Compressor with optimized interstage flow inlet

A compressor, comprising:

• a first stage portion comprising a first impeller assembly and a first diffuser assembly;
• a second stage portion comprising a second impeller assembly and a second diffuser assembly;
• an interstage portion disposed between the first stage portion and the second stage portion, wherein the interstage portion comprises:
• a directing vane assembly;
• a collector passage circumferentially surrounding the directing vane assembly and the first impeller assembly;
• and
• a circumferential insertion slot fluidly coupling the collector passage with the directing vane assembly, wherein a first housing component of the compressor and a second housing component of the compressor are directly coupled to one another and in abutment with one another to cooperatively define the circumferential insertion slot extending therebetween;
• and
• a main inlet configured to deliver a main flow of fluid to the first impeller assembly along a main flow path extending from the first stage portion and through the second stage portion,
• wherein the circumferential insertion slot is configured to discharge a secondary flow of fluid in a radial direction and into a radial flow of the main flow of fluid, upstream of the directing vane assembly, to mix with the main flow of fluid and form a combined flow of fluid, and the directing vane assembly is configured to receive the combined flow of fluid.

A compressor, comprising:

• a first stage portion comprising a first impeller assembly and a first diffuser assembly;
• a second stage portion comprising a second impeller assembly and a second diffuser assembly;
• a first housing component and a second housing component, wherein the first housing component and the second housing component are directly coupled to one another and abut one another;
• and
• an interstage portion disposed between the first stage portion and the second stage portion, wherein the interstage portion comprises:
• a directing vane assembly;
• a collector passage circumferentially surrounding the directing vane assembly and the first impeller assembly;
• and
• a circumferential insertion slot fluidly coupling the collector passage with the directing vane assembly, wherein the first housing component and the second housing component cooperatively define the circumferential insertion slot, the circumferential insertion slot is configured to direct a secondary flow of fluid in a radial direction into a radial flow of a main flow of fluid directed along a main flow path extending through the first stage portion, the interstage portion, and the second stage portion to mix with the main flow of fluid upstream of the directing vane assembly and generate a combined flow of fluid, and the directing vane assembly is configured to receive the combined flow of fluid.