Abstract: A diffuser for use in a centrifugal compressor that includes an impeller that discharges a high-velocity flow of fluid. The diffuser includes a platform having a blade portion and defining a substantially circular aperture. The impeller is disposed at least partially within the aperture such that the high-velocity fluid exits the impeller in directions that are substantially tangent to the blade portion. A vane extends from the platform and includes a suction side, a pressure side, and a leading edge having a platform portion and a shroud portion. A majority of the shroud portion is disposed on the suction side of a line normal to the platform that passes through a center of the platform portion of the leading edge. A shroud is coupled to the shroud portion of the vane such that the vane, the platform, and the shroud cooperate to at least partially define two flow paths.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a centrifugal compressor that includes an impeller that discharges a high-velocity flow of fluid. The diffuser includes a platform having a blade portion and defining a substantially circular aperture. The impeller is disposed at least partially within the aperture such that the high-velocity fluid exits the impeller in directions that are substantially tangent to the blade portion. A vane extends from the platform and includes a suction side, a pressure side, and a leading edge having a platform portion and a shroud portion. A majority of the shroud portion is disposed on the suction side of a line normal to the platform that passes through a center of the platform portion of the leading edge. A shroud is coupled to the shroud portion of the vane such that the vane, the platform, and the shroud cooperate to at least partially define two flow paths.