Centrifugal Pump

Types and advantages

by
Mahmoud Abdel-Hak Abdel-Galil
Supervised by
Prof.Dr / Mosaed Mosleh
February 2018

Faculty of engineering –Alexandria university

Machine auxiliaries
Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

Table Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.History .................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.advantages ............................................................................................................................................. 3
3. The principal of centrifugal pumps ....................................................................................................... 3
4.Component Functions ............................................................................................................................ 5
4.1Impeller ............................................................................................................................................ 5
4.2 Casing .............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.3 Volute .............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.4 Guide Vanes .................................................................................................................................... 6
5.Passage of Water ................................................................................................................................... 6
6.Multi-Stage Pumps ................................................................................................................................. 7
6.1 Series Pumps ................................................................................................................................... 7
6.2 Series/Parallel Pumps ..................................................................................................................... 8
6.3 parallel pumps................................................................................................................................. 9
7.Problems at centrifugal Pumps .............................................................................................................. 9
7.1 Cavitation ........................................................................................................................................ 9
7.2 Solids and slurry handling (abrasive medias) ................................................................................ 10
7.3 corrosion ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Table of figures
Figure 1,classification of centrifugal pumps ................................................................................................. 2
Figure 2,component of centrifugal pump ..................................................................................................... 3
Figure 3,component of centrifugal pump ..................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4,impeller ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 5,types of impeller ............................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 6,vans and volute ............................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 7,passage of water ............................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 8,Figure shows the flow of water through a typical two-stage series pump ...................................... 8
Figure 9,Series/parallel pump operating in series (or pressure) mode .......................................................... 8
Figure 10,Series/parallel pump operating in parallel (or volume) mode ..................................................... 9
Figure 11,cavitation on impeller ................................................................................................................. 10

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

Introduction

A pump is a machinery or device for raising, compressing or transferring fluid. A fluid can be
gasses or any liquid. In general, the family of pumps is separated into positive displacement and
kinetic pumps. A subcategory of kinetic pumps are centrifugal pumps which are again separated
into radial pumps, mixed flow pumps and axial pumps. at the axial end of the spectrum there is
still a part of the energy coming from centrifugal force unless most of the energy is generated by
vane action. But, in radial pumps almost all the energy comes from centrifugal force but there is
still a part coming from vane action.

Figure 1,classification of centrifugal pumps

1.History
the first machine that could be characterized as a centrifugal pump was a mud lifting machine
which appeared as early as 1475 in a treatise by the Italian Renaissance engineer Francesco di
Giorgio Martini True centrifugal pumps were not developed until the late 17th century, when
Denis Papin made one with straight vanes. The curved vane was introduced by British inventor
John Appold in 1851.

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

2.advantages
Modern process plants use powerful centrifugal pumps, because of the following factors:
1. The low initial cost.
2. Low maintenance costs.
3. Simple in operation.
4. Ability to operate under a wide variety of conditions.
5. Give a smooth, continuous flow, free from pulsation.

3. The principal of centrifugal pumps

A centrifugal pump is a rotodynamic pump that uses a rotating impeller to increase the pressure of
a fluid. The fluid enters the pump near the rotating axis, streaming into the rotating impeller. The
impeller consists of a rotating disc with several vanes attached. The vanes normally slope
backwards, away from the direction of rotation. When the fluid enters the impeller at a certain
velocity due to the suction system, it is captured by the rotating impeller vanes. The fluid is
accelerated by pulse transmission while following the curvature of the impeller vanes from the
impeller centre (eye) outwards. It reaches its maximum velocity at the impeller’s outer diameter
and leaves the impeller into a diffuser or volute chamber.

Figure 2,component of centrifugal pump

So the centrifugal force assists accelerating the fluid particles because the radius at which the
particles enter is smaller than the radius at which the individual particles leave the impeller. Now

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

the fluid’s energy is converted into static pressure, assisted by the shape of the diffuser or
volute chamber.
The process of energy conversation in fluids mechanics follows the Bernoulli principle (eqn.1)
which states that the sum of all forms of energy along a streamline is the same on two points of
the path. The total head energy in a pump system is the sum of potential head energy, static pressure
head energy and velocity head energy.

Equation 1 – Bernoulli principle

After the fluid has left the impeller, it flows at a higher velocity from a small area into a region of
increasing area. So the velocity is decreasing and so the pressure increases as described by
Bernoulli’s principle. This results in an increased pressure at the discharge side of the pump. As
fluid is displaced at the discharge side of the pump, more fluid is sucked in to replace it at the
suction side.

Figure 3,component of centrifugal pump

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

4.Component Functions
4.1Impeller
A centrifugal pump has no valves, pistons or plungers. It makes use of an impeller that consists of
a number of curved radial vanes fitted between circular side plates to generate centrifugal force
when the impeller is rotated.

The impeller is the spinning part of a

centrifugal pump that imparts energy to the
water. It is attached to a central rotating
shaft. Water received at its eye (inlet) is
thrown outwards at high velocity by the
radial vanes as the impeller rotates, and is
discharged at its periphery (outer edge). The

Figure 4,impeller

flow through the impeller passages causes a partial vacuum to be created at its inlet. This causes
more water to be forced into the impeller from the supply source. There are various types of
impeller depending on the duty to be performed by the pump.
1. The Open Impeller: This type consists of vanes attached to a central hub with no side wall or
'shroud'. It is used for pumping highly contaminated slurry type liquids.
2. Semi-Open Impeller: This type has the vanes attached to a wall or shroud on one side. It is used
mainly for lightly contaminated and abrasive liquids and slurries.
3. Closed Impeller: This impeller has the vanes enclosed on both sides by a shroud and is the most
efficient impeller, used for clean or very slightly contaminated liquids. Impellers can also be
classified according to the vane curvature - i.e. 'Backward' curve used for high flow rate. ‘Forward'
curve for high liquid head and 'Straight' for either service. Figure below show different types of
impeller.

Figure 5,types of impeller

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

4.2 Casing

The casing in a single stage pump incorporates the volute and the chamber in which the impeller
rotates. It has inlet and outlet openings and provision for attachment of other components such as
delivery valves and threaded adaptors for suction hose.

4.3 Volute
The volute has three main tasks:
1. To channel water from the periphery of the impeller to the outlet
2. To reduce the velocity of the water as it passes through the volute
3. To reduce the turbulence of the water leaving the impeller

4.4 Guide Vanes

Fixed guide vanes in the casing may be used to guide the water along its correct path and to reduce
turbulence. Together, the vanes are sometimes known as a guide ring or diffuser.

Figure 6,vans and volute

5.Passage of Water
In a single stage pump water is thrownoutwards by centrifugal force and is discharged at the
periphery of the impeller. The water is collected in the volute and directed to the discharge outlet.
As the water is thrown outwards a low pressure area develops at the inlet of the pump and more
water is forced in to the impeller from the supply.

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

Figure 7,passage of water

6.Multi-Stage Pumps
The output pressure of a centrifugal pump can be raised by increasing the speed of rotation or the
diameter of the impeller. The first method is limited by the power of the engine and the second is
relatively inefficient. Better results are obtained by using a multi-stage pump which imparts energy
to the water through two or more impellers. Multi-stage pumps allow flexibility where a variation
in capacity and pressure is required and provide an appropriate option where delivery pressures
exceeding those available from the single stage centrifugal pump are necessary. The main
advantage of multi stage pumps is that they achieve higher delivery pressures while maintaining
moderate engine speeds.

6.1 Series Pumps

When two or more single-stage centrifugal pumps are arranged so that the discharge from the first
pump is connected directly to the inlet of the second pump, the pumping arrangement is said to be
‘in series’. A series pump is like having two or more separate single stage pumps back to back,
each one supplying the next with pressurized water.
The impellers of a multi-stage pump are mounted on a common shaft, but in a divided casing, with
each impeller representing an additional stage of pumping. The effect is similar to having one
pump supplying water under pressure through to the inlet of another pump. When the second pump
is operating, the water pressure is further increased. The amount of water passing through the
second pump is the same as that passing through the first pump. Neglecting friction loss and
assuming the pump impellers are equal, each pump will add an equal amount of pressure.

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

Figure 8,Figure shows the flow of water through a typical two-stage series pump

6.2 Series/Parallel Pumps

This type of multi-stage pump incorporates transfer or changeover valves between the various
stages. Depending on the position of the valves, the pump may either be operated in series mode
(the first impeller passing water to the second to build up pressure, or parallel mode (each impeller
feeding directly to the pump outlet to produce high volume) ,In series mode, the transfer valve is
closed and the discharge from the first impeller is directed to the inlet of the second impeller, then
to the pump discharge.

Figure 9,Series/parallel pump operating in series (or pressure) mode

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

6.3 parallel pumps

In the parallel mode, water from the source enters the eyes of both impellers together at the same
pressure, and is discharged from both impellers together, into a common delivery. The series mode
is selected when higher pressure is required, and the parallel mode is selected when a high volume
is required

Figure 10,Series/parallel pump operating in parallel (or volume) mode

7.Problems at centrifugal Pumps

A major problem at centrifugal pumps is, like at all fast moving parts in a fluid, cavitation. Other
difficulties obtain solid handling, abrasives and corrosives as well as leakage. Most errors during
pump operation can be avoided by selecting a quality pump designed for the application and
adequate maintenance.

7.1 Cavitation
Cavitation occurs when the static pressure in a fluid is lower than the fluids vapor pressure, mostly
caused by high velocities. Due to Bernoulli’s law, static pressure decreases when velocity is
increasing. If this happens, the fluid locally starts boiling and gas bubbles which need more
space than the fluid would take. In a centrifugal pumps’ impeller, the bubbles are moving to an
area of decreasing pressure. If the pressure now exceeds the vapour pressure, the gas condensates
at the bubble’s inner surface and so collapse rapidly.
This implosion of gas bubbles causes high, temporarily pressure fluctuations of up to a few
1000bar. As the fluid flows from higher to lower pressure, this flow causes a jet of the surrounding
fluid, which may hit the surface. These high energy micro‐jets cause high compressive stress

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weakening the material. Finally, crater‐shaped deformations and holes known as cavitation
pitting occur. Other reasons for cavitation can be a rise of fluid temperature, a low pressure
at the suction side or an increase of delivery height. Cavitation in centrifugal pumps mainly occur
at the impeller leading edges , but also at the impeller vane, wear rings and thrust balance holes.
To avoid cavitation, it is important to deliver sufficient NPSH and to keep fluid temperature low.
High fluid temperatures can occur if the pump is on to keep the pressure up but no fluid is taken
out

Figure 11,cavitation on impeller

7.2 Solids and slurry handling (abrasive medias)

When expecting solids in the fluid or dealing with slurries, it is important to select a pump that is
designed for this application. On the other hand side, slurry pumps are much more expensive than
a standard water pump, so the decision is not that easy. As there is a very wide range of slurries it
is useful to divide them into three categories, light, medium and heavy slurries.
To provide a pump that can be used with slurries, special design features must be made. Slurry
pumps can be equipped with e.g. thicker wear sections, larger impellers, special material and semi‐
volute or concentric casing. All these features extend pump lifespan but also cause disadvantages
like higher initial costs, higher weight or less efficiency. Slurry pumps can be separated into two
main categories, rubber lined and hard metal pumps. At rubber lined pumps, the inner surface is
covered by a layer of rubber, to absorb solid’s impact energy. Rubber lined pumps have a limited
application range. This type of wear prevention is only suitable for light at least for medium slurries
at low head applications.
Also the fluid temperature should not exceed 150°C. Rubber lined pumps are not applicable for
hydrocarbon based slurries. On the other hand side, hard metal pumps are suitable for high power
applications used at even heavy slurries. Hard metal slurry pumps can also handle sharp, jagged
solids even at fluid temperatures above 150°C. Standard hard metal slurry pumps can be
designed of hardened steel but for high corrosive fluids high alloyed steels are used.

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

When selecting a hard metal pump it is important that the pump material is harder than the solid
particles. Cartable ceramics provide excellent resist to erosion but limit impeller tip velocity. The
lifespan of a pump can be increased by selecting the correct materials of construction. Another
important factor when handling slurries is speed. By decreasing the pumps RPM also the fluid
speed is decreasing and therefore the solid’s speed is decreasing too. This leads to lower impact
energy and less wear. Experiments by pump manufacturers have shown that a slurry pump’s wear
rate is proportional to speed .

7.3 corrosion
Corrosion is breaking down of essential properties in a material due to chemical or electrochemical
reactions with its surroundings. As there is a wide range of pump applications within the chemical
industry, including the petroleum industry, handling oil and gas up to high aggressive acids
it is important to provide pumps that can be operated under these difficult conditions. There are
several types of corrosion and many factors it depends on, like fluid temperature, contained
elements and pH‐value. Most common and dangerous corrosion in pumps is the so called uniform
corrosion. This is the overall attack of a corrosive liquid on a metal. The chemical reactions
between fluid and metal surface lead to uniform metal loss on the moistened surface, known as
corrosive wear. To minimize corrosive wear it is important to select a resistant pump material

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Faculty Of Engineering -Alexandria University Machine Auxiliaries
Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering Department

References
 Operate Pumps, Pump Principles
 Bachelor Thesis Centrifugal Pumps
 Centrifugal Pumps ,Source : http://nprcet.org/e%20content/mech/FMM.pdf

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