The diffuser converts a portion of the remaining kinetic energy in the gas stream (velocity pressure) into static pressure (potential energy), further reducing the volumetric flow. Centrifugal compressor diffusers fall in two broad categories: vaneless and vaned.

What is diffuser in centrifugal compressor?

The diffuser is an important element of a compressor or pump. Its purpose is to reduce the velocity of the flow leaving the impeller resulting in an increase in pressure. The diffuser can be simply depicted as a nonrotating channel whose flow area increases in the direction of flow (Figure 7.7).

What is the function of diffuser in centrifugal pump?

Some centrifugal pumps contain diffusers. A diffuser is a set of stationary vanes that surround the impeller. The purpose of the diffuser is to increase the efficiency centrifugal pump by allowing a more gradual expansion and less turbulent area for the liquid to reduce in velocity.