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Gautam Chhibber, Steffen
Jahrmarcht, and Scott Tackett,
Siemens, USA, explore how
additive manufacturing technology
can optimise the production of
centrifugal compressors.
R
adial impellers play an integral role
in the performance and reliability of
turbocompressors. The stresses placed
on the impellers during operation are
typically higher than those placed on any other
component of the rotating assembly. As a result,
even the smallest manufacturing defects can lead
to (at best) inefficient operation and (at worst)
total compressor failure. Both have significant
cost implications for users, particularly pipeline
operators, who require compressor stations to
operate efficiently 24/7/365.
Unlike many other spare parts, impellers must
be precisely manufactured to meet the specific
aerodynamic, thermal,
and
mechanical requirements
of the compression application. They cannot be
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