In this article, I will share with you the components and working principle of centrifugal air compressors.
A Centrifugal air compressor is a dynamic type of compressor which uses a rotating impeller to transfer energy to the air.
This compressor is a continuous duty since it provides a contentious supply of discharge air which is different from a reciprocating air compressor.
You might like this: Reciprocating Air Compressor: Components, Types And Working Principle
Centrifugal air compressor is used in areas where there is a need for a high volume of compressed air discharge.
Since the centrifugal air compressor is oil-free the air discharged from it is free from any oil suspensions.
The main reason that makes this compressor have such a feature is the fact that its oil-lubricated running gear is separated from the air by the shaft seals and atmospheric vent.
When you compare it with the sliding vane air compressor, this is another case, since the air discharged from this compressor has to be filtered since it comes in contact with oil during compression.
Without wasting time, let me share with you the components and their functions so that you can understand the working principle of the centrifugal air compressor.
Components of centrifugal air compressor and their functions
These are the main components of centrifugal air compressor and their functions;
Impeller; contains blades allocated around a wheel which rotates to transfer energy to the air.
Shaft; it’s the part that is connected to the electric motor that transmits power to the impeller to make it rotate.
The discharge nozzle; it’s the part that allows the discharge of compressed air out of the compressor to the air receiver.
The discharge valve; it’s the part that allows the discharge of compressed air to the discharge nozzle.
Casing; this is the housing of the compressor that covers the impeller to prevent the escape of compressed air out of the compressor and it also directs the compressed air to the discharge nozzle.
Packing; it’s used to seal the shaft to prevent any air leakages as the air is compressed within the compressor.
Suction valve; this is the valve that allows air to enter the compressor when suction is created by the impeller.
The Inlet line; is the part that directs the air to the suction valve to enter the compression during suction.
Working principle of centrifugal air compressor
Centrifugal air compressor works on the principle of changing the momentum and pressure of air to achieve compression.
The momentum of air is converted into pressure by slowing down the velocity of air in the stationary diffuser within the compressor.
I will share with you step-by-step how the air gets compressed within the compressor.
If you know the working principle of a centrifugal pump then it will be easier for you to understand the working principle of this compressor.
In one way or another, the working principles are kinda related.
How centrifugal air compressor works
When the electric motor is switched on, it transmits power to the shaft that is connected to the impeller of the compressor and this makes it rotate.
The high-speed rotation of the impeller within the casing creates centrifugal force within the compressor which in turn creates the suction effect.
The inlet line directs air to the suction valve which opens due to the high pressure of the atmospheric air and the suction created within the compressor.
When the air enters the compressor, the suction valve closes to prevent air from flowing back into the atmosphere.
As the impeller keeps on rotating at a very high speed it increases the kinetic energy of the air thus increasing the air energy content.
The air is then guided by a stationary passage to the stationary diffuser where the kinetic energy of the air is converted into pressure energy.
A sudden drop in air velocity of air results in an increase in pressure, this is Bernoulli’s law.
When the pressure keeps building up within the compressor the casing directs the compressed air to the discharge valve which opens to discharge the compressed air to an air receiver via the discharge nozzle.
The discharge nozzle is designed in a way that also increases the pressure discharge of air from the compressor.
As long as the impeller keeps rotating the process will keep on going.
Thanks for reading, if you have any questions leave your comment. See you in my next article.
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