CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Introduction:
The centrifugal pump is a hydraulic machine which converts the mechanical energy into
hydraulic energy in the form of pressure energy, by means of the centrifugal force of a rotating element,
known as impeller.
The components of the centrifugal pump are:
1. Suction Pipe:
The pipe whose one end is connected to the inlet of the pump and the other end is below the
water surface in the sump is known as Suction pipe. A foot valve (a non return valve) is fitted at the
lower end of the suction pipe. The length of the suction pipe should be maintained as low as possible
and the number bends along the pipeline should be kept to a minimum.
2. Impeller:
The rotating part of the centrifugal pump is known as impeller. It has curved vanes arranged on
it. The impeller is mounted on a shaft, which is powered by an electric motor.
3. Casing:
Casing is an air tight passage surrounding the impeller. The casing has a gradual decrease in
cross sectional area, so that kinetic energy may be converted into pressure energy. The different types
of casings are,
A) Volute casing:
This is spiral in nature and facilitates the conversion of kinetic energy into pressure energy, by
the gradual decrease in cross sectional area. For larger pumps the increase in efficiency is not very
large, because of formation of eddies. Because of formation of eddies in the flowing water,
considerable energy is lost.
B) Vortex casing:
Here, a circular chamber is introduced between the impeller and the casing, to reduce the
formation of eddies. Thus loss of energy is prevented and as such the pumps have better efficiency.
C) Diff us er casing:
Here, the impeller is surrounded by a diffuser. The diffuser has a series of guide vanes. The
function of the diffuser is to transmit the water without shock. Hence the vibration of the pump is
reduced. The presence of diffuser decreases the area of cross section, which helps in reducing the flow,
consequently enhancing the pressure of the water.
4. Delivery pipe:
A pipe whose one end is connected to the outlet of the pump and the other end to the delivery
tank is known as the delivery pipe.

Working principle:
The centrifugal pump works on the principle of Forced Vortex Flow, according to which, if a
certain mass of the fluid is rotated by an external torque, the rise in pressure head of the rotating liquid
takes place. The rise in pressure head at any point of the rotating liquid is proportional to the square of
tangential velocity of the liquid at that point.
Thus at outlet of the impeller where radius is more, the rise in pressure head will be more. This
increase in pressure head is responsible for raising the fluid to high level.
Types of impeller:
The different types of impellers are
A) Open impeller:
An open impeller is characterized by impeller blades that are supported almost entirely by the
impeller hub. This is the simplest impeller style and it is primarily applied to clean, non-abrasive, low
horsepower applications.
B) Closed impeller
A closed impeller incorporates a full front and back shroud. Fluid flows through the internal
impeller passages without hydraulic interaction with the stationary casing walls. In a well designed
enclosed impeller, the relative velocity between the impeller and the fluid at any given radius is quite
small. This results in less wear than other impeller styles.
C) Semi open impeller:
A semi-open impeller is a compromise between an open and an enclosed impeller. It
incorporates a single shroud, usually located on the back of the impeller. A semi-open impeller has a
solids passing capability similar to that found in an open impeller. With only a single shroud a semi-
open impeller is easy to manufacture and completely accessible for applying surface hardening
treatments. For moderately abrasive slurries, especially if plugging is a concern, a semi-open impeller
is a good choice.
Priming of Centrifugal pump:
Before starting the pump, the air from suction pipe, impeller, casing and a part of the delivery
pipe are is removed and replaced by water. This operation is known as Priming.
If priming operation is not done, then the torque of the impeller will not be transmitter to the
water, due to lack of contact, and as such water will not rise in the deliver pipe.

Applications
1) It is used to fill the overhead tank, in houses and offices.
2) In agricultural sector centrifugal pumps is used to deliver the water from the well.
3) Large size centrifugal pump are used in industries.
4) Centrifugal pumps play an important role in marine engineering, chemical engineering and
other fields of engineering also.
5) Centrifugal pumps are utilized to feed water to boilers in industries.