Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc.

Edward J Condrac

Robert A Miller

William C Hohlweg

A method and apparatus for regulating power consumption while controlling surge in a centrifugal compressor are disclosed. Various operating parameters of a centrifugal compressor are measured and based upon these parameters control of the power consumption of the compressor motor via inlet guide vanes and/or diffuser vanes is achieved. Additionally, the control senses and regulates power consumption and vane positioning to control operation under surge conditions and will, if necessary, energize a blow-off valve to prevent operation under surge conditions. The control is designed to integrate compressor and motive source operation to effectively minimize power consumption while avoiding operation in the surge range.

Method and apparatus for regulating power consumption while controlling

A method and apparatus for determining when to initiate the cleaning of the turbine blades of a turbocharger is disclosed. The performance of the compressor portion of the turbocharger is monitored and upon a degradation in performance being detected it is indicated that fouling of the turbine blades has occurred. In response to this indication a water injection system is energized for supplying atomized water under high pressure to the exhaust gas powering the turbocharger to effectively clean the turbine blades. Means are provided for decreasing the speed of the turbocharger during the cleaning cycle to allow for an effective cleaning operation.

Method and apparatus for determining when to initiate cleaning of

A method and apparatus utilizing valves mounted in parallel for controlling fluid flow powering an expander is disclosed. A large slow acting valve and a smaller faster acting valve are combined to obtain the desired control including a damped response. A start-up control based on shaft speed is further disclosed.

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North Huntingdon, PA, United States of America

Edward J Condrac