Selecting the Right Pump for Your Chemical Processing Needs
November 1, 2023
How Does A Centrifugal Pump Work? – A Quick Guide
December 12, 2023
Introduction
Centrifugal pumps are central today in various industries. There are different types of centrifugal pumps available to suit diverse industrial application requirements.
These pumps are widely used for pumping, circulating, and moving fluids through the pumps from one location to another. The robust and reliable design of centrifugal pumps makes them useful for moving large volumes of fluids as well.
But what types of centrifugal pumps are out there, and what are their applications?
Choosing the appropriate type of centrifugal pump is essential for successful pumping operation. There are a variety of centrifugal pumps in the market with unique features, functions, and capabilities.
It’s important to know about the various centrifugal pump types to ensure you select the right pump for your application.
In this blog, we will introduce you to the different types of centrifugal pumps, their features, technical specifications, and applications so you will know which pump suits you the best.
What Is A Centrifugal Pump?
A centrifugal pump is commonly used for transporting fluid in various industries by converting rotational energy into kinetic energy generated from impellers.
These pumps are renowned for providing the best performance in a wide range of applications. It has unique features like energy efficiency, high operating reliability, safe fluid handling, low maintenance, heavy-duty design, high productivity, and versatility.
Working Principle Of Centrifugal Pumps
As mentioned above, centrifugal pumps move fluids through energy generated from impellers; let’s quickly understand the working process in detail.
First, the liquid enters the centrifugal pump suction, which further moves the rotating impeller. This rotating impeller rotates through energy received from the pump motor, engine, or turbine.
Centrifugal pump impellers convert rotational energy into kinetic energy and push liquid outward by centrifugal force.
Lastly, fluid enters inside the volute where its velocity reduces, and pressure increases to get outside from the discharge nozzle.
Different Types Of Centrifugal Pumps
1. Semi-Open Centrifugal Pump
Semi-open centrifugal pumps are generally pumps with semi-open impellers. It has impellers that are not covered by a shroud and are semi-open, which allows solids to pass through the impeller easily without clogging. This type of centrifugal pump is ideal for handling liquids with high solids.
Features Of Semi-Open Centrifugal Pump:
- Maximum Interchangeability
- Greater Quality Control And Accuracy
- Back Pull-out Design
- Exclusive Balanced Thrust
- Fully Open Impeller With Back Pumps
- Low Maintenance
Technical Specifications:
| Capacity | Up to 800 m3/hr |
| Head | Up to 150 Meter |
| Temperature | 300 C Max |
| Speed | Up to 3600 rpm |
| MOC | C.I Cast Steel (Wcb), S.S 304, S.S 316 |
Applications Of Semi-Open Centrifugal Pump:
- ETP, STP Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Fertilizers, Cement, And Steel Industries
- Pumping Chemicals
- Paper And Pulp Industries
- Organic / Inorganic Chemicals
- Volatile Liquids
- Corrosive Chemicals
- Caustic Process
- Effluent
- Filter Press
- Slurry Application
- Pharmaceutical
- Dyes
- Textiles Kerosene
- Diesel And Other Solvents
2. Side Suction Centrifugal Pump
Side Suction centrifugal pumps have two different types - single and double suction centrifugal pumps. Suction pumps with single suction are ideal for smaller flows, while suction pumps with double suction are suitable for large flows.
Features Of Side Suction Centrifugal Pump:
- W/o. Mechanical Seal Gland Less Design
- Dynamically Balanced Rotating Parts
- Non-Clogging Semi-Open Impeller to Handle Solids
- Easy Maintenance & Spares Availability
Technical Specifications:
| Capacity | Up to 100 m3/hr |
| Head | Up to 120 meter/hr |
| Speed | Up to 3000 rpm |
| Size | 25mm to 80mm |
| Pressure | Up to 12 Kg. /cm2 |
| MOC | C.I, C.S, S.S.304, SS316/316L, Alloy-20, CD4MUC (Other MOC can be Supply on Request) |
Applications Of Side Suction Centrifugal Pump:
- 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
3. Closed Impeller Centrifugal Pump
A closed impeller centrifugal pump refers to a pump with closed impellers. Its impeller is fully covered by a shroud as it is designed with added wall sections on both the front and back sides of the vanes.
Centrifugal pump with a closed impeller is suitable for fluids with low solids and high flow rates. It can not be used for pumping solids due to the risk of clogging and other wear, which can cause inefficient performance.
Features Of Closed Impeller Centrifugal Pump:
- Maintenance Free
- Superior Casting Qualities
- Better Bearing Life
- Highly Efficient
- Chemical & Corrosion Resistant
Technical Specifications:
| Capacity | Up to 500 m3/hr |
| Head | Up to 160 meter |
| Temperature | 160 |
| Speed | 1400 to 2800 rpmm |
| Size | 25mm to 150mm |
| MOC | C.I, WCB. S.S 304, S.S 316/316L Alloy-20, CD4MCU Etc |
Applications Of Closed Impeller Centrifugal Pump:
- Chemical And Petrochemical
- Sugar And Alcohol Industry
- Petrochemical Industries
- Boiler Feed
- Circuits In Refineries & Industries
- Water Supply
- Irrigation
- Air Conditioning
- Fire-Fighting
- Drainage
- Circulation Of Heat Transfer Oil
Top 10 Centrifugal Pump Applications
1. Chemical Industry
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in chemical plants:
- Pumping and transferring fluids
- Pumping chemicals
- Pumping corrosive fluids like acids and alkalis
- Pumping flammable liquids, including oil and gasoline
- Pumping viscous fluids such as sludge and pulp
2. Irrigation Systems
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in irrigation systems:
- Transferring water from reservoirs or lakes to fields
- Pumping various liquids such as water, chemicals, sludge, and sewage
3. Water Treatment Plants
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in water treatment plants:
- Moving water through filtration systems
- Moving large volumes of water in municipal plants
- Pumping water for disinfection applications
- Moving seawater in saltwater desalination plants for filtration and purification
4. Oil Refineries
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in oil refineries:
- Handling viscous oil and liquids with solid content
- Transferring heavy and light oils
- Transferring crude oil from the tank to process units
- Transferring liquids in offshore oil and gas production platforms
5. Paper Mills
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in paper mills:
- Moving paper stock (fibrous slurry full of water and other liquids) through the pulping process
- Separating solid fibers from the liquid
- Moving wastewater through the system in the wastewater treatment process in paper mills
6. Power Plants
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in power plants:
- Handling large volumes of fluid in power plants
- Circulating water in the cooling system
- Transporting fuel oil and lubricating oil
7. Mining Applications
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in mining applications:
- Transporting slurry and liquid with solid particles to processing tanks and vessels
- Removing water from the excavation site
- Cooling water for machinery
- Removing sewage and wastewater
- Supplying water for firefighting operations
8. Food Processing Plants
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in food processing plants:
- Pumping and transporting fluids from one tank to another
- Recirculating liquids during processing
- Cooling liquids during processing
- Pumping large volumes of liquid at high pressures
9. Military Applications
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in military applications:
- Moving large volumes of fluids at high pressures
- Moving fuel from the tank to the engine in aircraft fuel systems
- Pumping liquid in water purification plants and sewage treatment facilities
- Moving hydraulic fluid around a ship in shipboard hydraulic systems
- Transferring fluids around military bases
10. Shipbuilding Industry
Listed below are common applications of centrifugal pumps in the shipbuilding industry:
- Removing water piled up in the bilge area of a ship
- Transferring freshwater from storage tanks to other parts of the ship
- Transferring fuel from the storage tanks to other tanks or the engines
- Transferring sewage and waste materials from one location to another
Conclusion
Choose The Right Centrifugal Pump
To summarize, there are 3 most common types of centrifugal pumps:
1. Semi-Open Centrifugal Pump: Ideal for fluids with high solids.
2. Side Suction Centrifugal Pump: Available in different types for smaller and larger flows.
3. Closed Impeller Centrifugal Pump: Ideal for fluids with low solids and high flow rates.
If you are someone looking for a trusted centrifugal pump manufacturer and supplier in India, your search ends here!
Jay Khodiyar Engineering Works is a renowned centrifugal pump supplier, offering a diverse range of centrifugal pumps for various industrial applications. Our supplied range of centrifugal pumps is highly recognized for their efficiency and smooth performance.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
