Tuesday, 25 December 2012

CentriFugal Pump - Overview

CentriFugal Pump


What is a Centrifugal Pump ?

If Mechanical energy is converted into Pressure energy by means of a Centrifugal force acting on the fluid then this type of hydraulic machine is called as Centrifugal Pump.

Construction & Various parts of the Centrifugal Pump :-

A Centrifugal Pump essentially consists of the following main parts :-

1) Impeller :- It is the rotating part of the centrifugal pump which consists of a number of blades,either open or shrouded ,mounted on a shaft that projects outside the casing.

2) Casings  :- There are 3 general types of casings ,but each consists of a chamber in which the impeller rotates,provided with inlet and exit for the liquid being pumped.
a) Circular casing
b) Volute casing
c) Diffuser-type / Guide vanes

3) Suction Pipe :- A pipe whose one end is connected to the inlet of the pump and other end dips into the liquid in a sump is known as suction pipe. A foot valve / Non-return valve is fitted at the lower end of the suction pipe.

4) Delivery Pipe :- A pipe whose one end is connected to the outlet of the pump and other end delivers the liquid at the required height is known as delivery pipe.

Working of a Centrifugal Pump :-

1) In the operation of a centrifugal pump before the pump is started, PRIMING of the pump is done.

2) In the Priming operation ,the suction pipe,pump casing and the portion of the delivery pipe up to delivery valve are completely filled with the liquid to be pumped so that all the air,gas or vapours from this portion of the pump is expelled and no air pocket is left.

3) Without Priming if the impeller is made to rotate in the presence of air, negligible pressure would be produced so that no liquid will be lifted in the pump.

4) After the pump is Primed properly ,the delivery valve is kept close and power from outside source is applied to the shaft.

5) The delivery valve is kept close in order to reduce the starting torque for the motor.

6) The impeller then rotates within the stationary casing.

7) The rotation of the impeller produces a force which imparts a centrifugal head to the liquid and thus results in an increase in the pressure thoughout the liquid mass.

8) As long as the delivery valve is closed and impeller is rotated there will be just churning of liquid within the casing.

9) When the delivery valve is opened,the liquid is made to flow outward thereby leaving the impeller vanes with high velocity and pressure.

10) Due to centrifugal action, a partial vaccum is created at the edge of the impeller which causes the liquid from the reservoir to rush through the suction pipe to the impeller.

Advantages of a Centrifugal Pump :-

1) It is Simple in construction.
2) It operates at high speed and therefore,can be coupled directly to an electric motor.
3) It gives a steady delivery.
4) Maintainance costs are lower than any other pump.
5) No damage is done to the pump if the delivery line becomes blocked.
6) It is much smaller than other pumps of equal capacity.
7) Quiet in operation.

Disadvantages of a Centrifugal Pump :-

1) The single stage pump will not develop a high pressure.
2) It is not usually self priming.
3) If a non-return valve is not incorporated in the delivery or suction line ,the liquid will run back into the suction tank as soon as the pump stops.

4) Very viscous liquids cannot be handled efficiently.

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