In this paper, the performance of vaned diffusers on low
specific speed centrifugal compressors, was investigated
experimentally and analytically. There is a problem of non-uniform
distribution of the flow at impeller exit, as a factor to deteriorate the
performance of the diffuser. This problem appears remarkably on
the low specific speed type, because the blade height is relatively
small and the flow inclines toward circumferential direction. The
experiment was carried out with 2nd stage compressor of two-stage
centrifugal type, focusing on the effect of number of diffuser vanes,
vaneless ratio and throat area. Furthermore, unsteady fluid analysis
was carried out by using Non Linear Harmonic method in order to
understand about the phenomenon associated with the problem of
non-uniform distribution of the flow.
View full abstract