1. A method for detecting the occurrence of surge or incipient surge in a centrifugal compressor, the method comprising the
steps of:
operating the centrifugal compressor having an inlet passage, an inlet passage wall and an impeller, thereby establishing
a bulk fluid flow to the compressor and a local axial fluid flow in a recirculation zone in the inlet passage proximate to
the inlet passage wall and proximate to the impeller; and
detecting a decrease in the local axial fluid flow, wherein the decrease in the local fluid flow is greater than any concurrent
decrease in the bulk fluid flow to the compressor.
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