Compressors Selection using Non-Dimensional Scales:

The non dimensional scales of Specific Speed and Specific Diameter can be
used to select any of the configurations of Compression machinery;
Reciprocating, Rotary, Centrifugal and axial Compressors at its optimum
efficiency range. The initial cost, space availability, operation cost, and
reliability considerations influence the final selection of a Compressor for a
given application.

 Fan, Blower, Compressor Differentiation:

Classify these machines by the pressure rise they produce.
Fans produce a pressure rise of 0.25 psi to 3.0 psi
Blowers produce a pressure rise of 1.0 psi to 8.0 psi.
Compressors produce a pressure rise greater than 5.0 psi.
 Compressors Efficiencies:
Compressor Type                 Efficiency
Centrifugal                          0.70 - 0.80
High speed Reciprocating 0.72 - 0.85
Low speed Reciprocating 0.75 - 0.90
Rotary Screw                     0.65 - 0.75
 Axial                                  0.75 -- 0.85

SPECIFIC SPEED AND DIAMETER EQUATIONS:

    Ns =(N√Q)/(H)^(3/4)
   Ds =(D(H.gc)^(1/4))/√Q
Where:
Ns =Specific Speed, non-dimensional
N = Compressor Speed, rpm/60
Q =Inlet Flow, ft3 /sec
H = Adiabatic head,  ft lbf/lbm
Ds =Specific diameter, non-dimensional
D = Diameter of rotor/impeller, ft
 gc =32 lbf/lbm . ft/sec

 POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINERY:

       Reciprocating compressors generally operates in the 300 to 1,800 rpm
range utilizing 4.5 in to 26.0 in diameter piston and stroke lengths of 3.0 in to
13.0 in. Piston compressor designers tend to think in terms of linear sliding
speed limit of Double acting horizontal 700 ft/m for lubricated for non-
lubricated 600 ft/m, for vertical compressors with lubricated 800 ft/m for non-
lubricated 700 ft/m. Low inlet flow rates from 10 ACFM to more than  10,000
ACFM .The Unique selections for discharge pressure above 5000 psig and
compression ratio above 20. The optimum specific speed and diameter ranges
for these machines are:
Ns = 0.07 to 3                  Ds = 3 to 25
  Rotary lobe compressors operate in the 600 to 3,600 rpm range utilizing 4.0 in
to 14.0 in diameter lobes. Low inlet flow rates from 10 ACFM to more than
15,000  ACFM .The optimum specific speed and diameter ranges for these
machines are:
Ns = 3 to 30                   Ds = 0.3 to 10
 The tip speeds should not exceed the following Criteria:
Helical Screw Mach Number: 0.3-0.4
Spiral Axial Screw Mach Number: 0.12
Lobe Mach Number: 0.05
 
CENTRIFUGAL MACHINERY:
Single stage centrifugal generally operates in the 3,600 to 50,000 rpm range
utilizing 4 in to 30 up to 54 in impellers diameter for multistage .Centrifugal
designers tend to think in terms of impeller rotational tip speeds of 500 to 1,000
ft/sec. Maximum Hp/stag=10,000 ft-lbf/lbm. The inlet flow rates above 500
ACFM to more than 50,000 ACFM,( low efficiency below 1500 ACFM).
The maximum compression temperatures/casing is 450°F.The optimum Specific
speed and diameter range for these machines are:
Ns =30 to 300            Ds = 0.3 to 6
        The other parameters usually considered are inlet flow Mach Number less
than(0.6-0.7) for choking limitations, head coefficient Ψ (0.47-0.52) and flow
coefficients∅ (0.01-0.1) Multi stage (0.1-0.3) single stage to optimize the
compressor selection.
 
AXIAL FLOW MACHINERY:
 Axial machine generally operates in the 3,000 to 6,000 rpm range, can operate
even the compression temperatures/casing exceeds 450°F up to 700°F at inlet
flow rates above 50,000 ACFM to more than 500,000 ACFM and discharge
pressures from 100 psig to more than 400 psig, flow coefficient ∅ (0.3-1.0).The
optimum Specific speed and diameter range for these machines are:
Ns = 1000 to 10,000          Ds =0.3 to 2
 
These limits are typical only significant variation can be observed. 
Attached:
Generalized Ns Ds Diagram for Single Stage Pumps and Compressors at Low
Pressure Ratios. From Turbomachines, O.E. Balje.

link:   http://nitroflare.com/view/AD4D2B749942E53/Ns_Ds.jpg

 REFERENCES:
1-A Study on Design Criteria and Matching Of Turbo       Machines: 0. E. Balje,  
Trans ASME J, Eng. for Power.
2-Compressor types, classifications and applications.
       David H. Robinson & Peter J. Beaty.
3- Basic Practices in Compressors Selection
    M.O. Khan
 
 Mehmet Samancioglu 2016