Rotary Compressors

Isothermnal efficiency should be

13 Isentropic efficiency should be better better
Higher compression efficiency, if| Higher compression eficiencva
14 than 2
pressure ratio less than 2 pressure ratio more

No flexibility in capacity and Greater flexibility in capacity and

15
pressure range
pressure range

8.16. AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR

In axial flow compressor, the air flows throughout the compressor in a
direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the machine and air is continuously
compressed. Axial flow compressors are aerofoilbased rotary compressors. The
compressor blades are made in aerofoil sectidn based on aerodynamic theory. The
rotor of an axial compressor is also made aerodynamic shape. The several rows of
aerofoil blades are used to achieve large pressure rise in the compressor.
The axial flow compressors are generally multi- stage compressors, each stage
can give a pressure ratio of 1.2 to 1.3. The axialflow compressorsaresuitable for
higher pressure ratios and are generally more efficient than centrifugal compressors
Axial flow compressors are widely used in gas turbine plants and small power
stations. They are also used in industrial applications such as blast-furnace air, large
volume air-separation plants, and propane dehydrogenation. They are also used to
boost the power of automotive reciprocating engines by compressing the intake air.

CONSTRUCTION OF AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR

Figure 8.16 shows the construction and working of an axial flow compressor.
An axial flow compressor consists of adjacent rows of moving blades (rotor blades)
and fixed blades (stator blades). The rows of moving blades are mounted on
the rotating drum (rotor) and rows of fixed blades are fixed to the casing of the
compressor. A pair ofrotating and stationary blade rows is called a stage.
The moving blades are imparting kinetic energy into the fluid and the fixed
bladesconvert a part of kinetic energy of the fluid into pressure energy througn
diffusion process carried out in the diverging blade passage. The fixed blades als0
ock.
guide and redirect the fluid into the next stage of moving blades without anyshock
So the fixed vanes are also called guide vanes.

The annular the

area for air flow is gradually reduced from the o
inlet to
outlet ofthe compressor. This is to keep the flow velocity constant throughout

496
 Rotary Compressors
nnressor. The blades are
made in aerofoil
hck. turbulence and section to reduce the
also made aerodynamic
in boundary separation. The rotor of an axial
losses due to
shape. compressor is

Inlet guide vanes

Stator ( casing)
Delivery vanes

Air delivery

Air IN-

-Drive shaft

Air delivery

Moving blades S
Fixed blades R
Stator (Fixed) blades
Rotor (Moving) blades
Figure 8. 16. Axial flow
wORKING compressor
The work input to the rotor shaft is transferred
thus
accelerating air flow. The moving blades are so by moving blades to the air,
the
the blades form
diverging passages (diffuser passages) arranged
and
that the gap between
air relative to the-blades is
decreased as air
hence the velocity of the
increase in pressure and enthalpy (increase in passes through them and results in to
then further diffused in the stator pressure and
blades (fixed blades) whichtemperature).
are also
The air is
diverging passages (diffuser passages). The fixed blades also arranged form
an
angle for smooth entry to next row of moving blades guide air to flow at
the
to have a
relatively large number of stages (from 5 to 14 (second have
stage) It is usual
stages
temperature rise of air is almost same in moving as well as in been used). 'The
velocity of air remains constant fixed blades and axial
throughout compressor.
the
8.17. VELOCITY
DIAGRAMS FOR AXIAL FLOW
Figure. 8.18 shows the velocity triangles for one COMPRESSOR
The following points should be considered for the stage of axial flow compressor.
for an axial
flow construction of velocity triangle
All angles are compressor.
measured from the axial direction.
The blade velocity (u,) at inlet and the blade
velocity (u,) at outlet remains same.

497
Rotary Compressors

That is u, = u,= u. This is because the air enters and leaves the moving blada.
ing blades a
almost equal radii.
3. Flow velocity throughout the compressor remains constant. Flow velocity (
at inlet is equal to the flow velocity (V,) at outlet. That is Vg = V
velocity (V
4. Due to diffusion of air in the diverging passages formed by moving blades. tha.
is some pressure rise. This occurs when the velocity of air relative to the blades
es
decreases as passing through the diverging passage of the moving blades.S
relative velocity of air at outlet (V,) is less than the relative velocity of air at inlet
(V). That is V< V
5. Both the whirl velocity components V and V lie in the same plane.
6. Since work done on the air by the rotor, hence the absolute velocity of air at
outlet (V.) is larger than the absolute velocity at inlet (V,). That is V,>
of air
Air approaches the rotor blade with absolute velocity (V,) at an angle (a)
with axial direction. The relative velocity (V) of air with respect to moving blade
is obtained by vector sum of absolute velocity of air (V,) and tangential velocity of
blade (u,). The relative velocity (V,) has the inclination (8) with the axial direction.
Due to diffusion in the diverging
passages which formed by moving blades, the
relative velocity of air at outlet (V,) is less than the relative of air at inlet
(V). Since work is done by moving blades on the air, the absolute velocity of air at
velocity
outlet (V,) is larger than the absolute
velocity of air at inlet (V,).
Inlet velocity of air
B

Axial VrI
Direction v
( -Vw) -Vw
Aero foil-
moving blades
(Rotor blades)
InletVelocity Triangle
-Outlet velocity of air

Aero foil V
fixed blades
(Stator blades) R
u-Vw Vw2

utlet Vetociuy Triangle

Axiat
Duecton

Figure 8.18. Velocity diagram

for axial flow compresso
498
 Rotary Compressors
18, WORK DONE OF AXIAL FLOW
According to general Euler's equation forCOMPRESSOR
turbines, centrifugal pump, compressors etc:-):- turbo-machines (Hydraulic
Work input per second per stage by the axial flow
Work input per second per compressor is given by
stage m (V u,- V, u,) =

m
Mass flow rate of air =

p, Q,= P,Q,
(In the case of compressor,
and
density of air varying)
p, p, Density of air at inlet and outlet cf compressor
=

Q, and Q, Discharge of air at inlet and outlet of

=
respectively.
For axial flow compressor respectively.
compressors, u, u, u =Blade velocity
= =

Work input per second

per stage m
(V..- V.,) =
u

Vwand V Whirl component of absolute

=

velocity of air at inlet and

outlet respectively
Total work input per second =
(V-V ux Number of stages.
m

According to
thermodynamic relationship, the total work input per second
on the air is given by
Total work input per second =
mC, (T,2-T)
Ta Total temperature or stagnation temperature of air at inlet of the compressor.
T= Total temperature or
stagnation temperature of air at outlet of the compressor.
The expression for work done may be written in terms of flow velocity, axial
velocity and air angles.
From inlet velocity triangle, as shown in figure 8.18, tana =
V=V x tana
From outlet velocity triangle, as shown in figure 8.18, tanß=
V=VXxtanß
Then, the work input by the axial flow compressor can also be written as
Work input per second,
per stage m
(V, tanß V,, tana) u
= -

For axial flow

compressor, V= V=V
Workinput per second, per stage mu V, (tanß tana) = -

1otal work
input per second mu V, (tanß tana) x Number
=

of stages
-

499
 Rotary Compressor

m Mass flow rate of air uTangential velocity of the blade

V, low velocity of air in the compressor
at which air leaves the compressor)
A i r angle at outlet (Theangle
which air enters the compressor)
aAirangle at inlet (The angle at
8.19 DEGREE OF REACTION
The degree of reaction is detined as the ratio of statie pressure rise in the
rotor blade to the total static pressure rise in the compressor,
Pressure rise in the rotor blade
Degree of reaction Tatal
To oresaure rise in the compressor
When the air passing through the diverging passages of moving blades, the
relative velocity of air decreases. The relative velocity of air at outlet is less than the
relative velocity of air at inlet. That is when the air passing through the diverging
passages of rotor blades, the kinetic energy of air due to the relative velocity is
converted into static pressure.
Pressure rise in the
rotor blade m (,- V,) m

Total pressure rise in the compressor Work

input by the compressor
mu(V-V)

Degree of reaction
m (V-V,)
mu (V., -V.,)

Degree of reaction (VV)

2(V-V.)u
From the inlet velocity triangle, from figure: 8.18, V, V, (u,V.
tan
(,-V)
V

(u,-V) V,, x tan)

V V V,' tan'0 . (1)

From the outlet velocity
triange, Irom ligure8.i8, V,,V, (u,-V
tan
(u, V)

500
 Rotary Compressors

(u,- V, = Vnxtand

V= V+V tan. **** .

(2)

From inlet velocity triangle, tana =

V
V=VX tana. (3)

From outlet velocity triangle, tanß = 2V2

V. =V Xtanß.. .. (4)

Substituting all the above values in the equation of degree of reaction.

V+V tan0 - (V,+V tan' o)
Degree of reaction =

2(Vtanß V tana)u
For axialflow compressors, V = V= V

tan' ¢
V +V,° tan 0 -V,-V
Degree of reaction =
2(V, tanß - V, tana ) u

v (tan0- tan' o)
2 Vtanß - tana )u

Vtan tan' o)
Degree of reaction
=

2u(tanß -

tana
From symmetry of inlet and outlet velocity triangles,
as shown in figure 8.18.
a = o and B=6
V.tan 0 -tan'¢)
Degree of reaction
2u (tan tan

Vtan + tano) (tan - tand)

2u (tan- tano

V,tan + tano
Degree of reaction =

2u
* * * * * * * * * * * *

501
Rotary Compressors

Usually the degree ofreaction in axial flow compressor is taken as 50% = 0.5 =

V,tan0+ tan)
2u
u= V, (tane + tan))
Example 8.7. An axial flow compressor having 8 stages and with 50% degree of
reaction. It compresses air with a pressure ratio of 4. The inlet conditions of air are
20C and 1 bar. The air flows through the compressor with a constant velocity of
90 m/s. The mean speed of the rotor blade is 180 m/s. Isentropic
efficiency ofthe
compressor 82%. Calculate.
(i) Work done by the machine per Kg of air i) Blade angles
Given data
Number of stages of axial flow compressor = 8
Degree of reaction of the compressor = 50% = 0.5

Overall pressureratio, =4
The inlet temperature of air, T, = 20°C = (20 + 273) = 293 K
The inlet pressure of air, P, I bar 1 x 10' N/m*
=
=

Flow velocity of air through the

compressor, V, 90 m/s =

Mean speed of the rotor blade, u = 180 m/s

Isentropic efficiency of the compressor, n 82% = 0.82
Solution

Isentropic eficiency (T-1)

(T-T)
For isentropic compression (process I -8'), we have
4

(P 1485

T145T, 1,485 x 293435,39 K

( 1) (41.291) 142.39
( ( 1) ( 293
(1 293
 Rotary Compressors

(-293)= 142.39 142.39

0.82 173.64
lisen
T. = 173.64 + 293 = 466.64 K

Final temperature of air after 8

stages, T, =
466.64 K

T
Pg
(Outlet of compressor
Ts after 8 stages)
P
Ts

Actual compression of air

T Isentropic compression of air

(Inlet of compressor)

Figure 8.19

Work input bythe compressor on the air = m C, (T, -T,)

Work input per kg of air = C, (T,- T)

Assume C for air = 1005 J/Kg-K

Work input per kg of air = 1005 (466.64 293) = 174508.2 J/Kg = 174.5 KJ/Kg

Total work input by the compressor on air is also represented by the equation
Total work input = mu
(V-V.) x Number of stages
Total work input per Kg of air = u (V-V)x Number of stages

Draw the inlet and outlet velocity triangles of the axial flow compressor

From the inlet velocity triangle, tana =

V= V, x tana
503
Rotary Compressors

V
From the outlet velocity triangle, tanß=
VFe
V V,xtanß
Axial
direction

Tangential r
direction
Ve

U-Vw u-Vw Vw2

Inlet velocity triangle Outlet velocity triangle

Figure 8.20
Total work input per Kg of air (V- V)x Number of stages
u

174508.2= u (V, tanß V, tana) x Number

of stages
-

174508.2= u
V, (tanß tana) x
-

Number of stages
174508.2= 180 x 90 x (tanß - tana) x
174508.2 129600 x (tanß -

tana)
(tan tana) = 174508.2 1.346
129600
Using synmmetry of inlet and outlet triangles of axial flow
a = and
compressor
B=6
Then, (tan tand) =1.346. .. (1)
Degree of reaction =
x
(tan6 +
tand)
90
0.5
2x180 and +
tano) =
0.25 x (tane + tand)
(tane+tand) =
0.52
0.25 (2)
504
 Rotary Compressors
From equations (1) and (2)
tane tand = 1.346
tant+ tand =2

2 tant 3.346

3.3461.673
2
=tan (1.673) =59.13
tan tand = 1.346

1.673 tand = 1.346

tand= 1.673 1.346 =0.327
t a n ' (0.327) = 18.1°

Answers
Work done by the machine per kg of air = 174. 5 KJ/Kg
Blade angle at inlet with axial direction, 0
Blade angle at outlet with axial direction,
=
59.13
= 18.1°

8.20. FLOW-CO EFFICIENT OF AXIAL COMPRESSOR

Flow co-efficient of axial compressor is defined as the ratio of the axial flow
velocity (V,) of air to blade tangential velocity (u). It is designated as (¢,).
Axial flow velocity of air
Flow co-efficient, PTangential blade velocity
u

Degree of reaction of axial flow compressor is given by

Degree of reaction
=

2u
(tane + tano)
50% 0.5
Usually degree of reaction
= =

0.5 2u
(tanG+tan)
0.5x 2 u = V, (tan6 + tanp)

u = V, (tan+ tand)

505
Rotary Compressors

Then, Flow ratio, o = V

u V. (tan0 + tan)) tan +tan¢
From symmetry of inlet and outlet velocity triangles, as shown in figure 8.18.
a = and B= 0

Flow co efficient,
9tan B + tana
Where, a =
Air
angle at inlet of the compressor
B= Air angle at outlet of the compressor
8.21. WORK CO-EFFICIENT OR HEAD C0-EFFICIENT
Work co-efficient or head co-efficient is defined as the ratio of
actual work
done on the air to the kinetic
of the blade. It is designated as
energy corresponding to the mean
peripheral velocity
Actual work done on air
Work or head co- efficient, , = Kinetic energy corresponding to
mean peripheral velocity of the blade
Actual work done on the air by the compressor
C, (T, T) =
m -

Kinetic energy corresponding to mean

peripheral velocity of the blade =mu'
Then, Work or head co efficient, ¢»= mC, (T-T)
mu
2
8.22. PRESSURE CO-EFFICIENT
Pressure co-efficient is defined as the ratio of isentropic work done in the
compressor to kinetic energy corresponding to mean
blade. It is peripheral velocity of the
designated by (6,).
Pressure co-efficient, Pp* Isentropic work done on the air
Kinetic energy corresponding
to mean
peripheral velocity of the blade
Isentropic work done on the air =
m C, (T, -

T,)
Isentropic eficiency, isen (T-T
(T,-T)
506 *
 Rotary Compressors

(T-T)= n.x (T-T,)

Isentropic work done
on the air = m C, x n,en x
(T,- T,)
to mean peripheral velocity ofthe blade =
mu
Kinetic energy corresponding 2
m C, x
en x(T, T)
Pressure co-efficient, ¢, =

1
mu?
2
m C, (T, -T)
senx- 1
mu'

we have, mC,1 (T-T)

mu?

Then, p lisen
at 20°C and delivers it at 50°C.
8.8. An axial flow compressor draws air
Example is 100 m/s,
Calculate the velocity of flow, if blade velocity
Assuming 50% reaction.
1.005 KJ/Kg-K. Assume air angle at
inlet 10° and air
work factor is 0.85. Take C,
=

angleat exit = 40°. Find also the number of stages.

Given data
20°C (20+ 273) = 293 KK
Inlet temperature of air T,
= =

50°C (50 +273) = 323 K

Delivery temperature of air, T,
= =

of reaction, 50% 0.5

= =

Degree
Blade velocity u = 100 m/s
Work factor, o = 0.85

1.005 x 1000 J/Kg-K

C, for air =1.005 KJ/Kg-K
=

Air angle at inlet, a = 10°

Air Angle at outlet, ß = 40°

Solution
Degree of reaction by using symmetry of inlet and
outlet velocity triangle is given by

Degree of reaction = (tan + tan

507
 Rotary Compressors
tntenëstettvmisre

For symmetry of inlet and outlet velocity triangles of axial flow compressors,

40 and a-10

0.5 (tan40+ tan10°)

2 x 100

0.5 0.00507 V,

VE.-98.619
0.00507
m/s
Flow velocity of air through the compressor = 98.619 m/s

Actual work done on the air per stage

Work Factor
Theoretical work done or Euler work
done on the air per stage

Work factor =
m
C, (T, -T) C, (T, -T)
mu(Vw Vw)u(Vw-Vw
C, (T - T,) =
Work factor (VW-Vw
x u

C, (T -T) =
0.85 x
100 x (VwaV,,) 85 (VW-Vw=

Draw the inlet and outlet

velocity triangles for finding V and Vw
Axial
direction

Tangential N
direction

Vw
U-Vw
mlet velocity triangle
Outlet velocity triangle
Figure 8.20
508
 Rotary Compressors

the inlet
velocity triangle, tana =

rom

tana x V = tan 10° x 98.619 = 17.389 m/sec

VwI
theoutlet velocity triangle, tanß
=

From Va
V. = tanß x V»= tan 40° x 98.619 = 82.751 m/s
W2
C.(T, - T) = 85 (V2 - V = 85 (82.751 - 17.389) = 5555.77 }/Kg

C,(T, - T,) = Actual work done on the air per stage per Kg of air

Actual work done on the air per stage per Kg of air = 5555.77 J/Kg

Total actual work done on the air in the compressor = m C, (T,-T,

Totalactual work done per stage per Kg

of air in the compressor =
C, (T.- T,)
323 KK
T =
Temperature of air after (n) stage
=
Delivery temperature of air =

Total actual work done per Kg of air = 1.005 x 1000 (323 293) = 30150 J/KKg

Total actual work done per kg air

Number of stages Actual work done per kg ot air per stag
30150
= 5.426 = 6 stages
Number of stages 5555.77
Answers
= 98.619 m/s
through the compressor
velocity of flow
=6 stages
Number of stages in the compressor m/s and
a constant
axial velocity of 160
c o m p r e s s o r has
pie8.9. An axial flow is 38 cm and speed
is
50% degree of reaction. The mean diameter of the blade ring
inlet and work
Calculate blade angle at
pm. Ihe exit angle of
blade is 290.
ddone
per Kg of air.
Given Data
160 m/s
Xlal velocity of flow is constant, V, =

0.5
Degree of reaction =50% =

=38 cm= 0.58 m

blade ring, D
can diameter of the
=16000 rpm
peed of the compressor, N
Exit angle of blade, d= 29
509
****
 Rotary Compressors

Solution

Mean velocity of the blade, u

TtDN
60
x 0.38
60
x

16000318.348 m/s
Degree of reaction by using symmetry of inlet and outlet velocity triangles is given by

Degree of reaction =L tan +tan¢

2u
160
0.5 2. x 318.348 tand+
2x 318.348 tan29") = 0.251 (tane +0.554)
tan6 +0.554 = 0.3= 1.992
0.251

tane 1.992 0.554 1.438

tan (1.438) = 55.180
Blade angle at inlet, 0 = 55.18°
Work done per stage = mu(Vwa- V)
Work done per stage per Kg of air =u (Vw2-Vw)
From the inlet velocity triangle as shown in figure 8.20, tana = VwL
From the
V
symmetry of inlet and outlet velocity triangles
= p 55.18 and = a =29
=

w t a n a x V , = tan 29° x 160 = 88.689 m/s

From the outlet velocity triangle as shown in figure 8.20, tanß=

V = tanß x V, = tan 55.18° x 160 230.038 m/s
V,
w2

Work done per stage per Kg of air =u

(Vw- Vw)
318.348 x
(230.038-88.689) =
44998.313 J Kg 44.998
=
KJ/Kg
Answers
Blade angle at inlet 55.18 =

Work done per Kg of air 44.998

KJ/Kg
=

Example 8.10. An axial flow compressor of 50% reaction has a blade outlet ange
of 350. The flow velocity is 0.5 times the mean blade
velocity. The speed of the
is 8000 rpm. The stagnation condition of air at the entry is 1.013 bar and 10°Crotor
and
the static pressure at this section is 0.91 bar. Draw the velocity triangle and find he
power required to run the compressor, mass flow rate and
mean diameter of roto
The mean flow area is 0.5 m'

510
 uwalisiiit 59956841913195599959549949899988625456456191sssnsess
Rotary Compressors
niemeeomess

Given data

Degree of reaction of the compressor =

50% =
0.5
Blade angle at outlet, ¢ =
350
Flow velocity through
the
compressor, V, =

0.5 u
Speed of the rotor, N = 8000 rpmn
Stagnation pressure of air at entry, P,, = 1.013 bar
Stagnation temperature of air at entry, T, =
10°C =
(10+ 273)= 283 K
Static of air at
pressure entry, P, =0.91 bar
Mean flow area of the compressor, A 0.5 =
m?
Solution

Va
Va Ve
- Vw Vw1 u- Vw2 Vw2
u

Inlet velocity triangle Outlet velocity triangie

Figure. 8.21
To find the static
temperature (T,) at entry, draw the temperature-entropy
diagram (T-S diagram) of axial flow compressor.

o2
02 P2

02
Po1 Stagnation pressure
2 P Static pressure

01 Actual compression process

Isentropic compression
S
T S Diagram
Figure 8.22. T-S diugram

511
Rotary Compressors
ESST1155361H9SJNEIES95H1Ota93RNISEHRS
calculated as
The static temperature
at entry (T,) can be
1.4 -1
0.91 4 = 0.969

Pau 1.013

0.969 283 =274.46 K

T, =0.969x T
= x

The equation ofstagnation temperature

at entry is given by T,, =T, +
2C
= (T-T,) = (283 - 274.46) = 8.54

2Cp
2 8.54 2 1.005 x 1000 =17165.4
V = 8.54 x C, = x x

(Assume C, = 1.005 KJ/Kg-K for air)

V, =
V17165.4 131lm/s
Velocity of air at inlet of the compressor, V, = 131 m/s

From the inlet velocity triangle, cos a =

i
V
For axial flow compressor, from the
symmetry of inlet and outlet velocity triangles
a =
o 35=

V= COs ax V, = cos 35° x 131 =

107.3 m/s
For axial flow
compressor, V= V= V, =
107.3 m/s
From given data, Flow velocity, V, = 0.5 u

107.3
u0.5 0.5
= 214.6 m/s

Mean blade velocity, u =

214.6 m/s

Mean blade velocity, u=DN

60

D=
ux60 214.6 60
= 0.512 nm
Tt N T 8000

512
 Rotary Compressors

{ean diameter ofthe rotor blade, D = 0.512 m = 51.2 cm

e r input to the compressor = m u ( V V ) x Number of stages

Power WZ

Number of stages =
1
sume
wer input to the compressor per Kg of air = u (V-V.,)
Powerinpu

From the inlet velocity triangle; tana =w

V V,
107.3 tan 35 75.132 m/s
V= V,X tana = x =

velocity triangle, tand =

,-Vwz
From outlet
Va

(u,- V =
V, x tano = 107.3 x tan 35 = 75.132

V u,- 75.132 =
(214.6 75.132) =139. 468 m/s
Power input to the compressor per Kg of air = u (V.-V

= 214.6 x (139.468 -75.132) = 13806.5 J/Kg =13.806 KJ/Kg of air

Tofind mass flow rate of air (m):-

Mass flow rate of air, m =p, Q,=P,9

0.91x 10
= 1.155 Kg/m*
at inlet
P,- Density of air
=

RT 287 x 274.46

(R= gas constant for air

= 287 J/Kg-K)

Flow area at inlet x Flow velocity at inlet

Discharge of air at inlet
=

Q =

=0.5 107.3 = 53.65 m'/s

Q x

1.155 x 53.65 = 61.96 Kg/sec

of air, m =p, Q
=

Mass flow rate

Answers
the compressor
= 13.806 KW/Kg of air
Power required to run

Mass flow rate of air = 61.96 Kg/sec

51.2 cm
Mean diameter ofrotor
=

513