Unit NNPC-003

MODULE 2
Pumps
Lesson Two
Centrifugal Pumps
 Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
Explain the basic operating principles of a
centrifugal pump
Identify various types of impeller
Identify the components of a typical Volute
Centrifugal Pump
State the advantages of Vertically and Horizontally
Split Casings
Explain the terms overhung, centrally mounted and
close coupled
Identify the parts of a stuffing box and the sealing
techniques used.
State the function of Single and Multi-Stage Pumps
 Basic Operating Principles of a Centrifugal Pump

Pumping a fluid adds energy to it. A centrifugal pump uses

centrifugal force to add energy to a fluid. Centrifugal force is the
force of spinning. When an object is spun around in a circle, it
pushes outwards from the centre of the circle.
Components of a Typical Volute Centrifugal Pump
 Various Types of Impeller

The open type has just enough shroud to keep the vanes rigid, so they
do not move. They are used for pumping very thick, dirty fluids
 The Enclosed Impeller
The enclosed type is the most
efficient because there is less
slip.
They are used for thin clean
fluids, which contain very few
solid particles.

This type of impeller can

control flow better, and so,
they move more fluid.

Enclosed type impellers are also grouped into two other groups. They are
either single or double suction. Single suction impellers have only one
suction eye. Therefore, the fluid enters from one side of the impeller only
The Double Suction Type Impeller

The double suction type has fluid entering the pump from
both sides of the impeller. That means it has two suction eyes.
This type has the advantage over single suction because the
thrust is balanced.
 The Prime Mover

The impeller is turned by an external power source, called a prime mover.

This is normally a motor, but can sometimes be a turbine. The prime mover
drives the impeller shaft
The Partially Open Impeller

The partially open

type impeller can be
found on systems
pumping slurries or
high viscosity fluids.
Volute Pump Construction
 How a Volute Pump Works
A volute pump is the most common type of
centrifugal pump. The fluid enters in the normal way
through the suction eye, and is thrown out by the
impeller to the casing wall. The casing is shaped in
the form of a spiral or scroll, which is called a volute.
This curve shaped casing opens out so that it is
wider at the discharge nozzle, than where fluid first
leaves the impeller.
As the area in the casing increases, the speed of the
fluid reduces, but the pressure increases.
Energy cannot just disappear, so velocity (speed) is
changed to pressure energy.
 Double Volute Pumps

The movement of the fluids inside a single volute casing can cause
unbalanced radial forces. To reduce these forces, some
centrifugal pumps use double volute casings Double volute
casings provide another guiding vane to split and balance the
internal forces.
 Volute Pump Classification

Horizontally or Axially split

Vertical or Radial Split
Overhung Type
Between Bearings (Centrally Mounted)
Close Coupled Type
Horizontally or Axially Split

The top and bottom halves

of the casing join together
along a line parallel to the
shaft.
The main advantage is that
it can be opened up, so that
the internal parts can be
seen, without disturbing
it too much.
Vertical or Radial split

The casing is split at 90 to the

shaft where it can be attached
to the pump body.

The main advantage is that the

internal parts can be removed
for repair, while the volute is
left in place.
 Overhung Type

The impeller shaft is supported on bearings at one end, with

the impeller mounted at the other.
Between Bearings (Centrally Mounted)

The impeller is mounted centrally on the shaft, and supported

either side on bearings.
 Close Coupled Type

This type of pump has the impeller mounted on the end of the
motor shaft. It requires no coupling to link it with the motor.
 Stuffing Boxes (Packing)
The main function of the stuffing box is to
protect the pump against leakage at the point
where the shaft passes through the casing
It houses the packing rings, the lantern ring, and the
throat bushing if fitted. The packing is compressed
in an axial direction to obtain the correct fit around
the shaft, by means of a follower, or gland ring, and
studs and nuts. It controls leakage but still allows
the shaft to rotate.
 The Lantern Ring

The lantern ring is used to distribute the sealing and lubricating

fluid around the shaft. It is sometimes called a seal cage. They
fit between the packing rings in the stuffing box.
Mechanical Seals
A typical mechanical
seal consists of both
fixed and rotating
parts.
The rotating
parts are attached
to the shaft, whilst
the stationary parts
are secured to the
seal plate, which
is bolted to the
casing.
Single and Multi-stage Pumps
For most operations a single stage pump is enough
to raise the pressure within a system
There are certain times, however, when the
discharge pressure needs to be higher than a single
stage (one impeller) pump can provide. It is possible
to raise the pressure by increasing the speed of the
impeller, but this is not always good enough
The next option is to use a multi-stage pump. Multi-
stage pumps have two or more single suction
impellers mounted on one single shaft. Each one can
have its suction inlet facing in the same direction as
the others, or they can be facing in opposite
directions which reduces the axial unbalance
The Single Stage Pump
The Multi-stage Pump
 Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
Explain the basic operating principles of a
centrifugal pump
Identify various types of impeller
Identify the components of a typical Volute
Centrifugal Pump
State the advantages of Vertically and Horizontally
Split Casings
Explain the terms overhung, centrally mounted and
close coupled
Identify the parts of a stuffing box and the sealing
techniques used.
State the function of Single and Multi-Stage Pumps