What is a Centrifugal Pump
Centrifugal pumps are a sub-class of dynamic axisymmetric work-absorbing turbo-machinery.
Centrifugal pumps are used to transport fluids by the conversion of rotational kinetic energy to the hydrodynamic energy of the fluid flow. The rotational energy typically comes from an engine or electric motor.
The fluid enters the pump impeller along or near to the rotating axis and is accelerated by the impeller, flowing radially outward (using centrifugal force) into a diffuser or volute chamber (casing), from which it is directed out the discharge port and exits the pump.
Applications of Centrifugal Pumps
Common uses include water, sewage, agriculture, petroleum and petrochemical pumping. Centrifugal pumps are often chosen for their high flow rate capabilities, abrasive solution compatibility, mixing potential, as well as their relatively simple engineering. (Source: Wikipedia)
Classes of Centrifugal Pumps
Booster Pump
A booster pump boosts pressure which can improve the flow rate. A booster pump works just like a fan with blades that spin to increase air movement with an impeller that increases flow and pressure.
Circulator Pump
A circulator pump or circulating pump is a specific class of centrifugal pump that is used to circulate gases, liquids, or slurries in a closed circuit.
End Suction Pump Single Stage Pump
The end suction single stage pump is a class of centrifugal pump which is the most common pump.
End-suction pumps are used in five main areas of application: water supply, industrial pressure boosting, industrial liquid transfer, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), and irrigation.
Horizontal Multistage Pump
A Horizontal Multistage Pump is a class of centrifugal pump that contains two or more impellers. Each stage that the fluid passes through increases the discharge pressure.
Multistage pumps are used when higher pressures are required which single stage pumps of the same size are unable to attain.
Peripheral Vane Pump
Peripheral Vane Pumps (also known as regenerative turbine pumps) are a class of positive displacement pumps that offer increased efficiency over other centrifugal pump classes.
Liquid recirculates between the impellers vanes and this helical action carries the liquid forward, energy is added to the liquid in a number of impulses by the impellers vanes as it travels from suction to discharge as a liquid builds pressure.
Peripheral Vane Pumps can develop several times the discharge pressure of other centrifugal pumps having an equally sized impeller.
Self Priming Pump
A Self-Priming pump is a type of pump that is designed to be able to lift fluid from below its suction without the need of a foot valve, or hydraulic column of fluid in the suction line.
The pump operates with the aid of fluid in the pump volute.
Slurry Pump
A slurry pump is a class of centrifugal or submersible pump designed for pumping liquid containing solid particles.
Slurry pumps are subject to additional wear and are commonly more robust than other pumps. Slurry pumps can be electrically or hydraulically driven.
Spindle Pump
A Spindle pump is a class of centrifugal or submersible pump used for handling slurries, liquids with abrasive solids in suspension and severe pumping problems such as corrosion, abrasion and temperature extremes.
Vertical Spindle Pumps (also known as Vertical Sump Pumps) are a semi submerged arrangement with its pump end submerged in the fluid and “bearing column” protruding out the fluid. At the top of the bearings column the mechanical driving mechanism is mounted allowing the pump to operate without the need for mechanical seals. Standard electric motors can be used instead of specialised submersible motors..
Turbine Pump
A turbine pump is a class of centrifugal pump which uses turbine-like impellers with radially oriented teeth to move liquids. Turbine pumps are commonly used in installations which require high head, low flow, and compact design.
A vertical turbine pump commonly removes water from an underground well or reservoir. The electric motor is located at the top of the pump above the liquid allowing the pump to operate without the need for mechanical seals. Standard electric motors can be used instead of specialised submersible motors.
Vertical Multistage Pump
The Vertical Multistage Pump is a class of centrifugal pump containing two or more impellers. The impellers may be mounted on the same shaft or on different shafts, but for the majority of pumps they are on the same shaft. Each stage that the fluid passes through increases the discharge pressure.
Multistage pumps are used when higher pressures are required which single stage pumps of the same size are unable to attain.