A multi-stage centrifugal pump uses multiple impellers (stages) arranged in series to generate higher pressure than a single-stage pump. Each stage increases the fluid's pressure, making these pumps ideal for high-head, low-flow applications.
Multiple Impellers in Series:
Fluid exits one impeller and enters the next, gaining additional pressure at each stage.
Each stage typically adds 50–200 psi (3.5–14 bar) of pressure.
Common Configurations:
Horizontal Split-Case (easiest maintenance).
Vertical Turbine (deep well applications).
Ring-Section Design (compact, high-pressure).
✔ High Pressure Output – Used in boiler feed, reverse osmosis (RO), and pipeline boosting.
✔ Energy Efficient – Better than positive displacement (PD) pumps at high flow/low viscosity.
✔ Compact Design – Multiple stages in a single casing save space.
✔ Smooth Flow – Less pulsation than reciprocating pumps.
✖ Higher Cost – More complex than single-stage pumps.
✖ Not for High Solids/Slurries – Abrasives can wear impellers quickly.
✖ Limited Viscosity Handling – Best for water-like fluids (< 500 cP).
Design: Impellers arranged horizontally in a segmented casing.
Applications:
Boiler feed water (power plants).
High-pressure washing.
Industrial water supply.
Example: Grundfos CR Series.
Design: Stacked impellers in a vertical column (submersible or above-ground).
Applications:
Deep well pumping.
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems.
Cooling water circulation.
Example: Flowserve VTP Series.
Design: Modular stages bolted together (easy maintenance).
Applications:
High-pressure clean water.
Firefighting systems.
Example: KSB Multitec.
| Industry | Use Case | Pressure Range |
|---|---|---|
| Power Plants | Boiler feed water | 800–3000 psi (55–200 bar) |
| Oil & Gas | Pipeline boosting | 500–1500 psi (35–100 bar) |
| Water Treatment | Reverse osmosis (RO) systems | 200–1200 psi (14–83 bar) |
| HVAC | High-rise building water supply | 150–600 psi (10–40 bar) |
| Factor | Multi-Stage | Single-Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | High (up to 5000 psi) | Low-Medium (< 300 psi) |
| Efficiency | Better at high heads | Better at high flows |
| Cost | Higher initial cost | Lower cost |
| Maintenance | More complex (multiple seals) | Simpler |
| Footprint | Compact for high pressure | Larger for same flow rate |
Grundfos – CR, CRE (horizontal), NKV (vertical)
Sulzer – HPH, MSD (high-pressure)
KSB – Multitec, MegaCPK
Flowserve – VTP (vertical), OHx (API-compliant)
✅ High-pressure, low-flow applications (e.g., RO, boiler feed).
✅ Space constraints (vertical models for wells).
✅ Energy efficiency needed over reciprocating pumps.
Avoid if:
Pumping slurries, viscous fluids, or dirty water.
Low-pressure, high-flow applications (single-stage is better).
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