Surge is a type of abnormal vibration that occurs in turbocompressors (also known as bladed compressors) when the flow rate is reduced to a certain extent. The centrifugal compressor is one form of turbocompressor, and surge can cause severe damage to centrifugal compressors.
When a centrifugal compressor surges, the typical phenomena are:
The compressor's discharge pressure first rises initially, then drops sharply, and exhibits large periodic fluctuations;
The compressor's flow rate drops sharply and fluctuates widely; in severe cases, air may even flow back into the suction piping;
The current and power readings of the motor driving the compressor become unstable and fluctuate widely;
The machine generates strong vibrations while emitting abnormal aerodynamic noise.
