Centrifugal Pump Design

Centrifugal Pump
A common type of kinetic or momentum-based pump is a
centrifugal pump. A centrifugal pump consists of an impeller with
blades rotating inside a casing. The impeller rotation reduces the
pressure at the pump inlet causing fluid to flow into the pump.
The fluid is then accelerated outward along the blades and exits
the pump. Centrifugal pumps are suitable for use with low
viscosity fluids that can withstand a moderate amount of shear.
The primary advantages of centrifugal pumps are simplicity, low
purchase cost, and low maintenance. Since centrifugal pumps
are momentum based, tolerances are not critical. They can also
be used to pump low viscosity fluids. In addition, centrifugal
pumps provide a more steady fluid flow at the pump outlet.
However, a centrifugal pump has several limitations. It is inefficient at pumping fluids of high viscosity
due to the large amount of work required to rotate the impellers in the presence of a viscous fluid.
Because of the speed of the impeller, a fluid is subjected to high shear. Thus, a centrifugal pump
should not be used to pump a shear sensitive fluid.
In the food industry, centrifugal pumps are used to pump non-viscous fluids like water, alcohol, and
beverages.

Components of a Centrifugal Pump

• A centrifugal pump has two main components:
• A rotating component comprised of an impeller and a shaft
• A stationary component comprised of a casing, casing cover, and bearings.
References:
http://www.kraftunitops.com/pump_centrifugal.html
http://www.cheresources.com/centrifugalpumps3.shtml