CST14 - Design and Implementation of Swirl Brakes for Enhanced Rotordynamic Stability in an Off?shore Centrifugal Compressor

Abstract

Rotordynamic stability of gas compressors at high speeds and operating pressures is a significant technical challenge. Dynamic instability must be avoided for the sake of safe, reliable and continuous operation of turbomachinery. During the last few decades, the industry has successfully used swirl-brakes in a Teeth-on-Stator configuration for many applications. This case study presents the design, testing and successful implementation of swirl-brakes for a Teeth-on-Rotor configuration to improve rotordynamic stability.