STUDY OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

AIM:
To study the parts of centrifugal pump and its working.
THEORY:
Pumps are hydraulic machines which convert the mechanical energy to hydraulic energy
mainly in the form of pressure energy. If the mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy
by means of centrifugal force acting on pump, the pump is called Centrifugal pump. When certain
mass of liquid is made to rotate by an external source, it is thrown away from the axis of rotation and
enables it to raise liquid to a higher level. If more liquid is made available at the centre of rotation a
continuous supply of liquid can be made. Centrifugal pump has wide range of head and it can be
used to discharge viscous or non-viscous liquids, also the efficiency of centrifugal pump are higher.
CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS:
The main parts of Centrifugal Pump are:
1. Impeller
2. Casing
3. Suction Pipe
4. Delivery Pipe
Impeller:
The rotating part of a centrifugal pump is called Impeller. It consists of a series of
backward curved vanes. The impeller is mounted on a shaft which is connected to the shaft of an
electric motor.
Casing:
The casing of a centrifugal pump is similar to the casing of a reaction turbine. It is an air-tight
passage surrounding the impeller and is designed in such a way that the kinetic energy of the water
discharged at the outlet of the impeller is converted in to pressure energy before the water
leaves the casing and enters the delivery pipe.
Suction pipe with a foot-valve and a strainer:
A pipe whose one end is connected to the inlet of the pump and other end
dips in to water in a sump is known as suction pipe. A foot valve which is a non-return valve or
one way valve is fitted at the lower end of the suction pipe. The foot valve opens only in the
upward direction. A strainer is also fitted at the lower end of the suction pipe.
Delivery pipe:
A pipe whose one end is connected to the outlet of the pump and other end delivers the
water at a required height is known as delivery pipe.

WORIKNG OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

First step in the operation of a centrifugal pump is called Priming, which is defined as the
operation in which the suction pipe, casing of the pump and a portion of delivery pipe up-to delivery
valve is completely filled up by the liquid to be raised by the pump before starting the pump. Thus
the air from the parts of pump are removed. The electric motor is started to rotate the impeller and
the delivery valve is opened slowly so that the liquid starts flowing in an outward radial direction.
Due to the centrifugal action of vanes vaccum is created. This causes liquid from sump to rush
through suction pipe to the eye of impeller and discharge takes place to the required height through
delivery pipe.
CONCLUSION:
Study of Centrifugal Pump is conducted successfully.

Main Parts of Centrifugal Pump