Centrifugal pumps are fairly simple in nature. They use the kinetic energy of a motor to move liquids. An engine is attached to the axis, which then rotates the pump impeller, which is reminiscent of an old ship&#;s &#;water wheel&#;. The rotation moves the water from its entry point through the casing, and finally to the exit.
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While most pumps are used for water, centrifugal pumps are also used for sewage, petroleum, and chemicals. Incidentally, the reverse of this process is called a water turbine. The impeller is placed in moving water; it can be used as a water turbine which converts the water&#;s energy into rotational energy. In other words, instead of the motor moving the pump to move the water, the water moves the pump to move the motor.
Because of the direct conversion of the motor to rotational energy, the centrifugal pump is a very simple pump. As with all pumps, there are advantages and disadvantages.
The biggest advantage of centrifugal pumps is their aforementioned simplicity. They don&#;t require any valves, or many moving parts. This makes them easy to produce with many different materials. It also allows them to move at high speeds with minimal maintenance. Their output is very steady and consistent. Most of all, they are very small compared to other types of pumps that create the same output.
The main disadvantage is that they use rotation instead of suction to move water, and therefore have almost no suction power. This means that a centrifugal pump must be put under water, or primed, before it will move water.
Centrifugal pumps can also develop a phenomenon called &#;cavitation&#;. This happens when the speed of the water causes it to vaporise, which causes bubbles in the liquid. A combination of the speed of the vapour bubbles and the implosion of vapour bubbles can be corrosive to the impeller surfaces and pump casing.
For most household or light industrial uses, a centrifugal pump is fine. As long as the liquids aren&#;t too viscous, like mud or waste, and the pump can be totally submerged, it will provide consistent, effective, and reliable operation. Centrifugal pumps provide a lot of flexibility, are easy to move, and don&#;t take up a lot of space.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Huakai Anti-Corrosion Equipment.
For a wide selection of centrifugal and other pumps, browse through the Pump Solutions Australasia website.
What is a centrifugal pump?
Centrifugal pumps are classified as a dynamic pump type that use centrifugal force to turn mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. They are by far the most commonly used pumps on the market because they are reasonably priced and offer a good price/performance ratio for high flow applications. However, centrifugal pumps have a number of limitations that make them less than ideal for a range of industrial and hygienic applications. Electric diaphragm pumps solve many of these common issues.
Disadvantages of centrifugal pumps
Centrifugal pumps have several disadvantages compared to diaphragm pumps. Graco&#;s QUANTM pump is an electric double diaphragm pump (EODD) that addresses many of these common disadvantages of centrifugal pumps.
- Narrow optimum operating range and efficiency point
Centrifugal pumps have a specific impeller diameter, which means they only operate at optimum efficiency at a specific flow. Any flow range below or above this best efficiency point (BEP) is quite narrow. Not only does working outside the preset range significantly reduce the pump&#;s efficiency, but eventually, it also leads to cavitation, vibration, impeller damage, suction and discharge recirculation, or reduced bearing and seal life forcing complete rebuilds of the whole unit. QUANTM electric diaphragm pumps are well suited to varying flow, pressure, and applications. It poses no risk for shear-sensitive liquids and can easily handle abrasives and solids. - Impact of changes in viscosity
Some liquids can vary in viscosity due to temperature, chemical reaction or separation (varied layers or solids). The performance of a centrifugal pump is especially impacted when pumping more viscous liquids, because of the increased resistance to flow as the impeller rotates. The volume pumped by a centrifugal pump depends on head (back pressures) viscosity and the homogeneity of the material. If these values vary dynamically in a certain application, it is difficult to keep a centrifugal pump operating close to its best efficiency and also without prematurely wearing out the pump. - Damage caused by deadheading
When a discharge valve is closed or a line blockage occurs, it causes the fluid to recirculate in the pump, and pressure to continue to build resulting in a build-up of motor temperatures. When a pump is run in a deadheaded condition for too long, the excess heat damages the expensive seals and reduces pump life. Without purchasing additional sensors and controllers, a centrifugal pump will continue to run until something fails. The extra cost of these additional sensors and controllers needs to be included in the total cost evaluation. - Not self-priming
Centrifugal pumps are not self-priming. For the pump to work properly, its casing must be filled with liquid before start-up. When the casing fills with vapors or gases, the pump impeller becomes gas-bound and incapable of pumping. To make sure the pump remains primed and does not become gas-bound, centrifugal pumps need to be installed below the fluid level, from which the pump takes its suction. Alternatively, the pump can be primed by supplying liquid under pressure through another pump placed in the suction line. QUANTM pumps are self-priming and have excellent suction capabilities. - Unsuitable for abrasives and solids
Particularly in the chemical industry, selecting a centrifugal pump for pumping solids is quite a challenge, as process owners need a pump that is not only compatible with the chemicals being processed, but also capable of handling solids without choking the impeller and thus causing increased pump wear and potential blockages. The centrifugal pump types that are suited to this specific set of applications tend to have lower performance areas and be more expensive. - Unsuitable for shear-sensitive liquids
High-speed systems, such as the centrifugal pump, tend to shear liquids which is why this technology is not the best choice for shear-sensitive liquids. - Unsuitable to run dry
A centrifugal pump cannot run dry without causing damage to the system. The system needs to have resistance to dissipate rotation speed of the impeller. The QUANTM electric diaphragm pump can run dry without causing any damage to the system to avoid expensive repairs.
Common centrifugal pump applications
While centrifugal pumps are commonly used in various industries because of their efficiency with low viscosity materials and high flow rates, they may not always be the best fit for every application. Here&#;s a look at how centrifugal pumps are used in specific industries and QUANTM&#;s potential advantages:
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Centrifugal pumps are commonly used to transfer beverages and other low-viscosity liquids in the food industry. But the forces generated by centrifugal pumps can sometimes damage sensitive fluids, altering quality. QUANTM pumps are able to maintain the integrity of shear-sensitive products like creams and yogurts. Additionally, their hygienic design ensures compliance with food safety standards. - Water Treatment and Transfer
Centrifugal pumps are often used for their ability to move large amounts of water, but they can struggle with varying pressure conditions and the presence of solids. QUANTM pumps are able to handle a wider operating range, including higher solid content fluids without the risk of clogging. Their resistance to harsh conditions makes them an ideal alternative for water treatment applications.
Centrifugal pumps vs diaphragm pumps
Graco&#;s QUANTM electric diaphragm pump provides much more flexibility and reliability over centrifugal pumps. Take a look at the benefits:
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