Axial Flow Pumps Information

Show all Axial Flow Pumps Manufacturers

 
Axial flow pumps, also called propeller pumps, are centrifugal pumps which move fluid
axially through an impeller. They provide high flow rate and low head, but some models can
be adjusted to run efficiently at different conditions by changing the impeller pitch.
 
Advantages Disadvantages

 Highest flow rates (capacity)  Low head and discharge pressures

 Can be adjusted for best efficiency at varying

 Not suitable for suction lift
conditions
  
Operation
 

Axial flow pumps are dynamic pumps, meaning they utilize

fluid momentum and velocity to generate pump pressure. Specifically, they are centrifugal
pumps, which generate this velocity by using an impeller to apply centrifugal force to the
moving liquid. To learn more about selecting centrifugal pumps, go to the Centrifugal Pumps
Selection Guide page on IEEE GlobalSpec.
 
Axial flow pumps are one of three subtypes of centrifugal pumps, the others being mixed
flow and radial flow. Of these three types, axial flow pumps are characterized by the highest
flow rates and lowest discharge pressures. They direct flow in a straight line parallel to the
impeller shaft (see image below) rather than radially (perpendicular to the shaft). The
impeller is shaped like a propeller and contains only a few (typically three or four) vanes.
The impeller is driven by a motor that is either sealed directly in the pump body or by a
drive shaft that enters the pump tube from the side. The impeller looks and operates similar
to a boat propeller, which is the reason why axial flow pumps are also called propeller
pumps.
 
 Axial flow pump impeller design and flow. Image Credit: Engineer's Edge
 

 
Axial flow pump operation. Video Credit: NPTEL / CC BY-SA 4.0
 
Specifications
 
When selecting an axial flow pump, there are a few key performance specifications to
consider:
 
 Flow rate describes the rate at which the pump can move fluid through the
system, typically expressed in gallons per minute (gpm). The rated capacity of a pump
must be matched to the flow rate required by the application or system. 
 Pressure is a measure of the force per unit area of resistance the pump can
handle or overcome, expressed in bar or psi (pounds per square inch). As in all
centrifugal pumps, the pressure in axial flow pumps varies based on the pumped fluid's
specific gravity. For this reason, head is more commonly used to define pump energy in
this way.
 Head is the height above the suction inlet that a pump can lift a fluid. It is a
shortcut measurement of system resistance (pressure) which is independent of the
fluid's specific gravity, expressed as a column height of water given in feet (ft) or meters
(m).
 Net positive suction head (NPSH) is the difference between the pump's inlet
stagnation pressure head and the vapor pressure head. The required NPSH is
an important parameter in preventing pump cavitation.
 Output power, also called water horsepower, is the power actually delivered to
the fluid by the pump, measured in horsepower (hp). 
 Input power, also called brake horsepower, is the power that must be supplied
to the pump, measured in horsepower (hp).
 Efficiency is the ratio between the input power and output power. It accounts for
energy losses in the pump (friction and slip) to describes how much of the input
power does useful work.
For more information about these and other pump performance specifications, visit
the Pump Flow information page on Engineering360.
 
Performance
 
The performance characteristics of axial flow pumps are different from other pump types.
Pump performance curves, which are provided by a manufacturer to describe the correlation
between head and capacity of an individual pump, can be used to describe these
characteristics.
 

Image Credit: Batescrew
 
The image above shows a typical performance curve for an axial flow pump, depicting the
relationship between head, flow rate, power, and efficiency. As shown in the diagram, the
shut-off (zero flow) head of an axial flow pump can be as much as three times the head at
the pump's best efficiency point. Additionally, the power requirement increases as flow
decreases, with the highest power draw at shut off. These trends are opposite radial flow
centrifugal pumps, which require more power as flow rate increases.
 
 Image Credit: R. Castelnuovo - Wikipedia Commons
 
This collection of curves shows the change in performance at different impeller pitch (angle).
Power requirements and pump head increase with increases in pitch, allowing pumps to be
tweaked to the conditions of the system to provide the most efficient operation.
 
Materials
 
Pumps and their various components are made up of a number of different materials. Media
type, system requirements, and the surrounding environment all are important factors in
material selection.
 
Types
 
Some materials used are described below.
 
 Cast iron provides high tensile strength, durability, and abrasion resistance
corresponding to high pressure ratings.
 Plastics are inexpensive and provide extensive resistance to corrosion and
chemical attack.
 Steel and stainless steel alloys provide protection against chemical and rust
corrosion and have higher tensile strengths than plastics, corresponding to higher
pressure ratings.
Other materials used in pump construction include:
  
 Aluminum
 Brass
 Bronze
 Ceramics
 Nickel-alloy

Considerations
 
When selecting the material type, there are a number of considerations that need to be
taken into account.
 
 Chemical compatibility - Pump parts in contact with the pumped media and
addition additives (cleaners, thinning solutions) should be made of chemically
compatible materials that will not result in excessive corrosion or contamination. Consult
a metallurgist for proper metal selection when dealing with corrosive media.
 Explosion proof - Non-sparking materials are required for operating
environments or media with particular susceptibility to catching fire or explosion. See
the Explosion Proof Pumps Selection Guide for more information on pumps designed
specifically for these applications.
 Sanitation- Pumps in the food and beverage industries require high density seals
or sealless pumps that are easy to clean and sterilize.
 Wear - Pumps which handle abrasives require materials with good wearing
capabilities. Hard surfaces and chemically resistant materials are often incompatible.
The base and housing materials should be of adequate strength and also be able to hold
up against the conditions of its operating environment.
Media Type
 
Selecting the right pump requires an understanding of the properties of the liquid in the
addressed system. These properties include viscosity and consistency.
 
 Viscosity is a measure of the thickness of a liquid. Viscous fluids like sludges
generate higher systems pressures and require more pumping powerto move through
the system. Low viscosity liquids like water and oil which generate low head. Axial flow
pumps are designed to handle low viscosity fluids because they generate low head and
high capacities.
 Consistency is the material makeup of the liquid solution in terms of
chemicals and undissolved solids. Axial flow pumps are not well-suited for handling
media with solids, but can be used when designed with the proper impeller type.
Solutions with corrosive chemicals should be handled by pumps with materials and parts
designed to withstand corrosion.
 Applications
 
Axial flow pumps are used in applications requiring very high flow rates and low pressures.
They are used to circulate fluids in power plants, sewage digesters, and evaporators. They
are also used in flood dewatering and irrigation systems. The applications for axial flow
pumps are not nearly as abundant however as for radial flow pumps, so the equipment is
not as common.
 
References
 
Batescrew Axial Flow Pumps - Impeller Performance Curves
 
Pump Scout - Axial Flow Pumps
 
Precision Service & Pumps Inc. - Axial Flow Pumps
 
Image Credit:
 
Weir Minerals | Flygt, a Xylem brand | A.R. Wilfley & Sons, Inc.
 

Related Products & Services

 Impellers
Impellers are rotating devices that force liquids, gases and vapors in a desired direction.
They are widely used in pumping, blowing, and mixing applications.

 Liquid Handling Pumps

Industrial liquid handling pumps are classified in many different ways, and are
distinguished by the media pumped and the fluid motive mechanism (dynamic or
displacement).

 Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps can be mounted into a tank with the liquid media. The pump’s motor
is normally sealed in an oil filled cavity that is protected from contact with the liquid.

 Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are used in applications where excess water must be pumped away from a
particular area. Sump pumps generally sit in a basin or sump that collects this excess
water.
 Turbine Pumps
Turbine pumps are centrifugal pumps that use pressure in combination with a rotary
mechanism to transfer fluid.  They typically employ blade geometry, which causes fluid
circulation around the vanes to add pressure from inlet to outlet. 

 Water Pumps
Water pumps move water that does not contain suspended solids or particulates.
Applications include water supply, irrigation, land and mine drainage, sea water
desalination, and condensate transport.