Inlet Guide Vane Performance of Centrifugal Blowers

Abstract

The function and effectiveness of the inlet guide vanes to control the blower output and power requirements are examined. Calculated and experimental results of the power reduction by means of guide vanes are presented. The concept of the “Inlet Specific Speed” widely used in centrifugal pump field is discussed in application to the blowers. A method of estimating the performance of single-stage blowers for any position of the guide vanes is suggested. A “casing characteristic” is introduced for this purpose and its utility for the calculation of the impeller diameter for a reduction of the output is demonstrated. The performance of the inlet vanes of multistage blowers is reviewed.