Centrifugal Compressors

Centrifugal Compressors are not positive displacement compressors like the Reciprocating, Screw or Vane Compressors. They use very high speed spinning impellers (up to 60,000 rpm) to accelerate the air then diffuser to decelerate the air.

This process, called dynamic compression, uses velocity to cause an increase in pressure. In most Centrifugal compressors, there are several of these impeller/diffuser combinations. Typically, these machines have intercoolers between each stage to cool the air as well as remove 100% of the condensate to avoid impeller damage due to erosion.