Parts of Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps can be regarded as hydraulic pumps. This type of pump has two main components, an impeller attached to the rotating shaft and a stationery casing enclosing the impeller. The impeller has several curved blades arranged in a regular pattern around the shaft. Centrifugal pumps can be classified on the basis of speed (low, medium and high-speed pumps), direction (radial, mixed and axial flow pumps) and head pump (low head, medium and high
head pump)
A centrifugal pump typically consists of the following parts:
Impeller: The rotating component of the pump that generates fluid flow and pressure.
Shaft: The component that connects the impeller to the motor and transfers rotational energy to the impeller.
Casing: The stationary component that surrounds the impeller and helps to direct and contain the fluid flow.
Suction inlet: The opening through which fluid enters the pump.
Discharge outlet: The opening through which fluid leaves the pump.
Bearings: Components that support the shaft and allow it to rotate smoothly.
Mechanical seal: A component that prevents fluid leakage between the rotating and stationary components of the pump.
Motor: The component that provides the rotational energy to the pump.
Baseplate: A component that supports the pump and provides stability.
These parts work together to produce fluid flow and pressure in a centrifugal pump. The design and material selection of each part will vary depending on the specific application and fluid properties.
Types Of Centrifugal Pumps
There are several types of centrifugal pumps, including:
Radial flow pumps: The fluid enters the impeller near the center and is thrown outwards by the spinning action of the impeller.
Mixed flow pumps: The fluid enters the impeller near the center and is directed both outwards and axially by the impeller.
Axial flow pumps: The fluid enters the impeller axially and is directed outwards by the impeller.
Single-stage pumps: The fluid is pumped from the inlet to the outlet in a single step.
Multi-stage pumps: The fluid is pumped from the inlet to the outlet in multiple stages, typically for high-head applications.
Close-coupled pumps: The pump and motor are directly connected, without a separate coupling.
Frame-mounted pumps: The pump and motor are connected by a coupling and are mounted on a separate base frame.
Self-priming pumps: The pump can evacuate air from the suction line and start pumping fluid without a separate priming system.
Submersible pumps: The pump is designed to operate underwater, with the motor and impeller submerged in the fluid.
End-suction pumps: The fluid enters the pump through the end of the casing and the impeller is mounted directly onto the shaft.
Straight centrifugal pumps: The pump has a simple design with a single impeller and is commonly used in low-head, high-volume applications.
The type of centrifugal pump chosen will depend on the specific application and its requirements, such as flow rate, head, and fluid properties.