A Comparison of Manufacturing Methods, Accuracy, Quality Control and Testing Methods as they relate to High Head Low Flow Impeller Efficiency and Overall Compressor Performance

摘要

This paper presents a detailed analysis and evaluation of impeller efficiency and overall compressor performance as they relate to specific impeller manufacturing methods, manufacturing tolerances, and quality control. The manufacturing process used in the construction of an impeller has a direct influence on the impeller's performance. The authors explain and compare different manufacturing methods and introduce the Taguchi Method Application as an available tool for statistical evaluation of key manufacturing parameters influence on impeller performance. As a best practice, manufacturing techniques for one piece impeller production are presented. In the case of high pressure centrifugal compressor applications with very narrow tip width impellers, and corrosive gas applications requiring special materials, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) and ECM (Electrolytic Machining) can be applied as a manufacturing process to improve quality control over conventional manufacturing methods.