Centrifugal compressors throttling, 460 variable-speed

Probably the most widely used capacity control for the centrifugal compressor is speed control. The capacity curve when used with speed control covers a wide range. While electric variable speed motors offer a continuation to the speed control practice, there are some other alternatives available. Suction throttling has been widely used and offers a r sonable control range for a relatively low cost. 

Throttling of the suction of centrifugal and axial compressors wastes less power than throttling the discharge. Even less power is wasted by adjustment of built-in inlet guide vanes with a servomechanism which is a feedback control system in which the controlled variable is mechanical position. Speed control is a particularly effective control mode, applicable to large units that can utilize turbine or internal combustion drives control is by throttling of the supply of motive fluids, steam or fuel. 

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