AXIAL FLOW

COMPRESSOR
MADE BY
-LAD KEVAL(160050119038)

-MAHTO RAMESH(160050119039)
-KESHAV KUMAR SHUKLA(160050119034)
 INTRODUCTION

• When Air flow parallel to the axis of compressor, hence it is known as axial flow
compressor. Efficiency of compressor is 80%.
• An Axial Flow Compressor is a machine that can continuously pressurise gases. It is a
rotating , air foil-based compressor in which the gas or working fluid principally flows parallel to
the axis of rotation.
• Axial flow compressor produce a continuous flow of compressed gas, and have the benefits
of high efficiency and large mass rate , particularly in relation to their size and cross-section.
 CONSTRUCTION

• Axial flow compressor consists of casing fitted with several rows of fixed blades (known as
stator) and several rows of moving blades which are attached on rotor as shown in fig.
• The fixed and moving blades are placed on alternative rows. The fixed blades(stator) and
moving blades(rotor) are as close as possible for efficient flow.
 CONSTRUCTION

• The one set of rotor blades and one set of stator blades called stage.
• The number of stages in axial flow compressor depends upon the pressure ratio required. Usually 5 to
14 stages are used.
• The length of blades is reduced in direction of flow to compensate for the reduction in volume resulting
form the increased pressure.
• Generally, the max pressure ratio achieved in a stage of axial compressor is about 1.12 to 1.2, hence to
obtain pressure ratio of 12, attainable by axial flow compressor 15 to 20 stages are required.
• The blades are arranged such a way that the space b/n the blades form diffuser passages and hence the
velocity of air is reduced and pressure increases.
 WORKING

• The basic working principle of axial flow compressor is the same as that of the centrifugal
compressor. Here also the K.E of air is increased by rotating blades, which is converted into pressure
energy.
• The air enters axially into inlet guide vanes where it is turned through a certain angle to impinge on
the first row of moving blades with proper angle to attack.
• The work input the rotor shaft is transferred by the moving blades to the air. Therefore, rotating
blades adds K.E to the air, the velocity of air is increased.
• Since, the space b/n the blades is decreased and pressure rise also takes place in moving blades as
shown.
• Air is then discharged at proper angle to the first row of fixed blades.
 WORKING

• Function of fixed blade is to receive the high velocity air from moving blades.
• When air passes through fixed blades they reduces velocity and increases the pressure,
also direct the flow to next row of moving blades.
 MAIN PARTS

• Following are the two main elements of an axial flow compressor:-

1. Rotor
2. Stator
• Rotor is the rotating element of the compressor. The stator is the fixed element of the
compressor. The rotor & stator both are enclosed in a compressor.
• The rotor has a fixed blades that force the air rearward much like an aircraft propeller.
• The job of the stators is to increase pressure and keep the flow from spiralling around the axis
by bringing the flow back parallel to the axis.
 STALLING

• Stalling is an important phenomenon that affects the performance of the compressor.

• Stalling is the separation of flow from the blade surface. The blade stall is mostly associated
with reduced flow rate.
• The large value of incidence causes the separation of flow from suction side of the blades,
known as positive stalling.
• On the pressure side of blades flow separation occurs due to negative incidence which is
known as negative stalling.
 ROTATING STALL

• When stall is moving at certain speed in the opposite direction of rotor(blade) motion then
stall is known as rotating stall.
• Non-uniformity of air flow in the rotor blades may disturb local air flow in the compressor
without upsetting it. The compressor continues to work normally but with reduced
compression. Thus, rotating stall decreases the effectiveness of the compressor.
 EFFECTS OF STALLING

1. This reduces efficiency of the compressor.

2. Forced Vibrations in the blades due to passage through stall compartment.
3. These forced vibrations may match with the natural frequency of the blades causing
resonance and hence failure of the blade.
 SURGING

• In the plot of pressure-flow rate the line separating graph between two regions- unstable and
stable is known as the surge line.
• This line is formed by joining surge points at different rpms. Unstable flow in axial compressor
due to complete breakdown of steady through flow is term as surging. This phenomenon
affects the performance of compressor and is undesirable.
 SURGING

• Surging happens when the forward flow stops and tries

to move back. Flow needs to be increased. Sometimes an
anti surge valve is installed in the discharge to lower
pressure drop and thus increase flow which moves the
compressor away from the surge point.
• Surging can destroy a compressor if not quickly
corrected.
STAGE LOSSES IN AXIAL FLOW COMRESSOR

1.PROFILE LOSS:- This loss occurs due to growth of boundary layer and its separation on the
blade profile. Separation of boundary layer occurs when adverse pressure gradient on surface
becomes too steep, this increases profile loss.
2.Annulus Loss:- It is friction loss and occurs due to compressor annulus walls friction as
shown in fig. Due to friction the pressure loss increases.
3. Secondary Loss:- This loss occurs due to secondary flows in blades passage as shown in fig.
In axial flow compressor certain secondary flows are produced by combined effect of curvature
and boundary layer. It is produced when a stream-wise of component of velocity from deflection
of an initially sheared flow.
4. Tip Leakage loss:- Tip clearance between blades and casing causes leakage of fluid from
pressure side to suction side of blades as shown in fig. Therefore scraped by boundary layer of
casing increases tip leakage and generates additional secondary flow.
 ADVANTAGES OF AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR

1. High peak efficiency.

2. Small frontal area for given flow.
3. Straight through flow, allowing high ram efficiency.
4. Increased pressure rise due to increased number of stages with negligible losses.
 DISADVANTAGES OF AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR

1. Good efficiency over narrow rotational speed range.

2. Manufacturing is difficult.
3. Cost is very high.
4. Heavy weight.
5. High starting power requirements.
THANK YOU☺