New Features in the Design of Axial-Flow Compressors With Tandem Blades

A multitude of examinations and studies of compressor blades with 100 percent reaction have shown that tandem blades can advantageously be used in stationary industrial axial flow compressors, designed for applications in the chemical, iron and steel industries. Because there are no limitations for axial flow compressors with tandem blades, this type of compressor can operate up to maximum pressure ratios of 10 for suction volume flow of about 600,000 m3 /h. In particular, the handling of light gases, such as helium, leads also to large sizes. Based on measurements taken on a four-stage experimental compressor, criteria are developed for the design of axial flow compressors with tandem blades. The basic concept of a multi-stage industrial compressor provides for the combined arrangement of compressor stages of single and tandem-cascade design. This permits an optimum performance to be achieved at a considerable reduction of the constructional expenditure.