Identification of Mechanical Alterations From Their Effect on Performance of a Radial Compressor

An experimental study of the influence of mechanical alterations in a stage of a radial compressor with a vaned diffuser is presented. The mechanical alterations considered correspond to changes which can be produced by the occurrence of faults or deterioration of the compressor. They include the insertion of an inlet obstruction, an obstruction in a diffuser passage, increase of impeller tip clearance, and impeller fouling.The change in the compressor performance parameters, from the reference condition, is established from the experimental results. These changes are referred to the overall stage performance but also to its components, impeller, and diffuser. In order to establish diagnostic abilities, appropriate indices are introduced. The behaviour of these indices is related to the altered stage conditions and the possibility of using them for identifying the stage condition is demonstrated.Copyright © 1995 by ASME