System and method for controlling flow through a rotor

Abstract

A system for controlling flow through a rotor includes an inlet port in the rotor and an outlet port in the rotor. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. A variable orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports. A method for controlling flow through a rotor includes diverting a process fluid and flowing the diverted process fluid through a fluid passage in the rotor. The method further includes reducing the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor.

1 . A system for controlling flow through a rotor comprising:
 a. an inlet port in the rotor;   b. an outlet port in the rotor, wherein the outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet port;   c. a variable orifice disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports.   
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of passages in the rotor between the inlet port in the outlet port. 
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the variable orifice comprises a valve. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the variable orifice has a first position and a second position, wherein the first position permits flow through at least one of the inlet or outlet ports, and wherein the second position prevents flow through at least one of the inlet or outlet ports. 
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a controller connected to the variable orifice. 
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 5 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the variable orifice, wherein the signal is based on a temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 5 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the variable orifice, wherein the signal is based on a time. 
     
     
         8 . A system for warming a rotor comprising:
 a. a fluid passage through the rotor;   b. a valve disposed in the fluid passage to control the flow of a fluid through the fluid passage.   
     
     
         9 . The system as in  claim 8 , wherein the valve has a first position and a second position, wherein the first position permits the fluid to flow through the fluid passage, and wherein the second position prevents the fluid from flowing through the passage. 
     
     
         10 . The system as in  claim 8 , further comprising a controller connected to the valve. 
     
     
         11 . The system as in  claim 10 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the valve, wherein the signal is based on a temperature. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 10 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the valve, wherein the signal is based on a time. 
     
     
         13 . A method for controlling flow through a rotor comprising:
 a. diverting a process fluid;   b. flowing the diverted process fluid through a fluid passage in the rotor; and   c. reducing the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor.   
     
     
         14 . The method as in  claim 13 , further comprising diverting the process fluid from a compressor. 
     
     
         15 . The method as in  claim 13 , further comprising reducing the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor based on a predetermined temperature limit. 
     
     
         16 . The method as in  claim 13 , further comprising reducing the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor based on a predetermined time limit. 
     
     
         17 . The method as in  claim 13 , further comprising operating a valve to reduce the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor. 
     
     
         18 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising generating a signal to the valve, wherein the signal is based on a temperature. 
     
     
         19 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising generating a signal to the valve, wherein the signal is based on a time.