In a two-stage centrifugal compressor with an economizer, which stage holds the largest volume of vapor?

In a two-stage centrifugal compressor with an economizer, each stage is designed to share the total pressure ratio needed to compress the vapor, which leads to similar volumetric flow rates through both stages.

As the vapor moves through the first stage, it is compressed and then feeds into the second stage. The first stage does handle a larger volume of vapor initially, but after compression, the volume remains relatively equal throughout both stages due to the specific design of the compressor.

In an ideal two-stage compressor, the assumption is that the volumetric flow rate remains consistent between the stages in a balanced system, leading to the conclusion that each stage holds equal volumes. In contrast, the economizer stage serves to cool down the vapor before it enters the second stage, but it does not serve as a storing stage in the same way as the compressor stages. Thus, the correct understanding is that the distribution of volume across the stages is essentially equal.