What is Centrifugal Pump

In industrial fluid transfer systems, horizontal centrifugal pumps and vertical centrifugal pumps are the two most common pump types. Simply put, horizontal centrifugal pumps feature a horizontally mounted shaft, a simple structure, and are widely used in water supply, air conditioning circulation, and industrial pressurization applications. Vertical centrifugal pumps, with their vertically oriented shafts, are commonly used for pumping from low-level liquid reservoirs (such as underground tanks or drainage pits) or in applications with limited installation space. Although both belong to the centrifugal pump category and share similar hydraulic performance, they exhibit significant differences in structure, installation, maintenance, and application scenarios. Below, we provide a detailed comparison across multiple dimensions to help you make a more suitable choice.   Structural Comparison Horizontal centrifugal pumps feature a horizontally arranged shaft, with the motor typically directly coupled to the pump body via a coupling. This compact design facilitates installation and commissioning. Visually, their base is usually monolithic and requires anchoring to a foundation platform.   Vertical centrifugal pumps employ a vertical shaft design, with the motor positioned above the pump body, allowing the pump to operate submerged in liquid. Their slender structure generally eliminates the need for additional foundation supports, allowing direct installation atop tanks or reservoirs to save floor space.   Working Principle Despite differing installation methods, both share identical core operating principles. Both horizontal and vertical centrifugal pumps rely on the centrifugal force generated by a high-speed rotating impeller to expel fluid, creating a vacuum that draws in liquid for continuous conveyance.   Advantages and Application Scenarios Comparison   Horizontal Centrifugal Pump Advantages and Applications   Advantages:   Easy Maintenance: Simple structure requires no pipeline disassembly or motor lifting during repairs, facilitating inspection and component replacement. Stable Operation: Typically suited for steady-state conditions. Installation must ensure level positioning, resulting in low vibration and reliable operation. Applications: Horizontal centrifugal pumps are the preferred choice for most conventional applications, commonly used in factory water supply, cooling systems, industrial cleaning, and similar scenarios.   Advantages and Applications of Vertical Centrifugal Pumps   Advantages:   Suitable for Backflow Conditions: Particularly effective for suctioning media from underground tanks or low-level liquid reservoirs, addressing the insufficient suction lift limitations of many horizontal pumps (non-self-priming types). Space-Saving: Vertical design minimizes footprint and eliminates the need for specialized foundations, making it ideal for installations with limited space. No Self-Priming Issues: Effectively handles low-level suction demands that horizontal pumps struggle to manage.   Applications: Vertical pumps are primarily used for lifting and conveying liquids from lower elevations, such as deep well water extraction, tunnel drainage, sewage treatment, and medium transfer within chemical containers.   How to Choose Between Horizontal and Vertical Centrifugal Pumps?   The selection between horizontal and vertical pumps primarily depends on actual operational requirements:   Installation Conditions: If ample space is available for foundation construction, prioritize the easier-to-maintain horizontal pump. For confined spaces or direct tank mounting, select a vertical pump.   Liquid Level Position: For pumping from underground tanks or low-level media, choose a vertical centrifugal pump. Standard horizontal centrifugal pumps have poor self-priming capability and cannot meet such requirements.   Maintenance Costs Horizontal pumps feature simpler maintenance with lower associated costs. Vertical pumps, however, require more complex servicing—including full lifting for repairs—and necessitate regular inspection and replacement of their submerged sliding bearings. Failure to do so may increase shaft runout, leading to mechanical failures. Installation demands absolute vertical alignment and high precision.   In Summary In summary, horizontal and vertical centrifugal pumps are complementary products designed for distinct application scenarios. Horizontal pumps excel in simplicity and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for most standard applications. Vertical pumps, however, are unmatched in low-level pumping and space-saving designs, proving indispensable in specific operating conditions.   Should you encounter any technical issues regarding pump selection, application, or maintenance, please feel free to contact our professional technical team at any time. We will provide detailed explanations and reliable solutions.

Centrifugal pumps are among the most common fluid transfer devices in industrial production. They operate by generating centrifugal force through impeller rotation, accelerating fluid and conveying it to the target location. Due to their simple structure, stable flow rate, and easy maintenance, they are widely used in chemical, water treatment, energy, pharmaceutical, and other industries. However, improper operation not only shortens equipment lifespan but may also cause safety incidents. Therefore, mastering standardized operating procedures is crucial for ensuring stable production while safeguarding personnel and equipment. The following systematically outlines key operational points for starting, running, and stopping centrifugal pumps to help achieve safe and efficient operation. I. Pre-Operation Preparations Before starting the centrifugal pump, conduct a systematic inspection to ensure the equipment is in a safe condition:   Document and Record Review: Verify maintenance records are complete and data accurate. Prepare operational log forms. Environmental Cleanup: Clear debris from the pump body and surrounding area to ensure a tidy operating zone. Structural Integrity Check: Verify foundation bolts are tightened, motor grounding is secure, and inlet piping, auxiliary components, and instruments are intact. Coupling and Rotation Direction Verification: Inspect coupling connection status. Before coupling, confirm motor rotation direction aligns with the pump body's directional arrow. Lubrication System Inspection: Ensure adequate lubricant level in the sump (oil level approximately 2mm below the centerline of the dipstick), with qualified oil quality and level within the 1/2 to 2/3 range. Cooling and Sealing System: Verify cooling water flow is unobstructed and seal oil pressure exceeds pump inlet pressure by 0.05–0.15MPa. Hand Turning Test: Manual rotation should exhibit no binding or abnormal noise. Temperature Preconditioning: Preheat high-temperature pumps; pre-cool low-temperature pumps. Priming and Venting: For suction-side operation, prime the pump or evacuate air; for back-priming operation, fill with liquid and vent air, then close the discharge valve. Electrical Inspection: Contact an electrician to perform motor insulation testing before energizing. II. Startup Procedure Close the discharge valve during centrifugal pump startup to reduce startup load and protect the motor:   Close inlet/outlet pressure gauge valves, outlet valve, and bypass pipe valve. Start the motor (may jog first to confirm correct rotation). Gradually open the outlet valve while simultaneously monitoring current and pressure values to ensure they do not exceed rated limits. Check for leakage from mechanical seals or packing seals; mechanical seal leakage should be less than 10 drops per minute (for light oil). Verify normal operation of the cooling and lubrication systems.   III. Operational Monitoring and Maintenance During normal pump operation, continuously monitor the following:   Bearing and motor temperatures: Bearing temperature rise must not exceed 75°C. Forced lubrication system oil temperature should remain below 28°C. Flow regulation: Never adjust flow using the inlet valve to prevent cavitation. Install a bypass pipe for prolonged low-flow operation. Abnormal noise monitoring: Immediately investigate or shut down upon detecting unusual sounds. Vibration and Seal Condition: Regularly record vibration readings and verify seal leakage remains within permissible limits. Periodic Lubricant Replacement: Lubricant replacement is recommended every 1500 operating hours.   IV. Shutdown Procedure Proper shutdown prevents water hammer, freezing, and equipment damage. Follow these steps:   Slowly close the discharge valve (close the suction valve in backflow conditions). Disconnect the motor power supply. Close valves in the external priming seal system. In low-temperature environments, drain all liquid from the pump to prevent freezing. For long-term shutdown, clean the pump, apply rust prevention, seal the inlet and outlet ports, and conduct regular inspections and maintenance.   In summary Proper operation and maintenance of centrifugal pumps are crucial for ensuring long-term stable performance and extending service life. Every step—from comprehensive pre-startup inspections to continuous monitoring during operation and standardized shutdown procedures—is vital. Adhering to the above steps not only enhances production efficiency but also minimizes the risk of malfunctions and safety incidents.   Should you encounter any operational issues or require further technical support, please contact our professional technical team at any time. We will provide timely and reliable solutions.