Experience of applying 3D-scanning and CFD calculations to study and optimization the flow in the impeller of a multi-shaft centrifugal compressor

The paper presents an analysis of semi-open centrifugal impellers of a three-stage multi-shaft compressor. A 3D-scanning of the geometry of the impellers is carried out, a CFD calculation is carried out at the design operating mode of the compressor, and the results obtained are analyzed. Problems have been identified with the second stage impeller. Next, the geometry of all three impellers is optimized using Ansys CFX software, an improvement in efficiency and an improvement in the flow pattern are obtained.