Different Types of Centrifugal Pumps
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Centrifugal pumps are mechanical devices that use an impeller to convert rotational energy into hydrodynamic energy to handle and transfer fluids. There are various types of centrifugal pumps to choose from, depending on your application requirements, that can offer the design, operation, flow capabilities, or specialized requirements you need. Matching the capabilities of a specific pump type to the necessary application requirements can improve the efficiency, longevity, and ROI of your operations.
Springer Parts is a premium distributor with an extensive catalog of centrifugal pumps, as well as pump parts and replacement kits, providing solutions for pump applications across industries with the capabilities you need.
Springer Parts is a premium distributor with an extensive catalog of centrifugal pumps, as well as pump parts and replacement kits, providing solutions for pump applications across industries with the capabilities you need.
Pumps Classified by Design and Configuration
The right pump for your application may be determined by its design and configuration. Choosing a centrifugal pump based on its coupling method, orientation, or sealing method can provide a range of solutions to meet your needs:Coupling Method
- Close-Coupled: With the motor directly mounted to the pump, close-coupled pumps feature a compact, laminated assembly for a cost-effective solution. These pumps only feature one set of bearings, making them less suitable for heavy-duty, high-power applications.
- Long-Coupled: This design allows the pump and motor to be mounted on their own shafts that are separated by a coupling, so separate bearings share the strain of operation. The configuration of long-coupled centrifugal pumps extends the lifespan of their mechanical parts, for easier maintenance and reliable operation in industrial processes.
Orientation
- Horizontal: Pumps with a horizontal orientation offer easy service access for maintenance and installation. They are typically suited for general use, but take up a larger footprint while having a lower working temperature and pressure compared to vertical designs.
- Vertical Inline/Submersible: A space-saving pump, vertical inline orientations are small footprint pumps for wells and tank immersion applications. However, their compact design makes them more challenging to repair and maintain, so they are often chosen for specific applications where space is a concern.
Sealing Method
- Mechanically-Sealed: These traditionally sealed pumps offer a reliable, high-pressure solution that can operate in extreme conditions due to their secure joint. Mechanically-sealed pumps can handle solids, high-temperature fluids, and dry running, but will require seal maintenance for optimal performance.
- Magnetically-Driven: Requiring no seals, magnetically-driven centrifugal pumps eliminate the risk of potential leaks. They offer a leak-free, safe design for handling hazardous, corrosive, or other toxic chemicals, delivering a reliable pump solution that features a lack of friction loss, wear, and noise for cost-effective maintenance and efficient operation.
Classifying Pumps by Impeller Stages
Centrifugal pumps can be preferable for an application based on their impeller stages; either a single-stage or multi-stage functionality may be best suited for your operations:- Single-Stage: With a compact design for low-to-moderate pressure, single-stage centrifugal pumps only feature one impeller, offering a wide availability of solutions and simple upkeep. These cost-effective pumps are ideal for water transfer and circulation applications, and are less efficient in handling high-viscosity fluids.
- Multi-Stage: Designed with multiple impellers to deliver high pressures, multi-stage pumps offer higher efficiency for head-intensive operations. Their capabilities make them a favorable choice for long-transport and boiler feed applications; however, their functionality is limited to applications with high pressures or high heads.
Pump Classifications Determined by Flow Type
Different types of centrifugal pumps feature different flow types to meet operation requirements, and depending on the application, a radial flow, axial flow, or mixed flow capability may perform best:- Radial Flow: Moving fluid perpendicular to the shaft, these pumps offer high head at low-to-moderate flow rates to handle fluids with moderate viscosity. Radial flow pumps are used in industrial process circulation, water treatment, chemical processing, as well as heating and cooling systems.
- Axial Flow: Pumps with an axial flow type move fluid along parallel to the pump shaft, offering high flow rates for applications with low head requirements for high-volume operations. They are commonly used in flood control, cooling water circulation, and stormwater drainage systems.
- Mixed Flow: Combining the features of radial flow and axial flow designs, these pumps feature a hybrid balance of head and flow. Mixed flow centrifugal pumps push fluid outward radially while simultaneously propelling it along the shaft axis, providing a popular solution for municipal applications and irrigation systems.
Specialized Types of Centrifugal Pumps
Specific applications for centrifugal pumps will require specialized operation to meet your requirements. Designed with application-specific functionalities or unique performance capabilities, these types of centrifugal pumps are chosen for their exact uses:- Self-Priming: Designed to draw in liquid without being manually primed, self-priming centrifugal pumps are ideal for overhead fluid transfer applications, and can handle modest solids in their operations.
- Split-Case (Double Suction): Featuring a casing that is split horizontally, this centrifugal pump type offers easier access to internal components. Split-case pumps are designed for high flow, low axial thrust operations and are popular for HVAC and other heavy-duty applications.
- Submersible: These immersion-ready, submersible pumps are designed to operate while the entire pump unit, including the motor, is submerged in the liquid being pumped, making them an excellent choice for de-watering, sewage pumping, and water well systems.
- Magnetic Drive: Leak-proof and seal-less, magnetic drive pumps use magnetic forces to transmit power from the motor to the impeller, so it does not require a traditional mechanical seal. Their design makes them favorable for hazardous, toxic, or high-purity liquids.