluid treatment systems described below preferably comprise metals and alloys (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, etc.). Fittings, bushings, gaskets, connecting lines, and other components may comprise rubber, plastic, or other materials. However, the embodiments described herein are not limited to any particular material embodiments, and a variety of materials may be used for the various components.

[0023] [Abbreviated list of defined terms] To aid in understanding the content and scope of the specification and appended claims, certain selected terms are directly defined below. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" refer to an amount or condition that is close to a particular stated amount or condition that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" can refer to an amount or condition that deviates from the specifically stated amount or condition by less than 10%, or by less than 5%, or by less than 1%, or by less than 0.1%, or by less than 0.01%.

[0025] Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems, and methods, may be described with reference to one or more embodiments or implementations that are exemplary in nature. As used herein, the term "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, reference to "embodiments" of the present disclosure or invention includes specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and vice versa, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the following description.

[0026] As used herein, words denoted in the singular include their plural counterparts, and words denoted in the plural include their singular counterparts, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Accordingly, as used herein and in the appended claims, it should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to a singular referent (e.g., "a widget") includes one, two, or more referents unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Similarly, a reference to a plural referent should be construed as including a single referent and / or multiple referents unless the content and / or context clearly dictate otherwise. For example, a reference to a plural referent (e.g., "widgets") does not necessarily require a plurality of such referents. Instead, regardless of the number of referents inferred, it will be understood that one or more referents are contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.

[0027] As used herein, directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "superior," "inferior," "proximal," "distal," "adjacent," and the like are used herein for relative orientation purposes only and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present disclosure and / or claimed invention(s).

[0028] [Conclusion] It is understood that for any given component or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. It will further be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely exemplary and not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise.

[0029] Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, components, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are understood to be modified by the term "about," as that term is defined herein. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter presented herein. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should, at the very least, be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the subject matter presented herein are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0030] Any headings and sub-headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the claims or the description.

[0031] The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms of description rather than limitation, and the use of such terms and expressions is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the shown and described features or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as itemized. Thus, while the present invention has been specifically disclosed in part by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments, and optional features, it should be understood that modifications and variations of the concepts disclosed herein may be made by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying items. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the invention, and various changes and / or modifications of the inventive features exemplified herein, as well as additional applications of the principles exemplified herein that will occur to those skilled in the relevant art and in possession of this disclosure, may be made to the exemplified embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the items, and are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] It will also be understood that systems, devices, articles of manufacture, kits, methods, and / or processes according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or characteristics (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in other embodiments disclosed and / or described herein. Accordingly, various features of certain embodiments may be compatible with, combinable with, included in, and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the disclosure of a particular feature with respect to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application or inclusion of said feature to the particular embodiment. Rather, it will be understood that other embodiments may also include said features, members, elements, parts, and / or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Furthermore, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination with it, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of the same or different embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, various well-known aspects of example systems, methods, devices, etc., will not be described in particular detail herein to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. However, such aspects are also contemplated herein.

[0034] All references cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless they contradict the disclosure herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures, and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the invention broadly disclosed herein without resorting to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of the methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures, and techniques specifically described herein are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0035] When a group of materials, compositions, ingredients, or compounds is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of that group and all subgroups thereof are individually disclosed. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of that group, and all possible combinations and subcombinations of that group, are intended to be individually included in the disclosure. Any blend or combination of ingredients described or exemplified herein may be used to practice the present invention, unless otherwise specified. Whenever a range, such as a temperature range, time range, or composition range, is given herein, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values ​​included in the given range, are intended to be included in the disclosure. All variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalence of the terms are encompassed within those ranges.

[0036] While the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of this application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, and steps described herein. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate from this disclosure, any now-existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

[0037] [Embodiment] (1) A hybrid compressor-pump, The gearbox and a central gear within the gearbox and configured to be driven by a drive system; one or more pumps mounted to the gearbox and configured to be driven by the central gear; one or more compressors mounted to the gearbox and configured to be driven by the central gear; Including, a hybrid compressor-pump, wherein each of the one or more pumps and the one or more compressors includes one or more connection points such that the one or more pumps and the one or more compressors can be arranged in various operating sequences for processing a process fluid. (2) A hybrid compressor-pump as described in embodiment 1, wherein the central gear includes a connection to a drive system. (3) A hybrid compressor-pump as described in embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the one or more compressors includes an impeller configured to be driven by the central gear. (4) The hybrid compressor-pump of embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the one or more compressors includes one or more variable inlet guide vanes. (5) The hybrid compressor-pump of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more compressors includes one or more diffuser guide vanes.

[0038] (6) The hybrid compressor-pump of embodiment 1, wherein the one or more pumps include one pump and the one or more compressors include three compressors. (7) The hybrid compressor-pump of embodiment 1, wherein the one or more pumps include two pumps and the one or more compressors include two compressors. (8) A gearbox for a hybrid compressor-pump, comprising: a central gear configured to be driven by the drive system; one or more shafts configured to be driven by the central gear, each of the one or more shafts configured to drive a first one of the one or more stages at one end and a second one of the one or more stages at a second end; Including, The one or more connecting lines enable the one or more stages to be configured in various operating sequences for processing the process fluid. (9) The gearbox of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more stages include one or more pump stages and one or more compression stages. (10) A gearbox as described in embodiment 8, wherein a first shaft of the one or more shafts is configured to drive one of the pump stages at one end and one of the compression stages at the other end, and a second shaft of the one or more shafts is configured to drive a second of the compression stages at one end and a third of the compression stages at the other end.

[0039] (11) The gearbox of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more stages include six or more stages and the one or more shafts include three or more shafts. (12) The gearbox of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more stages include fewer than six stages. (13) The gearbox of embodiment 8, wherein any compressor stage constituting the one or more stages includes an impeller driven by one of the one or more shafts. (14) The gearbox of claim 8, further comprising a lubricant pump configured to supply lubricant to the central gear. (15) The gearbox of embodiment 8, wherein each compressor stage of the one or more stages includes a suction inlet.

[0040] (16) The gearbox of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more stages include two pump stages and two compression stages. (17) A method of manufacturing a hybrid compressor-pump for a fluid processing system, comprising: providing a central gear configured to be driven by a drive system; coupling one or more shafts to an outer edge of the central gear, the one or more shafts being configured to be driven by the central gear and to drive one of the one or more stages of the fluid treatment system at a first end and another of the one or more stages at a second end; Including, The one or more stages may be coupled in various operational sequences to treat a process fluid. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more stages include three compressor stages and one pump stage, and the method further includes coupling two compressor stages to one of the one or more shafts and coupling a third compressor stage and the pump stage to another of the one or more shafts. (19) The method of embodiment 17, further comprising coupling the one or more stages to the one or more shafts. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising coupling an impeller to the one or more shafts for each compressor stage comprising the one or more stages.

Claims

1. 1. A hybrid compressor-pump comprising: The gearbox and a central gear within the gearbox and configured to be driven by a drive system; one or more pumps mounted to the gearbox and configured to be driven by the central gear; one or more compressors mounted to the gearbox and configured to be driven by the central gear; Including, a hybrid compressor-pump, wherein each of the one or more pumps and the one or more compressors includes one or more connection points such that the one or more pumps and the one or more compressors can be arranged in various operating sequences for processing a process fluid.

2. The hybrid compressor-pump of claim 1 , wherein the central gear includes a connection to a drive system.

3. The hybrid compressor-pump of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more compressors includes an impeller configured to be driven by the central gear.

4. The hybrid compressor-pump of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more compressors includes one or more variable inlet guide vanes.

5. The hybrid compressor-pump of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more compressors includes one or more diffuser guide vanes.

6. The hybrid compressor-pump of claim 1 , wherein the one or more pumps include one pump and the one or more compressors include three compressors.

7. The hybrid compressor-pump of claim 1 , wherein the one or more pumps include two pumps and the one or more compressors include two compressors.

8. 1. A gearbox for a hybrid compressor-pump, comprising: a central gear configured to be driven by the drive system; one or more shafts configured to be driven by the central gear, each of the one or more shafts configured to drive a first one of the one or more stages at one end and a second one of the one or more stages at a second end; Including, The one or more connecting lines allow the one or more stages to be configured in various operating sequences for processing the process fluid.

9. The gearbox of claim 8 , wherein the one or more stages include one or more pump stages and one or more compression stages.

10. 9. The gearbox of claim 8, wherein a first shaft of the one or more shafts is configured to drive the one pump stage at one end and one of the compression stages at the other end, and a second shaft of the one or more shafts is configured to drive a second one of the compression stages at one end and a third one of the compression stages at the other end.

11. The gearbox of claim 8 , wherein the one or more stages include six or more stages and the one or more shafts include three or more shafts.

12. The gearbox of claim 8 , wherein the one or more stages include less than six stages.

13. 9. The gearbox of claim 8, wherein any compressor stage of said one or more stages includes an impeller driven by one of said one or more shafts.

14. The gearbox of claim 8 , further comprising a lubricant pump configured to supply lubricant to the central gear.

15. The gearbox of claim 8 , wherein each compressor stage of the one or more stages includes a suction inlet.

16. The gearbox of claim 8 , wherein the one or more stages include two pump stages and two compression stages.

17. 1. A method of manufacturing a hybrid compressor-pump for a fluid processing system, comprising: providing a central gear configured to be driven by a drive system; coupling one or more shafts to an outer edge of the central gear, the one or more shafts being configured to be driven by the central gear and to drive one of the one or more stages of the fluid treatment system at a first end and another of the one or more stages at a second end; Including, The method wherein the one or more stages can be coupled in various operational sequences to treat a process fluid.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more stages include three compressor stages and one pump stage, the method further including coupling two compressor stages to one of the one or more shafts and coupling a third compressor stage and the pump stage to another of the one or more shafts.

19. The method of claim 17 , further comprising coupling the one or more stages to the one or more shafts.

20. The method of claim 17 , further comprising coupling an impeller to the one or more shafts for each compressor stage comprising the one or more stages.

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