Industry-Knowledge

kinds of centrifugal pumps

Centrifugal pumps are classified based on design, application, and construction. Here are the main types of centrifugal pumps:


1. Based on Casing Design

(a) Volute Casing Pump

  • Most common type, with a spiral-shaped casing that increases flow velocity.

  • Used in water supply, sewage, and industrial applications.

(b) Diffuser Casing (Turbine) Pump

  • Uses stationary diffuser vanes around the impeller for smoother flow.

  • Higher efficiency than volute pumps; common in high-pressure applications.


2. Based on Impeller Design


(a) Open Impeller Pump

  • No front or back shroud; handles liquids with solids (e.g., sewage, slurry).

  • Less efficient but resistant to clogging.

(b) Semi-Open Impeller Pump

  • Has a back shroud but open on one side.

  • Balances efficiency and solids handling (e.g., wastewater).

(c) Closed Impeller Pump

  • Fully enclosed impeller for clean liquids (e.g., water, chemicals).

  • Most efficient but clogs easily with solids.

(d) Vortex Impeller Pump

  • Creates a whirlpool effect to pass large solids without clogging.

  • Used in wastewater and sludge pumping.


3. Based on Number of Stages

(a) Single-Stage Pump

  • One impeller; used for low-to-medium pressure applications.

(b) Multistage Pump

  • Multiple impellers in series for high-pressure applications (e.g., boiler feed, high-rise water supply).


4. Based on Shaft Orientation

(a) Horizontal Centrifugal Pump

  • Shaft mounted horizontally; easy maintenance (most common type).

(b) Vertical Centrifugal Pump

  • Shaft mounted vertically; saves space (e.g., deep well pumps, sump pumps).


5. Based on Application & Specialization

(a) End-Suction Pump

  • Inlet and outlet at 90°; common in HVAC, irrigation, and industrial uses.

(b) Split-Case Pump

  • Casing splits horizontally for easy maintenance; used in large water systems.

(c) Self-Priming Pump

  • Can evacuate air and prime itself without external help (e.g., drainage, sewage).

(d) Submersible Pump

  • Operates underwater (e.g., borewell, sewage, dredging).

(e) Slurry Pump

  • Handles abrasive mixtures (e.g., mining, dredging).

(f) API Pump

  • Complies with API 610 standards for oil, gas, and refinery use.

(g) Cryogenic Pump

  • Handles extremely cold liquids (e.g., LNG, liquid nitrogen).

(h) Magnetic Drive Pump

  • Sealless design for hazardous/leak-sensitive fluids (e.g., acids, chemicals).


6. Based on Mounting & Drive Type

  • Close-Coupled Pump (Motor & pump share a shaft).

  • Frame-Mounted Pump (Separate motor & pump with coupling).


Comparison Table

TypeBest ForNot Suitable For
Closed ImpellerClean water, high efficiencySolids, sludge
Open ImpellerSlurries, sewageHigh-efficiency needs
MultistageHigh-pressure systemsLow-pressure applications
SubmersibleWells, drainageDry installation
Slurry PumpMining, abrasive fluidsClean liquids

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