Special equipment: centrifugal compressor

A centrifugal compressor is a device necessary for compressing and supplying various gases under pressure. This technological device has a fairly simple design and consists mainly of the rotor and housing. Modern centrifugal compressors can be with an open or hermetic drive, one- or two-stage.

The cooling system of air in devices of this type can be either external or internal, carried out by means of air or water. In combination with high-quality components and a high-strength mechanical part, the centrifugal compressor is advantageous for convenient maintenance, compactness and reliability. Separately it is worth noting low operating costs.

The main advantages of such a device as a centrifugal compressor are a longer time between repairs, compared to other types of compressors, and the supply of air that does not contain oil traces. The latter is very important, since it prevents the possibility of contamination of the system, eliminates the problems associated with the organization of disposal of contamination, reduces the risk of ignition of pipelines and maintenance costs of filters.

As shortcomings, it is possible to designate a low depth of regulation of the production process and the need for complex assembly. For this reason, centrifugal compressors are most often used in enterprises operating on the principle of constant air consumption with a continuous cycle. For example, in industries associated with chemical technology. In addition, a good centrifugal compressor has a fairly high price, unlike, for example, from piston type compressors , which are much cheaper. However, in this case, the cost is not the main criterion for choosing one or another equipment. The thing is that the operation of piston compressors is associated with much higher costs than the maintenance of centrifugal devices. That is why many enterprises prefer the latter.

One of the most important issues when working with centrifugal compressors is the choice of a suitable refrigerant. Very important here is the speed of sound, directly related to the circumferential speed of a given technological device, and the specific volume. As a rule, refrigerants of low productivity are preferred (in order to obtain a high efficiency under operating conditions). To regulate the performance of centrifugal type compressors, you can use input guide vanes that rotate to direct the steam directly to the rotating wheel at the desired angle. This method is less efficient than, for example, the change in speed, however, it allows you to organize work in a fairly wide range.

To date, such a product as a centrifugal compressor has found its application in a variety of gas turbine plants, refining, mining, paper and metallurgical industries of modern industry. In addition, they are used in the organization of transportation of natural gas, in turbojet engines, compressor stations, as well as for pressurization of aircraft engines.