IHI Corporation (Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries) is a major Japanese manufacturer of turbochargers and industrial centrifugal compressors.
To give you an accurate answer regarding the Centrifugal Impeller for an IHI unit, I need to clarify whether you are referring to:
IHI Turbocharger (e.g., for heavy-duty trucks, marine, or automotive – like the VF series on Subarus).
IHI Industrial Centrifugal Air Compressor (e.g., BSC, TRE, or TA series for plant air).
However, here is the critical technical and commercial data you need regarding IHI impellers.
1. Identification: Impeller Part Numbers
IHI does not sell generic impellers. The impeller is matched to the specific compressor stage. Common IHI impeller casting numbers often follow patterns like:
S5A / S5B / S7A (Common in automotive turbochargers like VF22, VF34)
B02B / B04B / B06B (Industrial compressor low-flow stages)
5-digit numeric codes (e.g., 12345-xxxxx)
2. Material & Design
Material: IHI typically uses Maraging Steel (e.g., 17-4PH or higher grade) or Aluminum Alloy (for lower pressure turbo units). High-end industrial units use Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) to reduce rotational inertia and allow for higher tip speeds.
Machining: IHI impellers are 5-axis CNC machined, not cast, for high-strength applications. The blade geometry is proprietary (often featuring "splitter blades" to improve surge margin).
3. Sourcing a Replacement (Critical Warning)
OEM Only: You generally cannot buy an aftermarket impeller for an IHI industrial compressor. The impeller is balanced as an assembly with the shaft and sometimes the turbine wheel (in turbochargers).
If you need a replacement:
Do not buy a used or generic impeller. The shaft nut torque and balance are precise to within 0.001 grams.
Contact IHI authorized service centers (e.g., IHI Turbo America, IHI Charging Systems International).
Provide the Compressor Model Number (e.g., IHI-TRE 50, IHI-TA 50, IHI-BSC 37).
4. Common Failure Modes (What to inspect)
If you are looking at your current impeller:
Tip Rub: Indicates bearing failure or excessive vibration. The impeller is scrap.
Pitting/Corrosion: In wet air systems, leading edges erode.
Cracking at the inducer hub: Due to high-cycle fatigue (HCF). Requires immediate replacement.
To help you further, please provide:
The exact model number of the IHI compressor (e.g., "IHI TRE-50G-14").
The IHI part number from the nameplate or old impeller.
Application (e.g., "Centrifugal air compressor for a PET blow molding line" vs "Turbocharger on a Cummins engine").
If you are looking for a drawing or 3D model to reverse-engineer an impeller for an IHI compressor, be aware that IHI aggressively protects its IP. You would need a signed NDA and a legitimate repair/overhaul contract with an independent shop that has licensed IHI data.
