Axial compressor

An axial compressor is a type of gas compressor that continuously pressurizes a working fluid. It is a rotating, airfoil-based device in which the fluid flows primarily in one direction parallel to the axis of rotation. This distinguishes axial compressors from other types of rotating compressors, such as centrifugal compressors, axi-centrifugal compressors, and mixed-flow compressors, in which the fluid flowing includes a significant radial component directed outward from the axis of rotation.

The rotor blades exert torque on the fluid, increasing its energy as it passes through the compressor. The stationary blades, or stators, slow the fluid, converting the circumferential component of flowing into pressure. Compressors are typically driven by an electric motor, a steam turbine, or a gas turbine.

Axial flow compressors produce a continuous flow of compressed gas. They exhibit high efficiency and large mass flow rate in relation to the size of their cross-section. They are more intricate and expensive relative to other designs, requiring several rows of airfoils to achieve a large pressure rise.

Axial compressors are integral to the design of large gas turbines such as jet engines, high speed ship engines, and small scale power stations. They are also used in industrial applications such as large volume air separation plants, blast furnace air, fluid catalytic cracking air, and propane dehydrogenation. Additionally, due to their performance and operability across the flight envelope (safe operational limits for an aircraft), they are widely used in aerospace applications.