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Computational Fluid-dynamics

Advanced CFD analysis allows better performance of
turbo and reciprocating compressors

3D Model CFD simulation is an essential tool in the design of turbomachinery. It enables the following improved design capabilities:

  • accurate characterization of velocity fields
  • pressure distribution
  • loss sources
  • design and off-design performance verification
  • identification of critical points

CST has access to the most advanced software, hardware and skill to perform 3D Modelling, CFD simulation for the design of new centrifugal compressors and revamping of existing units.

CST utilizes 3D Modelling CFD simulation also for designing gas flow path in the cylinders of reciprocating compressors. In this specific field, CST has also developed a parametric computational tool (CylOpt) for the preliminary design of valve-valve pocket area.

Some examples of CST 3D model CFD simulation

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR CYLINDER 3D CFD SIMULATION

Gas path from the compression chamber through the valve-valve pocket to the cylinder plenum is of utmost importance for the efficiency of the compressor. CST designs this critical area in two steps:
1) A mono dimensional computational software CylOpt,
2) A CFD analysis to fine tune the shape of the whole gas path.

3D CFD ANALYSIS OF A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR IMPELLER

3D CFD analysis is often used to analyze modifications to compressor components to improve the performance of existing compressors. For example, a specific CFD simulation was done by CST to assess the performance decay due to the erosion of the impeller blade tip and implement its recovery by refurbishing a new modified impeller.