May I ask about the direction of the axial force in multi-cylinder centrifugal compressors?
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May I ask about the direction of the axial force in multi-cylinder centrifugal compressors? For example, if stage 1 and stage 2 are arranged back to back on one shaft, and stage 3 and stage 4 are also arranged back to back on another shaft, in which direction does this axial force point?
Levels 1 and 3 show the maximum axial force!
Such axial forces can balance each other out
Generally, this axial force tends to be on the low-pressure side, but during design the axial forces must be balanced with each other
During operation, the axial force is already balanced; at startup, the axial force moves from high to low along an axis, and it is balanced by the thrust bearings and balance discs.
The axial force has a secondary balancing effect that counteracts it; generally, the axial force acts from the high-pressure side toward the low-pressure side.
This one doesn’t have a balance tube; 4 cylinders are arranged symmetrically
The axial force in this arrangement is generally quite low; therefore, upon opening it, you will find that there are no thrust bearings. The axial thrust is maintained by the part on the shaft being locked onto the large gear.
Symmetric arrangement; the axial forces have been canceled out during design
Thrust bearings are available, along with radial bearings