A centrifugal pump is a dynamic turbomachinery device that converts rotational kinetic energy (from an impeller) into hydrodynamic energy (flow and pressure) to move fluids.
Impeller – Rotating vanes that transfer energy to the fluid.
Casing (Volute or Diffuser) – Guides fluid flow and converts kinetic energy into pressure.
Shaft – Transmits motor power to the impeller.
Suction & Discharge Nozzles – Entry and exit points for fluid.
Bearings & Seals – Support the shaft and prevent leaks.
The pump and suction line must be filled with liquid to avoid cavitation (vapor bubbles forming).
Some pumps are self-priming, but most require manual priming.
The motor spins the impeller at high speed (typically 500–5000 RPM).
The impeller’s curved vanes accelerate the fluid outward due to centrifugal force.
The rotating impeller increases fluid velocity, creating kinetic energy.
The volute casing (spiral-shaped) gradually expands, converting kinetic energy into pressure energy.
High-pressure fluid exits through the discharge nozzle.
Low pressure at the eye of the impeller draws in more fluid, maintaining continuous flow.
The faster the impeller spins, the higher the fluid velocity and discharge pressure.
The Bernoulli principle explains how velocity converts to pressure in the volute.
Flow vs. Head: As flow increases, discharge pressure (head) decreases.
Efficiency: Best efficiency point (BEP) is where the pump operates optimally.
If suction pressure is too low, liquid vaporizes, forming bubbles that collapse violently, damaging the impeller.
Prevention: Ensure proper NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head).
Water Supply (Municipal, Irrigation)
Chemical Processing (Low-viscosity liquids)
HVAC Systems (Chilled water circulation)
Oil & Gas (Crude transfer, refinery processes)
Wastewater Treatment
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✔ Simple, low maintenance | ✖ Cannot handle high-viscosity fluids (e.g., honey, sludge) |
| ✔ Smooth, continuous flow | ✖ Flow drops under high pressure |
| ✔ Handles large flow rates | ✖ Requires priming (unless self-priming) |
| ✔ Compact & lightweight | ✖ Susceptible to cavitation |
A centrifugal pump works by spinning an impeller to create centrifugal force, accelerating fluid outward and converting kinetic energy into pressure via the volute casing. It is ideal for low-viscosity, high-flow applications but struggles with thick fluids and high-pressure requirements.
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