Special equipment: centrifugal compressor

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

The cooling system of air in the devices of thistype can be, both external, and internal, carried out by means of air or water. In combination with high-quality components and 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 ascentrifugal compressor, consist in a longer time between the repair times, in comparison with 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 contaminants, reduces the risk of ignition of pipelines and maintenance costs of filters.

As weaknesses, we can designate a lowdepth control of the production process and the need for complex assembly. For this reason, centrifugal compressors, 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 reciprocating compressors is associated with much higher costs than the maintenance of centrifugal devices. This is why many enterprises prefer the latter.

One of the most important questions when working withcentrifugal 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 high efficiency in operating conditions). The centrifugal compressor performance can be adjusted using the input guide vanes, which 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, a product such ascentrifugal compressor, has found its application in a variety of gas turbine plants, oil 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.