What is the function of the manifold in the centrifugal compressor system?

• A. Stores compressed air
• B. Mixes fuel with air
• C. Cools the air
• D. Directs the flow of high-pressure air from the diffuser into the combustion chamber

Answer: (D)

After the centrifugal compressor does its work, the high-pressure air is carried forward by the diffuser. The manifold acts as the duct that collects that high-pressure air and directs it into the combustion chamber, where fuel is injected and burned. It’s essentially the routing path that delivers the compressed air to the burners in a controlled, evenly distributed way.

This isn’t about storing air, which would be a reservoir; it isn’t where fuel is mixed with air—that happens in the combustion chamber; and it isn’t for cooling the air—cooling would involve heat exchangers or aftercoolers.