what is a centrifugal pump​

A centrifugal pump is a type of pump that utilizes the principle of centrifugal force to transport liquids. Its core function is to convert the rotational kinetic energy of an electric motor or engine into fluid energy, thereby generating flow and pressure. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the key components of a centrifugal pump and its working principles. We will break down each component and explain its operational process to help you gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of this equipment.     Centrifugal Pump Parts Although there are many types of centrifugal pumps with different applications, their basic core structures are similar. Understanding these key components will help you understand how centrifugal pumps work. We will provide a detailed introduction to the main core components of centrifugal pumps, including impellers, pump casings, and sealing systems. Impeller It is one of the core components of a centrifugal pump, primarily responsible for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the liquid, generating centrifugal force to impart kinetic and potential energy to the liquid. Types of impellers: Based on structural form, they are divided into open, semi-open, and closed types. Closed impellers have the highest efficiency and are the most widely used; open and semi-open impellers are suitable for conveying fluids containing solid particles or viscous fluids. When the centrifugal pump starts, the pump shaft drives the impeller to rotate at high speed, forcing the liquid pre-filled between the blades to rotate. Under the influence of inertial centrifugal force, the liquid moves radially from the center to the outer periphery of the impeller. The liquid gains energy as it flows through the impeller. When the liquid leaves the impeller and enters the pump casing, it decelerates due to the gradually expanding flow channels inside the casing, converting part of its kinetic energy into static pressure energy, and finally flows tangentially into the discharge pipeline.     Pump casing:   The pump casing refers to the spiral-shaped flow channel with gradually increasing cross-sectional area from the impeller outlet to the inlet of the next stage impeller or to the pump outlet pipe. The flow channel gradually widens, converting the fluid's kinetic energy into static pressure energy, which is then discharged through the pipe. Main functions:   Collecting high-speed fluid flowing out from the impeller outlet;   Effectively converting the fluid's kinetic energy into pressure energy;   Smoothly guiding the pressurized fluid to the pump's discharge piping;   Withstanding the fluid pressure inside the pump.     Types:   Snail-shell type pump casing: The most common type, with a spiral-shaped flow channel cross-section and a simple structure. Guide vane pump casing: Features fixed guide vanes mounted around the impeller's periphery. The guide vanes convert the fluid's kinetic energy into pressure energy and direct the fluid toward the outlet. Commonly used in multistage pumps or high-pressure pumps.   Pump shaft Its primary function is to transmit power and support the impeller to maintain normal operation at its working position. Since it must perform additional energy conversion functions, its material must possess sufficient strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. It is typically made of high-strength alloy steel. The impeller and shaft are connected via a key. Since this connection method can only transmit torque and cannot fix the axial position of the impeller, a shaft sleeve and locking nut are also used in the pump to secure the axial position of the impeller.   Shaft sleeve The shaft sleeve protects the pump shaft, transforming the friction between the packing and the shaft into friction between the packing and the shaft sleeve. Therefore, the shaft sleeve is a wear-prone component in centrifugal pumps. The surface of the shaft sleeve can typically be treated using methods such as carburizing, nitriding, chrome plating, or coating. The surface roughness requirement generally needs to reach Ra3.2 μm to Ra0.8 μm. This reduces the friction coefficient and extends the service life.   Skeleton oil seal A skeleton oil seal is one of the most common and widely used types of seals for rotating shafts, commonly known as oil seals. Its primary function is to seal lubricating oil (or grease) within mechanical equipment while preventing external contaminants such as dust and mud from entering the system. Centrifugal Pump Working Principle The working principle of centrifugal pump involves the high-speed rotation of the impeller, which imparts kinetic energy to the liquid under the influence of centrifugal force and converts it into pressure energy, thereby achieving fluid conveyance. Before startup, the pump housing and suction piping must be completely filled with the medium to prevent cavitation. During operation, the rotating impeller causes the liquid to move at high speed and be flung toward the outer edge, while a low-pressure zone forms at the center of the impeller, continuously drawing in liquid and conveying it to the outlet. Through continuous cyclic operation, a steady and continuous conveying process is achieved.     Conclusion Through the above content, we believe you now have a good understanding of centrifugal pump parts and how they work. If you have any further questions or technical issues regarding this equipment, please feel free to contact the Changyu technical team at any time. We will respond quickly within 24 hours and address your concerns.

Introduction A centrifugal pump is a mechanical device that converts the rotational energy of an impeller into fluid kinetic energy to transport liquids. Centrifugal pumps are widely used in industries such as water treatment, oil and gas, chemical processing, and HVAC systems, and are key equipment for efficient liquid transportation. In this article, we will explore the working principle of centrifugal pumps, their key components, different types, and applications to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of what centrifugal pumps are. Continue reading to learn more! How Does a Centrifugal Pump Work?   The working principle of a centrifugal pump involves an electric motor driving the impeller to rotate at high speed, thereby causing the liquid inside the pump to form a rotating flow and generating high kinetic energy at the impeller outlet. Under the influence of centrifugal force, the liquid flows along the pump casing toward the outlet or is transported to the next stage impeller. Simultaneously, a low-pressure zone forms at the center of the impeller due to the outflow of liquid, creating a pressure difference with the liquid at the suction inlet, which drives the liquid to continuously enter the pump body. As the impeller continues to rotate, the pump achieves continuous suction and discharge, completing the liquid transportation process.     Centrifugal Pumps Parts The centrifugal pump parts mainly consist of impellers, pump casings, pump shafts, bearing assemblies, sealing devices, suction and discharge ports, and drive motors. The following are the functional characteristics of each component:   Impeller: The impeller is the rotating element that imparts kinetic energy to the fluid, generating centrifugal force to move the liquid outward. Pump Casing: The casing encloses the impeller and directs the flow of liquid from the impeller to the discharge outlet while converting velocity into pressure. Shaft: The shaft transmits mechanical energy from the motor to the impeller, maintaining stable rotation and alignment. Bearing Assembly: Bearings support the shaft and reduce friction, making is smooth and precise operation. Mechanical Seal or Packing: Prevent liquid from leaking along the shaft where it exits the casing. Suction and Discharge Nozzles: The suction nozzle allows fluid to enter the pump, while the discharge nozzle guides it out under pressure. Motor or Driver: The motor provides the necessary power to rotate the impeller and drive the pumping process.   Types of Centrifugal Pumps industrial centrifugal pumps have a variety of designs and models to meet different industrial application needs. The following are some common types: Centrifugal Pump​ Magnetic Pump Self-Priming Pump Submersible Pump   Magnetic Drive Pumps: Utilize leak-free magnetic drive technology, suitable for transporting flammable, explosive, or toxic media (such as solvents, liquid chlorine). Semi-Submersible Pumps: The motor is exposed above the liquid surface, suitable for applications with significant fluctuations in water level (such as drainage stations, temporary flood control). Self-priming pumps: Equipped with an air release function, eliminating the need for manual priming, suitable for intermittent suction (e.g., ship ballasting, construction site drainage). Diaphragm pumps: Utilize diaphragm reciprocating motion to transport high-viscosity or particulate-containing liquids (e.g., slurry, paint). Water pumps: General-purpose design for clean water transportation (e.g., municipal water supply, agricultural irrigation). Acid pumps: Manufactured using corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., PVDF, Hastelloy), specifically designed for acidic media (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid). Alkali pumps: Equipped with special seals and material processing techniques, suitable for strong alkaline liquids (e.g., sodium hydroxide, electrolyte).   What is centrifugal pump used for?   Industrial centrifugal pumps are widely used across multiple industries: Water & Wastewater: Transferring clean water, sewage, and stormwater in treatment plants. Oil & Gas: Transporting crude oil, refinery fluids, and seawater in offshore operations. Chemical & Pharma: Handling corrosive acids, solvents, and sterile pharmaceutical liquids. Power Plants: Circulating boiler feedwater, cooling water, and condensate in energy generation. Mining & Manufacturing: Pumping abrasive slurries and industrial coolants. Agriculture: Distributing irrigation water and agrochemicals efficiently. Advantages of Centrifugal Pumps   High Efficiency: Engineered for optimal energy conversion, delivering superior flow rates with minimal power consumption. Low Maintenance: Simplified mechanical design with only one rotating component (impeller) reduces wear and maintence. Compact Footprint: Space-saving vertical/horizontal configurations adapt to constrained industrial layouts. Material Versatility: Available in stainless steel, cast iron, fluoroplastic and advanced polymers to handle corrosive/abrasive media. Pulsation-Free Operation: Continuous rotary motion ensures smooth, vibration-free fluid transfer critical for precision processes.   Conclusion Centrifugal pumps are versatile, highly efficient, and widely used, making them the core equipment of modern fluid delivery systems. As a professional pump solution provider, we focus on meeting the special fluid handling needs of various industries and offer comprehensive customized services. If you need the most suitable pumping solution for your working conditions, please feel free to contact our technical experts for consultation.