Axial thrust

1- The axial thrust is the resultant force 2 - The axial impeller force (F1) is the difference
of all the axial forces (F) acting on the between the axial forces on the discharge-side
pump rotor. See Fig. 1 Axial thrust (Fd) and suction-side (Fs) impeller shroud
F1 = Fd – Fs

3 - Momentum (FJ) is a force which constantly

acts on the fluid contained in a defined space
(see Principle of conservation of momentum,
Fluid mechanics). It is calculated as follows:
FJ = ρ · Q · Δvax
Q Flow rate
ρ Density of the fluid handled
Δvax Difference between the axial components
of the absolute velocity at the impeller inlet
and outlet
5 - The resultant pressure forces arising from
the static pressures up- and downstream of the
shaft seal (ss) on the relevant shaft cross-
section Ass: FWd = AWd · ΔpWd
Fig. 1 Axial thrust: Axial forces in a single-
stage centrifugal pump
6 - Special axial forces, e.g. when changes to
the vortex conditions in the clearances
between impeller and casing (side gaps) occur
during the start-up process (see Disc friction)

7 - Other axial forces such as the force of the

rotor weight (FW) on non-horizontal
centrifugal pumps or magnetic pull in the
electric motor (Fmech), e.g. in close-coupled
pumps
 Various forms of axial
thrust balancing
1 - Mechanical: complete absorption of the axial thrust via
a thrust bearing (e. g. plain bearing, rolling element
bearing)
2 - Design-based: back-to-back arrangement of the impellers or
stages (see Back-to-back impeller pump) and through the absorption
of the residual axial thrust via a thrust bearing

Fig. 1 Back-to-back impeller pump: double-suction, two-stage volute casing pump with
axially split casing
Fig. 2 Back-to-back impeller pump: Two-stage, single-suction volute casing pumps with
crossover channels and axially split casing
3 - Balancing or reduction of the axial thrust on the individual
impeller via balancing holes See Figs. 7, 9 Axial thrust

Fig. 9 Axial thrust: Axial thrust balancing in a single-stage centrifugal pump with balancing
holes only
Fig. 7 Axial thrust: Axial thrust balancing in a single-stage centrifugal
pump with discharge-side sealing clearance and balancing holes
4 - Balancing of the complete rotating assembly via a balancing
device with automatic balancing (e. g. balance disc and balance disc
seat) or partial balancing via a balance drum and double drum

Fig. 10 Axial thrust: Balancing device with balance disc

5 - Reduction at the individual impeller by back vanes (dynamic effect)
See Fig. 8 Axial thrust

Fig. 8 Axial thrust: Axial thrust balancing in a single-stage centrifugal pump with
back vanes
6 - Balance drum with balancing flow return line and thrust bearing
See Fig. 11 Axial thrust

Fig. 11 Axial thrust: Balancing device with balance drum and thrust
bearing
7 - Double drum with balancing fluid return line and thrust bearing
See Fig. 12 Axial thrust

Fig. 12 Axial thrust: Balancing device with double drum and thrust
bearing
Design-based axial thrust balancing
 P
d

P d P
d
BALANCED
ZONE

PS Pd
UNBALANCED
ZONE

PS P d
UNBALANCED
ZONE

BALANCED
P d P d ZONE
BALANCING Balancing Room

DRUM BALANCING LINE

Balancing Drum
P1 P2 P3 P4

P4 P0
P0 P1 – P0
+
P2 – P1
+
P3 – P2
+
P4 – P3 P4 – P0
P4 P0

P1 P0 – + P2 P1 – + P3 P2 – + P4 P3 –

P4 – P0 P4 – P0
BALANCING Balancing Room

DRUM BALANCING LINE

Balancing Drum
12 22 32 42

42 2
2 2 – 12
+
12 – 22
+
22 –32
+
32 – 42 2 – 42
42 2

12 2 – + 22 12 – + 32 22 – + 42 32 –

40 40