This work is the result of an investigation based on numerous test data supplied by major compressor manufacturers in USA and in Europe. The main objective of the work is to propose improved formulae for the correction of the efficiency, the head, and the flow as influenced by the Reynolds number variation between workshop tests and specified conditions, carried out with the same machine. Tests on hand have shown that a sufficiently good correlation between measured and predicted values can be obtained with the proposed formulae. In addition a proposal is made for the allowable range, taking into account the inherent limitations for accurate testing at low Reynolds numbers. As a conclusion to this study it is recommended that the proposed formulae and allowable range be reviewed by the ASME, the ISO, or any other appropriate associations for adoption in revised test codes for centrifugal compressors.

The paper describes experimental and computational fluid dynamics analyses of the non-uniform static pressure distortion caused by the discharge volute in a high pressure, centrifugal compressor. The experiments described in this paper were done using a heavily instrumented gas re-injection compressor operating at over 6000 psia discharge. Instrumentation was installed to measure static, total, and dynamic pressure as well as impeller strain and mechanical vibrations. A brief description of the compressor and instrumentation are provided. Concurrent with the experimental work, CFD runs were completed to study the reasons for the pressure non-uniformity. The CFD pressure profile trends agreed well with the experimental results and provided analytical corroboration for the conclusions drawn from the test data. Conclusions are drawn regarding: a) the response of the non-uniformity to changing flow rates; b) the extent to which the non-uniformity can be detected upstream of the impeller; and c) the mechanical influences of the non-uniformity on the impellers.

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