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ABSTRACT
The objective of this experiment is to carry out a performance test for a centrifugal blower. Performance test is done
to determine, under actual operating conditions, the volume flow
rate, power input and pressure rise across the blower. In this
experiment, the blower is made to operate under different loads
with the help of a control valve. The speed of the motor and the
static and dynamic pressure heads are measured using a tachometer and a manometer and input power using an energy meter. The
characteristics of the blower are plotted from which operating
conditions and efficiency can be determined.
INTRODUCTION
NOMENCLATURE
a1 Area of venturi in m2
a2 Area of throat in m2
Cd Coefficient of discharge of venturimeter
hs Static head measured by manometer
Ha Head causing flow
Hd Dynamic head
Hs Static head
Hw Venturi head difference in manometer
lb Barometer reading in mm of Hg
K Enerhy meter constant
Pa Atmospheric Pressure
Q Discharge
R Characteristic gas constant
t time for 20 impulse
T Air Temperature in K
V Velocity of flow
a Density of air
w Density of water
Efficiency
a Specific weight of air
THEORY
A centrifugal blower is a machine for moving volumes
of a gas with moderate increase of pressure. In a centrifugal
blower,fluid enters axially in the center of the pump and is discharged radially, along the outer radius of the pump casing.
Generally, a centrifugal blower is based around a casing
filled with fluid. A special unit within the casing exerts fast rotary
motion that causes the fluid to spin, generating centrifugal force
that channels it through a discharge outlet. Discharged fluid creates a vacuum for atmospheric pressure to force more fluid out
of the casing. It is a continuous process, dependant mostly on
continued rotary motion and a constant supply of fluid. Most
centrifugal pumps rely on rotating impellers or vanes to provide
rotary motion, though the design and implementation of these
systems can vary according to capacity and project requirements.
According to Cengel and Cimbala [1] there are three types
of impellers that are usually used in blowers. They are
through the center and delivers the air through it periphery. Blowers are used to deliver air in large volume but at
low pressure. Impellers maybe forward, radial or backward
curved. Impellers maybe made up of sheet or casted.
2. Manometer is an instrument that uses a column of liquid to measure pressure difference. The readings from the
manometer are taken for static and venturi head across the
venturi. [2]
3. Specifications of the experimental setup
Power of motor 5 HP (3.75 kW)
Speed 2880 rpm
Pipe Diameter 100 mm
Throat Diameter 60 mm
Arm Length 230 mm
Figure 1.
2gHa
a1 a22
Velocity in pipe,V= QA
Static head,Hs = hs wa
a1 a2
Discherge,Q= Cd
2
V2
2g
PROCEDURE
1. The centrifugal blower is started at a position when the valve
is closed, that is, at no load condition.
2. Then the valve is fully opened to get the full open condition.
3. Readings are noted for rotation speed of the blower in RPM,
time taken for twenty impulses from the electronic devices
installed on the blower. Tachometer is used for measuring
RPM.
4. Venturi and static head are noted from the given manometer
by opening and closing of the appropriate valves.
APPARATUS
1. Blower test rig Blower consists of motor, impeller and its
body. Motor rotates the impeller and impeller sucks the air
2
3
2932
2917
2913
2903
2891
2884
2.4
2.7
3.3
3.5
DISCUSSIONS
REFERENCES
[1] Yunus A. Cengel, John M. Cimbala 2013 Fluid Mechanics
: Fundamentals and Applications McGraw Hill Education
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal-fan
14.06
14.97
16.25
17.88
20.22
22.31
0.13
0.22
0.23
0.41
0.45
0.49
hs
0.89
0.70
0.48
0.30
0.19
0.06
Hw
Ha
T(K)
t(sec)
0.34
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.16
0.09
Q(m3 /s)
115.03
197.06
202.64
360.56
400.43
432.67
Hs
43.41
38.32
31.61
25.04
19.80
11.10
V(m/s)
96.04
74.85
50.92
31.95
19.98
6.28
Hd
211.06
271.91
253.56
392.51
420.41
438.95
H=Hs +Hd
OBSERVATION TABLE
RESULTS
1.
1.9
Speed (rpm)
Figure 2.
Load (kgf)
791.64
900.37
694.74
854.64
723.92
425.26
Output (W)
3200.57
3006.01
2769.23
2516.78
2225.52
2017.03
Input (W)
0.30
0.25
0.34
0.33
0.21