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Horizontal and Vertical

Pumps
Differences, Advantages, Disadvantages

Rahima Salmanova
10.05.2019
• Centrifugal pumps are one of the most popular choices for industrial
applications like sugar processing, paper manufacturing and much
more. Highly efficient, these pumps are highly versatile – meaning
they can accommodate a wide range of pressures and liquid flows,
making them suitable for several heavyweight applications.
When it comes to inline centrifugal pumps, they are of two main
types:

1. Horizontal

2. Vertical
Fundamental Differences between Vertical and Horizontal
Centrifugal Pumps

• The primary difference between these two pumps is in the


shape and position of the shaft. As the name implies, the
horizontal centrifugal inline pump has a shaft that is placed
horizontally. It is either placed between the bearings or
overhung.

• On the other hand, the vertical inline pump has a shaft that is
positioned vertically. Just like the above type, the design of the
shaft is overhang and is radial split.
How to choose between Vertical vs. Horizontal Inline
Pumps?

• When choosing between vertical and horizontal pumps, one of


the major factors to consider is “convenience.” What works for
one application may not work for another. Here, the list of pros
and cons of each, so that you can arrive at the right decision.
Pros of Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps

• Easier installation and maintenance as the internal parts like the


rotor are easy to access.
• Opt for an overhang shaft design for applications that require
low suction pressure.
• Opt for in-bearing shaft design for applications that require high
suction pressure.
• Secure coupling with external accessories like engines, electric
motors or turbines.
Cont’d
• Several nozzle configurations are possible to suit external piping
requirements like:

Top suction top discharge

End suction top discharge

Side suction side discharge

Highly suitable for indoor applications, since the pump has low
headroom, meaning it can be comfortably fit even in cramped
spaces.
Cons of Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps


Working temperature and pressure is lower compared to vertical
centrifugal pumps.

Cannot be used for applications that require NPSH higher than the
NPSH available. Here, NPSH refers to the net positive suction head.

The footprint of horizontal designs is higher compared to vertical
pumps.
Let us first understand the features of vertical pumps
that benefits in process environments.

1. A primary advantage of the vertical pump is the ability to stack many


stages so that a low capacity impeller of fairly good efficiency will
produce a high head. These pumps usually incorporate two, sometimes
three or four, impeller designs of various capacities. Mixing impellers
will result in a rated point capacity very near BEP. There is a limit, of
course, to how many stages a vertical can pump may have. The limiting
factors are shaft diameter size required to transmit the horsepower
and torque and the availability of shafting in long sections (usually 20
feet).
Cont’d

• 2. Vertical pumps offer both lower cost and ease of maintenance.

• 3. In-plant pumps with very low NPSHA are also apt to be the vertical
turbine type. To economize on length of barrel or can and reduce
installation and pump costs, many vertical pumps are supplied with a
first stage low NPSHR impeller.
Pros of Vertical Centrifugal Pumps

Smaller footprint when compared with horizontal pumps.

Suitable for applications that have restricted surface area.

The NPSH can be altered thereby making it suitable for a wide range of
applications.

Suitable for liquids with high pressures and high temperatures.
Cons of Vertical Centrifugal Pumps

Requires large headroom, making installation and maintenance a bit challenging,
especially when using turbine pumps or multistage units.

Coupling capability is limited. Can be used only with electric motors and not with
drivers like turbines or engines.

It requires expensive pit and barrel, especially for large multi-stage units.

The overhang design makes it challenging to balance the axial thrust at high
suction pressures.

When pumping liquids that contain high concentrations of dissolved gases, it
becomes difficult to handle, and the mechanical seals are likely to fail.
Thanks for attention

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