High-speed Centrifugal Compressor Research Articles

Measurement of Flow Velocity in the Vaneless Diffuser of a High-speed Centrifugal Compressor Using a Laser Doppler Anemometer

A laser Doppler anemometer using the photon correlation technique has been used to measure the radial and tangential flow in the vaneless diffuser of a high-speed centrifugal compressor. Measurements have been made at several points in the diffuser region to define the blade-to-blade velocity profile. The compressor was fitted with a 101·6 mm diameter back-swept impeller. Results are shown for two blade tip speeds, 335 and 338 m s-1, for which the blade passing frequencies are 16·2 and 19·4 kHz respectively. Velocity profiles show that the flow is severely distorted in the blade-to-blade and hub-to-shroud planes. Such results raise questions about the one-dimensional flow analysis commonly used to design the vaned diffusers of centrifugal compressors.

Closure to “Discussions of ‘Detailed Flow Investigations Within a High-Speed Centrifugal Compressor Impeller’” (1976, ASME J. Fluids Eng., 98, pp. 399–401)

Closure to “Discussions of ‘Detailed Flow Investigations Within a High-Speed Centrifugal Compressor Impeller’” (1976, ASME J. Fluids Eng., 98, pp. 399–401)

Turbocompressor Drive Couplings

This paper discusses the requirements for high-speed centrifugal compressor drive couplings and some of the problems created by conventional couplings. It describes two new coupling designs and their advantages in meeting compressor drive requirements.