A centrifugal pump is defined as a rotodynamic pump that makes use of a rotating impeller to raise the rate of a fluid. If this is your first time to hear of this kind of equipment, you might perceive it as something that is quite complicated to use. But the truth is a centrifugal pump is considered one of the most uncomplicated forms of equipment. Its primary purpose is to switch the energy of an engine or an electric motor into kinetic energy or velocity, which will generate pressure to compel the fluid to come out.
Basically, the changes in the energy occur in two major parts of the pump-the volute and the impeller. The volute is the inactive part that turns the kinetic energy directly into pressure. Meanwhile, the impeller is the revolving part that turns the driver energy directly into the kinetic energy.
How It Uses Centrifugal Force
Centrifugal force is achieved when liquid goes into the pump suction as well as to the eye of the impeller. Once the impeller revolves, it instantaneously turns the liquid sitting in the hollows between imparts centrifugal acceleration and vanes outward. Now, as the liquid goes out from the eye of the impeller, a low pressure area is also created in the eye permitting more amount of liquid to come out into the pump inlet.
Multistage Centrifugal Pumps
A multistage centrifugal pump contains two or more impellers. These impellers can be installed on similar or different shafts. Basically, a multistage comprises two vital functions: to eject a large amount of liquid and to generate a high head.
If you want to produce a high head, the impellers should be installed on similar shaft, following a series pattern. Meanwhile, a large quantity of liquid can be released once the impellers are installed on different shafts, following a parallel pattern.
However, multistage centrifugal is only one among the three types of centrifugal stages of the pump. There is also the single stage pump; this stage is composed of only one impeller and is suggested for low head service. Another stage is the two-stage pump; this is made up of two impellers installed in series form for medium head service.
Three General Categories
Centrifugal pump is made up of three general categories: radial flow; mixed flow; and axial flow. Radial flow is a kind of pump wherein the pressure is increased completely by centrifugal force. Mixed flow, on the other hand, is a kind of centrifugal pump wherein the pressure is improved partially by centrifugal force and partially by the lift of the impeller’s vanes on the fluid. Lastly, axial flow is a kind of centrifugal wherein the pressure is improved by the lifting action or propelling of the impeller’s vanes on the liquid.
Impeller and Shafts: Vital Parts
Both the impeller and shafts are important parts of centrifugal pump. Primarily because certain speed is used to identify pump impellers depending on their proportions and types. Meanwhile, shaft is made up of shaft sleeves that go into the outer facade of the seal gland plate to guard the shafts from corrosion, wear, and erosion.