FLUID MACHINERY:

About Pumps
Chapter 3

INTRODUCTION:
Pumps are one of man’s oldest aids and
ranks second only to the electric motor and fuel
engines as the most widely used industrial
machines. Anything that flows from highly volatile
substances, thick muds or sludges (slurries),
molten metals, and liquids at 1000 oF or higher
pose few real problems but still can be conveyed by
today’s modern pumps.

Worldwide, such machines handles

billions upon billions of gallons of water and other
liquids either for human consumption or for
residential and industrial purposes. To meet such
demands, a large variety of pumps are currently
used today ranging from ones handling smaller
volumes to ones handling outrageously large
volumes of liquids (well over 100,000 gpm).

CLASSIFICATION OF PUMPS:
CLASSIFICATION OF PUMPS:
Pumps generally are machines that are used to handle/ convey liquid usually from a lower elevation
location to a higher elevation location by imparting energy to the fluid to offset gravitational as well as frictional
effects.
They are classified into two (2) major categories according to the how the energy is imparted to the fluid
and are the DYNAMIC/ KINETIC and POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT TYPES.

1. DYNAMIC OR KINETIC in which energy is continuously being added to increase the velocities of the
fluid within the machine (impeller housing) than those occurring at the discharge. This kinetic energy
is subsequently being converted into pressure energy.

Centrifugal pump of the vertical split type casing with various types of single suction impellers; CLOSED TYPE
(Left column); SEMI-OPEN TYPE (right column)…
 Types of this pump include the CENTRIFUGAL (DEEPWELL & TURBINE PUMPS)and SPECIAL
EFFECT TYPES OF PUMPS (JET, GAS LIFT, HYDRAULIC RAM, and ELECTROMAGNETIC types).

FLANGED ELBOW
FITTINGS
HOISTING
CHAIN

ELECTRICAL WIRING (FOR

CONTROL & POWER
DISTRIBUTION)

DISCHARGE
LINE/ SIDE

SUBMERSIBLE
PUMPS

MACHINE
FOUNDATION

SUCTION LINE

LIFTING BOLT
Submersible type of pumps are examples of centrifugal pumps
where the “pump itself” is submerged underneath the liquid to be
sucked, this instead of using a submerged intake/ suction pipeline.
The pump has a built-in motor on the inside which is encased/
protected from the submerging liquid so as to prevent the electrical
part from short-circuiting.
Such types of pumps have a long line of electrical wiring which
ENCASED like the motor is protected from the submerging liquid.
MOTOR As like any pump types, submersible types need to have a
sturdy machine foundation to which the pump must be connected
along with the discharge side of the pump..
They are mounted with hoisting chains that serve as either a
“balancer” or as a “hoist” (lift) in cases that repairs are necessary…
Submersible types are used instances where the suction lift
requires heads of up to 8,000 ft are commonly used to mitigate flooding
in high rise buildings. It uses an semi-open type of impeller with large
clearances so as prevent possible entanglement of debris coming from
the flood waters.
 ELECTRIC MOTOR Turbine pumps are special types of centrifugal pumps and are
also called “deepwell pumps”. Such type is different from the submersible
IMPELLER type in that, it is a “multi-stage diffuser (impeller) unit” composed of
multiple impellers whose main purpose is to increase discharge pressure.
Also, it differs with the submersible type in that the motor is
located above ground and not submerged with the submerging liquid
source.
With its closed type impellers having smaller liquid passages, it
necessitates the use of “strainers” to filter out any solid impurities/
substances that might accumulate and hinder the proper performance of
the multi-stage impellers.
Such types of pumps are advisable for use in static lifts of up to
1,000 ft and for capacities of up to 7,000 gpm…
DISCHARGE

MULTI-STAGE IMPELLERS

CLOSED IMPELLER (upclose)

BASKET STRAINER

2. POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT in which energy is periodically being added to the fluid contained
within the machine (impeller housing) by the application of force resulting in a direct
increase in pressure as the fluid is being discharged.

Such type of pumps are divided into the RECIPROCATING and ROTARY TYPES depending
upon the nature of movement of the pressure producing members with further
classifications/ sub categories (as shown in the figure).

RECIPROCATING TYPE
(PISTON/ PLUNGER)
 RECIPROCATINGRECIPROCATING
PUMPS: PUMPS:

The reciprocating type includes one of the

most common type of pump that is used mostly in
households, the “PITCHER PUMP”...

Reciprocating types uses a

“RECIPROCATING MOTION” that is characterized
by a forward and backward motion of the moving
part which is either a “PISTON OR PLUNGER”

This “forward motion” of the piston/

plunger lifts the suction valve open sucking the
liquid upwards. Further moving forward causes additional amounts of liquid volume to be sucked inside. This
forward motion then becomes a backward motion where it causes the suction valve to close down but forces the
discharge valve to open causing the trapped liquid volume to escape and escape with further backward motion.
This process takes place over and over again…

This reciprocating part is either a “PISTON” or “PLUNGER” where they are distinguished one over the
other by the following:

PISTON TYPE:
1. LESSER RUBBING OR CONTACTING AREA:
As shown, piston types are supplemented by
piston rod, thus they only have smaller rubbing
or contacting area as compared to the plunger
type.
2. FOR LOW PRESSURE, LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT
SERVICE:
Due to their make-up (less rubbing / contacting
area), such types are susceptible to higher
pressures and heavy duty type of service since
higher/ heavy duty applications causes a higher
degree of degradation of the rubbing/
contacting part (piston).

3. LESS EXPENSIVE THAN THE PLUNGER TYPE:

With less material involved, such types are
much cheaper over the other.
 4. CANNOT HANDLE GRITTY LIQUIDS:
Since the piston/ plunger type rely on the rubbing/ contacting area, the piston type is not
advisable for use involving gritty (solid laden liquids) liquids as the solid matter can cause
abrasion eventually wear on the piston’s outer cylindrical surface. When such happens, energy in
terms of pressure can no longer be imparted on the liquid.

PLUNGER TYPE:
1. HIGHER RUBBING/ CONTACTING SURFACE AREA.
2. FOR HIGH PRESSURE, HEAVY-DUTY OR CONTINUOUS SERVICE.
3. MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE PISTON_TYPE.
4. SUITABLE FOR GRITTY OR FOREIGN LADEN LIQUIDS.
From the configuration, PLUNGER TYPES have a higher contacting or rubbing area, thus they are
suitable for higher pressures and generally outlasts the PISTON TYPE when operating in heavy-
duty(continuous) services as well as being capable of handling gritty liquids since their rubbing or
contacting area is not prone to have a higher/ faster degree of degradation. Their only downside is
that such types are much expensive to construct since they necessitate a larger volume of material as
compared to the PISTON TYPE.

Summing it up, RECIPROCATING PUMPS imparts energy “PERIODICALLY” to the liquid as

It would be improbable to add energy continuously onto the liquid with the liquid unable to
continuously enter the pump casing. It is also important to note that the kind/ nature of energy
impartment (RECIPROCATING) does not consititute an example of a continuous movement.

RECIPROCATING PUMPS are designed primarily for HIGH PRESSURE DISCHARGE

involving HIGH HEADS (TDH), are SELF-PRIMING but are only able to convey or handle LOW VOLUME
FLOW RATES…

ROTARY PUMPS:
ROTARY PUMPS:
Rotary pumps are another type of positive displacement pumps which again imparts energy onto
the liquid periodically through the use of a ROTATING FORCE given-off by a pair of the same rotating
element or a pair of two different rotating elements that meshes with respect to one another.

Most popular of this type include the GEAR, VANE, LOBE, and SCREW TYPE with other types
involving the same or modified element shown in separate illustrations.

EXTERNAL GEAR TYPE INTERNAL GEAR TYPE LOBE TYPE

SLIDING VANE TYPE SCREW TYPE

 ROTARY PUMP TYPES WITH VARYING INSIDE ELEMENTS:

Of all the kinds/ varieties of pumps, the centrifugal, reciprocating, and rotary types are the most
commonly used types of pumps in the handling of fluids.
 Rotary pumps have meshing/ rotating parts that “PADDLES” or “AGITATES” the liquid from the
suction side to be “PADDLED” outwards into the discharge side. From the frame by frame stages, it can
be seen that liquid diverted inside gradually increases in volume (with space enlargement) then
gradually decreases in volume (with space minimization) before being swept/ diverted into the
discharge side of the pump.

Again energy is periodically being added since the liquid is unable to enter continuously like that
of the reciprocating type with only the centrifugal type allowing continuous passage/ entry of liquid.

** This could be further proven if you try to push/ force water into the suction and eventually
into the discharge side of the centrifugal, reciprocating, and rotary pump with their main internal parts
not moving.

ROTARY PUMP RECIPROCATING PUMP

With only the

centrifugal type having
continuous passage of
liquid from suction to
discharge (thru impeller
eye), liquid would naturally
flow out unlike that of the
reciprocating/ rotary type
of pumps that does not
permit free passage of
liquid unless their main
internal parts are working..
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
 Summing it up, ROTARY PUMPS are capable of handling MEDIUM VOLUME FLOW
RATES (DISCHARGES), at a LOWER HEAD (TDH) OPERATION, are SELF-PRIMING and are normally
used in conveying VISCUOS LIQUIDS where reciprocating and centrifugal types are not well suited for.

CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS:
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
The most popular of all kinds of pumps because of its easy
adaptability and great variety of usage. It got its name due to the type of
force given/ imparted to the liquid called “CENTRIFUGAL FORCE”. A
centrifugal force is one in which the fluid/ object is made to move outwards
(due to the impeller) when they are spinning around something (shafting).

HOW DOES ONE WORK FROM THE INSIDE?

Centrifugal pumps are essentially composed of a stationary casing and rotating impeller where the
following takes place from the inside.

1. As the liquid makes its way through the suction, it passes through the center of the rotating impeller.
2. Liquid is then diverted along the contour of the rotating impeller.
3. Due to the high speed rotation of the impeller, kinetic energy is eventually imparted to the liquid
increasing its speed as compared to its initial speed when it passes through the suction.
4. The liquid now makes its way-out of the discharge side.

Pumps of this kind could have their casing “VERTICALLY or HORIZONTALLY SPLIT”. VERTICAL SPLIT TYPE
are normally FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS which is CHARACTERIZED BY A SINGLE
SUCTION TYPE OF IMPELLER THROUGH THE LONE EYE IMPELLER (COULD EITHER BE OF THE OPEN, SEMI-OPEN,
OR CLOSED TYPE) which only HAS A SHAFT PORTION AT ONE OF ITS SIDES (INSTEAD OF TWO)….

VERTICAL AXIS

LONE
SUCTION
SIDE
LONE PUMPSHAFT
(LONE
PORTION
IMPELLER
EYE)

IMPELLER

VERTICAL SPLIT CASING CENTRIFUGAL PUMP (SINGLE STAGE):

 UPPER CASING
PUMP SHAFT IN LINE
WITH EYE IMPELLER

PUMP SHAFT IN LINE

WITH EYE IMPELLER

HORIZONTAL SPLIT CASING are normally

LOWER CASING
for LARGER or EXTREME SIZES of centrifugal
pumps which is characterized by a DOUBLE
HORIZONTAL AXIS SUCTION TYPE OF IMPELLER (CLOSED TYPE ONLY)
which has two shaft portions as well as two
impeller eyes applicable for both SINGLE STAGE
and MULTIPLE-STAGE IMPELLER centrifugal
pumps.

DOUBLE SUCTION TYPE OF IMPELLER

SINGLE SUCTION TYPE

OF IMPELLER

Above photo inset

with encircled portions as the
eye of the impeller (entry of
liquid through the impeller
before going-out)…

Photo besides
showing a MULTI-STAGE
IMPELLER CPUMP comprised
of MULTIPLE SINGLE SUCTION
TYPE OF IMPELLERS that is
SPLIT HORIZONTALLY….

HORIZONTAL SPLIT CASING CENTRIFUGAL PUMP (MULTI-STAGE):

 Centrifugal pumps of larger and extreme sizes are split horizontally so as to permit easy disassembly of
the heavy pumpshaft. Employing a vertical split casing would complicate extraction of the pump shaft as the
pumpshaft is normally extricated/ pulled by the use of a chain block/ hoist, or a hydraulic system lifting the
pumpshaft upwards after the upper casing has been lifted…

HOIST/ CHAIN BLOCK…

… MOUNTED
… MOUNTED ON
ON A SLING/
AN EYE BOLT.
SECURED
WIRE ROPE.

The vertical split casing meanwhile allows the pump shaft to be pulled from the side even without the aid
of any hoisting device, as the pump shaft assembly is not that too heavy and is not that too long that extricating it
from the side could get some pump shaft portion getting entangled…
Centrifugal pumps normally delivers liquid at high velocities (which is due to the energy imparted by the
high-speed rotating impeller) but at relatively small pressures (which is due to the minimal fluid restrictions/
friction encountered from the suction point until the discharge point), such types are called SINGLE STAGE
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS (see previous illustrations)…
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS are only able to operate at LOW HEADS (TDH) which is a disadvantage as well as
this pump type requires PRIMING before being able to discharge liquid.
In order to increase the discharge pressure of the liquid, a decrease in velocity at its impeller discharge
portion is necessary. This is usually done by adding additional impellers with the concept of creating constrictions/
divertions in fluid flow to increase fluid friction. Recalling bernoulli’s fluid flow theorem, as the speed decreases
basically due to the increase in friction the pressure increases.
Centrifugal pumps possessing two or more impellers are called MULTI-STAGE CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS.
These pumps have their impellers connected to the very same shafting inside the same stationary casing (see
previous illustrations).

CENTRIFUGAL PUMP PARTS:

Hundreds of centrifugal pump designs can be found in the market today, their designs may vary but still
have the same common parts such as:

1. PUMP CASING:
One that houses the impeller. It gives direction to the flow from the impeller helping change the
velocity energy possessed by the liquid into pressure energy. For vertical split casings, this is considered as
the “PUMP CASING” while for horizontal split casing, it maybe referred to as either the “UPPER or LOWER
CASING”….

UPPER CASING

LOWER CASING
PUMP CASING
 VOLUTE CASING TYPE DIFFUSER CASING TYPE

Vertical split casing may have their

casings as either of the VOLUTE & DIFFUSER
TYPE.
The VOLUTE has a lower discharge
pressure capability since there is less fluid
obstructions while the DIFFUSER has an
INNER FIXED MAZE LIKE OBSTRUCTION
decreasing fluid speed thereby increasing
discharge pressure…

2. IMPELLER:
Rotating part (agitator) with the pump shaft and is one that actually imparts velocity to the liquid
due to the mechanical work provided by the prime mover.

“A” is an OPEN TYPE with less encompassing shroud portion; “B” having a full encompassing
shroud engaging the outer vane ends known as SEMI-OPEN TYPE; “C” and “D” being a CLOSED TYPE with
the former considered as a SINGLE SUCTION TYPE and the other one being a DOUBLE SUCTION TYPE; “E”
is a PAPER-STOCK TYPE; “F” as PROPELLER TYPE; and “G” as MIXED FLOW TYPE. The latter three (3)
being used in special types of centrifugal pumps.

2.A IMPELLER NUT:

Locks the impeller with respect to
the pump shaft so that the impeller
readily rotates along with the rotation
of the pump shaft. This maybe a NUT
when the means of connection with the
pump shaft is an external thread or
maybe a BOLT when the pump shaft has
an internal threaded portion.

2.B IMPELLER NUT WASHER:

An intermediate piece between the impeller nut and impeller to prevent the metal to metal
contact of the mating surfaces so that separation wouldn’t be difficult.

2.C IMPELLER KEY:

A detachable fastener used to ensure the locking of the impeller
with the pump shaft. It is a short rectangular bar of square cross-
section that is forced into the “formed groove” (keyway) between
the outer pumps haft diameter and inner hole of the impeller.
GROOVE/ KEYWAY

IMPELLER EYE
3. FRAME:
The remaining casing part which is comprised of different mechanical elements that takes care of
leaking as well as proper alignment of the pump shaft and may also include the following:

3.A SIGHT GLASS:

A flat circular transparent glass usually measuring 1” in
diameter with a red dot at its middle showing the level of
of lubricant (oil) inside the oil chamber where the bearings
bearings are located. Level of oil lubricant should be in line
 line with the red dot.

3.B OIL REPLENISHING GLASS:

A small cup with a lid at its top where replenishment
of lubricant (oil) is made if the level is below the desired
level.

3.C OIL CHAMBER:

Bulk portion of the frame where the
oil lubricant is stored to properly lubricate the
bearings to prevent them from overheating.

This oil chamber has a hole at the top

an access point when the oil lubricant is totally
changed (usually after repair have been made)
and another hole at the bottom serving as the
draining point when the lubricant has been
used-out (or when repairs are necessary).
These holes are covered by short bolts. This
Chamber may also be not filled with oil lubricant in cases that the centrifugal pump is of smaller
size, where the form lubrication to be used is in the form of grease.

3.D OIL CHAMBER NUT:

This is actually a bolt, having a square (or
hexagon) where it could be found at the topmost
portion when the need to fill the oil chamber
arises. It specifically protects the chamber from
being contaminated by elements/ materials from
the outside.

3.E OIL DRAIN NUT:

The same with the oil chamber nut, but
that it is located at the bottom so that immediate
draining of the used-up oil lubricant could be
facilitated.

4. PUMP SHAFT:
A power transmitting element that conveys the
rotational work given-off by the prime mover (electric
motor) and is usually made of stainless steel with a non
-uniform cross section.

4.A CIRCLIP:
A detachable fastener usually attached with
the bearing so that the bearing will be held in place. It
is like a horseshoe except that it has a circular shape.
It has two small hole at its ends where the tip of a
circlip plier is inserted for disengagement.

SPECIAL PLIER
(CIRCLIP)
 4.B SHAFT SLEEVE:
A sort of protection for the pump shaft to prevent it from any
possible abrasion when the pump shaft passes through the stuffing box.
In cases that the sealing mechanism used to prevent leakage is a mechanical
seal, the use of shaft sleeves is often eliminated. This sleeve is found
where throttling of leakage is made.

5. BEARINGS:
Carries the radial and thrust
loads of the pump aside from
maintaining the uniform
horizontality of the pump
shaft. Worn - out bearing
translates into vibration
resulting in the damage of
the impeller.

4.A FRONT BEARING:

Smaller bearing of the roller
type that is located at the
impeller side. Normally this
is a ball bearing type.

4.B REAR BEARING: BALL TYPE ROLLER TYPE SLEEVE TYPE

Larger bearing of that is
located at the coupling side.
It can either be a ball, roller,
sleeve, or thrust (ball/ roller)
type of bearing.

THRUST TYPE (BALL/ ROLLER)

4.B.1 REAR BEARING CAP:

Is actually a side cover of the frame sealing the oil chamber from leaking. It has a narrow
circular groove where the oil ring (preventing leak of oil lubricant) is to be placed.

VARIOUS SHAPES OF A REAR

BEARING CAP:
 4.B.1.A OIL RING:
A simple sealing device made from wear
resistant rubber in the form of a letter “O”
preventing the oil lubricant in the frame
from seeping-out through the lone use of
the rear-bearing cap.

5. SHAFT COUPLING:
Another power transmitting
element that allows connection RIGID
between two collinear shaft connecting COUPLING
the driver (motor) to the driven
(pumps). This could either be of the
rigid and flexible type. The rigid type
not allowing any form of misalignment
(used in cases where there is no
misalignment or if the speed of
rotation involved is not that too fast).
The flexible type corrects any small
amounts of misalignment (linear and
angular) due to its make-up (due to
intermediate material used in between
the faces of this coupling) thereby
preventing vibration from damaging
the pump/ motor itself.

5.A COUPLING KEY:

A detachable fastener for COUPLING KEY
the pair of coupling flanges
enabling it to rotate as one
(synchronized). IMPELLER KEY

RIGID COUPLING TYPES

(no slippage in rotation)
5.B FLEXIBLE MATERIAL:
A soft cushioning material taking care of any misalignment

FLEXIBLE COUPLING TYPES

(with slippage in rotation)
 5.C SHAFT COUPLING HOUSING:
Usually made from a thin sheet bended/ rolled metal that is used to house the shaft
coupling. Since the shaft assembly rapidly rotates, a means of protection should be used to prevent
any foreign material from jamming the rotation or to keep the technician/ maintenance personnel
out of harms way as his sleeves might get caught up.

7. STUFFING BOX:
Means of throttling the leakage LEAKING STUFFING BOX
between the pump casing and
frame where the pump shaft is
inserted. This is not a separate
part but usually a group of small
detail/ components.

7.A PACKING:
The most common means of throttling the leakage. It is a compacted/ braided fibrous
material usually square in cross-section pressed against the leaking portion.
 PROPER WAY OF INSERTING A PACKING INSIDE A STUFFING BOX

7.B GLAND:
A piece with a hole at its
center like a sleeve and is the
one pressing the packing
material against the leaking
portion (packing pusher)
through the adjustment of the
bolts.
It either compresses the
packings with its seal gauge,
mechanical seal only, or a
combination of all.

7.C SEAL GAGE:

Also called “WATER SEAL” or “LANTERN RING” and is an
intermediate piece that is inserted in between the packing
whose main task is to properly distribute lubrication (same
liquid being handled by the pump) onto the packings
preventing them from overheating and increasing their service
or useful life. They are normally made from a compatible plastic
material. SEAL GAGE

7.D MECHANICAL SEAL:

A mechanical sealing element that is used to address severe
leaking or leaking where packings and water seals are not able to
perform their functions. It has a portion of either graphite or
ceramic (heat resistant) that are smoothly polished (low friction)
SPRING
as well as a rotating and non- rotating part. Mechanical seals have
this misconception of not leaking, they do leak but only too small.
Like packings, they do also need to be lubricated to prevent them
from also overheating. It’s spring provides the necessary
compression/ pressure.
GRAPHITE/ CERAMIC MATERIAL
8. WEARING RINGS:
Like the shaft sleeve, this is a sacrificial part that
specifically protects the impeller and casing’s innermost
portion from abrasion and wear, this aside from the
preventing internal recirculation of liquid (from point of
discharge back to the suction) from happening. In cases
that centrifugal pumps are of the larger sizes, two
wearing rings are used (at the suction and at the back
side of the impeller), if of smaller size, a solitary ring
is enough.
 9. WEARING PLATE:
Used only in cases that an open-type of impeller is used and performs the same
common function of the shaft sleeve and wearing ring.

OPEN TYPE IMPELLER

OTHER PARTS IN A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP-ELECTRIC MOTOR SET-UP:

1. PRIME MOVER:
One that imparts motion into the pump’s impeller by converting a certain form of energy into
another. (chemical to heat to mechanical, if fuel engine; and electrical into mechanical if electric motor).
Centrifugal pumps are driven by high speed prime movers, this from electric motor but fuel
engines such as diesel and gasoline may also do the work, but that the centrifugal pump’s designed
speed may not be met properly resulting in decrease in capacity and ultimately decrease in efficiency.

SINGLE STAGE CPUMP DRIVEN

BY AN ELECTRIC MOTOR MULTI STAGE CPUMP DRIVEN BY A LARGE FUEL ENGINE

SINGLE STAGE CPUMPS DRIVEN BY FUEL ENGINE

2. MACHINE FOUNDATION:
A sturdy mixture of concrete, sand, and gravel and steel bars whose ratio of aggregates depend
upon the weight and vibrating characteristics of the centrifugal pump (or any machine/ reservoir) that is
to be placed on top. A larger heavier machine necessitates a larger surface area, deeper foundation,
and strong mix of the said foundation components.

FOUNDATION DEPTH DEPENDING ON EQUIPMENT’S

WEIGHT & VIBRATING CHARACTERISTICS

PRESSURE
GAUGES

CENTRIFUGAL
PIPE RACKS/
PUMP
SUPPORTS

MACHINE FOUNDATION

3. ANCHOR BOLTS & FOUNDATION BOLTS:

An anchor bolt is one with no head and instead has a protruding length (L shaped) that
specifically is imbedded onto the machine foundation. Its remaining portion (threaded portion and nut)
connecting into the I-BEAM/ CHANNEL BAR.

While foundation bolts are like ordinary hexagonal bolts made from a strong material as its
threads bears the brunt of the load (vibrating load).

FOUNDATION BOLTS

I-BEAM/
CHANNEL BAR

MACHINE FOUNDATION

ANCHOR BOLT

4. CHANNEL BAR/ I-BEAM:

An intermediary piece of metal in between the lower
pump frame and machine foundation that either has a “C cross
section” or an “I cross section”. Channel bars are used in
instances that the CPUMP/EQUIPMENT mounted is of smaller
to medium sizes while the I-beam is used on large CPUMP/
EQUIPMENT being mounted/ supported.
5. LUBRICATION BY-PASS LINE (STUFFING BOX):
A small tube line that properly lubricates all the packing through the seal gauge, or that of the
mechanical seal used. The lubrication used is the very same liquid that is actually being
conveyed/ handled by the pump. It is comprised of two tubes, that of seal distribution line (from
the top) and the seal flush line to prevent the liquid being used to lubricate to stagnate (from the
side/ bottom).

CENTRIFUGAL PUMPCENTRIFUGAL
ADVANTAGES: PUMP ADVANTAGES:

1. Ability to main a UNIFORM FLOW…

With constant continuous liquid passage and continuous energy imparted.
2. Simple, easy to maintain, and compact…
Not too bulky and prime mover is simple requires less maintenance works (as compared to fuel
engines)
3. Low initial cost…
E-motors are much cheaper, and that costs involving its machine foundation is cheaper.
4. As compared to reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps can handle solid laden (less
viscous) liquids like rotary pumps…
For semi-open type of impellers, solid laden liquids could be handled but not for the closed and
open type.
5. Can handle large volume flow rates/ discharges…
Because of the high-speed involved and continuous delivery (uniform flow) of liquid.
6. Foundation is much lighter…
With the machine/ equipment to be mounted being compact and much lighter as compared to
reciprocating pumps, foundation is much lighter as in less aggregates are used.
7. Adaptability to a motor having a high rpm…
Being a rapid energy imparting machine, it is powered by a high speed device (e-motor).

CENTRIFUGAL PUMPCENTRIFUGAL
DISADVANTAGES:PUMP DISADVANTAGES:

1. Being a high-speed machine, it is difficult to operate at low-speeds…

CPUMPS could also be actually be operated by a lower speed device, but that since it is designed
as a high speed device, it wont give the optimum capacity/ efficiency it was designed for.
2. Not suitable for high head (TDH) requirements…
One of the design flaws but that it could be offsetted by using special classes of CPUMPS such as
the SUBMERSIBLE and TURBINE TYPE of CPUMPS.
3. Has poor suction power…
More of as a result of the design of its internal parts where there is continuous liquid passage
instead of periodic liquid passage.
4. Not suitable at low flow rates…
As it is driven by high speed devices.
5. It must be primed before it can deliver liquids…
Another of the design flaws, but that it could be off-set by using auxiliary priming methods.
6. Being a high speed machine, care is necessary to maintain proper shaft alignment…
With cases of shaft misalignment, this would lead to vibrations being disadvantageous to the
CPUMP as a whole.
7. Difficult to operate with wide flunctuations in loads…
Flunctuation mentioned is that its intake is characterized by a non-even or non-continuous
supply of liquid therefore leading to cavitation.
8. Have a lower efficiency as compared to reciprocating pumps…
9. Cannot handle very viscous liquids…
Viscous liquids are difficult to move in a continuous centrifugal manner.
10. Needs multi-stage to increase discharge pressure…
With lower discharge pressures, variations should be made in order to increase its discharge
pressure (from volute to diffuser type of casing or from single stage to multistage impeller
system).

RECIPROCATING PUMP ADVANTAGES:

1. Able to start without priming…
Due to make-up of internal parts preventing liquid from going back all the way to the source
even when such pump is not working.
2. Have a higher efficiency as compared to centrifugal pumps in that they have a constant
efficiency even with variations/ changes in capacity/ discharge and head…
Since they have a higher/ wider head to operate at and that they can be operated with even
with full/ non-full intake of liquids without any damaging effects.
3. It can pump small volumes of liquids…
One of its designed criteria.

RECIPROCATING PUMP ADVANTAGES:

1. Greater floor space is required…

With bulky shape and size there could be less space around(aisle) it to work around.
2. Higher in initial cost…
Fuel engines are more expensive and that since its foundation is bigger and heavier, the cost of
aggregates is also high.
3. Costly design to make using special alloys…
Being bulkier, more materials are needed for its built as compared to CPUMPS.
4. Rubbing contact is to high, in that the reciprocating part is difficult to seal against leakage.
With its vacuum pressure being generated dependent upon the closely moving internal parts,
care is necessary for the reciprocating part to prevent it from being abraded.
5. Pulsating flow…
With non continuous flow but periodic flow.
6. Not generally suitable for dirt/ abrasive laden liquids…
The greater the possibility of the reciprocating part being abraded, it would not be suitable for
dirt or abrasive laden liquids.
7. Most types require protection against over-pressure and over-power due to the way that
energy is being imparted…
Since there is build-up of large pressures on the inside, there is this possibility of such type of
pump being subjected to over pressure. As such, air chambers (relief valves) are used to prevent
such from happening. Such valves does not bleed excess pressure but rather absorbs such to
decrease its value.