Compressor starting torque converter

摘要

A large compressor (18) is powered by a single-shaft gas turbine (12) via shaft (14), gearbox (16) and a hydraulic torque converter (10), which is undersized relative to the maximum shaft power requirement of compressor (18). The hydraulic torque converter (10) has a lock-up device (40) that locks the impeller (24) and the turbine wheel (28) at 25% of the maximum shaft power requirement of compressor (18). Gas turbine (12) has a starter (34). Optionally, compressor (18) has its outlet connected to auxiliary compressor (50) that assists the starting process by decreasing the back pressure of compressor (18).