Centrifugal blower- Dead head

[shahyar]

Is dead head acceptable in a multi stage centrifugal blower?(I mean blockage in discharge side)
I am familiar with dead head in centrifugal pumps and know it is not good for pump, but I am not sure about blower.
We have a blower in intermittent service with fixed flow rate.

Thanks for replies

 

[gr2vessels]

The blower can also be specified for dead head / shut off discharge for emergency cases. Fire for instance. Obviously, ducting, flanging, seals will all be designed for this condition.
gr2vessels

 

[ash9144]

My understanding, and experience, is blockage on the discharge of centrifugal compressor is one of the fastest ways to destroy a compressor. The back pressure causes flex in the shaft to the point of bending the shaft and damaging all the components of the compressor.

All centrifugals I've seen have a by pass line which can be opened to prevent dead head.

 

[djack77494]

Centrifugal compressors will enter into a condition known as "surge" when the flowrate falls below a critical value. This is a very unstable condition that will quickly lead to damage, and it must be avoided at all times.

 

[pmover]

what are the process conditions (i.e. flow rates, pressure ratio, temps, fluid, etc.) for the blower and power requirements?

for a little bitty 0.5 hp blower, i would not worry about it.

for a blower used in a blast furnace (i.e. 1000 HP), probably so.

i recommend contacting the mfg and obtaining their recommendations before proceeding any further.

good luck!
-pmover