Two piece split scroll for centrifugal compressor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressor scroll designs as single components are costly, difficult to fabricate, and complicate assembly and servicing due to their large size and weight, requiring alignment and full removal for maintenance, which hinders efficiency and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece split scroll design where separate components are coupled using fasteners outside the fluid passage, allowing for easier assembly, maintenance, and improved aerodynamic performance through smoother surface finishes and reduced pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-component scroll design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and fabrication difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll assembly is divided into multiple separate components (first scroll component, second scroll component, diffuser components) that can be manufactured independently using standard casting processes, then assembled together using fasteners. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing each individual component while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the scroll assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a single-component scroll design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly complexity and servicing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll is segmented into multiple components that can be assembled in a simplified manner using fasteners such as bolts or rivets. The components include flanges with alignment features that facilitate straightforward assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser components are extracted as separate detachable elements from the main scroll structure. This allows the diffuser to be independently removed and replaced for maintenance or adjustment purposes without requiring disassembly of the entire scroll assembly, significantly simplifying servicing operations.
3Ease of repair
If a single-component scroll design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance accessibility and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser components are designed as separate detachable elements that can be easily removed from the scroll assembly. This extraction design allows maintenance personnel to access and service the diffuser without requiring removal of the entire scroll from the compressor, significantly improving maintenance accessibility and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the scroll into multiple components with detachable connections, the design enables selective disassembly for maintenance. Critical components such as the diffuser can be accessed and serviced independently, eliminating the need for full scroll removal and reducing maintenance time and complexity.
4Loss of energy
If conventional scroll designs are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but pressure losses increase due to surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll is divided into multiple cast components that can each be manufactured with controlled surface finishes. The segmentation allows for better control of surface irregularities in each component compared to a large single-piece casting, thereby reducing flow disturbances and pressure losses in the fluid passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal compressor assembly is provided. The centrifugal compressor assembly includes a scroll assembly having a suction plate defining an inlet fluid passage, a suction plate housing, a diffuser plate, and a collector. The suction plate is detachably coupled to the suction plate housing, the suction plate housing is detachably coupled to the collector, and the diffuser plate is detachably coupled to the collector. The centrifugal compressor assembly further includes an impeller rotatably mounted in the scroll assembly for compressing fluid introduced through the inlet fluid passage, and a variable geometry diffuser system.