Centrifugal compressors application range

Radial-Inflow Turbine The radial-inflow turbine, or inward-flow radial turbine, has been in use for many years. Basically a centrifugal compressor with reversed-flow and opposite rotation, the inward-flow radial turbine is used for smaller loads and over a smaller operational range than the axial turbine. Radial-inflow turbines are only now beginning to be used because little was know about them heretofore. Axial turbines have enjoyed tremendous interest due to their low frontal area, making them suited to the aircraft industiy. However, the axial machine is much longer than the radial machine, making it unsuited for certain vehicular and helicopter applications. Radial turbines are used in turbochargers and in some types of expanders. 

Figure 6.2 Approximate application ranges for reciprocating and centrifugal gas compressors.

Catalytic reformers, 572, 586 Catalyzed organic reactions, 563-564 Cement kilns, 576,590 Centrifugal compressors, 145 application range, 149, 150 cross section, 147... 

Because magnetic bearings do not require lubrication, they are particularly suited to applications such as canned pumps, vacuum pumps, turbo-expanders, and some centrifuges. As of 1994, some centrifugal compressors in the 5000-kW power range had been equipped with magnetic bearings. 

The best compressor type for most current applications is the single-stage radial-flow centrifugal compressor. It is a simple and dependable machine that has proven itself for heavy duty use over a broad range of industrial applications. 

Figure 1. Approximate ranges of application for reciprocating, centrifugal, and axial-flow compressors.

Fluid power encompasses most applications that use liquids or gases to transmit power in the form of mechanical work, pressure and/or volume in a system. This definition includes all systems that rely on pumps or compressors to transmit specific volumes and pressures of liquids or gases within a closed system. The complexity of these systems range from a simple centrifugal pump used to remove casual water from a basement to complex airplane control systems that rely on high-pressure hydraulic systems. 

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