PUMPS AND COOLERS
single entry type. The renewable wear rings are of aluminium bronze and the
casing is nQrmally of bronze or cast iron. The cover has a hub containing the
shaft bearing at the bottom and, above, either a packed gland or a mechanical
seal. The shaft bearing is of phenolic resin asbestos, lubricated by the liquid
being pumped except for pumps operating on high static lift. These have grease
lubricated bronze bearings to ensure adequate lubrication during the priming
period.
A spigotted coupling spacer connects the motor half coupling to the pump
shaft. When this is removed, the pump cover, together with the impeller and
shaft assembly can be lifted out of the pump casing for inspection or mainte-
nance.
IMPELLERS
The fully shrouded, single entry impeller in the pump shown (Fig. 1) is the type
most widely used. It consists of a number of vanes curving backwards from the
direction of rotation. The vanes are supported on one side by shrouding
connected to the hub. The shrouding supporting the vanes on the other side, has
an entry at the centre. When the pump is operating, liquid in the casing is
swirled by the rotating impeller. The swirling action causes the liquid to move
towards the outside and away from the centre (in the same way that stirred
coffee moves to the side of the cup, tending to spill over the rim and leaves a dip
at the centre). The backward curving vanes and the rotation give the liquid a
combined radial and circular motion.
CASING
The section of the volute casing shown in the sketch (Fig. 2) increases, thus
allowing unrestricted flow from the impeller. The volute also acts as a diffuser,
PUMPS AND COOLERS
converting kinetic head into pressure head. Some pumps have a double volute
casing which gives radial balance and reduced wear on the bearings.
Pumps designed to produce high pressure, have a diffuser ring so that a
greater quantity of kinetic energy in the liquid can be converted to pressure.
SUCTION
When a centrifugal pump is operating, the liquid leaving the impeller produces a
drop in pressure at the entry or eye of the impeller. This causes liquid from the
suction pipe to flow into the pump. In turn, there is a movement of the liquid to
be pumped. The latter is normally subject to atmospheric pressure. A centrifu-
gal pump will maintain a suction lift of four metres or more once it has been
primed, because of the water passing through.
The water in a pump acts like a piston for water in the suction pipe and an
empty pump will not operate.
A pump which is required to initiate suction from a liquid level below itself,
must be fitted with an air pump.
AIR PUMP ARRANGEMENT
The diagram (Fig. 3) shows a primer coupled to the top of an electric motor and
centrifugal pump set. A pipe from the pump outlet, provides cooling water for
the primer. This returns through another pipe to the pump suction.
The main pump suction pipe has a float chamber fitted. The float operates a
valve on the pipe leading from the float chamber to the air pump suction. With
no liquid in the suction, the float drops, opening the valve and allowing the air
pump to evacuate the air from the suction pipe. This partial vacuum causes the
atmospheric pressure to force liquid into the suction pipe. The rising liquid will
lift the float and close the valve on the air pump suction. Air pumped out, passes
to atmosphere.
AIR PUMP PRINCIPLE
The air pump or water ring primer, as the simple plan view shows (Fig. 4)
consists of an elliptical casing which contains a vaned rotor and has a covering
plate with ports cut in it. The casing is partly filled with water. The rotor is
coupled to the electric motor so that when the pump is running the water spins
with the rotor and being thrown outwards, takes up an elliptical shape. The tips
of the vanes are sealed by the water and the volume between them varies during
the rotation. Beneath the suction ports, the volume increases so that air is drawn
from the float chamber. Under the discharge ports, the volume decreases,
forcing air out.
Cooling water is necessary to prevent overheating of the sealing water from
the action of the vanes in the liquid. Interruption of the coolant supply results in
vapour from the sealing water destroying the vacuum effect, so that air is no
longer pumped.
The internal passages of a typical air pump are shown in the sectional sketch
(Fig. 5). The right side shows the operating passages and the path of the air
being pumped. It is drawn from the suction float chamber of the main pump and
through the pipe and passages to the suction ports of the primer. The discharge