Investigation of the Circumferential Static Pressure Non-Uniformity Caused by a Centrifugal Compressor Discharge Volute

The paper describes experimental and computational fluid dynamics analyses of the non-uniform static pressure distortion caused by the discharge volute in a high pressure, centrifugal compressor. The experiments described in this paper were done using a heavily instrumented gas re-injection compressor operating at over 6000 psia discharge. Instrumentation was installed to measure static, total, and dynamic pressure as well as impeller strain and mechanical vibrations. A brief description of the compressor and instrumentation are provided. Concurrent with the experimental work, CFD runs were completed to study the reasons for the pressure nonuniformity. The CFD pressure profile trends agreed well with the experimental results and provided analytical corroboration for the conclusions drawn from the test data. Conclusions are drawn regarding: a) the response of the non-uniformity to changing flow rates; b) the extent to which the non-uniformity can be detected upstream of the impeller; and c) the mechanical influences of the nonuniformity on the impellers.