Centrifugal
in service. Where capacity or horsepower rather than numbers is considered as a measure, the centrifugal,
without a doubt, heads the compressor field. During the past 30 years, the centrifugal compressor,
because of its smaller relative size and weight compared to the reciprocating machine, became
much more popular for use in process plants, which were growing in size. The centrifugal compressor
does not exhibit the inertially induced shaking forces of the reciprocator and therefore does not need
the same massive foundation. Initially, the efficiency of the centrifugal was not as good as that of a
well maintained reciprocating compressor. However, the centrifugal established its hold on the market
in an era of cheap energy when power cost was rarely, if ever, evaluated.
The smaller compressor design was able to penetrate the general-process plant market, which had
historically belonged to the reciprocating compressor. As the compressor grew in popularity, developments
were begun to improve reliability, performance, and efficiency. With the increase in energy
cost in the mid-1970s, efficiency improvements became a high priority. Initially, most development
had concentrated on making the machine reliable, a goal that was reasonably well achieved. Run
time between overhauls currently is three years or more, with six-year run times not unusual. As
plant size increased, the pressure to maintain or improve reliability was very high because of the
large economic impact of a nonscheduled shutdown.
Centrifugal compressors are dynamic types with rotating impellers that impart velocity and pressure
to air (Fig. 61.6). Their design is simple and straightforward, consisting of one or more highspeed
impellers with cooling sections. The only lubrication required is in the drive system, which is
sealed off from the air system.
Integral gear-type centrifugal air compressors are generally used in central plant air applications
requiring volumes ranging from 1000-30,000 cfm and discharge pressures from 100-125 psig.
Centrifugal air compressors are normally specified on the basis of required air-flow volume.
However, there are several ways to calculate volume and serious problems can result unless both
user and manufacturer use the same method. At the very least, the user can have problems comparing
bids from competing manufacturers. At worst, he may choose the wrong compressor.
These problems can be avoided by specifying capacity in terms of actual inlet conditions and by
understanding how compressor capacity is affected by variable ambient conditions such as inlet
pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. Factors such as cooling water temperature and motor
load must be considered before a compressor and its drive motor can be sized.
A multistage arrangement for integral gear-type compressors is shown in Fig. 61.7. The flow path
is straight through the compressor, moving through each impeller and cooler in turn. This type of
centrifugal compressor is probably the most common of any found in process service, with applications
ranging from air to gas.