Unstable Flow Structures Present at Different Rotational Velocities of the Centrifugal Compressor

Abstract

Unstable flow structures cause inevitable energy losses in all power energy systems, including turbomachines. In this study, a set of analyses was conducted with the use of spectral maps on the pressure signals obtained from an industrial centrifugal compressor. The spectral maps provide one a detailed visualization of the flow conditions present in the machine along the performance curve and to distinguish the flow phenomena present prior to the surge. The method accuracy is especially useful in detecting the inlet recirculation. The study was conducted at four impeller rotational speeds with varying loads imposed by a valve at the outlet. At each speed, the machine experienced different stages of unstable flow conditions prior to the surge. Five main frequency peaks that appeared in all cases were identified and discussed. The surge was observed at all impeller speeds. At lower ones, however, it appeared at higher valve closures. At higher speeds, the surge was much more intense. The study has also shown that the inlet recirculation appears also for the closed-type industrial impeller. The phenomenon was present in all conditions. The higher impeller speed, the faster onset of the inlet recirculation was. This structure has a strong potential for an early instability warning because it appears in various types of impellers, has a very particular spectral structure and its positioning is very predictable. This study gives another example of the inlet recirculation universality and potential for efficient anti-surge protection.

Keywords

• turbomachinery
• centrifugal
• compressor
• surge
• stall
• recirculation