Segmented Radial Compressor Rotor With Hirth Joint Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction and assembly of multi-stage rotors for radial compressors are cumbersome due to the large size and weight of axial shafts, requiring excessive space for transportation and assembly, and involving complex and time-consuming processes, especially when repairs are needed.
Innovation Solution
A rotor design featuring a longitudinal axial shaft segmented into two parts coupled by a Hirth joint and fastened with tie bolts, allowing for reversible splitting and easy assembly of impellers, reducing the need for extensive space and simplifying the assembly process, while providing robust mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a monolithic axial shaft is used to construct multi-stage rotors, then the rotor can maintain structural integrity and strength, but the length and weight of the axial shaft increase tremendously, requiring excessive space for transportation and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The axial shaft is divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled separately and connected through coupling means (such as Hirth joints or flange connections). This segmentation reduces the length of individual components that need to be transported and handled, while the coupling mechanisms ensure structural integrity when assembled into the complete multi-stage rotor.
2Strength
If a monolithic axial shaft is used to construct multi-stage rotors, then the rotor can maintain structural integrity, but the weight of the axial shaft increases tremendously, overburdening transportation and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The axial shaft is divided into multiple modular segments that can be manufactured and transported separately with reduced weight, then assembled using coupling means. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components that need to be handled during transportation and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple axial shaft segments are combined through coupling means (Hirth joints, flange connections) to form the complete axial shaft structure. This merging approach allows the final assembled structure to achieve the required structural integrity while individual segments remain lightweight for easier transportation.
3Device complexity
If a monolithic axial shaft is used, then the rotor structure is simple, but repairing the axial shaft requires dismantling the entire rotor and replacing the entire shaft, which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The axial shaft is segmented into modular sections that can be independently replaced. If damage occurs to one segment, only that specific segment needs to be dismantled and replaced, rather than replacing the entire axial shaft. This modular approach significantly simplifies repair operations while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized coupling mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If margin space is provided in the rotor casing for assembly operations, then the rotor can be assembled, but the flow profile inside the compressor is affected and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The axial shaft is segmented into modular sections that can be assembled using compact coupling means (such as Hirth joints or flange connections) that require minimal margin space. This segmentation allows assembly operations to be performed in confined spaces without creating large gaps or margin spaces that would affect the compressor's flow profile and compression efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables efficient, compact, and hassle-free handling of massive multi-stage compressors, reducing transportation and storage space requirements and facilitating rapid prototyping and repair by allowing stage-wise assembly and modular construction.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling means permits reversible axial splitting of the axial shaft into the first axial shaft segment and the second axial shaft segment
Implementation Method 2
The rotor discs are located adjacent to one another, and are also coupled to one another by a coupling means
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor for a radial compressor is provided. An axial shaft of the radial compressor includes longitudinal axial shaft segments. The rotor includes rotor discs, which are placed adjacent to one another, and which extend along a longitudinal axis of the radial compressor. The rotor discs include the respective axial shaft segments and impellers. A coupling means is provided to couple the rotor discs with one another. The coupling means permits reversible axial splitting of the axial shaft into the respective axial shaft segments.