Centrifugal Pumps

Fluid Machinery or Hydraulic Machines

What is fluid machinery ?

The fluid machines are the equipment which use either liquid or gas as the working fluid depending
upon the requirement.

And finally they transfer mechanical energy of rotor to the energy of fluid is termed as

a pump when it uses liquid,

and is termed as a compressor or a fan or a blower, when it uses gas.

The compressor is a machine where the main objective is to increase the static pressure of a gas.
(Air)

Therefore, the mechanical energy held by the fluid is mainly in the form of pressure energy.

Fans or blowers, on the other hand, mainly cause a high flow of gas, and hence utilize the
mechanical energy of the rotor to increase mostly the kinetic energy of the fluid.

In these machines, the change in static pressure is quite small.

Note :For all practical purposes, liquid used by the turbines producing power is water, and
therefore, they are termed as water turbines or hydraulic turbines
 PUMPS
What is the function of the pump?
 It displaces the fluid from a low pressure
to high pressure
 It displace fuel from a low velocity to
High Velocity
 Better understanding
Hydraulic machines are those machines which convert the either

a) Hydraulic Energy ( Energy possessed by water) into Mechanical energy

-- further converted in to Electrical energy

or
b) Mechanical energy into Hydraulic Energy

a) is called Turbines b) is called pumps

Therefore when we say Hydraulic Machines - that implies we study on the TURBINES and
PUMPS
 Types of pumps

Pumps

Gear
Sliding vane Rotodynamic
Positive
Screw displacement
Or
Kinetic pumps

Rotary Reciprocating Centrifugal

Piston , Diaphragm,
Plunger
• Positive displacement pump types ;
It lifts the given volume for each cycle of operation
and of 2 types

1.Rotary pumps
2.Reciprocating pumps
• Rotary
• Rotating action occurs periodically.
• Gear – comprises two gears in a housing with
small radial end clearances. Used in
lubrication system..
• Sliding Vane – comprises number of vanes.
• Screw- three screw with housing is used
with housing. Can create high pressure,
uniform delivery, used to transfer lubricant
Reciprocating:-
• Reciprocating action occurs periodically.

• Piston – comprises a cylinder and piston,

• Diaphram – comprises flexible diaphragm made from rubber

or rubberised fabric

• Plunger – comprises plunger, uses crank mechanism

• Pneumatic – Handles compressed air

 Centrifugal pumps
• What is a centrifugal pump?
• A centrifugal pump is a mechanical device
designed to move a fluid by means of the
transfer of rotational energy from one or more
driven rotors, called impellers.
• Fluid enters the rapidly rotating impeller along
its axis and is cast out by centrifugal force
along its circumference through the impeller’s
vane tips.
• The action of the impeller increases the fluid’s
velocity and pressure and also directs it
towards the pump outlet.
• The pump casing is specially designed to
constrict (compress) the fluid from the pump
inlet, direct it into the impeller and then slow
and control the fluid before discharge.
• Parts of a centrifugal pump
• Impeller , casing suction with
foot valve and a strainer ,
Delivery pipe
 How does a centrifugal pump work?
• The impeller is the key component of a
centrifugal pump.
It consists of a series of curved vanes.
• These are normally sandwiched between two discs (an
enclosed impeller).
• For fluids with entrained solids (entrapment), an open or semi-
open impeller (backed by a single disc) is preferred (Figure 1).
• Fluid enters the impeller at its axis (the ‘eye’) and exits along
the circumference between the vanes.
• The impeller, on the opposite side to the eye, is connected
through a drive shaft to a motor and rotated at high speed
(typically 500-5000rpm).

• The rotational motion of the impeller accelerates the fluid out

through the impeller vanes into the pump casing.
There are two basic designs of pump casing:
• volute and diffuser.
• The purpose in both designs is to translate the fluid flow into a
controlled discharge at pressure.

The purpose of casing is to translate fluid flow into

a controlled discharge pressure
Centrifugal pumps In a volute casing, the impeller is offset, effectively
creating a curved funnel with an increasing cross-
sectional area towards the pump outlet. This
design causes the fluid pressure to increase towards
the outlet (Figure 2).

Volutes only have one (or sometimes two) points where

the edge of the casing approaches the edge of the impeller
in order to begin building pressure,

Diffusers often have many vanes.

The diffuser contains 10 vanes as compared the volute

casing which only has one.
The same basic principle applies to diffuser designs.
In this case, the fluid pressure increases as fluid is
expelled .
between a set of stationary vanes
surrounding the impeller (Figure 3).

Diffuser designs can be tailored for specific

applications and can therefore be more efficient.

Volute cases are better suited to applications involving

entrained solids or high viscosity fluids when it is
advantageous to avoid the added constrictions of
diffuser vanes.

The asymmetry of the volute design can result in

greater wear on the impeller and drive shaft.
A diffuser slows down the fluid or gas
and increases its pressure, while an
impeller increases its velocity and
pressure.
The choice between the two depends on the
application and the desired outcome, and
factors such as flow rate, pressure, and
temperature should be considered when
making a selection
Difference s between the Diffuser and Impellers
Diffuser Impellers
• Increases the velocity and
pressure
 Slows down the velocity of
fluid or gas and increases its
• Converts Mechanical
pressure. Energy into Hydraulic
 convert the kinetic energy of energy
the fluid or gas into pressure • Mostly used in pumps and
energy. vanes fluid or gas need to
 Used where gas needs to be be accelerated
decelerate d Ex :Compressor • Have rotating blades to
& Turbines increase the velocity and
 Have gradually increasing pressures
cross sectional area
 May contain vanes and blades


• Main purpose is to
Main purpose is to educe
the velocity and increases
increase the velocity as
the pressure well as Pressure
 Axial flow Centrifugal
pump

Radial flow Axial flow

Parts of Centrifugal pumps
 Parts of Centrifugal pumps
• Impeller
The impeller is attached to the shaft and spins at the same speed as the shaft,
powered by a motor, engine, or hydraulic unit. As fluid enters the impeller’s eye,
it
passes through the vanes, gaining velocity and kinetic energy. By the time the
fluid
exits the impeller and enters the casing, its velocity matches the impeller’s
rotational speed.

• Diffuser or Volute Casing

The diffuser or volute casing is responsible for containing the fluid and
generating fluid pressure. It slows down the fluid’s velocity upon entry,
converting velocity into pressure.
• Shaft and Shaft Sleeves
The shaft is the central part of the pump’s rotor system. It supports the
impellers, mechanical seal, and bearings. The shaft provides a rigid framework
for pump operations.
 Parts of Centrifugal pumps
• Bearings
Bearings support the shaft and other rotating components
within the pump’s housing.
They absorb radial and axial forces during pump operation,
maintaining shaft alignment for peak efficiency and
reliability. Types of bearings used include anti-friction
bearings, pivoted-shoe thrust bearings, and sleeve
bearings.
• Mechanical Seals
Mechanical seals or packings prevent the pumped fluid
from leaking along the rotating shaft.
They are housed within the casing cover at the back of the
pump casing. The type of seal used depends on factors like
the process fluid, operational temperature, and pressure.
Centrifugal pumps- working

Velocity energy is imparted to the liquid by means of the centrifugal force

produced by rotation of the impeller and the liquid is radially pushed out towards the
impeller periphery.

Note
Centrifugal pumps- working
 Summary :

• Working of a centrifugal pump

• Centrifugal pumps operate by using centrifugal force
to convert kinetic energy into hydrodynamic energy,
facilitating the flow of various industrial fluids.

• How ?
• Fluid is supplied through a nozzle and directed at an
impeller within the pump system.
• The impeller’s rotation generates kinetic energy, which is
transferred to the fluid.
• The energized fluid enters a volute casing or diffuser,
where it slows down and its pressure increases.
Suction lift exists when the source of supply is below the centerline of the pump. Therefore,
the static suction lift is the vertical distance from the centerline of the pump to the free
level of the liquid to be pumped.

Suction head exists when the source of supply is above the centerline of the pump.
Therefore, the static suction head is the vertical distance from the centerline of the pump to
the free level of the liquid to be pumped.

Static discharge head is the vertical distance between the pump centerline and the point of
free discharge or the surface of the liquid in the discharge tank.
Total static head is the vertical distance between the free level of the source of
supply and the point of free discharge or the free surface of the discharge liquid.

Total Head or Total Dynamic Head

Total head (H), or total dynamic head (TDH), is the total dynamic discharge head
minus the total dynamic suction head:
TDH = hd + hs (with suction lift)
TDH = hd – hs (with suction head)
• The two main components responsible
for this task are

1) the impeller, and

2) the casing, ---

both of which belong to the portion of the

pump called the wet end. The impeller is
the rotating part, and the casing is the airtight
path that surrounds the impeller.

• The fluid in a centrifugal pump enters the Flow passage through a centrifugal pump
casing, falls on the impeller vanes at the
impeller eye, and rotates radially outward
until it exits the impeller through the diffuser
(volute) of the casing.

• As it passes through the impeller, the fluid

gains both velocity and pressure.
Some of the working parameters

• Depending on the use in a variety of

applications, pumps are offered with different
capacities and sizes. You have to consider the
pressure and volume required for which you
run the pump. Another important
consideration is the horsepower required.
• The following main parameters affect the
performance of a centrifugal pump and must
be considered when choosing a centrifugal
pump:
Fluid Viscosity
• This characteristic refers to the shear resistance Flow passage through a centrifugal pump
when energy is applied. Generally, a centrifugal
pump is proper for low viscosity fluids because
the pumping action produces high liquid shear.
• Fluid Density
• It directly affects the required input power to pump a
fluid. If working with a fluid other than water, it is
necessary to consider a parameter called specific
density.
• Operating Temperature and Pressure
• Net Positive Suction Head
 Centrifugal pump working steps
• The fluid enters the pump at the impeller eye.
• The velocity of the fluid increases by the
centrifugal force created due to the rotation of
the impeller.
• Therefore, the fluid is radially moved out
towards the impeller periphery.
• The fluid is directed to an expanding volute
casing or diffuser (depending on the design
type), and thus, its velocity energy is
converted to a pressure head.
• The increase in the fluid pressure head at any
point is proportional to the square of the
tangential velocity of the rotating fluid. It can be
written as:
H= V² ​/2g
V= rω ​

Therefore H= r²ω²
2g
ω is the rotational speed of the impeller (in rpm).
 Priming of centrifugal pump
• Priming is the crucial step in the initiation of the centrifugal pump.

• Priming is defined as the removal of the air from

suction , casing and portion of the delivery pipe up
to delivery valve by filling the liquid to be raised,
before start up

• These pumps are not capable of pumping gases (e.g., air).

• Priming is needed where the impeller is immersed in the liquid and no
air exists inside.
• Thus, for an initial start-up, priming is an essential action.

• The other reason that shows the importance of priming is the fill-up of
liquid in the casing, which intends to decrease the clearance capacity.
• There are different ways of priming a centrifugal pump, including
manual, using a separator, vacuum pump, and jet pump
Characteristic curves of Centrifugal pumps

Characteristic curves helps to describe the

performance the Centrifugal pumps over the
range of flow rate

Head Vs Discharge Curve

The head-discharge curve shows the relation
between the head created by a pump to the
water pumped volume per unit time.
-the pressure head generated by a pump regularly decreases with the
increase in the discharge rate of the pump.

Specific speed of a centrifugal pumps is ns​= n ​√Q

H^0.75
Efficiency of centrifugal pump η= P water = ρQgH
P shaft

Hm=hs+hd+hfs+hfd+vd²/2g
hfs=Frictional head loss at suction pipe, hfd= Frictional
head loss at delivery pipe vd = Velocity of water at delivery
pipe
Sealing Arrangement
Types of centrifugal pumps

• Single stage - Single impeller Advantages of Centrifugal Pumps

used in High flow –low pressure . High Head • These pumps do not have any drive seal, which
reduces leakage complications.
• These pumps are used to deal with hazardous
• Double stage – 2 impeller working side by fluids.
side for middle head • Magnetic coupling protects the pump from
external pressures.
• Multistage – 2 or 3 impellers connected in • There is no chance of heat transfer.
series
For high Head services Dis advantages
• They may lose energy because of magnetic
coupling, which causes minimal magnetic
resistance.
• An intense load implies the possibility of failing
the pump.
• When the pump does not operate for a long
time, rusting occurs and leads to damage.
• There is a chance of overheating.
Type of centrifugal Application Features
pump
Canned motor pump Hydrocarbons, chemicals where any Sealless; impeller directly
leakage is not permitted attached to the motor rotor;
wetted parts contained in can
Magnetic drive pump Sealless; impeller driven by close
coupled magnets
Chopper/grinder Waste water in industrial, chemical Impeller fitted with grinding
pump and food processing/ sewage teeth to chop solids
Circulator pump Heating, ventilation and air Inline compact design
conditioning
Multistage pump High pressure applications Multiple impellers for increased
discharge pressures
Cryogenic pump Liquid natural gas, coolants Special construction materials
to tolerate low temperatures
Trash pump Draining mines, pits, construction Designed to pump water
sites containing solid debris
Slurry pump Mining, mineral processing, industrial Designed to handle and
For Solid particles slurries withstand highly abrasive
slurries
Work done by centrifugal pump
In case of centrifugal pump, work
will be done by the impeller on
the water. Expression for the
work done by the impeller on the
water will be determined by
drawing the velocity triangles at
inlet and outlet of the impeller.

Let us see here a typical section

of a centrifugal pump that
indicates the impeller blade as
displayed here in following
figure. We are interested here to
find out the work done by the
centrifugal pump on the water.
Energy interaction will take place
only in the rotor i.e. impeller of
the centrifugal pump.
Work done by centrifugal pump
Velocity triangles will be drawn at the inlet and
outlet tips of the vanes fixed to an impeller.

For best efficiency of the pump, water need to

enter the impeller radially at inlet. Therefore,
absolute velocity of water at inlet will make an
angle of 90 degree with the direction of motion
of the impeller at inlet.

As we have discussed above that absolute

velocity of water at inlet will make an angle of
90 degree with the direction of motion of the
impeller at inlet, therefore angle α = 0 and
velocity of whirl at inlet Vw1 = 0.
Work done by centrifugal pump
Let us assume the following data as mentioned here.

N = Speed of the impeller in R.P.M

D1 = Diameter of the impeller at inlet
u1 =Tangential Velocity of impeller at inlet
V1 = Absolute velocity of water at inlet
Vr1 = Relative velocity of water at inlet
α = Angle made by absolute velocity of water at inlet
with the direction of motion of vane
θ = Angle made by relative velocity of water at
inlet with the direction of motion of vane
D2 = Diameter of the impeller at outlet
u2 =Tangential Velocity of impeller at outlet
V2 = Absolute velocity of water at outlet
Vr2 = Relative velocity of water at outlet
β = Angle made by absolute velocity of water at
outlet with the direction of motion of vane
φ = Angle made by relative velocity of water at
outlet with the direction of motion of vane
Work done by centrifugal pump
Tangential velocity of water at inlet, u1 = π
D1 N/60
Tangential velocity of water at outlet, u2 = π
D2 N/60
As we know that in case of radially inward flow reaction
turbine, the work done by the water on the runner per
second per unit weight of the water striking per second
will be given by following equation as mentioned here.

Work done by the water on the runner per second per

unit weight of the water striking per second
= (1/g) x [Vw1 u1 - Vw2 u2]
As we know that a centrifugal pump is the reverse of a
radially inward flow reaction turbine, therefore work
done by the impeller on the water in case of a
centrifugal pump will be given by following equation as
mentioned here.
Work done by the impeller on the water per second per
unit weight of the water striking per second = - (work
done in case of turbine)
Work done by the impeller on the water per second per
unit weight of the water striking per second = (1/g) x
[Vw2 u2 - Vw1 u1]
Work done by centrifugal pump
Because, absolute velocity of water at inlet will make an
angle of 90 degree with the direction of motion of the
impeller at inlet, therefore angle α = 0 and Vw1 = 0.
Above equation also provides the head imparted to the
water by the impeller or energy given by impeller to the
water per unit weight per second.

Work done by the impeller on water per second =

(W/g) x Vw2 u2
Where, W = Weight of water
W=ρxgxQ

Where, Q = Flow rate of water

Q = Area x Velocity of flow
Q =π x D1 x B1 x Vf1 = π x D2 x B2 x Vf2

Where,
B1 and B2 are the width of impeller and Vf1 and Vf2 are the
velocities of flow at the inlet and outlet.
Work done by centrifugal pump
Therefore, we have seen here two very important
terms i.e. work done by the centrifugal pump on
water and head imparted to the water by the
impeller or energy given by impeller to the water
per unit weight per second.

1) Work done by the impeller on water per

second = (W/g) x Vw2 u2 W= weight of water = ρgQ is
where

volume of water

Head imparted to the water by the impeller or

energy given by impeller to the water per unit
weight per second = (1/g) x Vw2 u2
 Efficiency of Centrifugal pumps
• In a centrifugal pump the power is transmitted from the shaft of the
electric motor to the shaft of the pump and then to the impeller . From
the impeller the power is given to the water.

• Thus power is decreasing from the shaft of the pump to the impeller and
then to the water.
• The important efficiency of a centrifugal pump a re
a) Manometric efficiency ɳ mano = The ratio of the manometric head to the head imparted by the
impeller to the water

ɳ mano = Manometric head

Head imparted by the impeller to the water

Power at the impeller of the pump is more than the power given to
the water at the outlet of the pump .
The ratio of the power given to the water at the outlet of the pump
to the power available at the impeller is known as Manometric
efficiency
• Mechanical Efficiency ɳm = The power at the shaft of the centrifugal pump is more than power available
at the impeller of the pump..
The ratio of the power available at the impeller to the power at the shaft of the centrifugal pump is known as Mechanical
efficiency

ɳm : Power at the impeller

Power at the shaft Power at the impeller in kW = work done by impeller per second /1000
= W/g X (Vw2 u2/1000)
SP where SP is shaft power

Over all efficiency ɳo = Power output the pump / power input to the pump
= Weight of the water lifted x Hm = WHm/1000
1000

ɳo = ɳmano x ɳm
 Cavitation
• It is the formation of vapour bubbles of a flowing liquid in a region
where the pressure of the fluid falls below its vapour pressure
and sudden collapse of these vapour bubbles in a region
of high pressure .
At the time of vapour bubbles collapse a high pressure is
created and this causes PITTING action on the metallic
surface.

Therefore the cavities are formed on the metallic surface

and further produces NOISE and VIBRATION

Thus the surfaces are getting damaged

Precaution
1Not to allow the pressure to drop below the vapour pressure.. For
water the absolute pressure head should not be below 2.5 m.
2.Using the special materials or coatings ( Aluminium –bronze,
Stainless Steel should be used
 Effect of Cavitation

 The metallic surfaces are getting damaged.

 Due to sudden collapse of the bubbles lot of

noise and vibration are produced.

 Efficiency of the turbine or pump decreases

due to cavitation.

 Due to pitting the blades become rough and

force on the blades decreases .
Subsequently the Horse power becomes less
and efficiency decreases
 Where it cavitation occurs?
• May occur at the inlet of the impeller or at the
suction side where pressure is considered to
be less .
• It is calculated by Cavitation factor ϭ = (H ) - Hs- h b Ls
• ( Hb= barometric pressure )
H
= (H atm -Hv) - Hs –hLs
H ϭ is called Thoma’ s Cavitation factor .
Where H atm - Atmospheric pressure head in m of water or absolute pressure head at the liquid
surface of the pump
Hv - Vapour pressure head in m of water Hs –Suction pressure head in m of water

hLs – Head lost due to friction in suction pipe H - Head developed by the pump

This ϭ is compared with Critical cavitation factor ϭc.

If ϭ is greater than ϭc. The cavitation will not occur in the turbine
The ϭc.is available from Tables or empirical relationship