radially (vertically, usually with single suction, end inlet
pumps). Stages The single stage pump is one with a single impeller; it may have a single or double suction. If the required head is too high for a single impeller to develop, two or more single stage pumps may be used in series, or a set of impellers in series may be put into a single casing. The latter assembly is designated a multi-stage pump. Assembly With reference to the axis of rotation of the shaft, centrifugal pumps and drive arrangements are either horizontal or vertical (at times inclined). Horizontal pumps are arranged either with end or side suction inlets; top FIG. 2 – TYPICAL PERFORMANCE, PLAIN FLOW and bottom suctions are also available. Double suction VANE CENTRIFUGAL PUMP pumps are usually built with side discharge nozzles (Fig. 5) There are two shortcomings in a centrifugal pump: The single suction pumps are usually made with the 1. It is not self-priming unless specially equipped end suction inlet (also available in other arrangements) with a priming device (or a foot valve). and a variety of discharge nozzle positions (Fig. 6). The 2. It is inefficient for capacities smaller than 10 gpm discharge nozzle is a size or two smaller than the suction. at heads higher than 30 feet. Centrifugal pumps are often identified by a number corresponding to the size of its discharge; however this CLASSIFICATION AND DESIGNATION does not define its capacity which must be stated The manner of liquid flow within the impeller and the concurrently. casing of Centrifugal pumps has already been outlined. The plain radial flow impeller in a volute casing centrifugal pump is the one usually applied in air conditioning and refrigeration applications. Impeller The impellers are constructed in three arrangements: 1. Enclosed (vanes within an impeller shroud or side walls). 2. Semi-enclosed (vanes assembled with on side wall). Fig. 3 – LIQUID FLOW SYSTEMS 3. Open (no side walls, casing serving as side walls). Suction The liquid approach into the pump may be either: 1. Thru a single inlet with end suction to impeller. 2. Thru a single inlet with double suction, liquid flowing into the impeller along the shaft on two sides (Fig. 4). Casing The volute easing (Fig. 5) may be split axially (horizontally, usually with double suction pumps), or Fig. 4 - IMPELLERS