Patent ID: 6231302
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: F01D,F02C,F04D,F05D,F16C

Abstract:
A turbocompressor comprising:(a) a support having a longitudinally extending bore, generally circular in cross section at any point, said bore defining an inner surface, said support being disposed within a fluid atmosphere and including longitudinally spaced first, second, third and fourth faces, said third and fourth faces having a recess provided therein which is concentric with said bore and in fluid communication therewith, said third and fourth faces defining an intermediate chamber there between;(b) an elongated generally cylindrical shaft rotatable within said bore of said support, said shaft having first and second ends and an intermediate portion disposed between said first and second ends, said shaft including a longitudinally extending bore therethrough, said shaft being of a predetermined diameter less than the diameter of said bore in said support and having an outer surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending grooves and a plurality of recessed areas of predetermined depth;(c) a first closure member connected to said support to define in cooperation with said first face, a first chamber, said first chamber being at an average static first pressure;(d) a first wheel disposed within said first chamber and connected to said first end of said shaft for rotation therewith, said first wheel being subjected to a first axial force;(e) a second closure member connected to said support to define, in cooperation with said second face, a second chamber, said second chamber being at an average static second pressure;(f) a second wheel disposed within said second chamber and connected to said second end of said shaft for rotation therewith, said second wheel being subjected to a second axial force;(g) a third wheel disposed within said intermediate chamber, said third wheel having first and second faces; and(h) equalizing means for substantially equalizing said first and second axial forces upon rotation of said shaft within said bore in said support, whereby said shaft will remain substantially axially centered within said bore in said support, said equalizing means comprising first and second fluid operated thrust bearings provided between said faces of said third wheel and said third and fourth faces of said support respectively.