How to Select the Right Centrifugal Pump for Your Fluid Handling System

We pride at AFC in the provision of excellent fluid handling solutions to a multitude of industries. Of all the numerous categories of pumps, perhaps the centrifugal pump is as versatile and common in its deployment in an immeasurable myriad of applications. In this paper, we give you the crux of understanding centrifugal pumps in contrast with other highly reputable pump forms, such as sliding vane and gear pumps in assisting you to better decide on your particular applications.

Learning Centrifugal Pumps

A centrifugal pump is a dynamic pump that transfers fluid motion by an impeller. An impeller is a rotary, curved-vaned device that converts fluid kinetic energy. Fluid kinetic energy is converted to pressure as it leaves the pump casing. The principle used in a centrifugal pump is converting rotational energy into hydrodynamic energy.

Centrifugal Pumps versus Other Pumps

For a better understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of a particular centrifugal pump one may compare it with the two common types of pumps: sliding vane and gear type.

Sliding Vane Pumps

Sliding vane pumps are positive displacement pumps that use vanes that slide in and out of a rotor to produce a pumping action.

Benefits: Very efficient, self-priming, can handle thin fluids.

Disadvantages: Not appropriate for solids-contained fluids or fluids of high viscosity, needs a safety valve.

Gear Pumps

Gear pumps are positive-displacement gear pumps that transport fluid through gears.

Advantages: Can handle fluids of high viscosity, self-priming, less maintenance, flow rate can be regulated.

Disadvantages: Fixed flow rate at constant pressure.

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps possess the following list of advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

High flow rate.

Low viscosity fluids.

Less complex design with fewer moving parts.

Less maintenance required.

Adequate for most applications as they are able to pass solids (depending on design).

Drawbacks:

Not self-priming (normally needs priming prior to running).

Poor efficiency with very viscous liquids.

Operation is heavily influenced by fluid viscosity or change in specific gravity.

Applications of Centrifugal Pumps

The flexibility of centrifugal pumps makes them appropriate for very diverse applications in many different industries:

Water and Sewage Treatment: For sewage and water pumping in water treatment plants.

Chemical Industry: To treat solvents, acids, and chemicals.

Oil and Gas: To transport crude oil, petrochemicals, and refined the products.

Agriculture: To use in irrigation and water supply.

HVAC Systems: To transport water in heating and cooling systems.

Food and Beverage: For liquids transfer of food processing plant.

AFC's Commitment to Quality

At AFC, we understand that safety and the efficiency of pumping are two key elements to concentrate on. We therefore stock a complete range of centrifugal pumps from world market leaders. With our skilled teams of engineers, you will be helped into choosing the most suitable pump to suit your application to ensure optimum performance and life. We make it our business to supply solutions with a focus on safety, reliability, and enhanced post-sales support.

Conclusion

Centrifugal pumps are a jack-of-all-trades in the fluid handling world, with some trade-off among cost, maintenance, and flow rate. They're not the ideal choice for every application, but their adaptability, plus their rugged reliability, has won them favor in a broad cross-section of industries. At AFC, we guarantee to provide you with the best in pumping solutions, and our great experience in centrifugal pumps guarantees you of receiving the right pump for your specific application. Contact us today and find out how we can improve your fluid handling operation.