Passive Flow Control for Centrifugal Compressors with Bents Intake Manifold

Abstract

Centrifugal compressors installations often require bents conduits at the intake due to space constraints. The intake bent manifold creates flow distortion affecting unfavorably the global performance of the compressor. The degradation caused by the inadequate inlet conditions due to turbulence and inlet flow disturbance, which negatively affects the flowing fluid through the curved intake manifold. Hence, significant distortions, within presence of single or twin core vortices whirling off center of the impeller intake alter flow incidence angle and consequently the impeller circumferential energy. Furthermore, inadequate bends configurations generate higher incidence angles, which lead to boundary layer separation and stalling. This paper deals with a 3D numerical investigations of dual bends located upstream of the centrifugal compressor. Several bend setting positions at the compressor intake describing various sequences of intake piping are considered. As first results, specific positions of dual bends are identified for fewer flow disturbance at the impeller eye and stable outflow controlling the incidence angel in a passive mode. it is less cumbersome and cost effective compared to additional devices. For practical industrial prediction, this investigation contribute also toward a mathematical correlation to check the adequacy of intermediate manifold configuration in order to predict the corresponding incidence angle at the impeller intake of the centrifugal compressor for enhanced performance and instantaneous control.