Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Swirling Flow in Centrifugal Compressor Volutes

Abstract

Measurements of the three-dimensional flow in a simplified model of a centrifugal compressor volute at design and off-design operation are presented. A nearly constant swirl velocity is observed near the walls and a forced vortex type of flow is observed in the center. This velocity distribution is almost identical at all cross sections and all operating points. An explanation is given on how this swirl distribution results from the specific way a volute is filled with fluid. The throughflow velocity component shows a large crosswise variation. A minimum or maximum velocity is observed at the volute center depending on the operating point. A simple analytic model, based on the radial equilibrium of forces, is described. Calculations for isentropic flows reveal the relation between the swirl distribution and the large increase of throughflow velocity toward the center. This explains why volutes should be designed with negative blockage. Nonisentropic calculations, using the experimental loss distribution, correctly reproduce the measured throughflow velocity and static pressure distribution.