Question 39Gas Turbine - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) Diffuser. In a centrifugal compressor, the diffuser is the component that reduces the velocity and increases the static pressure of the air. As the air leaves the impeller, it has a high velocity but relatively low static pressure. The diffuser, which is a gradually expanding passage, slows down the airflow, causing a conversion of kinetic energy into static pressure. This increase in static pressure is a crucial function of the diffuser in the overall compression process. The other options are incorrect because: A) the impeller is responsible for imparting the initial kinetic energy to the air; C) the eductor is a different component used for creating a vacuum; and D) the volute is the spiral-shaped casing that collects the compressed air from the diffuser.