Replaceable insert for centrifugal blower flow control

An apparatus for compressing gas, comprising:

• a compressor impeller on a shaft;
• and
• a replaceable insert concentrically disposed in relation to the shaft and centrally disposed in relation to the compressor impeller;
• the shaft and replaceable insert within a bore in a compressor housing;
• the replaceable insert having a cylindrical shape with a square edged outlet that is smaller in radius than an impeller inlet tip blade radius and the replaceable insert length is at least 0.25 times the impeller inlet tip blade radius.

An apparatus for compressing gas, comprising:

• a compressor impeller on a shaft;
• and
• an insert concentrically disposed in relation to the shaft and centrally disposed in relation to the compressor impeller;
• the shaft and insert within a bore in a compressor housing;
• the insert situated in closely spaced-apart relation to the compressor impeller;
• the insert having a cylindrical shape with a square edged outlet and a radially outwardly protruding annular lip.

A die cast compressor housing, comprising:

• a compressor impeller on a shaft;
• a replaceable insert concentrically disposed in relation to the shaft and centrally disposed in relation to the compressor impeller;
• and
• the shaft and replaceable insert within a bore in a compressor housing
• the replaceable insert situated in closely spaced-apart relation to the compressor impeller;
• the replaceable insert having a cylindrical shape with a square edged outlet that is smaller in radius than an impeller inlet tip blade radius and the replaceable insert length is at least 0.25 times the impeller inlet tip blade radius;
• the replaceable insert made from a corrosion resistant material;
• the replaceable insert having an enlarged annular base with a radially outwardly protruding annular lip;
• the radially outwardly protruding annular lip mating with an integrally formed seat within the bore;
• the replaceable insert secured within the bore by an interference fit.

A method of remanufacturing a compressor housing, comprising:

• removing a first insert from a bore within a compressor housing;
• inserting a separate insert comprising a longitudinally inwardly spaced annular collar portion and a square edged outlet;
• positioning the insert telescopically in the bore with the annular collar portion nested with a seat on an interior sidewall of the compressor housing;
• and
• securing the insert to the compressor housing in mating cooperation with the seat on an interior sidewall of the compressor housing.

A method of compressing gas, comprising:

• introducing a gas into an insert with a square edge outlet;
• accelerating centrifugally the gas with an impeller, the impeller having an impeller inlet tip blade radius that is larger than a radius of said square edge outlet;
• and
• introducing the gas into a volute fluid conduit;
• wherein the volute fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the insert.