The Basics: Centrifugal Air Compressors

What Is A Centrifugal Air Compressor?

Centrifugal air compressors are also called dynamic compressors. These compressors are more convenient for converting energy by using a series of stages to cool and compress air through continuous flow. 

A centrifugal air compressor compresses air to increase its velocity through various rotating elements and then converts the kinetic energy into potential energy. Compressed air is cooled through different compression stages. Additionally, moisture is removed from the airstream to improve the quality and efficiency of compressed air. 

 The continuous airflow through different stages makes centrifugal air compressors suitable for industrial applications that require high capacity with more than 200 hp. Industrial centrifugal air compressors are therefore designed for heavy-duty applications. 

How Does A Centrifugal Compressor Work?

Centrifugal air compressor manufacturers follow the exact working mechanism regardless of the brand or size. Here is the general centrifugal air compressor working mechanism:

Air is sucked to the center of the compressor impellers with radial blades through centrifugal force. The movement creates high pressure, forcing the air to the center of the impeller. The kinetic energy is converted into potential energy at this stage, resulting in increased pressure in the diffuser and volute. 

The pressure rises at every stage of the compressor unit. These stages can be arranged to achieve the required pressure for the application beforehand. The multi-stage application creates very pressure used in the oil and gas industry. In applications that require low pressure, such as wastewater treatment plants, a single-stage is used. 

Modern centrifugal air compressor suppliers sell compressors with ultra-high-speed motors that drive the compressor impellers. The result is a compact air compressor without a gearbox (oil-free compressors). These air compressors are suitable for applications that require high-quality compressed air without oil. 

Watch this centrifugal compressor animation to see how the air travels through every stage. 

Parts of a Centrifugal Air Compressor 

A centrifugal air compressor comprises four main parts:

• Impeller
• Collector
• Inlet
• Diffuser

Compressor casing and inlet are two components that protect the inner parts from mechanical damage. The casing is usually designed of steel or iron with two horizontal and vertical splits. The casing has bearings that offer axial and radial support to the compressor rotor. Other centrifugal air compressor manufacturers design casings with nozzles. The nozzles come with inlets and discharge flow connections that direct air in and out of the air compressor. 

The impellers of the centrifugal air compressor are usually mounted on the shaft to act as rotors. Such units are designed to offer velocity. Such types of centrifugal air compressors have blades attached to the rotating discs positioned depending on the desired output. 

The diffuser passage is a centrifugal air compressor part, which is the tiny space found between adjacent diaphragms. This component receives the gas extracted by the compressor impellers. The air flows through a 180o turn and is directed to the next impeller. The diffuser walls form a radial channel to reduce the velocity of the air and enable the conversion of dynamic pressure into static pressure. 

The collector, which is sometimes called the volute or scroll, is another compressor component that will help you understand how centrifugal air compressors work. Some types of centrifugal air compressors have valves that control the flow of air. However, the collector is designed to collect air and deliver it to the discharge flange. 

Another vital part is the centrifugal unloader valve for air compressors, 

Types of Centrifugal Air Compressors 

Various air compressor brands have hit the market, offering standardized, custom, and integrally geared centrifugal air compressors. The most common designs in the market include:

• Centrifugal blowers
• Oil-free centrifugal air compressors
• Process gas multi-stage compressors

The broader centrifugal air compressor category can be subdivided into three distinct types.

Axial multi-stage centrifugal air compressors

These compressors run at relatively low speed and are driven by induction motors. Accordingly, axial multi-stage compressors have many impellers lined up axially to enhance pressure build-up.

Geared turbos

Induction motors also drive these compressors. However, they differ from axial multi-stage because their radial impellers run at high speed, owing to gearbox transmissions. They also have hydraulic bearings that facilitate high speed. Lastly, these compressors may have single or multiple impellers. The choice depends on the required airflow and pressure. 

High-speed turbos

These compressors are radial turbos that lack gears. They use motors to drive the impeller. This implies that the motors run at relatively high speed. Additionally, magnetic bearings are used in these compressors to prevent wear and friction. 

Some common centrifugal air compressor brands include; 

• Atlas Copco centrifugal air compressors
• Samsung Techwin centrifugal air compressors
• Ingersoll rand centrifugal compressors

Benefits of Using Centrifugal Air Compressors 

Understanding how a centrifugal air compressor works is vital in another way. Knowing the centrifugal air compressor construction and working mechanism can help you understand the advantages of using these air compressors. 

One of the advantages of a centrifugal air compressor is that it is designed to enhance the production of a large quantity of compressed air. These compressors are suitable for applications that require the continuous flow of large amounts of compressed air. Primarily, applications that require high capacities, such as more than 200 hp, demand the use of centrifugal air compressors. This is because they guarantee a continuous flow of compressed air through various stages. 

Additionally, centrifugal air compressors reduce the price per hp as the size of the system increases. Other benefits of centrifugal air compressors include:

• Around the clock reliability
• Energy efficiency
• Low footprint 
• Noise reduction
• Highly efficient coolers
• Economical air compressor technology 

Centrifugal Compressor Applications

One of the most common questions about centrifugal air compressors is “what do applications of centrifugal air compressors lead to?” to answer this question; you need to know the applications of centrifugal air compressors first.

Centrifugal air compressors are used for many purposes, such as obtaining and producing quality compressed air.

Additionally, centrifugal air compressors are used in gas turbines to offer the desired compression. 

Centrifugal air compressors are also used in the food industry to create compressed air used in food processing.

The Bottom Line 

Now you know the basics of a centrifugal air compressor. Do you want to buy them for your projects?  China centrifugal air compressor manufacturers make and supply quality air compressors that meet your compressed air demands. Accordingly, there are many centrifugal air compressor price ranges to choose from. Find the best supplier today to make your business more successful.

ModelPressure (barg)Flow range (m3/min) Motor Power  (kw)         Dimensions            (mm)Weight  (kg)