In contrast to other types of compressor, the centrifugal compressor is related to the dynamic type of device. This type represents high-output units.

It is necessary to distinguish between barrel and multi-shaft centrifugal compressors. The barrel compressors are divided into single-casing and multiple-casing, single-section and multiple-section machines. Klaster Trading House supplies all types of centrifugal compressor under the most famous international brand names.

The principle of operation of a centrifugal compressor is different from that of a positive displacement machine. Gas through the variable guide vanes finds its way to the compressor’s impeller where it receives kinetic energy due to high rotational speed. The gas travels from the center of the impeller to the wall the collision with which allows kinetic energy obtained to be converted to pressure energy. Thereby the gas is compressed and passes to the next impeller where the compression process is repeated.

The barrel compressors are mostly used as part of a gas pumping unit and are capable of handling hydrocarbon or process gases and chemical processes. Their power ranges from 1 MW to 64 MW. The drive unit of this compressor may consist of an electric motor or gas turbine (aviation turbine) plant. In each particular case, the selection of the type of drive is based on the compressor’s power requirement and availability of fuel reserves or electricity necessary to ensure its operation.

The multiple-shaft centrifugal compressors are used in large-scale systems supplying technological processes with compressed air and nitrogen and in fuel gas supply plants as well. The drive unit of this type of compressor is an electric motor.

The centrifugal compressors are technically complex machines and provided with a lot of associated technological equipment and systems.

The centrifugal compressor’s throughput can be controlled by an anti-surge line, changing rotational speed of the compressor’s shaft or variable guide vanes.

The centrifugal compressor is capable of flowing any quantity of compressed gas at any pressure at discharge. Its power can amount to as many as several tens of megawatts.