Positive displacement compressors are a good solution for many air-consuming applications. However, if you have a high-volume facility with high demand, these compressors won’t suffice. For facilities like these, centrifugal compressors are the best choice.
Centrifugal compressors are dynamic compressors. Unlike positive displacement compressors, which trap a fixed amount of air in a chamber, these compressors work differently. They continually add energy to the air stream.
How Centrifugal Compressors Work: Principles and Key Components
A centrifugal compressor converts rotational kinetic energy into static pressure. The process has two stages: acceleration and pressure conversion.
- Acceleration: Air is drawn into the compressor and into the high-speed rotating impeller. From here, it is forced outwards. This step speeds up the airflow and transfers the impeller’s kinetic energy into the air.
- Pressure Conversion: The high-velocity air is forced into the stationary diffuser. The diffuser decelerates the airflow. This step converts the kinetic energy into static pressure. The compressed air is then captured and forced out of the outlet.
The multi-stage nature of the process means the air delivered is continuous and non-pulsating.
Why UK Businesses Choose Centrifugal Compressors
The intrinsic design of centrifugal compressors naturally provides UK businesses with significant advantages.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy use makes up the largest share of a compressor’s life cycle cost – as much as 80%. Centrifugal compressors provide an extremely high volume of air per kilowatt used. Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) can be added to optimise their use and provide massive energy savings. They can reduce operating costs and contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets.
- Oil-Free Reliability: Delivered to ISO 8573-1 Class 0, many centrifugal compressors provide 100% oil-free air. With no oil in the compressed air system, there is no risk of oil contamination. Oil-free air is an essential requirement for many applications, e.g. food and beverage and pharmaceuticals.
- Low Maintenance: Centrifugal compressors have fewer wearing parts than a reciprocating compressor, therefore, they require less maintenance and fewer unscheduled downtime events.
- Continuous Duty: Centrifugal machines are designed to run 24/7/365 and are the critical infrastructure in many industries, e.g. power generation and UK wastewater treatment plants.
Applications of Centrifugal Compressors in the UK Industry
Centrifugal compressors are widely used across the UK industry, particularly in the following sectors:
- Oil & Gas and Petrochemicals: They are used to compress process gases in the refinery and transport.
- Power Generation: Centrifugal compressors are used alongside gas turbines to produce industrial gases like nitrogen and oxygen. Industrial gases are further used for processes that demand enriched gas streams. Oxygen and nitrogen can be used in processes that require enriched gas streams in air separation units.
- Food & Beverage and Pharmaceuticals: Centrifugal compressors help in the supply of contamination-free air for packaging, bottling and manufacturing of sterile products.
- UK Ceramics Industry: Centrifugal compressors are the most popular choice in the UK ceramics industry. They are utilised for applications such as kiln combustion and pneumatic material conveyors. This is due to their ability to produce the large volumes required.
- Wastewater Treatment: Centrifugal compressors are used in large municipal water treatment facilities for aeration purposes.
Find out more about the wide range of air compressor applications in our comprehensive guide.
UK Compliance and Standards for Centrifugal Compressors
United Kingdom compressed air systems adhere to a range of complex and varied standards. The correct compressor and service partner will be able to support your operation in remaining on top of all necessary legislation.
- ISO 8573-1 Class 0: ISO 8573-1 Class 0 is the international standard for compressed air purity. The most stringent standard will be in use for centrifugal compressors, which are certified to deliver 100% contamination-free air at all times. The food and beverage industry would be most aligned with these. The air quality in medical and other industrial applications is extremely stringent.
- PUWER & COSHH: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) legislation are in place to ensure the health and safety of people in the workplace. An oil-free centrifugal compressor, which is installed correctly and routinely maintained, can help you to remain compliant.
- ESOS & SECR: The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) are UK energy assessments that all large businesses are required to complete. These assessments require businesses to identify and record energy use. High-efficiency centrifugal compressors are one of the most effective ways to cut energy consumption and demonstrate compliance.
Atlas Copco Centrifugal Compressors: Tailored Solutions
J Ll Leach is a Premier Distributor for Atlas Copco and can offer the complete range of quality assured equipment. The Atlas Copco centrifugal product portfolio encompasses the GT Series process industry range, the ZH Series of oil-free products, and the ZB turbo blowers for wastewater applications. The range will meet the specific needs of industry throughout the UK.
Is a Centrifugal Compressor Right for Your Business?
For operations that need a large, continuous air supply, centrifugal compressors deliver. They provide a powerful, energy-efficient solution.
On the one hand, they are a bigger investment. But on the other hand, they can save you significant amounts in both energy and maintenance costs, so if you are a serious industrial air user, it’s worth considering.
J Ll Leach has been offering complete end-to-end solutions, including bespoke system design and air compressor installation, energy audits, proactive maintenance, and breakdown support for over 80 years. Our knowledgeable engineers will guide you through your air demand, help you to find savings, and identify the right compressor to get you the best value in the long run.