System and method for controlling flow through a rotor

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling flow through a rotor. The system 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 fixed orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports. A variable orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports in a separate location from the fixed orifice.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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 fixed orifice disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports; and   d. a variable orifice disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports at separate location from the fixed orifice.   
     
     
         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 fixed orifice, variable orifice, or combinations thereof comprises a valve. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the fixed orifice, variable orifice, or combinations thereof, 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 fixed orifice, variable orifice, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 5 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the fixed orifice, variable orifice, or combinations thereof, wherein the signal is based on a temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 5 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the fixed orifice, variable orifice, or combinations thereof 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 first valve disposed in the fluid passage to control the flow of a fluid through the fluid passage; and   c. a second valve disposed in a different location of the fluid passage from the first valve to control the flow of a fluid through the fluid passage.   
     
     
         9 . The system as in  claim 8 , wherein the first valve, second valve, or combinations thereof, 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 first valve, second valve, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The system as in  claim 10 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the first valve, second valve, or combinations thereof, wherein the signal is based on a temperature. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 10 , wherein the controller generates a signal to the first valve, second valve, or combinations thereof, 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, the fluid passage including a first orifice and a second orifice that is separate from the first orifice; and   c. reducing the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor by using the first orifice, second orifice, or combinations thereof.   
     
     
         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 , wherein the first orifice, second orifice, or combinations thereof comprises a valve. 
     
     
         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.