Understanding the Difference Between Open, Semi-Open, and Closed Impellers
September 21, 2023
Introduction
Centrifugal pumps are one of the most preferred choices for various industrial applications. High efficiency, versatility, smooth liquid flow, and more such features of centrifugal pumps make them suitable for lightweight to heavyweight applications.
To meet diverse industrial needs, centrifugal pumps come in different forms varying in size, capacity, and ability. One of them is side suction centrifugal pumps.
In this blog post, we will understand what side suction centrifugal pumps are, what they are good for, and what are their applications.
What Is Side Suction Centrifugal Pumps?
A side suction centrifugal pump is one of the most common types of centrifugal pumps designed to meet varied industrial requirements. It is designed with an inlet or suction port situated on the side of the pump casing.
These inlet or suction ports continuously operate at a pressure lower than the liquid source. Constant operation at low pressure allows the liquid to flow smoothly.
In addition, the side suction pumps are highly capable of providing reliable, efficient, and durable service life along with great impact tolerance, wear and corrosion resistance.
How Does Side Suction Centrifugal Pump Work?
Starting with the fluid intake, unlike conventional centrifugal pumps, the fluid intake in side suction centrifugal pumps is different. The fluid enters the pumps from an inlet or suction port on the pump’s side.
Moving towards the impeller, it is present inside the pump casing and has curved blades that continuously spin during the operation. The continuous spinning of the impeller generates a centrifugal force that moves the fluid from one place to another.
Now as the fluid is moved forward, increased pressure energy pushes the liquid outer side through the discharge port. Lastly, the fluid exits from the discharge port.
Salient Features:
- Mechanical Seal Gland Less Design
- Dynamically Balanced Rotating Parts
- Non-Clogging Semi-Open Impeller to Handle Solids
- Easy Maintenance & Spares Availability
- Heavy Duty Pump Shafts
Difference Between Side Suction Centrifugal Pumps & Conventional Centrifugal Pumps
The major difference between side suction and conventional centrifugal pumps is the suction port location and fluid intake. Below we have broken down in detail.
| Difference | Side Suction Centrifugal Pump | Conventional Centrifugal Pump |
| Suction Port Location | The suction port is located on the side of the pump casing. | The suction port is located on the top or center of the pump casing. |
| Fluid Intake | Ideal for applications where the fluid source is located to the side of the pump. | Ideal for applications where the fluid source is located above the pump. |
Why Choose Side Suction Centrifugal Pumps?
While selecting a pump for application, there are several factors that need to be considered. It’s crucial to identify the fluid source, available installation space, and other such compatibility factors.
Many industries prefer to choose side suction centrifugal pumps due to the following reasons.
1. Low Installation Space:
These pumps are ideal for industries where limited installation space is available and require flexible pumps that can fit into tight spaces.
2. Fluid Source On The Side:
When the fluid enters the pump from the side of the pump, the side suction centrifugal pump is found to be a more practical solution.
3. Prevent Air Bubbles:
Side suction centrifugal is an ideal choice for handling fluid carrying air bubbles or having the involvement of gas due to its suction port located on the side of the pump.
By and large, if installation space and a fluid source location from the side of the pump are your concern, side suction centrifugal pumps are the right choice for you.
Technical Specifications
| Capacity | UP TO 40 m3 / hr |
| Head | UP TO 40 m3 / hr |
| Size | 25mm to 80mm |
| Speed | UP TO 3000 R.P.M |
| Pressure | UP TO 12Kg. /cm2 |
| M.O.C. | C.I, C.S, S.S.304, 316, Alloy-20 (Other MOC can be Supply on Request) |
Applications
- Effluent Treatment Plant
- Dyes & Intermediates
- Re-Rolling Mills
- Petrochemical Industries
- Textile Industries
- Acid
- Dyes
- Solvent
- Organic/Inorganic Chemical
- Volatile Liquids
- Corrosive Chemical
- Kerosene
- Diesel
- Phosphates
- Nitric
- Ammonia
- Condensates
- Filter Press 24”, 36”, 48”, 60”, & Other Industrial Application
To Conclude
It’s a known fact that centrifugal pumps are one of the most suitable pump types for varied industrial applications. We hope after reading this, you have a clear understanding of what side-suction centrifugal is and how it works, how side-suction centrifugal pumps are different, and what it is most suitable for.
If side suction centrifugal pumps are the ones you need for your industrial applications, we are here to help you with the best.
Jay Khodiyar Engineering Works is a leading side suction centrifugal pump manufacturer in India, renowned for supplying the best quality centrifugal pumps that exceed customer expectations.
Contact us today for all your pump-related queries and requirements.