US Patent:
20150240830, Aug 27, 2015
Inventors:
- Export PA, US
Michael G. Evan - North Huntingdon PA, US
John R. Badini - Monongahela PA, US
Matthew S. Zowacki - North Huntingdon PA, US
Cheng Jin - Monroeville PA, US
Shane P. Lynch - Monroeville PA, US
International Classification:
F04D 29/056
F04D 29/063
F04D 17/10
F16C 17/04
Abstract:
An integrally-geared centrifugal compressor has a drive mechanism and a gear box operatively engaged with the drive mechanism. The gear box includes a main input gear driven by the drive mechanism and a pinion shaft driven by the main input gear. The pinion shaft is driven at a higher rotational speed (generally above the first critical speed) compared to the main input gear. The compressor further includes at least one process stage for compressing a fluid medium. The at least one process stage has at least one centrifugal compressor with at least one impeller operatively engaged with the pinion shaft. At least one thrust bearing having a bearing surface is provided in operative engagement with the pinion shaft. The bearing surface is made from a non-metallic material, such as a poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) or equivalent material.