·         The flow enters a three-dimensional impeller axially through an inlet duct. The impeller may be preceded by a row of inlet guide vanes.

·         The impeller through its blades imparts velocity and pressure to the gas which flows in radial direction.

·         The rise in pressure takes place due to the centrifugal action of the impeller and diverging passages of the downstream diffuser and / or volute

·         Vaned or vaneless diffuser with volute are provided to convert kinetic energy at impeller exit into static pressure at compressor discharge.

·         Centrifugal compressors are use d to produce large pressure ratios.

·         A single stage centrifugal compressor may have typical pressure ratio of about 4:1. Some test compressors are designed for pressure ratio up to 8:1.

·         Centrifugal compressors are suitable for low specific speed, high pressure ratio per stage and low mass flow rate applications.

·         Based on application, the centrifugal compressors can be either single stage or multistage type.

Components of a centrifugal compressor

·         Impeller

·         Diffuser

·         Casing

·         Shaft

Application of centrifugal compressor

·         Gas turbine

·         Turbocharger

·         Process industry

      Gas compression

      Oxygen plants

    Instrument air