Description

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In
order to effectively take advantage of impeller work, flow must be efficiently
diffused so that pressure rise can be generated with minimal losses. Unfortunately,
a simple “cut-and-paste” won’t work. Instead, the diffuser is optimally
matched to the impeller flow physics, with many iterations tested and verified
until maximum efficiency is achieved with each supercharger design. Finally,
a matched volute effectively collects and diffuses further, resulting in additional
pressure rise. The result? Isentropic efficiencies as high as 80%! In fact,
all Vortech compressors achieve at least 72% peak efficiency, with better than
65% efficiency achieved over a majority of design flow range (surge to choke).

COMPONENTRY
Vortech componentry has garnered a reputation for its “best in class”
execution. Blower casing components are cast from A356 aircraft-spec aluminum
alloy treated to T-6 condition. Modern CNC production cells ensure that part
tolerances are held into the “tenths” – to, and in many cases beyond
aircraft tolerances.

IMPELLER
The heart of any centrifugal supercharger is the impeller. Our piece is investment
cast from an extremely strong but light-weight proprietary aluminum alloy (similar
to that used in turbochargers). This special heat treated material is used because
of its stability and enhanced properties at the high operating temperatures
…which may reach 400°F under extreme conditions. At this temperature,
the Vortech impeller is up to 36% stronger than even 7075, a common structural
aluminum material used by others. The investment cast process secures close
dimensional tolerance and excellent surface finish. Of course, 100% CNC machining
ensures exact tolerances. And finally, multi-plane dynamic balancing to better
than ISO G0.4 tolerances delivers smooth operation. The historical use of these
same procedures in building aircraft turbomachinery components for the most
demanding applications proves its durability.

DRIVE
GEARS
Drive gears are manufactured from 8620 and 9310 carburized billet alloy steels.
These premium grade materials possess exceptional strength and durability, with
enhanced core toughness properties. The gear teeth are CNC precision ground.
The internal step-up drive system is engineered to reliably support impeller
speeds exceeding 70,000 rpm.

BEARINGS
Vortech bearings are ultra-high precision (ABEC 7/ABEC 9) pieces that are made
in the USA. Most are custom manufactured to our specifications. Aircraft quality
is truly an understatement here, since these bearings experience speeds as much
as twice that of a jet engine.

LUBRICATION
SYSTEM
The maintenance-free lubrication system uses engine oil that is pre-filtered
and injected directly onto the drive gears. We chose this configuration as opposed
to a common “self-contained” set-up because engine oil provides faster
warm-up, excellent reliability and superior cooling. The lubricating oil benefits
from continuous filtration, being routinely changed along with the engine oil
(instead of an additional maintenance action). This system also offers the best
opportunity for thermally stable operation. Vortech firmly believes this is
the best method to feed and care for superchargers.

Vortech
Counter Clockwise V-4 X-Trim Supercharger:

The
entry level supercharger of choice among top racing teams for performance and
durability.