Patent attributes
A compressor for compressing a gas comprises an impeller wheel mounted within a housing (2) defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet comprises a map-width enhanced structure with an annular flow passage (11) defined between inner (9) and outer (7) tubular walls. The flow passage (11) is in fluid communication with the impeller wheel by virtue of a slot (13) in the inner wall (9). A flow-conditioning member (14) is positioned in the annular flow passage (11) and serves to remove swirl from the gas flow that recirculates through the passage. The flow-conditioning member (14) comprises a body penetrated by a plurality of bores (15). The arrangement provides for a significant improvement in the surge margin of the compressor and is particularly suitable for use in a turbocharger.
