Centrifugal Compressor

Introduction

A centrifugal compressor is a type of dynamic compressor, or turbo compressor, with a radial

design. Unlike displacement compressors that work at a constant flow, dynamic compressors
work at a constant pressure and the performance is affected by external conditions such as
changes in inlet temperatures.

They achieve pressure rise by adding energy to the continuous flow of fluid through the
rotor/impeller. The equation in the next section shows this specific energy input. A
substantial portion of this energy is kinetic which is converted to increased potential
energy/static pressure by slowing the flow through a diffuser. The static pressure rise in the
impeller may roughly equal the rise in the diffuser.

In most all the gas turbine units were using centrifugal compressors. This is because attention
was focused on making simple and lightweight turbojet units as lower weight of power-plants
was of significant importance. Post war, however, axial compressors have been manufactured
and developed to such an extent where they have significantly higher isentropic efficiency.

Even though today centrifugal compressors are not as popular as back in those days, renewed
interest has developed in the centrifugal stage used in conjunction with single or multiple
axial stages, especially for small turbofan and turboprop aircraft engines.
 Types of Centrifugal Compressor

Two types of centrifugal compressor :-

I. Single stage compressor

II. Multi stage compressor

1.Single Stage Compressor

Single-stage compressors consist of only one single impeller which is used for moving the air
or any other gases up to a 3:1 compression ratio either for pressure or vacuum duty. Single-
stage compressors have either a beam design or an overhung impeller type arrangement in
which the impeller is situated at the non-driving end of the shaft. The principle benefit that
single-stage compressors have over multistage compressors is that they offer higher
efficiency and the gas delivered at the end is entirely oil and surge-free.

2.Multi Stage Compressor

Instead of one, multistage compressors consist of two to ten impellers which can be arranged
in a variety of flow path configurations according to desired outputs requirements. The
temperature and the compression ratio are assumed to be constant throughout each and every
stage. These compressors can be arranged in a variety of configurations such as straight-
through, compound, and double flow configurations. Multistage compressors are also
available in beam-type designs. However their impellers are located between the radial
bearings of compressor.
 Operation

Construction of compression compressor

A centrifugal compressor generally consists of four components named inlet ,

impeller, diffusor and collector.

1.Causing and inlet

The above mentioned components are usually protected or guarded by a casing or housing . A
case house consists of number of bearings in order to provide radial and axial support of the
rotor. The case also contain nozzles along with inlets and discharge flow connections in order
to introduce and extract flow from the compressor.

2. Impellers.

The impellers are assembled or mounted on a steel shaft and this assembly is known as
compressor rotor (mostly in multi stage compressors). The rotor provide velocity to the gas
with blades that are attached to a rotating disc. These blades can be forward-leaning , radial
or backward-leaning depending upon the desired output . Most of the multistage compressors
use backward-leaning blades as they provide the widest range of efficiency.

3. Diffuser.

The impeller extracts the gas with great velocity into a diffuser passage. The diffuser usually
compromise two walls which form a radial channel. Because of these arrangements the
velocity of the gas decreases and dynamic pressure is converted into static pressure. The
diffuser passages are small space between adjacent diaphragms which generally turns the gas
flow 180° in order to direct it towards the next impeller.
4. Collector.

Following the last stage impeller the gas must be collected and delivered to the discharge
flange. The component used to collect the gas discharged through the diffuser is called as
collector. It may also be termed as volute or scroll. The collector may also contain valves and
other instrumentation in order to control the compressor.
Working of centrifugal compressor

 After the start-up, gas or air is introduced from the air tank or any other source
into the centrifugal compressor.

 After entering the compressor, the air strikes the impeller, which contains
multiple radial blades rotating with the rotation of the impeller.

 As the air strikes the impeller blades, the air pushes to the centre of the impeller
by centrifugal force.

 The impeller blades, after striking of air provide kinetic energy to the air which
increases the velocity of the air.

 The air enters into the diffuser area after passing through the impeller. This
diffuser contains multiple stationary vanes. As soon as the air enters the diffuser
area, its speed or velocity of flow of the air starts to decrease.

 Now, according to Bernoulli’s principle, the velocity square is inversely

proportional to pressure. The diffuser converts this increased velocity of the air
into pressure energy before the air is drawn into the centre of impeller. This
increase in the impeller’s pressure under most conditions will be roughly equal to
the increase in diffuser pressure.
Care and maintenance of Centrifugal compressor

For every month:

 Test the air coolers for any signs of leakage

 Check the control system
 Change the oil filters
 Change the driver bearing lubrication
 Check the bypass valve calibration
 Check the inlet
 Lubricate the main driver coupling

For every day maintenance:

 Check the levels of compressor reservoir oil

 Check the levels of main driver oil
 Record the compressor’s oil temperature and oil supply pressure
 Check and blow the condensate traps
 Record the air intake filter differential pressure
 Drain the condensate from the inlet airline drip leg and from the discharge header to
bypass the airline drip legs
 Look for any signs of oil leakage