What distinguishes a centrifugal compressor from a reciprocating compressor?

A centrifugal compressor is characterized by its use of rotary motion to compress the gas. This design utilizes a spinning impeller, which increases the velocity of the gas and then converts that velocity into pressure as it passes through a diffuser. The continuous flow of gas in a rotary mechanism allows for efficient handling of large volumes, making centrifugal compressors well-suited for applications where high flow rates and relatively low compression ratios are required.

In contrast, reciprocating compressors operate by using pistons driven by a crankshaft. This creates a back-and-forth motion to compress the air, resulting in a more intermittent process compared to the constant flow achieved with centrifugal designs. Because of these mechanical differences, centrifugal compressors tend to have unique operational characteristics, including their efficiency at larger scales and ability to handle fluctuating flow rates.

The other options highlight features that are generally associated with the respective types of compressors, but they do not serve as the primary distinguishing characteristics. For example, while variable displacement may apply to some compressor designs, it is not exclusive to centrifugal compressors. Similarly, while centrifugal compressors can indeed operate at higher system pressures depending on their design, this is not the primary feature that sets them apart from reciprocating models. Maintenance needs can vary widely based on application and operating conditions,