US 6,280,139 B1 · Radial split diffuser

Abstract

The invention relates to a radial split diffuser with an inner casing and an outer casing joined together along a cylindrical joint. Each diffuser passage is intersected by and extends transversely across the joint. The advantages of this design include: the elimination of a transition within the initial portion of the passages where air flow speeds are supersonic and minute surface discontinuities can significantly effect performance; and the simplification of manufacturing through use of metal castings to replace sheet metal fabrications in the manufacture of diffusers. The joint in the present invention can be located downstream from the diffuser inlet a sufficient distance in a lower velocity area. The joint is located to enable access for precise machining of the critical initial portion of the passages within the inner casing, and to minimize air flow disturbance in the initial portion.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A radial split diffuser, for directing a radially outward flow of compressed air from an impeller of a centrifugal compressor to an axially rearward diffused annular flow, the split diffuser comprising:

an annular diffuser assembly having a central impeller opening and an outer rim, a plurality of discrete diffuser passages disposed in a circumferential spaced apart array through the diffuser assembly, each passage extending through the diffuser assembly from an inlet in the central opening to an outlet in the rim;
the diffuser assembly comprising an inner casing and an outer casing joined together along a joint, each diffuser passage being intersected by and extending transversely across the joint;
wherein the diffuser assembly includes lands between adjacent passages, including a perforation extending through the lands.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Radial split diffuser

Life of this patent

Radial split diffuser

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19