Centrifugal Compressor Shroud Piece Foreign Matter Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In centrifugal compressors, the split surfaces between the first and second compressor housings are exposed, allowing foreign matter to enter the compressor housing, which is a problem that existing designs fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal compressor design that includes a scroll housing with a shroud piece attached radially inside the scroll flow path, featuring a throttling portion in the gap between the scroll housing and the shroud piece, and a seal to prevent foreign matter entry, with the shroud piece made of abradable material to reduce the gap with the compressor impeller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the compressor housing is divided into first and second housings with a gap, then assembly flexibility and maintenance accessibility are improved, but foreign matter can enter through exposed split surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A shroud piece is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second compressor housings. This shroud piece covers the split surfaces where the housings connect, preventing foreign matter from entering through the gap while still allowing the housings to be assembled separately for maintenance and assembly flexibility.
2Reliability
If the shroud piece is made of abradable material, then the gap between the shroud piece and compressor impeller is reduced through wear, but the shroud piece requires periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud piece is made of abradable material, which changes the physical parameter of the material surface over time through wear. This wear process naturally reduces the gap between the shroud piece and the compressor impeller, improving sealing and preventing foreign matter entry, though the material degrades and requires eventual replacement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal is arranged between the scroll housing and shroud piece, then foreign matter entry is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate seal component, the invention extracts the sealing function from a distinct part and integrates it into the shroud piece itself. The shroud piece's outer surface is designed to directly contact and seal against the scroll housing, eliminating the need for additional seal components while preventing foreign matter entry.
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal compressor includes: a scroll housing including a scroll flow path; a shroud piece attached to the scroll housing at a position radially inside the scroll flow path and including a shroud portion that faces a compressor impeller in a radial direction; and a throttling portion arranged in a gap formed between the scroll housing and the shroud piece.