Centrifugal Pumps- Introduction

They are classified as rotodynamic type of pumps in which

a dynamic pressure is developed which enables the
lifting of liquids from a lower to a higher level.
The basic principal is that when a certain mass of liquid is
made to rotate by an external force, it is thrown away
from the central axis of rotation and a centrifugal head is
impressed which enables it to rise to a higher level.
Now if more liquid is constantly made available at the
centre of rotation, a continuous supply of liquid at a
higher level may be ensured.
Since in these pumps the lifting of liquid is due to
centrifugal action, these pumps are called ‘Centrifugal
Pumps’
 Centrifugal Pumps- Introduction
In addition to the centrifugal action, as the liquid passes
through the revovling wheel or impeller, its angular
momemtum changes, which also results in increasing
the pressure of the liquid.
As such centrifugal pumps behave quite differently from
positive displacement pumps.
A centrifugal pump does not push the liquid as in the
case of a positive displacement pump, but it modifies
the hydraulic gradient such that the liquid is lifted to a
higher level.
Construction of Centrifugal Pumps
 Volute

Construction of Centrifugal Pumps

1- Casing:-
Casing generally are two types:

Impeller Suction
I. Volute casings for a higher head.

A volute is a curved funnel increasing in area to the

discharge port.

II. Circular casings for low head and high capacity.

have stationary diffusion vanes surrounding the

impeller periphery that convert velocity energy 6to
pressure energy.

2. Suction pipe with strainer and foot valve

3. Delivery pipe with a delivery valve

Construction of Centrifugal Pumps
1- Casing:-
2-Impeller

Three main categories of centrifugal pumps exist

Axial flow Radial flow

Mixed flow
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 Pump Impeller

Direction of
rotation

Vanes

Centrifugal Pumps
Single suction impeller

Centrifugal Pumps
 Impeller Types

• Open
• Semi-open
• Closed
- Single suction
- Double suction
• Non-clogging
• Axial flow
• Mixed flow
Centrifugal Pumps
Type of Impeller

There are three main categories of impeller due type of impeller’s vane, which are used
in the centrifugal pumps as;

Radial vanes, Fig. (a).

Backward vanes, Fig. (b).
Forward vanes, Fig. (c).

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a) when β2 > 90o, the Forwards curved
vanes of the impeller.

b) when β2 = 90o , the radial curved vanes

of the impeller.

c) when β2 < 90o, the Backwards curved

vanes of the impeller.

where :
V = absolute velocity of the water.
U = Tangential velocity of impeller (peripheral velocity).
Vr = relative velocity of water to the wheel.

Vf = velocity flow.

N = Speed of impeller in (rpm).

 = vane angle.
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 = angle at which water leaves.
 Heads of Pump:
where :
Vs = Velocity of fluid in the suction pipe.
Vd = Velocity of fluid in the delivery
pipe.
hs = Suction head.
hd = Delivery head.
hfs = head losses in the suction pipe.
hfd = head losses in the delivery pipe.

Static head (Hst)

Hst = hs + hd

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Manometric head (Hm) :

p d− p s pd ps
H m=
γ
+( z d − z s ) but γ
=h d +h fd and γ
=−( h s +h fs )

V s2 L 2
= Hst + hf + (where h fd =f (V /2 g ))
D d
2g
where hf = hfs + hfd
V w2U2
H m =h ' − H L = −H L (where HL = impeller losses)
g
Total head (H)
2 2
p d− p s V d −V s
H= +( z d − z s )+
γ 2g
Vd2
H = hs + hfs + hd + hfd +
2g
Vd2
= Hst + hf +
2g

1
Hm = H + (V s2  Vd2 )
2g
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When Vs = Vd
Hence Hm = H
Pump Efficiencies

1- Hydraulic Efficiency (ζh)

Pump's Total Head ( H )

ζ h=
Euler Head ( H e )
gH
ζ h= The normal value varies between 60% - 90%
V w2U2

2- Manometric Efficiency(ζm)

Pump's Manometric Head ( H m )

ζ m=
Euler Head ( H e )
gH m
ζ m=
V w2U 2

3 -Volumetric Efficiency (ζv)

Q The normal value lies between 97% to 98%

ζ v=
Q + ΔQ 14
 4- Mechanical Efficiency (ζ)
It is due to losses in the shaft, coupling, and other operation losses as vibration

Power in to the impeller

ζ=
Power at the shaft

ρ (Q+ΔQ ) V w 2 U 2 The normal value is 95% - 98%

ζ=
Power Shaft

5 - Overall Efficiency (ζo)

P out γQH
ζ o= =
P in T .ω

P out Pt Pt γQH
ζ o= × = ×
Pt P in P in γ ( Q+Q l )h '

ζ o =ζ m ×ζ v ×ζ h The normal value is 71% - 86%

Discharge of a Centrifugal Pump

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Q=πD 1 b 1 V f 1 =πD 2 b 2 V f 2
 6- Power Required to Drive a Centrifugal Pump

γQH γQV w1 U 1
P= (hp) P= (hp)
750 ζ o g 750
7 -1 Cavitation
Cavitation is defined as the phenomenon of formation of vapor bubbles of flowing liquid in
a region where the pressure of the liquid falls below its vapor pressure and the sudden
collapsing of this vapor bubbles in a region of higher pressure. When the vapor bubbles
collapse, a very high pressure is created. The formation and the collapse of a great number
of bubbles on the surface produce intense local stresses that damage the surface by fatigue.
It may occur at the entry to pumps or at the exit from hydraulic turbines in the vicinity of
the moving blades

7 -2 Cavitation processes in centrifugal pump

The cavitation phenomenon develops in the impeller pump, when the pressure of liquid falls
below the saturated vapor pressure at the prevailing temperature ( Ps< Pv of liquid), small
vapor bubbles begin to form and the dissolved gases are evolved. The vapor bubbles are
caught up by the following liquid and swept into a region of higher pressure, where they
condense. Condensation takes place violently, accompanied by a tremendous increase in
pressure, which has the character of water hammer blows. These impact follow each other in
rapid succession, the vapor bubbles bursting both in the immediate vicinity of the surface
attacked and in the pores causing cavitation pitting with many effecting.

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H-Q Carve
Once again, imagine starting a pump and raising the fluid in a vertical tube
to the point of maximum elevation. On the curve this would be maximum head
at zero flow. Now, rotate the running pump on its centerline 90°, until the
vertical tube is now in a horizontal position.

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 Family curves

At times you’ll find that the information is the same, but the presentation of the curves is
different. Almost all pump companies publish what are called the ‘family of curves’. The
pump family curves are probably the most useful for the maintenance engineer and
mechanic, the design engineer and purchasing agent. The family curves present the entire
performance picture of a pump.

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 8- The Affinity Law

References:
1-Larry Bachus and Angel Custodio, (2003). Know and Understand Centrifugal Pumps.
2-Val S. Lobanoff Robert R. Ross, (1992). Centrifugal Pumps - Design and Application (2 nd ed.)
3-Igor J. Karassik ,oseph P. Messina,Paul Cooper and Charles C. Heald,2001. Pump Handbook(3 rd ed)

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