Compressor starting torque converter
US6463740B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S74/05
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The subject invention involves a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) to enable starting up single-shaft gas turbine driven compressor sets, such as in a liquified natural gas (LNG) plant. The system includes a single-shaft gas turbine with an output shaft coaxially connected to the input shaft of the CSTC's torque converter, in turn whose output shaft drives the process load centrifugal compressor. The CSTC operates as a fluid coupling whereby the gas turbine and the compressor shafts are coupled via the working fluid (oil). Once the process load compressor is up to speed, a lock up device is engaged to mechanically couple the gas turbine directly to the compressor and then the torque converter is drained. The impeller and turbine wheel of the CSTC are undersized with regard to the maximum shaft power requirement of the compressor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.