What is centrifugal pump?

Centrifugal Pumps: An Overview

Centrifugal pumps are a common type of pump used to transport fluids by converting rotational kinetic energy to the hydrodynamic energy of the fluid flow. They are widely used due to their simple design, reliability, and ability to handle a wide range of flow rates and pressures.

Key Components & Operation:

• Impeller: The heart of the pump, the impeller (*https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Impeller*) is a rotating component with vanes that impart kinetic energy to the fluid. Fluid enters the impeller near its axis (the "eye") and is accelerated outwards along the vanes.
• Casing: The casing (*https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Casing*) encloses the impeller and collects the fluid discharged from it. The casing is designed to convert the kinetic energy of the fluid into pressure energy. Common casing types include volute and diffuser casings. Volute casings gradually increase in area to slow the fluid down, while diffuser casings use stationary diffuser vanes to achieve the same effect.
• Shaft: The shaft (*https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Shaft*) connects the impeller to the motor, transmitting the rotational power.
• Seals: Seals (*https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Seal*) are used to prevent leakage of the pumped fluid along the shaft.

Working Principle:

The centrifugal pump works based on the principle of centrifugal force. As the impeller rotates, it creates a low-pressure area at the eye of the impeller, drawing fluid into the pump. The rotating impeller then accelerates the fluid outwards, increasing its kinetic energy. The casing then converts this kinetic energy into pressure energy as the fluid is discharged from the pump outlet.

Types of Centrifugal Pumps:

Centrifugal pumps can be classified based on various factors, including:

• Number of Impellers: Single-stage, multi-stage (*https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Multi-Stage%20Pump*)
• Casing Type: Volute, diffuser
• Impeller Design: Open, semi-open, closed

Applications:

Centrifugal pumps are used in a wide variety of applications, including:

• Water supply and distribution
• Wastewater treatment
• Irrigation
• Oil and gas industry
• Chemical processing
• Power generation

Advantages:

• Simple design and construction
• Relatively low cost
• High flow rates
• Easy to maintain
• Can handle fluids with some solids

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for high viscosity fluids
• Can be susceptible to cavitation (*https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Cavitation*)
• May require priming before starting