Components of Centrifugal Compressor

Components of Centrifugal Compressor Points : components of centrifugal compressor A single stage centrifugal compressor mainly consists of the following four components as shown in figure;
1. An inlet casing to accelerate the fluid to the impeller inlet.
2. An impeller to transfer energy to the fluid in the form of increase in static pressure & kinetic energy.
3. A diffuser to convert the kinetic energy at the impeller outlet into pressure energy (static energy).
4. A volute casing to collect the fluid & to further convert the kinetic energy into pressure energy (static enthalpy).

Besides these there are intercooIers, generally integrated with the casing, in a multi-stage compressor. The casing is usually made of cast iron & the impeller, of high speed (chrome-nickel) steels. The maximum stress is developed at the root of the blades.

The diffuser is normally of the vane less type as it permits more efficient part load operation which is quite usual in any air conditioning plant. A vane .diffuser will certainly cause shock losses if the compressor in, run at reduced capacity & flow.