| 20110318183 | Method for Producing a Shrouded Impeller from Two or More Components - Provided is a two-piece shrouded impeller, and methods for manufacturing and assembling a two-piece shrouded impeller. The two-piece shrouded impeller, in accordance with one embodiment, may have a one-piece partially shrouded impeller having a central hub, a number of blades integrally attached to the hub, and one or more integral partial shroud sections integrally attached to the blades. The two-piece shrouded impeller in this embodiment may also have a separate shroud section that attaches to the one-piece shrouded impeller, so that the separate shroud section and the partial shroud sections combine to form a completed shroud that covers the impeller blades. The separate shroud section may attach to the one-piece shrouded impeller with a snap joint, or with an interference fit, or using a squeeze deformable ring. Once attached, the shroud section may be bonded to the one-piece shrouded impeller by brazing, stick welding, ultrasonic welding, or electron beam welding. | 12-29-2011 |
