Centrifugal Pump

A centrifugal pump is one of the most simplest type of pump that uses centrifugal force to move fluid into a pipe. The basic purpose of the pump is to convert energy of an electric motor or engine into velocity or kinetic energy and then into pressure of a fluid that is being pumped. Centrifugal pumps are the most commonly used pump and their operating cost is low compared to other pumps. They are reputed for high reliability and ensure smooth operation.

How does a centrifugal pump works?
Centrifugal pumps operate using kinetic energy to move fluid. The energy is moved by the impeller and the volute, the two main parts of the pump. The impeller is the rotating part that converts driver energy into the kinetic energy. The volute is the stationary part that converts the kinetic energy into pressure. The impeller produces liquid velocity. The casing forces the liquid to discharge from the pump converting velocity to pressure. The fluid enters the pump near the center of the impeller and is moved to its outside diameter by the rotating motion of the impeller.

Types of Centrifugal Pumps:
Depending on design and application, centrifugal pumps are classified into four types:

• Diffuser Pumps
• Propeller Pumps
• Volute Pumps
• Turbine Pumps

Applications of Centrifugal Pump:
Centrifugal pumps are used in a wide variety of industries and applications. They are as follows:

• Petroleum Industry
• Sugar Industry
• Paper Industry
• Plumbing System
• Drainage and Irrigation System
• Marine Applications
• Residential Applications
• Agricultural and Industrial Applications
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Power Generation
• Chemicals and Corrosives
• Sludge and Sewage
• Gravel and Solid Materials etc.

Uses and Features of Centrifugal Pumps:

• Centrifugal pumps generate flow by using one of three actions: radial, mixed and axial flow. These classifications are groupings based upon the pump's action and have nothing to do with the performance quality of the pump.
  
  
• Centrifugal pump is compact and simple to use.
  
  
• It is reliable.
  
  
• A centrifugal pump is less clamorous.
  
  
• It ensure smooth flow of general purpose fluids, pure water, sludge and sewage, slurry, high viscosity fluids, chemicals and corrosives, gravel and solid materials, high temperature materials etc.
  
  
• Internal lubrication is not required in centrifugal pumps.
  
  
• Horizontal centrifugal pumps are easy to install and need less maintenance.